Dog Hair Types: Complete Guide + Related Breeds & Grooming Tips

A dog's coat isn't just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of its health and well-being. Whether it's short, long, curly, or silky, each type has its own specific needs.

In this comprehensive guide, discover the different coat types, related breeds, and best grooming practices for a happy, healthy companion.

🐾 Why knowing your dog's coat type is essential

A dog's coat isn't just about aesthetics; it plays a vital role in its health and well-being. Each coat type - smooth, short, long, curly, or double - has unique characteristics that influence its protection against cold, heat, moisture, and even UV rays.

Knowing how to identify your companion's hair type allows you to:

• Adapt grooming care : choose the right brush, brushing frequency and suitable products.
• Prevent skin problems : limit irritations, knots and parasites.
• Optimize the animal's comfort : avoid overheating in summer or excessive heat loss in winter.
• Reduce hair loss in the house : Proper maintenance reduces the amount of dead hair.

💡 Proper grooming, based on coat type, prolongs coat health, strengthens the skin barrier, and contributes to your dog's overall well-being.

 

The 7 main types of hair in dogs

🐾 Short Hair - Easy Care and Natural Shine

Description

Short hair consists of a short, moderately abundant undercoat covered with very short, smooth, numerous, and tightly packed guard hairs . This type of coat provides effective protection while requiring relatively simple maintenance.

Breeds concerned

Boxer, Pinscher, Doberman, some Braques, Pointer… These breeds have short coats that highlight their athletic silhouette.

Recommended brush

For optimal grooming, choose a boar bristle brush or a grooming glove . These tools gently remove dead hair while stimulating blood circulation and making the coat shine.

Brushing frequency

Weekly brushing is usually enough to remove dead hair, maintain natural shine and preserve skin health.

💡 Grooming tip : Take advantage of brushing to inspect your dog's skin and quickly detect any irritation, parasites or abnormalities.

🐾 Short and Double Coat - Maximum Protection, Regular Maintenance

Description

The short double coat is characterized by a woolly, abundant and very dense undercoat , covered with short, smooth and soft guard hairs . This type of coat provides excellent insulation against cold and heat, but easily retains dead hairs, especially during moulting periods.

Breeds concerned

German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Beauceron, Siberian Husky… These breeds are known for their protective coat and abundant seasonal shedding.

Recommended brush

For effective maintenance, use a slicker brush to remove surface hair and an undercoat rake or comb to reach the inner layer.

Brushing frequency

Brush 2-3 times a week to remove dead undercoat, reduce shedding in the house and maintain skin health.

💡 Grooming tip : During shedding season (spring and autumn), increase the frequency to daily brushing to prevent the formation of mats and facilitate your dog's thermal regulation.

🐾 Long and Double Coat - Majestic Beauty, Daily Care

Description

The long, double coat is distinguished by a very dense undercoat , particularly thick behind the ears, armpits, breeches and tail . It is covered with more or less long, smooth and shiny guard hair , giving these dogs a majestic appearance and excellent protection against the elements. This type of coat, as beautiful as it is voluminous, requires rigorous maintenance to avoid knots and tangles.

Breeds concerned

Collie, Belgian Shepherd, Samoyed, Spitz, Newfoundland... These breeds are renowned for their abundant, silky fur, but also for their significant seasonal shedding.

Recommended brushes

For effective grooming, combine:

• An undercoat rake to remove dead hair deep down and aerate the fur.

• A smooth brush to smooth the top coat and restore its shine.

Brushing frequency

Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting, limit shedding in the home, and maintain skin health. During shedding season, an extra brushing may be necessary to prevent the buildup of dead hair.

💡 Grooming tip : Always start with the areas most prone to tangles (ears, armpits, panties) before brushing the entire body. Use a detangling spray to make brushing easier and avoid breaking the coat.

🐾 Medium to Long Dry Coat - Natural Elegance, Regular Maintenance

Description

Medium to long, dry coats are characterized by a dry coat with little undercoat . The stiffer guard hairs lack the smooth, shiny appearance of silky hair. This coat type, often bulky and textured, requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its natural appearance.

Breeds concerned

Briard, Lhasa-Apso, Pyrenean Shepherd… These breeds have a distinctive coat that gives them a unique charm, but which requires special attention to grooming.

Recommended brushes

To effectively maintain this type of hair, use:

• A long-bristled brush for gently detangling and removing surface dirt.

• A wide-toothed comb to work through thick areas and prevent tangles.

Brushing frequency

Brush 2 to 3 times a week to keep the coat in good condition, prevent tangles, and allow the skin to breathe. During shedding season or if your dog is very active outdoors, increase the frequency to prevent the buildup of dirt and dead hair.

💡 Grooming tip : Always start with the wide-toothed comb to undo any tangles, then finish with the long-bristled brush to smooth and restore volume.

🐾 Medium-Long, Silky and Flat Coat – Softness and Natural Elegance

Description

This coat type consists of a moderately dense undercoat and a fine, medium to long, smooth, abundant, glossy, and very soft topcoat . It gives the dog an elegant, flowing appearance, but requires regular grooming to maintain its shine and prevent small tangles.

Breeds concerned

Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Papillon, Phalène… These breeds are renowned for their silky coats and timeless charm.

Recommended brushes

To effectively maintain this type of hair:

• A slicker brush to smooth the top coat, remove dirt and restore shine.

• A fine-toothed comb to gently detangle sensitive areas (ears, fringes, tail) and remove dead hair.

Brushing frequency

Brush 1 to 2 times a week to maintain the softness and shine of the coat. During shedding season or before a show, increase the frequency for impeccable results.

💡 Grooming tip : Use a detangling spray before brushing to make brushing easier, prevent hair breakage, and prolong shine.

🐾 Long and Silky Coat - Supreme Elegance, Daily Care

Description

The long, silky coat resembles real human hair, with little or no undercoat . This flowing, shiny coat gives an elegant and refined appearance, but it is also very susceptible to knots and tangles . Daily grooming is essential to maintain its beauty and health.

Breeds concerned

Maltese Bichon, Yorkshire Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel… These breeds are known for their spectacular coats, which attract everyone's attention, but require constant attention.

Recommended brushes

To effectively maintain this type of hair:

• A fine-toothed comb to gently detangle and remove dead hair without breaking the fiber.

• A smooth brush to smooth the coat, add shine and remove small impurities.

Brushing frequency

Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting, maintain shine, and keep the coat soft. For very long coats or before a show, an extra brushing may be necessary.

💡 Grooming tip : Apply a detangling spray before brushing to make it easier to brush through, prevent breakage, and prolong natural shine.

🐾 Curly Hair - Volume, Softness and Precise Care

Description

Curly hair is characterized by a dense, curly or wavy texture, forming tight curls that easily trap dirt and moisture. This type of coat grows continuously and does not shed seasonally, making it ideal for limiting shedding in the home , but requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats.

Breeds concerned

Poodle, Bichon Frise, Lagotto Romagnolo… These breeds are appreciated for their hypoallergenic coat and elegant appearance, but require careful maintenance.

Recommended brushes

To effectively maintain this type of hair:

• A detangling brush to open curls and remove dead hair without breaking the fiber.

• A wide-toothed comb to work deeply and prevent knots from forming, especially behind the ears, under the legs and on the chest.

Brushing frequency

Daily brushing is highly recommended to prevent tangles and maintain soft curls. In addition, professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks helps maintain a clean cut and a healthy coat.

💡 Grooming tip : Use a detangling spray before brushing to make it easier to brush through your hair and preserve the natural elasticity of your curls.

 

🐾 Grooming tips according to hair type

Each type of hair has its own characteristics... and specific needs!

Proper grooming isn't just about aesthetics: it contributes to skin health, your pet's comfort, and the beauty of their coat. Here's how to adapt your routine based on your dog or cat's coat type:

💡Universal tip : Always use tools that are suited to your pet's coat texture and skin sensitivity. Regular brushing strengthens your bond, prevents skin problems, and keeps your companion happy and healthy.

🚫 Common mistakes to avoid

Even with the best will in the world, certain habits can harm the beauty and health of your pet's coat. Here are the most common mistakes... and how to avoid them:

❌ Using unsuitable tools An unsuitable comb or brush can be ineffective or even painful for the animal.

💡 Solution : Always choose a tool adapted to the type of hair (e.g. Fenice comb for long and silky hair, One-Click brush for daily care).

❌ Brush after bathing without detangling first. Water tightens knots and makes detangling more difficult, sometimes painful.

💡 Solution : Always detangle the coat dry before wetting your pet.

❌ Bathing too frequently Excessive washing can dry out the skin and remove the natural protective layer.

💡 Solution : Respect the frequency appropriate for the breed and use a gentle shampoo specifically for animals.

❌ Neglecting sensitive areas Armpits, ears, tail... These areas quickly become tangled and are often forgotten.

💡 Solution : Regularly run a soft comb over these areas to avoid hair clumps.

❌ Brushing too quickly or too hard Rough brushing can break the hair and irritate the skin.

💡 Solution : Work in small sections, with slow, steady movements.

❌ Forgetting to clean tools Dirty brushes and combs can accumulate bacteria and dirt.

💡 Solution : Wash your accessories after each use to extend their lifespan and maintain hygiene.

💡 Pro tip : Regular, coat-appropriate grooming doesn't just make your pet look beautiful... it also prevents skin problems, reduces shedding, and strengthens your bond with them.

 

🐾 Conclusion & useful resources

Caring for your dog's coat is more than just a matter of aesthetics: it's a matter of health, comfort, and bonding. By adapting your grooming routine to your companion's coat type and using the right tools , you can prevent tangles, reduce shedding, and contribute to their overall well-being.

Regular brushing, the right products, and a little patience transform each session into a moment of shared relaxation. And remember: a healthy coat reflects a happy, healthy pet.

📚 Useful resources to go further

• Complete Guide to Hair Types → [ See our interactive chart with recommended tools ]

• Home Grooming Tips → Simple Tricks for Effective and Stress-Free Brushing

• Professional grooming products → [ Discover our selection of brushes, combs and accessories 🛒]

• Make an appointment with a groomer → For a complete maintenance and a cut adapted to the breed

• Articles from the blog “The Hairy Corner | Tips & Tenderness ” → Ideas, advice and trends for pampering your pet