Dogs in the wild evolved an amazing variety of coats, each adapted by color, density, and layering to fit marvelously into their surroundings. As groomers, we see everything from the hairless coats of the hot climates to the double-coats of the cold climates, and everything in between. You may argue that the partnership between man and animal is a unique one, and even special, but what worked so wonderfully for animals in the wild, now requires a little tender loving care [and maintenance] on their behalf in the home.
We have identified eight varieties of coats: | 1. Hairless | 2. Smooth Coats | 3. Short Coats | 4. Combination Coats | 5. Double-Coated | 6. Wool Coats | 7. Long Coats | 8. Wire-Coated. Each type of coat is unique enough to be given it’s own category. Each presents its own unique set of challenges for grooming.
Hairless
There is a small group of dogs that are not coated at all, except for small amount of hair on top of the head and on the ears, feet, and tail. Their skin will need regular attention to keep it healthy. These dogs are susceptible to a variety of weather conditions. You will need to apply sunscreen in summer, and provide a warm jacket in winter. Maintaining their skin requires regular oiling, but caution, too much leads to blackheads erupting. Oil only after bathing when the skin is dirt-free. Dental care is especially important as they have a tendency to loose teeth rather easily.
Breeds: Toy Group: Chinese Crested. || FSS Group: Peruvian Inca Orchid, Xoloitzcuintli
Smooth Coat
Smooth coats consist of a short single coat lying close to the body. These animals do shed quite a lot, however they are easy to maintain, generally clean and odor free. Like the hairless variety, you will need to provide a warm jacket in winter and some kind of protection from fleas, ticks and insect bites in summer. Best to take care when grooming, as the skin is soft and can be sensitive to rough treatment.
Breeds: Hounds Group: Basenji, Dachshund, Greyhound, Ibizan Hound, Pharaoh Hound, Whippet. || Non-Sporting Group: Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Chinese Shar-Pei, Dalmation, French Bulldog. || Sporting Group: German Shorthaired Pointer, Pointer, Vizsla, Weimaraner. || Terrier Group: Manchester Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Staffordshire bull Terrier. || Toy Group: Chihuahua (smooth coat), Italian Greyhound, Miniature Pinscher. || Working Group: Boxer, Bullmastiff, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Mastiff.
Short Coat
This coat consists of a short coat lying close to the body with another very short coat underneath. Harsher to the touch than a smooth coat, with more of a stiff bristle feel to it. This coat is quite dense and is water-resistant. The coat produces an abundance of oil and breeds bacteria easily, which can give off a noticeable odor. This animal requires a fair amount of regular grooming, particularly at molting times.
Breeds: Hound Group: Basset Hound, Beagle, Bloodhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback. || Sporting Group: Labrador Retriever. || Terrier Group: Bull Terrier, Fox Terrier (short coated). || Toy Group: Brussels Griffon (short coated), Pug. || Working Group: Rottweiler.
Combination Coat
Coats of this type consist of a mix of long flowing coat combined with a shorter, smoother one. The coat around the face and front of the legs is short and quite tight, while the body coat is longer and varies in length. Care must be taken around the feet, as the hair between the toes and pads can clump and tangle, trapping all manner of debris. These coats shed quite profusely during molting season, and require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Breeds: Fss Group: Leonberger. || Hound Group: Borzoi, Saluki. || Non-Sporting Group: Tibetan Spaniel. || Sporting Group: American Water Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Fat-coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, Sussex Spaniel. || Toy Group: affenpinscher, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Papillon, Pekingese.
Double-Coated
Depending on the breed, this coat is a combination of very short, short to moderate, and moderate to long hair. The outside coat feels rough and bristle-like, while the undercoat is thicker and much softer. These are animals who have adapted to the harsh weather of the cooler regions. There is a noticeable seasonal shedding, and if the loose hair is not cleared, it will tangle and mat into clumps. Also, the coat produces oil which can collect bacteria, causing a noticeable odor.
Breeds: FSS Group: German Spitz. || Herding Group: Belgian Sheepdog, Border Colie, Shetland Sheepdog, Sweddish Vallhund, Welsh Corgi. || Hound Group: Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Spitz. || Non-Sporting Group: Chow Chow, Keeshond, Schipperke, Shiba Inu. || Toy Group: Pomeranian. || Working Group: Akita, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Samoyed, Saint Bernard, Siberian Husky.
Wool Coat
Depending on the breed, this coat has a considerable number of variations. It can be soft, curly,, wavy or straight. This type is a good choice for people with allergies, as the coat is generally non-shedding. This type of coat grow continuously from all parts of the body and will mat if not groomed regularly.
Breeds: FSS Group: Bolognese, Coton de Tulear. Non-Sporting Group: Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, Standard Poodle, Toy Poodle. || Sporting Group: Irish Water Spaniel. || Terrier Group: Bedlington Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier.
Long Coat
These breeds grow a long drop-type of coat [meaning that the hair falls from the dog in a downward direction] over their entire body. If groomed to standard breed profiles, the coats are left long with trimming just around the feet, anus, and sometimes around where the hair grows in front of the eyes. This type of coat will mat and tangle if not brushed regularly, ideally three times or more per week. If this coat is ignored for any period of time, it will become a dense forest of mats and tangles, requiring a complete shave down to remedy the situation.
Breeds: Herding Group: Bearded Collie, Briard, Old English Sheepdog. || Hound Group: Afghan Hound. || Non-Sporting Group: Llasa Apso, Lowchen, Tibetan Terrier. || Terrier Group: Shih Tzu, Skye Terrier. || Maltese, Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier.
Wire-Haired
This coat combines a short, soft undercoat with wiry guard hairs through it to create a wiry and weatherproof jacket. This coat requires regular stripping and trimming. The coat requires regular maintenance grooming, especially during molting season. Although, short, this coat mats quite easily. Special care should be given to the feet, as a lot of terrier breeds get mud and dirt between the pads, causing discomfort and in cysts in some cases.
Breeds: Terrier Group: Airedale Terrier, Australian Terrier, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Irish Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier (wire-haired), Lakeland Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier. || Toy Group: Brussels Griffon (rough coated). || Working Group: Giant Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer.
