Understanding Dog Coat Types: A Complete Guide

Not all dog coats are created equal — and grooming the wrong way can cause matting, skin irritation, excessive shedding, and long-term coat damage. Understanding your dog's coat type is the key to proper grooming, healthier skin, and a happier dog.

This guide explains the six main dog coat types, how to identify your dog's coat, and exactly how to care for it.

The Six Main Dog Coat Types

1. Smooth / Short Coat

Examples: Beagle, Boxer, Dalmatian, Doberman

Characteristics:

• Short, glossy hair
• Lies flat against the body
• Sheds year-round

Grooming Needs:

• Weekly brushing with rubber curry brush
• Bath every 8–12 weeks
• Minimal trimming

2. Double Coat

Examples: German Shepherd, Husky, Golden Retriever, Corgi

Characteristics:

• Soft undercoat and coarse outer coat
• Heavy seasonal shedding
• Weather-resistant

Grooming Needs:

• Daily brushing during shedding season
• Regular deshedding treatments
• Never shave
• Bath every 6–8 weeks

3. Wire / Broken Coat

Examples: Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier, Airedale

Characteristics:

• Coarse, dense texture
• Low shedding
• Natural protection

Grooming Needs:

• Hand-stripping for show dogs
• Clipping for pet trims
• Brush 2–3 times weekly
• Groom every 6–8 weeks

4. Long / Silky Coat

Examples: Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Afghan Hound

Characteristics:

• Long, flowing hair
• Prone to tangling
• High maintenance

Grooming Needs:

• Daily brushing
• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
• Regular conditioning
• Keep hair clipped for easier maintenance

5. Curly / Non-Shedding Coat

Examples: Poodle, Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog

Characteristics:

• Continuously growing hair
• Hypoallergenic
• Mats easily

Grooming Needs:

• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
• Daily to every-other-day brushing
• Regular face and hygiene trims
• Prevent matting with proper products

6. Hairless

Examples: Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli

Characteristics:

• Little to no body hair
• Exposed skin

Grooming Needs:

• Weekly bathing
• Skin moisturising
• Sun protection
• Regular nail care

How to Identify Your Dog's Coat Type

Look at:

• Texture — coarse, soft, wiry
• Length — short, medium, long
• Shedding — heavy, light, none
• Layers — single or double coat

Common Grooming Mistakes by Coat Type

Double Coats

• Do not shave
• Use proper deshedding tools

Curly Coats

• Do not leave too long between grooms
• Maintain a regular 4–6 week grooming schedule

Wire Coats

• Do not overuse slicker brushes
• Consider hand-stripping to maintain texture

Long Coats

• Do not bathe without brushing first
• Remove all tangles before bathing

Recommended Tools by Coat Type

Smooth Coats

• Rubber curry brush
• Chamois cloth
• Moisturising shampoo

Double Coats

• Undercoat rake
• Slicker brush
• Deshedding shampoo

Wire Coats

• Stripping knife (professional use)
• Pin brush
• Texturising shampoo

Curly Coats

• Slicker brush
• Metal comb
• Moisturising conditioner
• Detangling spray

Final Thoughts

Understanding your dog's coat type allows you to choose the correct grooming routine, tools, and products. Regular grooming improves coat health, prevents skin issues, and keeps your dog comfortable.

Not sure what your dog's coat type is? Bring them to Pawlished Pets for a consultation. I will identify their coat type and create a personalised grooming plan to suit their needs.