That is the question. Find their type and how to groom them.
Written by the whole “Huggalistas” bloggers pack and their "hooman" parents.
"For us dogos it’s plain simple. It’s just hair and we loooove their doggy smell. It turns out – as our human parents made sure to inform us - that they come in different types. Still, we don’t care, it just means that you hoomans need to slightly adjust your choice of brushes and grooming products according to the type to keep them clean and shiny. Honestly, it was about time we get the pampering we deserve!". Stella, the sassy Yorkie.
Hey there fellow pet parents! Indeed. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and one of the most distinctive features is their coat. Just like us, dogs have a variety of hair types that require different kinds of care. By identifying your dog's coat type, you can tailor your grooming routine to their specific needs, ensuring they receive the care that best suits their fur texture and characteristics.
Let's, explore some typical coat types, and learn how to keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best.
The typical Dog Coat Types and relevant Care tips
SHORT COAT | Typical breeds with a visibly short coat, often with a shiny appearance: Boxer, Dalmatian, Bulldog, Labrador Retriever.
Appearance: Short, sleek hair that lies close to the body.
Identification: Run your hand over the coat – it feels smooth and doesn't have much thickness or length. If the dog hasn’t been bathed in a while you can feel a slightly oily film which is the result of the natural oils that have covered the hair. Short coats have a high shedding level ranging from every 2 to 12 weeks depending on the climate with heavier shedding during the warmer months.
Grooming Requirements: Short dog coats are typically low maintenance. Regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat shiny. Bathing can be done as needed depending on their lifestyle, and specific coat and skin condition. Typically, an all-purpose high quality shampoo will do a wonderful job in cleaning and it leaves your doggo smelling fantastic, fresh and clean.
During heavy shedding periods, dog shampoos with additional brushing aid function can work wonders in releasing those loose hairs being stuck on their coat or flying around everywhere in your house. If your doggo has sensitive or atopic skin, opt for Top Dog Baby Powder dog shampoo found in hugalia.com, or if he tends to have excessive sebum production resulting in oily and possible smelly coat go for Top Dog Derma Equilibrium or Top Dog Green Clay Shampoo.
LONG COAT | Typical breeds with a visibly long coat: Yorkshire Terrier, Afghan Hound, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Lhasa Apso.
Appearance: Long, flowing hair that can cover the entire body. Feathery or silky texture.
Identification: Observe the length of the hair – it extends well beyond the body and may trail behind the dog as they move.
Grooming Requirements: Long coats typically don’t shed as much but they require brushing at least three times a week or even daily to prevent tangles, knots and matting. Long coats are more prone to accumulate dirt so regular baths and blow-drying help maintain cleanliness. Trimming around the eyes, ears, and paws is essential for hygiene.
There are specialized dog shampoos and coat detangling products that will help those flowing coats look airy and provide the hair with elasticity and strength. We strongly recommend considering the Top Dog Leave In Mask to maintain the hair strength and make daily brushing hassle free, or Top Dog Miracle Detangler to keep the knots at bay.
DOUBLE COAT | Typical breeds with a double coat: Siberian Husky, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Corgi, Shiba Inu, Samoyed, Saint Bernard.
Appearance: Thick and plush undercoat, often soft and insulating, covered by a coarser outer layer.
Identification: Part the coat with your fingers – you'll feel a dense, fluffy layer close to the skin, while the outer layer appears stiffer and more protective, like a weather-resistant topcoat. Be prepared for year-round shedding that gets more intense during shedding season.
Grooming Requirements: Double coats require regular grooming. Due to the nature of the double coat regular brushing helps manage shedding, especially during shedding seasons and release the loose hair that gets trapped in the coat. Bathe, when necessary, with a shampoo designed for double coats as their emollient formulas will help release the dead undercoat and along with regular brushing you can maintain a healthy, full and breathing coat.
CURLY COAT | Typical Breeds with curly coats: Poodle, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Labradoodle.
Appearance: Tight, spiral curls covering the body. Can vary from tight curls to looser waves.
Identification: Run your fingers through the coat and gently pull outwards – it bounces back into curls or waves naturally.
Grooming Requirements: Curly coats have minimum shedding but require regular grooming to prevent matting. Brush often with a suitable brush for curly coats (pin brush, slicker brush, or comb) and keep the coat well-groomed and clean. Bathe with dog shampoo suitable for curly hair with emollient and moisturizing properties that keep the curls light without weight and facilitate brushing. You might want to consider getting help from a set of suitable for the curly cause grooming products, and also auxiliary products for combing and coat brushing.
WIRE COAT | Typical breeds: Border Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier, Airedale Terrier
Appearance: Harsh, bristle-like hairs that stand up from the body. Texture resembles a rough, wiry feel.
Identification: Touch the coat – it feels rough and almost bristly to the touch. Look for dogs with a rugged appearance and noticeable facial hair.
Grooming Requirements: Wire coats have a coarse texture and need frequent brushing (with a pin brush or a comb) to avoid knots, while to maintain its shape and get rid of dead hair, it ideally needs hand stripping. Stripping is usually done by professional pet groomers but with a little effort you can learn to do it yourself at home to keep their coat healthy between groomings.
SMOOTH COAT | Typical breeds: Chihuahua, Vizsla, Weimaraner
Appearance: Short, glossy coat that lies close to the body. Minimal fluff or feathering.
Identification: Feel the fur – it's soft, sleek, and doesn't have much length. Look for breeds with a polished, shiny appearance.
Grooming Requirements: Smooth coats are relatively easy to groom. Brush occasionally to remove dead hair and keep the coat shiny. Bathing can be done with a typical frequency of every 4-6 weeks if there is no reason for more frequent bathing. Dogs with smooth coats tend to be brown, black or gray so dog shampoos specifically for colored coats will ensure both cleanliness and their amazing color.
Combinations of dog coat types
The above-described dog coats are just an overview of some basic characteristics, and they might vary for each dog even within the same litter. In many cases you’ll find combinations of the above either in their whole body or partially. It depends on genetics and other factors like climate. But overall, you can use your observation skills and expert advice and determine what kind of grooming your floof needs.
Remember, each dog is unique, and their specific grooming needs may vary based on factors like activity level, lifestyle, and overall health. Regular grooming not only keeps your dog looking their best but also contributes to their overall health, well-being and comfort.
Yes, indeed. It sounds like our hoomans are right. Like we said, for us its plain hair that sometimes smells like cheese…eh..it is what it is 😊
