Dog Coat Types | How To Tell What Coat Your Dog Has

Dogs come in a remarkable array of shapes, sizes, and, of course, coat and hair types. These variations aren’t just about aesthetics; they play a significant role in a dog’s comfort, protection, and grooming needs. Understanding the various dog coat and hair types can help you better care for your furry friend.

Smooth Coats

Dogs with smooth coats, also known as short coats, have hair that lies close to their skin. These coats are easy to maintain and typically require minimal grooming. Breeds like Dalmations, Dobermans, and Great Danes fall into this category.

Double Coats

Many breeds, such as Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers, have double coats. These consist of a dense, insulating undercoat and a coarser, weather-resistant topcoat. Double-coated dogs are well-equipped for cold climates but shed more heavily year round. They also “blow” their coat during seasonal changes which means that your house will become a snow globe for about 2-3 months out of every year.

Silky Coats

Long-coated breeds, like Afghan Hounds and Irish Setters, have luxuriously flowing fur. While beautiful, these coats can be high-maintenance, requiring regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Long-coated dogs are more susceptible to overheating in hot weather.

Rough Coats

Dogs with rough coats, such as some collies like Lassie, are characterized by the feeling of the coat rather than the look. Rough coats are coarse to the touch and give a large and fluffy appearance. Dogs with rough coats a heavily weather resistant, especially to colder climates and require daily brushing to keep free of mats and tangles.

Wire Coats

Wire-coated dogs, including the Wire Fox Terrier and the Airedale Terrier, have a dense, rough outer coat with a soft undercoat. These coats provide excellent protection against harsh terrain and underbrush. They require regular hand-stripping (which can be very time consuming) or trimming to maintain their distinctive appearance.

Curly Coats

Poodles and Bichon Frises are known for their curly coats, which are low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Many of these dogs actually have hair and not fur. Fur can be rough and will grow to a certain point then fall out. Hair is often smoother and grows continuously. Dogs with hair must have their hair trimmed regularly. These dogs require professional grooming regularly to keep their coats in good condition.

Corded Coats

Corded coats, as seen in the Komondor and Puli breeds, result from the matting and twisting of the dog’s hair into cords or ropes. These striking coats are a cultural hallmark and require dedication to maintain their health and appearance. Each cord must be hand separated regularly to prevent any issues.

Spitz Coats

Fluffy coats, like those found in Samoyeds and American Eskimo Dogs, consist of long, soft fur. These coats are designed to keep dogs warm in cold climates but necessitate regular brushing to prevent matting.

Sparse Coats

Some breeds, such as the Chinese Crested Powder Puff, have hair only in certain areas, while the rest of their body remains hairless. These dogs may need sunblock for their exposed skin and protection from extreme temperatures.

Hairless

Breeds like the Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintli) and the Chinese Crested come in hairless varieties. While they don’t have traditional fur, their skin still requires protection from the sun and occasional moisturization.