Tell the difference between types of dog hair and coats

Different types of dogs have different types of hair. The type of hair your dog has can give you an idea of how often you may need to trim and groom your dog. If you are thinking of getting a new dog, understanding what dogs have certain types of hair might make your decision easier. Here are some of the most common types of dog hair.

Some dogs have a curly or wavy coat. This type of coat can tangle quite easily, to dogs with curly hair often need professional grooming and clippings. Even between groomings, you may need to condition the coat to keep it soft and free of mattes and tangles. Examples of this type of coat are found on the Poodle and Bichon Frise.

There are also short, smooth haired dogs. As one would imagine, these coats are smooth and easy to manage. They require little grooming and maintenance. However this dog will benefit from regular brushing to keep the coat well moisturized and shiny. The Labrador Retriever is an example of a smooth coated dog, as is the Boston Terrier.

Next, there are medium length coats on dogs. These coats are longer than the short and smooth coat. They are also relatively easy to care for, but probably require more maintenance than the short coats. It is important to brush these dogs regularly to prevent tangles and dirt from getting stuck in the coat. Examples of medium coat dogs include the Siberian Husky and St. Bernard.

Along with short and medium length coats, there are also long haired dogs. These dogs require a great deal of care to keep their coats clean and free from mattes and tangles. The Afghan Hound and the Pekingese are examples of long coated dogs.

Finally there are wire coated dogs. These dogs differ from the other coats as they do not naturally lay flat on the dog’s body. However they do not shed which makes cleaning up after these dogs much easier than other kinds of coats. Many terriers are known for their wiry coats, including the Scottish Terrier and the Border Terrier.