We all know that dogs – both purebred and mutts – grow to different sizes and shapes. Do you realize that there are also several different types of dog coats or fur?
For clarification, Wikipedia says that a dog coat can be a double coat, which is made up of a soft undercoat and coarse topcoat, or a single coat, which is a topcoat without an undercoat. Although the terms “coat” and “fur” tend to be used interchangeably, Wikipedia states that a double coat is called a fur coat and a single coat is called a hair coat. (For the purpose of this article, we will use the terms interchangeably).
The different types of dog fur that you might encounter include corded, doubled, single, feathered, jacket or smooth, long-haired, short-haired, standoff and wire-haired or broken coats.
Pulis and komondors have corded coats, which consist of a soft woolly undercoat covered with a strong topcoat. Most of these dogs do not develop the corded look until they become adults. Caring for corded coats, which resemble dreadlocks, is difficult. Bathing dogs with corded coats is something that you don’t want to over do because it is difficult to remove shampoo and conditioners from the hair. The corded coat is also hard to dry.
Siberian huskies, akitas, German shepherds and shelties are examples of dogs that have double-coated fur, which is straight and varies from short to moderate in length. The outer fur is known as the guard coat. The fur underneath is thick, soft and downy in order to protect against very cold temperatures and extreme weather. The downy layer works to repel water.
Single coated dogs include Dobermans and poodles. They have one layer of hair and there is no undercoat.
Cocker spaniels and Gordon setters are examples of dogs that have feathered coats. This refers to the longer hair found on their ears, the back of their legs and the underside of their tail.
Jacket or smooth-coated dogs include dachshunds and bull terriers. Their hair lays close to the body and is very smooth to the touch.
Wikipedia describes longhaired dogs as those who have hair that is one inch or longer. Examples of dogs with long hair include Lhasa apsos, afghan hounds, shit tzus, longhaired dachshunds and Yorkshire terriers. These dogs have a long coat that covers the entire body. Regular brushing is very important in order to avoid matting and tangles.
Boxers and greyhounds are examples of dogs that have shorthaired coats. These dogs usually have hair that is less than an inch long.
Dogs with standoff coats are best suited for cold weather climates. Examples are the American Eskimo dog and the Norwegian elkhound. Their fur tends to puff out from the body.
Wire-haired or broken coats are found on schnauzers, Irish wolfhounds, most terriers and wire-haired dachshunds. The coarse outer layer and the soft, dense undercoat protect the dogs from extreme cold temperatures.
Different coats require different grooming methods. Some breeds of dogs will shed more than others. Anyone looking to get a new dog should consider the kind of fur that the dog has and the amount of time that will have to be spent brushing and combing on a regular basis.
Related posts:
- Different Brushes to Use for Different Coats
- How to Get Ready for Shedding Season
- Signs That it is Time for your Puppy to Get Out of the Cold
- Common Types of Puppy Sicknesses
- Types of Puppy Bedding
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