Understanding Coat Types

Understand your dogs coat and the best brush to use.

Hairless

Hairless does not mean void of fur. These breeds have small tufts of fur on their heads, legs, and tail, which can still get matted. A Chinese Crested is a good example of these breeds and should be brushed every other week. A gentle brush that distributes the natural oils is suggested such as a soft bristled brush. These breeds need to see a grooming professional 6-8 times a year

 

Smooth, Short Coats

Best described as a very short coat that lies flat and smooth on the skin, length can be to about 1-2 inches long. Breed examples include Labradors, Pugs, Bulldogs, Hounds, Pointers. Although these breeds will not get knots, brushing at least twice a week to remove dead fur and to distribute the natural oils is great for their coat. A rubber brush, bristle brush or de-shedding tool is recommended for these breeds. Will need to see a grooming professional 4-6 times a year.

 

 

Short and Wiry Coats

This type of coat is generally coarse, long ‘wiry’ fur, with a dense softer undercoat. The outer coat can vary in length depending on the dog breed. Examples include terrier breeds such as Wiry Jack Russell, Wiry Dachshunds, Schnauzers, Airedales. The recommendation is for a slicker brush and medium paced out comb and to be brushed twice per week. Need to see a grooming professional every 6-8 weeks is preferred.

 

 

Thin or Silky Coats

These breeds have a single coat, so their fur tends to be more delicate and fragile than most other breeds. These breeds should always be brushed whilst dry, a wet coat can weaken the fur and make it more prone to breakage and damage. Breed examples include Yorkshire Terriers, Silky Terriers and Maltese. A pin brush is preferred or a soft slicker brush. Due to the furs single layer (ie. no double coat) caution needs to be taken when brushing to protect the skin. These breeds should be brushed 3-4 times a week (at least), and will need to see a grooming professional seen every 4-6 weeks.

 

Long and Coarse Coats

This coat tends to be thin with what seems to be a light layer of undercoat.These types of breeds include Shih Tzus, Tibetan Terriers, Pomeranians, and Lhasa Apso. They should be brushed 3-4 times a week with either a slicker and/or pin brush and with a medium toothed comb to check for mats. These breeds will need to see a grooming professional every 4-6 weeks.



Curly Coats

Curly coated dogs do not tend to shed as much as other breeds but can be more difficult to brush. Their coats can be anywhere between very fine and super dense. You will find that most curly coated dogs are the ‘new’ mixed breed dogs such as, Labradoodles, Groodles but also the standard breeds such as Poodles, Lagottos and Bichons. Recommended brushes are a slicker brush and medium tooth comb to detangle and remove knots, but a pin brush can be later used to fluff out the curls. These breeds should be brushed every second day as a minimum and a professional groomer seen every 4-6 weeks.

 

Long and Double Coats

This type of coat has a thick, dense undercoat and a coarser straight top/outer. These breeds can include, Samoyeds, Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Chow Chows.

A variety of brushes is recommended.  

A slicker brush is used for removing excess undercoat and breaking and removing any undercoat matting. A large tooth comb to loosen the tangles and to remove excess undercoat. A pin/wire brush that can penetrate the depth of the fur to fluff out the coat whilst drying. An undercoat rake to help remove excess undercoat and a bristle brush to create shine on the outer coat. Furminators can then be used for excess dead fur. Breeds with this coat tend to shed the most so it is recommended, so it is recommended they are brushed 3-4 times a week, and a professional groomer seen every 6-8 times a year.

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