Dogs have various coat types that influence their overall health and well-being. Grooming is an essential part of a dog’s care routine and understanding your pet’s coat type will help you decide what grooming tools and techniques are best for them.
Smooth-coated dogs, such as Dalmatians and Boxers, have short fur that lies close to the skin. They require regular brushing to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils.
Long Coats
Dogs with long coats such as Newfoundlands, Siberian Huskies and Corgis are incredibly beautiful, but their gorgeous flowing locks can be more than a little high maintenance. They need a rigorous grooming routine to keep them healthy and matt free, which requires a regular visit to our salons as well as some extra care at home.
These types of dogs have a double coat consisting of a soft, warm undercoat and a hard, protective topcoat that insulates, repels water and protects against dirt. They shed heavily during this time of the year so they need brushing every day or two to release their undercoat. Regularly brushing your dog’s coat, working from head to tail and layer by layer, can help to reduce the amount of hair that is shed and helps to prevent tangles from forming. If you find tangles, it is best to use a comb or an undercoat rake to gently untangle them rather than simply pulling them out with your fingers.
It’s important to avoid clipping a double-coated dog, as it can damage the coarser guard hairs of the topcoat and leave them vulnerable to the softer, more sensitive undercoat. It’s also important to remember that shaving a dog with a long, heavy coat can be dangerous as it can cause heat exhaustion and possibly even heat stroke.
Grooming a double-coated dog is a big job but it’s a great way to make sure your pet stays healthy and comfortable. We recommend having your dog professionally brushed and bathed at least once a month, or more often if they are prone to matting and knots, and then using a detangler between appointments.
Understanding your pets coat type and how to properly care for it can make all the difference in keeping your pet happy, healthy and looking their best. If you’re unsure about how to groom your dog or what tools are needed, our expert team is always on hand to advise you. We also stock a range of grooming brushes and products so you can take care of your pooch at home between visits to the salon.
Curly Coats
Curly coated dogs tend to shed less than some other breeds which is great if you want to avoid hair all over your house. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to groom them. Curly coats can still clump together and cause knots if not regularly brushed. This not only looks unsightly but can also be a health issue for your dog because bacteria get trapped in the knots.
These knots are caused by dead hair or loose hairs getting caught up in the curls and then twisted around it. They can be painful for your dog and may make them avoid grooming, especially if you’re pulling on them. Grooming can be a bonding experience for you and your pet, it shouldn’t be something that they fear.
If your dog has a curly coat, it’s important to brush them daily and comb them at least once every other day. This will prevent matting and ensure that they’re free of debris like twigs, burrs, and other objects that can be pulled through the curly hairs. Using a fine toothed comb to brush through the hair helps to get the deep undercoat and tangles that can be hidden beneath the top layer of the curls.
In addition, it is important to bathe your dog with a shampoo that’s specially formulated for curly coats. These types of shampoos will help to retain the natural oils that keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Curly coats can be a challenge to care for, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can give your fur baby a beautiful and healthy looking coat. It’s also important to make sure that your dog is eating a diet rich in essential nutrients to support their skin and coat health.
Watch this video by Irina Pinkusevich and Lindsey Dickson to learn all about grooming a curly-haired dog. They walk you through proper pre-bath prep, what products to use and when, and how to properly brush a curly haired dog. They also talk about how to bathe your dog, and the correct drying technique for this coat type.
Smooth Coats
Dogs with smooth coats, such as the Weimaraner or Boxer, have short hair that is soft and lies flat against their body. They don’t shed as much as some other breeds with longer or wirier hair, but they still need to be groomed regularly. A quick brush a few times a week will distribute their natural oils and keep their coat in good condition. It’s especially important to brush them daily during shedding season, when their loose fur will tend to matt and tangle if left unattended.
If your dog has a double coat, meaning they have an undercoat that is typically shorter and has a softer texture than their outer layer of hair, they will need to be stripped by a professional at least two or three times a year to remove all of the dead fur from their coat. This can be a time-consuming process, and it is best to leave this task to the professionals who understand how to handle your pet’s delicate skin.
Some dogs have a triple coat, which means their hair is twisted into dreadlocks and is usually quite long. These dogs, such as the Puli and Komondor, will need a fair amount of work upfront to prevent their fur from tangling into mattes. It’s important to find a groomer, like one serving the Orlando area, who is familiar with working on these types of coats, as they are not as easy as other coat types to maintain.
Many mixed breeds have a combination of several different coat types, with some parts of the coat being long and silky while others are rough and bristly. These dogs need to be brushed often, at least once a day, with a rubber-bristled brush to evenly distribute their natural oils and prevent tangles or mats.
It’s also important to keep in mind that even though a dog’s coat type may seem like it would have a direct impact on its overall health and well-being, allergies are not necessarily caused by the coat itself but rather by the frequency at which your pet sheds and casts their hair. For this reason, it’s important to brush your dog regularly and schedule regular appointments with a professional pet groomer to ensure your pets coat is kept in healthy shape throughout the year!
Short Coats
Short haired dogs like poodles, Maltese and Schnauzers require less grooming than long-haired breeds but they still need to be brushed several times per week to remove loose fur and distribute natural oils. Use a curry brush or a round rubber knobby brush to get all over the dog, including the legs and undersides. Brushing can also be used to remove mud, and a bristle or slicker brush can be used to help detangle any matted hair that is stuck in the coat. A de-shedding brush will be necessary during shedding season and can be used instead of or in addition to the curry brush.
Double coated dogs have a coat that offers insulation and protects against the elements. These breeds have outer “guard hairs” and an inner hair or undercoat that thins in summer and thickens in winter. This coat is not meant to be shaved because it can damage the follicles and cause skin issues or discoloration. Shedding is normal for this coat type but it is important to brush a short-haired double-coated dog 3-5 times a week so that the shedding hairs are removed from the skin rather than being pulled out by the dog or winding up in the home, car or yard.
Flat-coated or Feather Coats
The majority of dogs that have a flat coat have two coat lengths; a shorter, flat hair that covers their backs and body, and a longer skirt on the front legs which is often referred to as their “pants”. These breeds need to be brushed 3-5 times a week. They are prone to tangles and matting so it is essential that they be gently brushed and combed. Brushing will also help to prevent dirt build-up, especially when it comes to muddy conditions.
These types of coats tend to shed heavier in the spring and autumn. This is because the dog’s natural oils are used to create a warmer coat for the summer and to prepare the coat for the colder weather. This coat type will also require regular bathing using a good quality de-shedding shampoo such as Clipit De-Shed which helps to break down and release the old hair before it falls out.
