It’s not unusual for us humans to have several coats that we don throughout the year. We pick them to match out mood, the weather, the temperature and our outfit, but dogs have no such luxury. Come rain or shine, regardless of their mood, they are stuck with a single coat, though not all dog coats are alike. In this blog post, we’re going to take you through the most common types of coat and what they mean for you and your dog.
The puppy parka
Now, before we go into specifics, it’s worth noting that every dog has a different coat when they are a puppy to when they are an adult. You know how soft and silky puppy fur is? Well, that’s because it’s a puppy coat. A puppy’s coat is more delicate than that of an adult dog as all the hairs are new, so this needs to be handled with care. If you are grooming it, be gentle, use puppy-specific products and dry them with a nice soft, fluffy towel.
The double-coated duffle
From Siberian Huskies to West Highland White Terriers, many dogs don a double coat which consists of a thick, short undercoat, and a longer coat of guard hairs that protect it. This double-coat keeps these dogs very warm and they’re usually the ones that suffer most in the summer, though of course some of these breeds do shed. And boy, do they shed. These dogs are notorious for losing a lot of their coat as the weather warms so regular grooming with them is a good idea.
The silky swing coat
From Cocker Spaniels to Afghan Hounds, these glamorous dogs sport a silky coat, often featuring slight curls or waves that make for extra soft snuggles. They need regular brushing to weed out knots and prevent matting, and a good trim back for the summer will help them to keep cool and clean when they play outside in the sunshine.
The wire wrap
Wiry dog fur is often associated with terriers and for good reason. Jack Russells, Scotties, Fox Terriers and many more terrier breeds have a wire coat. These coats are hardy and protective, though they’re not as nice to the touch as many others on this list. That being said, these dogs tend to be a bundle of fun, so that makes up for the scratchier coat. They do need a lot of brushing though, and if they get something icky in their fur, they can fast develop that “dog smell” odour, so they might need a bath more often than other breeds.
The curly cape
Curly haired dog breeds (also known as wool coats) include such delights as the Bichon Frise and the Toy poodle. These dogs embody the idea of “fluffy” and get great natural volume in their coat with their frizzy curls and ringlets. And it’s apt that we describe these dogs’ coats in terms of hair styles because that’s what they have – hair (not fur). Not only does this make them typically hypoallergenic, but it also means that they will need a similar sort of grooming regime to us humans, and regular trips to the barbers is a sensible plan with these dogs.
The smooth slicker
Last but by no means least on our list are the smooth coated dogs which include breeds such as Bulldogs, Greyhounds and Beagles. These breeds have almost felt-smooth hair that is a joy to stroke for both owner and pooch alike. And not only do they feel great, but these dogs are pretty much self cleaning too, and with a regular brush, you may not need to visit the groomers at all, and they’ll only need a bath if they roll in something horrid.
And there you have them! Our list of dog coat types and a little of what to expect with each variety. Whatever coat type your dog has, a well balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals is a must to ensure their fur (or hair) stays in top condition. Check out our tailored dog food today and order some to keep your dog’s coat looking sharp.