Grooming Basics for Different Dog Coat Types

From Dubai

One thing that people love so much about dogs is their soft, cuddly fur. Who can resist hugging and petting dogs and puppies that can have everything from long, silky hair, to tight curls and ringlets, or thick, shaggy coats? Of course, part of caring for your pet is keeping them well-groomed, and it’s about more than just maintaining their cute appearance. Proper grooming is also a reflection of their overall health and well-being. A dog with shiny, strong fur and good skin that regularly gets the brushings and baths they require is a happy and healthy dog.  The texture, thickness and length of a dog’s fur can vary significantly among breeds, so understanding your furry companion’s coat type is crucial for effective grooming, both at home and by a. Let’s explore these six coat types and how to care for each.

Moreover special thanks Petsdelight (professional provider of pet grooming in Dubai) for providing us with exclusive and practical tips to cover this content.

1. Short-Coated or Smooth-Coated Dogs

Dogs with smooth or short coats (such as Boxers, Dalmatians, Beagles, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers) have short and sleek fur. While they are considered low-maintenance and only require minimal grooming, neglecting their coat isn’t an option. 

Equipment needed:

• Bristle brush,
• Rubber grooming mitt,
• Dog shampoo for short coats,
• Towels,
• Nail clippers,
• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste,
• Ear cleaner and cotton balls.

Let’s say you have a Labrador Retriever named Max. He’s got a classic short, dense coat that’s pretty easy to manage, but still needs regular care. Here’s how you’d groom him:

Start by giving Max a good brush with the bristle brush. Even though his coat is short, he still sheds. Brush in the direction of hair growth to remove loose fur and distribute skin oils. Don’t skip this step just because his coat is short – it helps keep his skin healthy. Next, use the rubber grooming mitt. Run it all over Max’s body. He’ll probably love this part – it feels like a massage to him. This helps loosen any remaining dead fur and gives his coat a nice shine. Now it’s bath time. Get Max wet all over with lukewarm water. Apply the short-coat shampoo, starting at his neck and working your way down his body. Be careful around his face – you don’t want soap in his eyes. Really work the shampoo into his coat with your fingers. Short coats can still trap dirt close to the skin.

Rinse Max thoroughly. Short coats can give the illusion of being clean when there’s still soap residue, so keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Use your hands to squeeze excess water from his coat, then towel dry him. Short-coated dogs dry pretty quickly, but make sure he’s not left damp, especially if it’s cold. While Max is still cooperating, check his nails. If they’re long, give them a trim. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick (the blood vessel in the nail). If you’re not confident, it’s okay to leave this to a professional.

Brush Max’s teeth with the dog toothpaste. Even if you can’t do a thorough job every time, getting him used to the process is important. Finally, clean Max’s ears with the ear cleaner and cotton balls. Don’t push too far into the ear canal – clean only what you can easily see.

• Brushing: Use a soft-bristle brush gently against the direction of hair growth. You can also use a fine-toothed comb or hound glove to help remove dander from the dog’s skin and maintain a shiny coat. 
• Bathing: Opt for both shampoo and conditioner during their baths to keep the coat glossy. If your smooth-furred dog sheds excessively, consider using a deshedding shampoo.
• Frequency: Brush once a week and bathe only as needed.

Additional hurdles you might face:

• Unexpected matting: Even short-coated dogs can develop small mats, especially in areas where the fur is slightly longer (like behind the ears). Be prepared to gently work these out with your fingers or a mat splitter.
• Water-resistant coats: Some short-coated breeds have water-resistant fur. This can make it tricky to get them fully wet for bathing. You might need to spend extra time ensuring the coat is thoroughly saturated before applying shampoo.
• Skin sensitivities: Short coats offer less protection, so some dogs might have sensitive skin. Watch for signs of irritation and be ready to switch to a hypoallergenic shampoo if needed.
• Excessive shedding: During shedding seasons, even short-coated dogs can shed a lot. You might need to brush more frequently or use a deshedding tool.
• Sun sensitivity: Dogs with very short or light-colored coats can be prone to sunburn. Be prepared to apply dog-safe sunscreen or limit sun exposure during peak hours.

2. Medium-Coated Dogs

Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Corgis, German Shepherds, American Eskimos, Cocker Spaniels and Border Collies fall into this category. Their fur is about an inch long and has a fluffy appearance because the fur stands slightly off their body. 

Equipment needed:

• Slicker brush,
• Metal comb,
• Detangling spray,
• Dog shampoo for medium coats,
• Conditioner (optional),
• Towels,
• Blow dryer (optional),
• Nail clippers,
• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste,
• Ear cleaner and cotton balls,
• Scissors for trimming (if needed).

Let’s say you have a Cocker Spaniel named Buddy. He’s got a medium-length coat that’s prone to tangling and requires regular maintenance. Here’s how you’d groom him:

Start by spraying Buddy’s coat lightly with detangling spray. This will make brushing easier and less uncomfortable for him. Use the slicker brush to work through his coat, starting at the legs and working your way up. Be gentle but thorough, especially in areas prone to matting like behind the ears and under the legs.

After brushing, go through Buddy’s coat with the metal comb. This will catch any tangles the brush missed and help you check for any skin issues. If you find any mats, try to work them out gently with your fingers or the comb. For stubborn mats, you might need to carefully cut them out with scissors.

Now it’s bath time. Wet Buddy’s coat thoroughly – medium coats can be deceptive and it’s easy to miss spots. Apply the shampoo, working it in well from the skin outwards. Pay extra attention to areas that tend to get dirty, like the belly and paws. Rinse Buddy thoroughly, making sure no shampoo remains. If you’re using conditioner, apply it now, focusing on the longer parts of his coat. Rinse again until the water runs clear.

Towel dry Buddy, squeezing out excess water rather than rubbing, which can cause tangles. If you’re using a blow dryer, keep it on a low, cool setting and keep it moving to avoid irritating his skin. Brush him again as you dry to prevent tangles. Once Buddy is dry, do a final brush-through. This is a good time for any necessary trimming, like around the paws or eyes. Remember, the goal is neat and tidy, not a full styling.

Finish up by cleaning Buddy’s ears, brushing his teeth, and trimming his nails if needed.

Additional hurdles you might face:

• Coat blow: Some medium-coated breeds have seasonal heavy shedding. Be prepared for extra brushing during these times.
• Uneven coat growth: Medium coats often grow unevenly, leading to scraggly looks. Regular trimming might be needed to keep the coat looking neat.
• Water-loving dogs: If Buddy loves to swim, be prepared for more frequent baths and extra attention to prevent ear infections.
• Skin sensitivities: Medium coats can hide skin issues. Regular thorough inspections are important.
• Matting between grooming sessions: Even with regular care, active dogs can develop mats quickly. Consider shorter haircuts in problem areas.

3. Double-Coated Dogs

Dogs with a double coat, as the name suggests, have two distinct kinds of fur: (1) a soft layer of fur meant to provide warmth, which is neatly tucked under (2) a longer and more coarse layer of fur that protects them against the sun while also helping to repel dirt, parasites and moisture. In warmer weather, dogs with double coats will typically experience a dramatic shedding episode. Examples of double-coated dogs are Newfoundlands, Siberian Huskies and Pomeranians (which have long hair) and Golden and Labrador Retrievers (which have short hair).

Equipment needed:

• Undercoat rake,
• Slicker brush,
• Wide-toothed comb,
• High-velocity dryer (optional but helpful),
• Pin brush,
• Dog shampoo for double coats,
• Towels,
• Nail clippers,
• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste,
• Ear cleaner and cotton balls.

Let’s say you have a Siberian Husky named Luna. She’s got a thick double coat that requires specific care, especially during shedding seasons. Here’s how you’d groom her:

Start with a thorough brush-out. Use the undercoat rake first, working in sections from the back of Luna’s neck down to her tail, then along her sides and legs. This tool is designed to reach through the top coat and remove loose undercoat. Be gentle but firm – you’ll likely remove a surprising amount of fur. Next, use the slicker brush to smooth out the top coat and catch any remaining loose fur. Follow up with the wide-toothed comb to check for any remaining tangles or mats.

Bathing a double-coated dog like Luna requires some extra steps. First, make sure she’s thoroughly brushed out – water can make any mats worse. Wet her coat completely – this can take longer than you might expect due to the coat’s density. Use a shampoo specifically for double coats, working it in thoroughly from the skin outwards. You might need to shampoo twice to really get through both coat layers.

Rinsing is crucial and time-consuming. Rinse until the water runs completely clear – any leftover shampoo can irritate Luna’s skin. Using a high-velocity dryer can help blast out loose fur and speed up drying time. If you don’t have one, towel dry as much as possible and let Luna air dry in a warm area, brushing periodically as she dries to prevent matting.

Once Luna is completely dry, go through her coat again with the pin brush to smooth everything out. This is also a good time to check for any skin issues that might have been hidden by the thick coat.

• Brushing: For long-haired double-coated dogs, brushing is needed to prevent tangles and matting that can lead to skin infections. Pay particular attention to the longer fur on your dog’s ears, legs, feet, belly, and behind, which need regular trims. For short-haired double-coated dogs, less regular brushing and trimming are required, but note that they will shed heavily once or twice a year, same as the long-haired ones. 
• Bathing:  Use both shampoo and conditioner. 
• Frequency: Depending on the breed, double-coated dogs are recommended to have a full grooming session (including a bath) about three to four times a year. Add more baths when needed (like if they get especially dirty or during shedding season). Talk to your trusted groomer about the best schedule and grooming program for your dog.

Finish up with the usual ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and nail trimming.

Additional hurdles you might face:

• Extreme shedding: Double-coated breeds often “blow” their coats seasonally. Be prepared for a massive increase in shedding during these times.
• Overheating: Double coats provide insulation against both cold and heat, but be cautious about overgrooming or shaving, which can interfere with this natural protection.
• Undercoat buildup: If regular grooming is neglected, the undercoat can become impacted, leading to skin issues.
• Water-resistant properties: The outer coat can be quite water-resistant, making it challenging to get the dog fully wet for bathing.
• Drying time: Double-coated dogs take a long time to dry completely. Incomplete drying can lead to skin problems or a musty smell.

4. Long-Coated Dogs

Think Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Maltese, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdogs. This category also includes Afghan Hounds, Yorkshire Terriers and Irish Setters that have long, silky hair. Their luxurious, flowing coats require extra special care.

Let’s say you have a Shih Tzu named Fluffy. He’s got a long, flowing coat that requires daily attention to keep it looking its best. Here’s how you’d groom him:

Equipment needed:

• Pin brush,
• Slicker brush,
• Wide-toothed comb,
• Detangling spray,
• Dog shampoo for long coats,
• Conditioner,
• Towels,
• Blow dryer,
• Nail clippers,
• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste,
• Ear cleaner and cotton balls,
• Scissors for trimming.

Let’s say you have a Shih Tzu named Fluffy. He’s got a long, flowing coat that requires daily attention to keep it looking its best. Here’s how you’d groom him:

Start by spraying Fluffy’s coat with detangling spray. Using the pin brush, gently brush his coat in sections, starting from the bottom and working your way up. This prevents pulling on tangles and hurting Fluffy. Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar.

Next, use the slicker brush to catch any remaining tangles and remove loose fur. Follow up with the wide-toothed comb, especially in areas with thicker fur. For bath time, wet Fluffy’s coat thoroughly. This can take a while with long coats. Apply the long-coat shampoo, working it in gently from the skin outward. Be sure to get all the way to the skin, as dirt can easily get trapped in long coats. Rinse thoroughly, then apply conditioner, focusing on the lengths and ends of the coat.

After rinsing out the conditioner, use a towel to gently squeeze out excess water. Don’t rub, as this can cause tangles. Use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting, brushing as you dry to prevent tangles and help the coat dry straight.

Once Fluffy is dry, do a final brush-through. This is a good time for any necessary trimming, like around the paws or face. Remember, the goal is to maintain the long coat while keeping Fluffy comfortable and tidy.

• Brushing: Invest in brushes with natural bristles, pin brushes, and combs to prevent tangles. Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting.
• Bathing: Use gentle, hydrating, and detangling shampoos. If possible, use a dog hair dryer after baths.
• Frequency: Brush daily and bathe every 2-4 weeks. Dogs with silky coats may be fine with brushing every other day or 4 times a week. Visit a professional groomer every two to three months for expert haircuts and care.

Finish up with ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and nail trimming.

Additional hurdles you might face:

• Constant maintenance: Long coats require daily brushing to prevent matting.
• Tangles from everyday activities: Even playing or sleeping can cause tangles in long coats.
• Hygiene issues: Long hair around the rear end can get soiled easily. Regular trimming in this area is important.
• Environmental factors: Long coats easily pick up debris from outdoors. You might need to do quick brush-outs after walks.
• Heat regulation: Long coats can make dogs prone to overheating in warm weather.

Practical tips for maintaining long coats:

• Use hair ties: Gently tie up the topknot to keep hair out of your dog’s eyes.
• Regular trimming: Even if you’re growing the coat out, regular trims help prevent split ends and keep the coat healthy.
• Protect the coat during sleep: Consider a silk or satin pillowcase for your dog’s bed to reduce tangles.
• Use leave-in conditioners: These can help prevent tangles between grooming sessions.
• Consider a “puppy cut”: If full coat maintenance is too time-consuming, a shorter cut can be easier to manage while still looking cute.

5. Wiry-Coated or Broken-Coated Dogs

These dogs often have wire, wiry, wire-haired, or broken coats, meaning they have a wiry outer layer of rough hair. One touch and you’ll feel right away that the hair is rough and bristly – much different from long and silky coats. Examples of wire-haired dogs are Jack Russell Terriers, Schnauzers, Wire Fox Terrier, West Highland White Terriers, and Kerry Blue Terriers

Let’s say you have a Wire Fox Terrier named Scruffy. He’s got a classic wiry coat that requires a specific grooming approach to maintain its texture. Here’s how you’d groom him/her:

Equipment needed:

• Slicker brush,
• Metal comb,
• Stripping knife (for hand-stripping),
• Thinning shears,
• Dog shampoo for wire coats,
• Towels,
• Nail clippers,
• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste,
• Ear cleaner and cotton balls,
• Clippers (optional, for pet trims).

Start by using the slicker brush to remove any loose fur and debris. Be thorough but gentle – wiry coats can be sensitive. Follow up with the metal comb to check for any tangles or mats, especially in softer areas like the legs and underbelly.

If you’re maintaining Scruffy’s traditional terrier look, you’ll need to hand-strip his coat. This involves using your fingers or a stripping knife to pull out the dead outer hairs. Start at the back of the neck and work your way down the body. This process takes time and patience, but it helps maintain the proper wire coat texture. For areas where the hair is softer or you want a neater appearance, like around the face or paws, use thinning shears to trim.

Bathing a wire-coated dog like Scruffy should be done sparingly, as too much bathing can soften the coat. When you do bathe him, use a shampoo specifically for wire coats. Wet him thoroughly, apply the shampoo, and rinse very well. Towel dry and let him air dry the rest of the way – avoid blow drying as it can soften the coat texture. After Scruffy is completely dry, go over his coat again with the slicker brush to fluff it up and give it that characteristic scruffy look.

• Brushing: This coat is generally low-maintenance. However, since these dogs do not naturally shed, you should use stripping combs to stimulate the growth of a new coat. There is also a hand-stripping method of manually plucking out unruly hairs. Use slicker brushes and detanglers to remove mats. 
• Bathing: Mild shampoos work best.
• Frequency: Brush weekly and bathe four times a year (overbathing will cause dry and brittle hair).

Finish up with the usual ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and nail trimming.

Additional hurdles you might face:

• Coat softening: Overwashing or using incorrect grooming techniques can cause a wire coat to lose its harsh texture.
• Seasonal changes: Some wire-coated breeds have seasonal coat changes that require different grooming approaches.
• Skin sensitivities: The wiry outer coat can sometimes hide skin issues. Regular thorough inspections are important.
• Difficulty in maintaining coat texture: It can be challenging to keep the coat wiry without regular hand-stripping.
• Grooming discomfort: Some dogs find hand-stripping uncomfortable and may need gradual training to accept it.

Practical tips for maintaining wire coats:

• Regular brushing: Even if you’re not fully hand-stripping, regular brushing helps maintain coat texture.
• Learn hand-stripping: If you’re committed to maintaining a traditional wire coat, learning proper hand-stripping technique is crucial.
• Consider a pet trim: If hand-stripping is too time-consuming, many wire-coated dogs can look great with a clipper cut, though this will soften the coat over time.
• Use appropriate products: Avoid using softening shampoos or conditioners that can alter the coat texture.
• Protect the coat: Use a coat conditioner or oil when Scruffy’s playing in the water to prevent the coat from softening.

6. Wavy-Coated or Curly-Coated Dogs

Breeds like Poodles, Labradoodles, Bichon Frises, Airedale Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Portuguese Water Dogs have wavy or curly coats. Their soft and thick curls rest close to the body and grow fast, which causes them to tangle or mat easily.

Let’s say you have a Poodle named Curly. He’s got a coat full of tight curls that require regular maintenance to prevent matting. Here’s how you’d groom him/her:

Equipment needed:

• Slicker brush,
• Metal comb,
• Detangling spray,
• Leave-in conditioner,
• Dog shampoo for curly coats,
• Towels,
• Blow dryer with diffuser attachment,
• Nail clippers,
• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste,
• Ear cleaner and cotton balls,
• Scissors or clippers for trimming.

Start by spraying Curly’s coat with detangling spray. Use your fingers to gently separate any visible knots. Then, working in small sections, use the slicker brush to carefully brush out his curls. Be extra gentle – curly coats can be prone to breakage. Follow up with the metal comb to catch any tangles the brush missed.

Now it’s bath time. Wet Curly’s coat thoroughly – this can take a while as curly coats can be water-resistant. Apply the curl-specific shampoo, working it in gently from the skin outward. Be sure to get between all those curls. Rinse thoroughly, making sure no shampoo remains, as residue can cause skin irritation.

After the bath, apply a leave-in conditioner. This helps keep the curls defined and prevents dryness. Use a towel to squeeze out excess water – don’t rub, as this can cause frizz and tangles.

When drying Curly, use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment on a low, cool setting. This helps maintain the curl pattern. As you dry, use your fingers to separate and define the curls. Once he’s mostly dry, do a final comb-through.

• Brushing: Use slicker brushes or wide-tooth combs. Before brushing, use a conditioning spray to prevent hair breakage. 
• Bathing: Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners specifically made for curls. Towel-dry and then blow-dry the fur.
• Frequency: Brush two to three times a week and bathe every four to six weeks.

Finish up with the usual ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and nail trimming. If Curly needs a trim, use scissors or clippers to carefully shape his coat. Remember, the goal is to maintain the natural curl pattern while keeping everything neat.

Additional hurdles you might face:

• Matting: Curly coats are prone to matting, especially in areas of friction like under the collar or behind the ears.
• Dryness: Curly coats can easily become dry and brittle. Regular conditioning is crucial.
• Uneven growth: Curls can grow at different rates, leading to an uneven appearance if not regularly trimmed.
• Color changes: Some curly-coated breeds can experience color changes in their coat as they age or after grooming.
• Skin issues: The density of curly coats can hide skin problems. Regular thorough inspections are important.

Practical tips for maintaining curly coats:

• Daily brushing: Even a quick brush each day can prevent major tangles.
• Avoid heat styling: Excessive heat can damage curly coats. Air drying or cool blow-drying is best.
• Use hair accessories: Soft bands or clips can keep long curls out of your dog’s eyes between grooming sessions.
• Consider professional grooming: Curly coats often benefit from regular professional grooming to maintain their shape and health.
• Moisturize: Use coat oils or leave-in conditioners to keep the curls moisturized and prevent breakage.

In the end thanks to team Pet Delight staff (they are specialist having a pet shop in Dubai) for helping us to provide practical tips,