Deep Dive into Dog Fur
What kind of Coat does my dog have?
Dog Hair vs. Fur
Technically, ‘hair’ and ‘fur’ are the same things.
In fact, you would find no difference between the two if you looked at them through a microscope or analyzed them chemically.
Usually when people are using the words ‘hair’ and ‘fur’ they’re referring to the difference between a single coat and a double coat. A single layer of coat is sometimes called a ‘hair’ coat. It might grow long or stay short, have waves or form bouncy curls, feel silky smooth or rough to the touch, but the hair all over the dog is basically the same. Other dogs have a double coat: an outer layer of thicker guard hairs and a different undercoat of thin, lightweight hairs. The undercoat is like the down on some birds that grow beneath the larger, thicker, more weatherproof feathers.
Coat Types
Short, Medium & long Coated Dogs
Short coated dog breeds are generally smooth coated. Their fur is naturally short, lays close to the body, and is often glossy. While this type of coat does not need as much maintenance as longer coats, it is still important to make sure that it is properly cared for, including bathing and brushing.
Long-haired dogs have beautiful, magnificent coats that may require quite a bit of maintenance. This may especially be the case if they are very physically active, since they may then be prone to tangles and matting. Regular grooming is important for long-haired dogs, and owners may also consider carefully trimming the fur. Owners of dogs with long coats, but who don’t show their dogs, often opt to crop the fur short into a puppy cut for ease of care.
The fur of medium coated dogs falls in between. If they have an undercoat, the top coat may stand away from the body, giving them a slightly puffed appearance. A dog with a medium coat requires regular brushing because the feathering on his legs and tail can become matted when ignored.
All of the sections to follow list a few examples of popular breeds for each coat, there are many more out there!
Single vs. Double Coated
Dogs of any coat length and texture may have single or double coats.
The fur on single coated dogs can be any length. Single coated dogs usually leave less fur on your clothes and furniture, which can make them easier on allergy sufferers. But a single coat doesn’t make a dog hypoallergenic, and some double coated breeds, such as the Airedale Terrier, are considered hypoallergenic.
A double coat refers to a shorter undercoat and a longer coat on top. Double coats help to regulate temperature. Because of this, it is important to maintain proper grooming. These dogs will need regular brushing of the undercoat, and they will likely shed quite a bit as seasons change. Double coated dogs also require extra time and attention during grooming so the dense undercoat is fully brushed and doesn’t develop mats.
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The Akita
The Australian Shepherd
The Bernese Mountain Dog
The Chow Chow
The Keeshond
The Labrador Retriever
The Leonberger
The Newfoundland
The Pekingese
The Pomeranian
The St. Bernard
Wavy & Curly Coated
Poodle, Doodles, Portuguese Water Dog, Bichon Frise, Airedale Terrier, Havanese, Curly-Coated Retriever
The swirls, curlicues, and twists on curly coated dog breeds can range from tight ringlets to loose curls. Long-haired dogs with slight waves in their fur (like Golden Retrievers) wouldn’t be considered curly coated.
Silky Coated
Afghan Hound, Chinese Crested , Cocker Spaniel, Irish (or Red) Setter, Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier
Their coats flow and cascade with the glossy sheen of a model in a shampoo commercial. Silky coats need frequent brushing to prevent knots and to sustain their shine.
Smooth Coated
Basset Hound, Beagle, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Great Dane, Greyhound, Labrador Retriever. Mini Pinscher, Pug, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Dogs with smooth coats often have short, silky hair that lays close to the body. The athleticism of smooth coated dogs is apparent, with every muscle plainly visible when the dog is in motion. Bloodhounds, Dalmatians, Great Danes, and French Bulldogs are all smooth coated breeds. Sometimes, however, smooth coated refers to a type of shorter fur in breeds with multiple coat types. A good example of this is the Smooth and Rough Coated Collie. Here, the smooth coat is not shiny or very close to the body. Instead, the coat is a shorter version of the rough coat, and still coarse to the touch.
Hairless
American Hairless Terrier, Chinese Crested, Hairless Chihuahua
Because of their lack of fur and less pet dander, these dogs are popular among allergy sufferers. Hairless dog breeds are more exposed to the elements and the harsh rays of the sun than breeds with fur, and they require special skincare routines as a result. When taking a hairless dog outside, it’s important to slather on dog-safe sun protection. These breeds require frequent bathing with a mild dog shampoo, and moisturizing with dog-safe lotion to prevent dry skin.
Rough Coated &
Wire Coated
Airedale Terrier, Border Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Dachshund, Jack Russel Terrier, German Wirehaired Pointer, Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Terrier, Wirehaired Fox Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Shnauzer
What most distinguishes a rough coat from other dog coat types is texture. Rough coats can be either medium length or long and appear soft, but they are always coarse to the touch. This outer coat is weather-resistant, keeping wind and rain at bay. The coats of wire or broken coated dogs are also harsh to the touch and often classified as rough.
This is another coat type where texture is the most important quality. Wire coated (also called broken coated) dogs have fur with a wire-like texture. It is harsh and stiff and stands away from the body, especially on the tail, the back of the legs, and on the face. Wire coated dog breeds often have a dapper, gentlemanly appearance because of their pronounced mustaches, beards, and eyebrows. Maintaining the wire coat’s distinct texture requires hand stripping, a time-consuming process of removing old hair so new hair can grow in its place. Regular grooming will allow the fur to become softer and less rough in texture over time.
At The Dog Salon we have groomers who specialize in hand-stripping and offer this service! Read more info about it in our hand-stripping post.
References
Cosgrove, N. (2023, August 22). 8 Types of Dog Coats & Their differences (with pictures). Hepper. https://www.hepper.com/types-of-dog-coats/
Staff, O. (2022, May 25). A Guide to Dog Coat Types. Orvis News. https://news.orvis.com/dogs/a-guide-to-dog-coat-types
