A Complete Guide to Dog Coats: Types, Lengths, and How to Care for Them

Dogs come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The same goes for their coats; each breed’s coat has its own unique properties. From double coats to shaggy and short hair, each breed and their coat type needs specific care to maintain it. Fortunately, with the right information and preparation, you should have no trouble keeping your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Here’s a complete guide to your dog’s coat and how to care for it. 

Different Types of Dog Coats 

To put it simply, there is no fixed number of coat types in dogs. The vast number of textures, patterns, and lengths make it difficult to put an exact number on the types of coats. 

There are a few common types of coats that you will find on most dogs though: 

• Short Hair: Low maintenance fur that is easy to groom; still requires regular brushing to clean up loose hairs. Some dogs with short coats are Beagles, Boxers, and Dalmatians. 
• Long Hair: Flowing coats that require grooming to avoid fur tangling and matting. Occasional grooming visits are required to keep their luxurious coat smooth and shiny. Some dogs with long hair are Afghan Hounds, Maltese, and Shih Tzus. 
• Curly Coat: As the name suggests, such dogs have curly hair that require regular maintenance to keep their appearance and prevent matting. Poodles are a classic example of such a coat type. 
• Double Coat: A double coat refers to a softer undercoat and a rougher coat of hair on top. These coats provide excellent protection against cold and the elements but are prone to matting and shedding. Regular maintenance is required to maintain their appearance. Golden retrievers and huskies are common examples of dogs with a double coat.

No matter what kind of coat your dog has, they will inevitably shed their hair. Shedding is a natural process through which old hair is replaced with fresh strands to maintain coat growth. Some breeds shed more than others, but the good news is that you can minimize shedding and maintain your dog’s coat. 

Maintaining a Healthy Dog Coat  

While regular bathing and brushing help, they are not enough on their own to maintain your dog’s coat. Here are a few ways to supplement the regular bathing and brushing cycle and keep your dog’s coat shining. A healthy coat is also an indicator of overall health, which means maintaining your dog’s coat will be essential for pet travel, where a pet can be refused travel if they look injured, distresses, or unmaintained. 

• Regular Brushing: As a regular part of your dog’s grooming routine, brushing is one of the basic and effective maintenances you can do for your dog’s coat. Brushing will help remove dust, dirt, and debris, not to mention it will keep your home relatively hair-free. Brush your dog’s coat at least once a week with the appropriate comb to avoid fur tangles and matting. 
• Bathing: Bathing your dog is important for their health and hygiene. Use a dog shampoo that is gentle on their skin to maintain their hair and coat. Be careful not to bathe your dog too often though, as that will rob the skin of their natural oils and cause itching skin and dryness. 
• Vet Visits: Regular vet visits are essential for your pet's health. Your vet will examine and monitor your pet’s coat across regular vet visits, which will help them identify any factors which may affect your dog’s coat like allergies. With a routine established, your vet will also be able to prescribe appropriate nutrition and a diet plan to maintain your pet’s coat and overall health. 
• Nutrition: Understanding pet nutrition is an integral part of coat maintenance. Make sure to make any changes to your dog’s diet only after consulting your vet, as a pet’s coat and diet are directly linked to their health. Depending on your dog’s age, size, and breed, your vet will accordingly adjust your dog’s diet and help it stay healthy and happy. 

While it may seem daunting to care for and maintain your dog’s coat, it is simple once you know the basics. Once you figure out the type of coat your dog has, you can care for it accordingly, supplementing your own grooming and bathing with vet visits or even a visit to a pet groomer for that extra-fresh look.