Understanding Dog Coats: Double, Silky, Smooth and More...
- Rosemary Sutton
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
Image via Wix
Written by: Rosemary Sutton
Understanding Coat Types in Dogs: A Guide for Breeders, Exhibitors, and Serious Owners
Coat care is not simply cosmetic; it is foundational to the health and presentation of every breed. Recognizing coat type determines grooming strategy, bathing regimen, and product selection. Below are a breakdown of primary coat categories and their maintenance requirements.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common coat types — how they grow, shed, and what it takes to maintain them.
Double Coats
Examples: Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Border Collies, German Shepherds
How they grow: Double coats have two layers — a dense, insulating undercoat and a protective topcoat.
Shedding: Heavy seasonal shedders. Twice a year (“blowing coat”), undercoat comes out in clumps.
Care tips: Regular brushing (at least weekly, daily during shedding) is crucial to prevent mats and allow skin to breathe.
.Long Double Coats
Examples: Siberian Husky, Goldarn Retriever. Newfoundland, Tibetan Mastiff
How they grow: Similar to double coats, but with long flowing guard hairs.
Shedding: Seasonal, with a heavy undercoat shed.
Care tips: Consistent brushing, careful line-grooming, and attention to friction areas (behind ears, under elbows).
SummerWinds Solutions:
SummerWinds Solutions:
SummerWinds Shampoo & Conditioner helps loosen undercoat during shedding season.
Static-Free Leave-In Conditioner keeps coats tangle-free and manageable between brushes
To understand the difference between double coats and long double coats, consider the following points:
Double Coat: Consists of two layers of fur—an outer guard layer and a soft undercoat.
Long Double Coat: Features the same two layers but with longer fur, providing more insulation and protection.
Shedding: Both types shed, but long double coats may require more frequent grooming due to longer hair.
Weather Resistance: Long double coats offer better protection against harsh weather due to their length.
Maintenance: Double coats are generally easier to maintain than long double coats, which need regular brushing.
Silky Coats
Examples: Afghan Hounds, Yorkshire Terriers, Biewer Terrier, Maltese
How they grow: Silky coats are long, flowing, and fine in texture — much like human hair. They grow continuously.
Shedding: Very little shedding, but they are prone to tangling and matting.
Care tips: Daily brushing is essential. Frequent baths with coat-protecting products help prevent breakage and maintain shine.
SummerWinds Solutions:
Shine Onnn Shampoo enhances shine without weighing hair down.
Fine L Shine and Protect A Coat protects fragile ends and helps prevent breakage in long coats.
Smooth Coats
Examples: Beagles, Boxers, Dobermans, Dalmatians, Whippets
How they grow: Short, sleek hair that lies flat against the body.
Shedding: Moderate to heavy shedding year-round, even though hair is short.
Care tips: Weekly brushing with a rubber grooming mitt removes loose hair and stimulates skin oils.
SummerWinds Solutions:
Shine Onnn Shampoo brings out natural brilliance in lighter coats.
Fine L Shine Crème Rinse Conditioner helps minimize shedding while nourishing skin and coat.
Curly & Wavy Coats
Examples: Poodles, Bichons, Portuguese Water Dogs, Labradoodles
How they grow: Hair grows continuously in curls or waves, much like wool.
Shedding: Minimal shedding, but mats form quickly if not brushed.
Care tips: Regular brushing (3–4 times a week) plus professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
SummerWinds Solutions:
Shine Onnn Shampoo is gentle for frequent bathing.
Fine L Shine Cream Rinse and Protect A Coat Oil Conditioner & Detangler eases comb-through and prevents matting.
Wire & Harsh Coats
Examples: Terriers, Schnauzers, Wirehaired Dachshunds
How they grow: Harsh, wiry outer coat with a softer undercoat.
Shedding: Light shedding, but requires hand-stripping or specialized grooming to maintain texture.
Care tips: Regular stripping and brushing to prevent a “woolly” look.
SummerWinds Solutions:
Shine Onnn Shampoo maintains coat texture without softening harsh coats too much.
Fine L Shine Cream Rinse conditioner.
Mixed-Breed Coats: Expect the Unexpected
Mixed-breed dogs can inherit any combination of coat types from their parents. You might have a dog with:
A silky topcoat but a dense undercoat (like a Silky × Golden Retriever mix).
A smooth coat with some wavy or curly patches (like a Beagle × Poodle mix).
A wiry outer coat with a soft undercoat (like a Terrier × Labrador mix).
Because mixed breeds are so diverse, coat care should be tailored to the dog, not just the breed name. Observing how their coat grows, sheds, and tangles will guide your grooming routine.
How to Identify Your Mixed-Breed Coat
Observe Texture: Run your hands along the coat. Is it soft, silky, wiry, or dense?
Check Length: Is the coat long and flowing, medium, or short and tight?
Watch Shedding Patterns: Does it shed all year, seasonally, or hardly at all?
Notice Curl or Wave: Are there tight curls, gentle waves, or completely straight hair?
Once you’ve identified these traits, you can combine grooming strategies from the parent coat types.
For over 40 years, SummerWinds Coat Care Products have served as the gold standard for professional handlers, breeders, exhibitors and companions worldwide — delivering consistent results in both presentation and coat health.
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