What Type Of Fur Does Your Dog Have?

Dogs have TONS of hair (as you probably know). I am reminded of this every time I look down and see it all over my pants!

Why do dogs have hair?

Dog fur and hair provide a variety of benefits to our canine companions - they provide protection against foreign substances and extreme weather conditions. Your dog's coat is especially important during the cold winter months.

There are a variety of dog fur and hair types that go beyond curly, straight, long and short. And depending on the type of hair your dog has, he may need to be groomed a bit differently.

Which type of fur does your dog have?

Long (Bobtails, Collies, etc.): Long, smooth and silky with an under cape of thick hair. Occasionally, this hair may have light curls. Dogs with this type of coat typically require daily grooming and frequent bathing.

Short (Corgis, German Shepherds, etc.): Typically looks like 2 different capes of fur - long fur on top and much shorter fur underneath. Weekly grooming typically works and bathing isn't needed as often.

Curly (Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blues, Curly Coated Retrievers, etc.): This is curly, waterproof fur. It can usually be cut, washed and trimmed once a month or every two months. Scissors and other grooming tools are often necessary.

Silky (Cockers, Yorkies, Afghans, etc.): This type of hair requires more consistent grooming to prevent it from knotting. Daily grooming and monthly bathing are typically necessary. Scissors, combs and other grooming tools are often needed to keep the dog's coat silky & healthy.

Hard (Italian Hounds, Teckels, Airedale Terriers, Schnauzers, etc.): Dead fur should be removed every 3-4 months and firmly pulled in the direction of its growth. The coat should be brushed once or twice a month to get rid of dust, though bathing is only needed a few times a year.

Flat (Boxers, Dobermans, etc.): This hair is the easiest to take care of - a simple weekly grooming session will do!

With most of our dogs, the inevitable fact seems to be that their hair and fur sheds. Worse still is the fact that it winds up on your clothes, your furniture, your floors and all over the house.