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COAT TYPES
DOG HAIR VS FUR
This is usually is referring to a single or double coat. A single coat is referred to as hair as it is the same texture all over the dog and doesn't shed. A double coat is two types of hair all over the dog and will shed.
STAYING COMFORTABLE - TEMPERATURE WISE
A dog's coat acts as a natural insulator and is a cooling system during the summer and warming system during the winter. Some dog breeds may need a little jacket or sweater to help their bodies stay warm and they don't have long hair to keep them warm.
In the summer a dog’s coat can actually help him stay cool. Like a thermos that keeps hot food hot or cold food cold, a double coat simply provides insulation. In warmer weather, it keeps some heat at bay. That’s one reason experts don’t usually recommend shaving a dog for the summer. Double coated dogs will ‘blow coat’ (shed the thicker winter undercoat) as the weather warms. Groom his coat often during this time in order to remove the dead hair and allow maximum air circulation next to his skin. When the weather cools again he’ll lose the summer undercoat and re-grow a thick new crop for the winter.
A HAPPY COAT
Omega -3 and -6 fatty acids will help add shine to your dog's coat. High-quality commercial foods and raw diets should have these in sufficient amounts. Home-prepared dog foods and lower-quality commercial foods might not. Supplements are available.
Keeping up on grooming such as brushing your dog frequently to distribute natural oils throughout their coat and bathing with a conditioner will help keep the coat tangle free and soft. Don’t go overboard with bathing, though—shampooing too often can strip the coat’s natural oils.
DOUBLE COAT
A double coat is fur that has two layers, an undercoat that consists of woolly short hairs underneath and long hairs on the outer part called guard hairs. The undercoat protects dogs from both hot and cold weather and the outer coat helps repel moisture and dirt. When a dog appears fluffier this means they have a denser undercoat.
Double coated breeds tend to be dogs requiring the most maintenance to keep them healthy, so using a slicker brush or undercoat rake can help keep the coat tangle free. Up keeping on grooming is key as the conditioner during bath time can help loosen the hair underneath and the blow dryer will then free all the hair off of the dog (usually looking like a tornado of hair in the salon).
Never shave a double coated breed, shaving can damage the coat as the long hairs loose the weight to fall out and can result in a "dry grass" texture over time. Us groomers can do minimal trimming with scissors rather than clippers to keep the hair long still but have a cleaner shape. Only shave if recommended by a vet for health reasons or if the dog is severely matted and not brushable.
SMOOTH COAT
A smooth coat has short hair laying very close to the skin and typically requires the least amount of upkeep.
This coat can still shed so using a bristle brush to remove excess hair will keep the coat sleek and shiny. Also a rubber curry brush in circular motions can help loosen longer coats like Labs.
CURLY COAT
Curly coats have hair ranging from soft waves to tight curls. There are many ways these dogs are kept, some people love the blown out looks, some leave their pups in their natural state, some will even cord there dogs hair (like dreadlocks).These dogs are typically hypoallergenic, alot of doodle breeds (a dog mixed with a poodle) now a days are claimed to be hypo however still carry mixed coat from another breed that sheds. These dogs require frequent grooming and everyday brushing to keep the coat from matting. Using a slicker brush and a comb will help keep the coat tangle free. An unkempt coat can not only be unattractive but very painful for the dog and mating can cut off circulation, cause hematomas, loss of movement, hotspots, hide other preexisting issues and more.
DROP COAT
A drop coat is long flowy hair usually silky in texture that can grow all the way to the floor. These dogs are hypoallergenic but still do require a lot of upkeep if kept in a drop coat. Most people choose to keep these breeds in a short clip for easy managing but for those who choose a drop coat, their hair must be brushed as often as a human would brush their hair. An unkempt coat can not only be unattractive but very painful for the dog and mating can cut off circulation, cause hematomas, loss of movement, hotspots, hide other preexisting issues and more.
WIRE COAT
Wire coats have a harsh, wiry outer layer of rough hair. Wire coats require a bit of maintenance beyond typical brushing. Because these coats don’t shed, you’ll need to keep them healthy and in shape by plucking out the old, dead hairs. Us groomers can strip, pluck or shave these coats, most of these breeds have a breed pattern usually kept in skirts.
PUPPY COAT
A puppy coat is typically a different texture then the final adult coat will be. For dogs with hair, it is typically very soft and will be removed with their first or second haircut. For dogs with fur, it typically does not shed at first but after the first few months their new adult coat will grow in and they will shed their puppy fur.
HAIRLESS COAT
Although not very common, some breeds are considered hairless. They typically have little to no hair whatsoever. While this makes grooming tasks much simpler, the hairless coat needs extra protection from the weather to reduce freezing or sunburn.