Dog Coat Types Explained: A Complete Guide

Every dog’s coat is unique, and understanding your dog’s coat type is essential for proper grooming. Different coats require different tools, techniques, and schedules.

Smooth/Short Coat

Characteristics

• Short, close-lying hair
• Sleek appearance
• Minimal grooming needs
• Still sheds!

Breeds

Beagles, Boxers, Dalmatians, Pugs, Great Danes

Care

• Weekly brushing with rubber curry brush
• Bathing every 6-8 weeks
• Seasonal shedding management

Double Coat

Characteristics

• Soft, dense undercoat
• Longer protective outer coat
• Seasonal “coat blowing”
• Temperature regulation

Breeds

Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Samoyeds, Corgis

Care

• Regular brushing (2-3 times weekly, daily during shedding)
• Undercoat rake essential
• NEVER shave
• Professional deshedding treatments helpful

Long/Silky Coat

Characteristics

• Fine, flowing hair
• Tangles easily
• Continuous growth
• Requires frequent grooming

Breeds

Yorkies, Maltese, Afghan Hounds, Setters

Care

• Daily brushing essential
• Regular conditioning
• Frequent professional grooming
• May need protective styles

Curly/Wavy Coat

Characteristics

• Tight curls or loose waves
• Low/no shedding
• Mats easily
• Continuous growth

Breeds

Poodles, Bichon Frises, Portuguese Water Dogs, Lagotto Romagnolos

Care

• Brush before and after bathing
• Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
• Use appropriate styling products
• Regular haircuts needed

Wire/Rough Coat

Characteristics

• Coarse, bristly texture
• Weatherproof
• May require hand-stripping
• Dense undercoat

Breeds

Terriers, Schnauzers, Irish Wolfhounds, Brussels Griffons

Care

• Regular brushing with slicker brush
• Hand-stripping for show dogs (or clipping for pets)
• Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks

Hairless/Minimal Coat

Characteristics

• Little to no hair
• Exposed skin needs protection
• Prone to skin issues
• Temperature sensitive

Breeds

Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier, Xoloitzcuintli

Care

• Regular bathing (weekly)
• Moisturizing after baths
• Sunscreen protection
• Clothing for temperature regulation

Combination Coats

Some breeds have different coat textures in different areas:

• Cocker Spaniels (silky ears, shorter body)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Golden Retrievers (feathering)

Choosing the Right Tools

Coat Type	Primary Brush	Secondary Tools
Smooth	Rubber curry	Bristle brush
Double	Undercoat rake	Slicker, pin brush
Long/Silky	Pin brush	Metal comb
Curly	Slicker brush	Metal comb
Wire	Slicker brush	Stripping knife
Hairless	Soft cloth	Moisturizer

Not sure about your dog’s coat type? Book a consultation with our expert groomers!