Five Types of Dog Coats you Should Know About
Dog coats and grooming are important for our dogs. Pets are our friends, loyal companions and furry family members. They deserve the best of everything, just like we do!
One of the most important ways to give your pet a healthy, happy life is to provide them with proper grooming.
Five Types of Dog Coats you Should Know About
A dog's coat tells their story - it gives us an insight into what type of care they need. So, what kind of coats should you be looking out for?
The following article will provide you with all the info on five types of dog breeds so that you can choose wisely when choosing your new furry friend!
Silky coat: A silky dog's fur tends to be smooth and shiny. Their coats are usually low maintenance, but they need regular brushing, or mats will form.
Dogs with silky coats require minimal grooming because their hair doesn't tangle very much. Some dog breeds with this type of coat include Poodles, Bichon Frise, and Maltese.
Double coated: A double-coated dog's fur consists of a soft, downy undercoat topped by a coarser topcoat. This coat is designed to protect the dog from the elements - cold weather and water in particular.
Double coated dogs need to be groomed regularly to keep their coats free of mats and tangles. They also require frequent brushing to remove dead hair. Breeds with a double coat include Huskies, Shepherds, Malamutes, and Samoyeds.
Puppy: A puppy's coat is thin and short for the first few months of its life. As they grow, their fur becomes coarser and thicker. A puppy's coat is typically very soft, but it does require a bit of extra love in the form of regular brushing to prevent mats from forming.
Puppy coats can be short or long - some examples include Beagles, Terriers, Dachshunds, and Bulldogs.
Curly/wool coat: A curly or wool-coated dog's thick and wavy fur. This coat type can be high maintenance because the hair is prone to tangling and mats.
Curly coats should be brushed daily to prevent knots from forming, and they may also need to be trimmed every few months. Breeds with a curly or wool-like coat include Poodles, Bichons, and Shih Tzus.
Wire coat: A wire coated dog's fur is rough to the touch with a distinct texture - it feels like tightly wound springs! Wire coats are typically low maintenance, but they need regular brushing to prevent mats from forming.
They can also be prone to tangling, so owners should watch their fur when it's wet. Some breeds with a wire coat include Terriers, Pinschers, and Bulldogs.
Smooth/short coat: A dog with smooth or short-coated fur is typically low maintenance when grooming because there are no mats or tangles to worry about. This coat is short and sleek, and it usually doesn't shed very much.
Dogs with a smooth or short coat can be groomed with a simple brush once a week. Breeds with this type of fur include Greyhounds, Boxers, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers.
So there you have it - five types of dog coats that you should be aware of when adopting a new pet! Each coat type requires a different level of care, so it's important to know what to expect before bringing your furry friend home. Taking care of your pet's coat can be easy and hassle-free with the correct information!
Natural Dog Coats and Warmth
Natural dog coats keep a dog warm. The thicker and longer the dog coat, the warmer it will be to save your pup during cold weather. Longer fur is also great for keeping rain and snow away from their skin!
The Dog Coat - An Indicator of its Breed
As discussed above, different breeds have different coats. In addition, the length of a dog's fur indicates how cold it feels to that breed. For instance, dogs with thick undercoats are less likely to feel cold than those with little hair on their bodies. This can be important if you live in a freezing climate and need your pet to stay warm.
Short Dog Coats and Skin Problems
Dogs with shorter coats can be prone to skin problems because they don't have the natural insulation that a longer coat provides.
Conversely, dogs with long, thick coats are better able to keep warm in cold weather because their fur traps air and helps to insulate their skin. This is why dogs who live in colder climates often have thicker coats than those who live in warmer areas.
Longer Hair is Better for Winter
Longer dog hair prevents frostbite and snow from collecting on the fur. These are some of the typical areas which can be exposed to frostbite, and the reason for this is because they have less fur covering these areas.
So, if a dog has longer hair in general, the rest of the body has a better chance at preventing frostbite from occurring; however, you still need to pay close attention to the other areas listed below.
- Tail: The tip of the dogs tail will feel cold and may not move in response to your touch
- Paws: Paw/toe discolouration, flaky, cold, rough paws
- Ears: the tips of the pinna will be very cold and almost brittle
- Tip of Nose: Gray or white in colour, ice crystals forming in the nares, cold to touch
Dogs with no Undercoat
A final fact for you: Some dogs have no undercoat, such as the American Hairless Terrier or Pomeranian, which has no undercoat at all.
Conclusion
Taking care of your pet's coat can be easy and hassle-free with the right information! However, if you need some additional layers, take a look at these Dog Coats in this blog.
Here is a full collection of Dog Coats if you are ready to buy now!