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Coat Types & Grooming Care

Understanding your dog’s coat type helps you choose the right grooming routine — whether you care for your dog at home or work with a professional groomer. Different coats have different needs, and proper maintenance supports comfort, skin health, and overall well-being.

Short Coat

double coat

Examples: Beagle, Boxer, Doberman, Labrador Retriever

Coat Characteristics:

  • Smooth and close to the body

  • Usually sheds regularly

  • Lower maintenance but still benefits from routine care

At Home:

  • Brush weekly with a rubber curry brush or soft bristle brush

  • Bathe as needed with dog-safe shampoo

  • Wipe down between baths if dirty

At the Groomer:

  • Deshedding treatments can help reduce loose fur

  • Regular nail, ear, and skin checks support overall health

Watch For:

  • Excessive shedding

  • Dry skin

  • Hot spots or irritation

Double Coat

Examples: Golden Retriever, Husky, German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd

 

Coat Characteristics:

  • Soft insulating undercoat with a protective outer coat

  • Heavy seasonal shedding

  • Requires regular brushing to prevent packed undercoat

At Home:

  • Brush several times weekly

  • Use undercoat tools gently and correctly

  • Increase brushing during shedding seasons

At the Groomer:

  • Professional deshedding helps remove impacted undercoat safely

  • Groomers can monitor coat condition and skin health

Important:

Double-coated dogs should generally not be shaved unless medically necessary.

Short coat

Curly or Wavy Coat

curly coat

Examples: Poodle, Doodle mixes, Bichon Frise

 

Coat Characteristics:

  • Hair grows continuously

  • Prone to tangles and matting

  • Often requires regular professional grooming

At Home:

  • Brush thoroughly several times per week

  • Comb all the way to the skin to prevent hidden mats

  • Schedule routine maintenance grooming

At the Groomer:

  • Regular trims help maintain coat health and comfort

  • Groomers can recommend manageable haircut lengths

Watch For:

  • Tight matting behind ears, legs, collar area, and tai

Wire Coat

Examples: Terriers, Schnauzers

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Coat Characteristics:

  • Coarse, rough outer coat

  • Often low shedding

  • Texture requires specialized care

At Home:

  • Brush weekly

  • Keep beard and leg furnishings clean

  • Monitor for skin irritation beneath dense coat

At the Groomer:

  • Some wire coats benefit from hand stripping instead of clipping

  • Groomers can help maintain proper coat texture

wire

Long or Silky Coat

long

Examples: Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkie, Afghan Hound

Coat Characteristics:

  • Soft flowing hair

  • Easily tangles and mats

  • Requires consistent upkeep

At Home:

  • Daily brushing is often recommended

  • Use detangling spray when needed

  • Keep face and sanitary areas clean

At the Groomer:

  • Routine trims help keep coats manageable

  • Groomers can help create realistic maintenance plans

Hairless or Minimal Coat

Examples: Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli

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Coat Characteristics:

  • Sensitive skin

  • Requires skin-focused care rather than coat maintenance

At Home:

  • Bathe gently when needed

  • Use veterinarian-approved skin products

  • Protect skin from sun exposure and cold weather

At the Groomer:

  • Gentle skin care and moisturizing support comfort

hairless

Helpful Handouts

Choosing a dog is about more than appearance — it’s about finding a companion whose grooming, exercise, temperament, and overall care needs fit realistically into your lifestyle. Different coat types require different levels of maintenance, time, and professional grooming support. Consider using this handout when adopting or purchasing a dog to help you better understand the commitment involved and choose a dog whose needs align with your home, schedule, budget, and experience level. A good match helps set both dogs and owners up for long-term success, comfort, and well-being.

handout

Ethical Grooming for Every Coat Type

 

No matter the coat type, grooming should always prioritize:

  • Comfort

  • Patience

  • Safety

  • Positive handling

  • Emotional well-being

Grooming should never rely on fear, punishment, or force.

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Final Thoughts

 

Every dog is unique. Breed, age, health, lifestyle, and coat condition all affect grooming needs. Whether grooming at home or working with a trusted professional, simple and consistent care helps dogs feel healthy, comfortable, and supported.

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