All dogs are pretty impressive in looks. After all, if you consider they all come from wolves, it’s wild to consider that all these different coat colors, textures, and lengths originated from this ancient canid species.
If you have heard the term double-coat, you might wonder what it means and if your current dog or a dog you want has this breed feature. Essentially, a double coat means that the dog has two layers of hair. There are longer hairs extending to the outside of the coat and shorter hairs serving as an inner coat for insulation. Let’s explore this coat type so you can get more comfortable with the cleanup required for double-coated breeds.
What Is a Double Coat?
Double-coated is likely a term you hear thrown around a lot, even if you’re not 100% sure what that means. A double coat means that the dog has two types of hair growing to make up the coat. There are longer “primary” or “guard” hairs that are for prevention of skin injuries and repel water. They give the coat its distinctive color and pattern. There are also shorter, softer and more numerous “secondary” hairs or the “undercoat” for protection against extremes of weather and temperature. Dogs are covered in hair virtually the same as human scalp hair in structure but when this hair has a smooth texture it is usually referred to as hair and when more coarse or fluffy it is often called fur.
You might see the term double coated related to long-haired breeds like the Great Pyrenees, and you might assume that it has something to do with coat length. However, even short haired dogs can have double coats, and it serves a very defined purpose, which can change depending on the breed in question.
Dogs with double coats typically shed in higher volume than dogs with a single coat and usually experience seasonal coat blowouts, in which they shed a bunch of fur. During spring or fall months, their coats begin to change to prepare for the upcoming season.
How Are Double Coats Useful?
Double coats are extremely useful for a variety of reasons, but primarily for climate control. Often, dogs who come from colder climates have an extra layer of fur to provide insulation and protection to their skin. Most double-coated breeds tend to be more tolerant of colder weather. It has been found that there are variations in the genetics of single-coated dogs (missing the undercoat) that are rarely present in wolves.1
Breeds of Double-Coated Dogs
Now that you know more about a double coat, what are some dogs that have this trait? We will go over the different dogs as well as a fun fact or two about their care and personality.
This is not an all-inclusive list, but these are some of the most popular dog breeds with double coats.
Akita
The Akita is a striking looking ancient Japanese dog breed. These fearsome protectors are well known for their unique appearance. The Akita is definitely not for the faint of heart. These loyal defenders will stand by your side and can even be prone to intolerance of other people and other pets.
Personality-wise, these dogs tend to be aloof and strong-willed. They may show a sillier more playful side with their trusted human caregivers. If you choose to bring an Akita into your home, you will definitely need to keep up with training, social skills, and grooming.
However, this is something that you might have to do from your own home as the Akita does not necessarily take well to strangers and might not be the best candidate for going to a professional groomer who is not familiar with the breed.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a breed from China known for being a guardian of fierce proportions. These dogs mean business! In addition to their notably black tongue, they also have a thick double coat. Many Chow Chows, especially as puppies, resemble a bear, with fur to match.
The Chow Chow certainly needs an owner that knows what they’re doing. Chow Chows are known for their fierce loyalty and protectiveness towards their families, showing less affection towards strangers and other animals. They are best suited for homes with experienced owners who can train and socialize them effectively.
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, making them popular for service, support, and rescue work. Their double coat requires daily brushing to manage the shedding.
Great Pyrenees have long, thick coats ideal for protection against extreme temperatures. They are patient and discerning, making them great family dogs, especially for those living in the country.
Havanese dogs are cheerful companions known for their allergy-friendly, hypoallergenic coat that sheds less frequently. They are very people-oriented and make great emotional support animals.
Huskies are known for their extreme loyalty and pack mentality, with a dense insulated coat to keep them warm. Daily brushing is necessary to manage their shedding.
Labrador Retrievers have a double coat that helps insulate them from cold temperatures and make them more waterproof. They shed a significant amount and require routine grooming to manage the hair.
Newfoundlands are massive dogs known for their size and strength. These large, affectionate dogs are renowned for being some of the sweetest big dog breeds around. With charming personalities and a gentle giant demeanor, they make fantastic playmates for children, other pets, and just about anyone. While Newfoundlands are known for their slobber and shedding, they are also double-coated, resulting in significant year-round shedding.
Despite their calm nature that makes them suitable for apartment living, Newfoundlands require regular grooming and are better suited for larger homes due to their intense shedding. However, their sweet and even-tempered personalities make them a desirable companion for many.
Similarly, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are beloved for their peppy and loving personalities. Bred for herding, they are alert and agile, with a big dog bark. Like Newfoundlands, Corgis also have double coats and shed continuously, requiring regular grooming to manage their shedding.
On the other hand, Pugs are cheerful and silly dogs that make great companions. While they are perfect for apartment living and get along well with everyone, it may come as a surprise that some Pugs have double coats, leading to dense shedding. Daily brushing and cleaning their folds are essential to keep them healthy and comfortable.
For double-coated dogs like Newfoundlands, Corgis, and certain Pugs, proper grooming supplies are crucial. Slicker brushes are designed to collect loose fur in the coat, while de-shedding tools help remove dead fur and debris from the undercoat. Using natural, hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner is recommended to avoid skin irritation. Additionally, a shedding rake can be helpful in managing excessive shedding in some cases. When grooming your dog, using specialized tools can help you cut through tough areas of the coat, resulting in thinner and tangle-free fur. However, it’s important to note that these tools may not be suitable for all breeds, so it’s best to check beforehand.
In terms of clean-up tools for the home, vacuum cleaners designed for pet owners can be a great investment. These vacuums often come with special attachments to effectively remove pet hair, anti-wrap technology, and HEPA filters. Additionally, robot vacuum cleaners can help keep dog fluff tumbleweed under control.
Rubber brooms are handy for cleaning hard floors and short tufted rugs, while carpet scrapers can effectively remove embedded hairs from carpets. Just be cautious when using carpet scrapers on delicate fabrics.
It’s crucial to never shave a double-coated dog’s fur completely off to make grooming easier and reduce shedding. Doing so can disrupt the fur growth cycle, impacting the coat’s ability to regulate temperature and leading to skin problems and sunburn. Shaving for medical procedures under veterinary supervision is acceptable.
In conclusion, understanding the characteristics of a double coat and which dog breeds have them is essential. While not all double-coated dogs shed equally, consistent grooming and cleaning are crucial for maintaining their coats. Remember, routine care is key for keeping your furry friend healthy and comfortable.
Featured Image Credit: Ana Bencina Kosmac, Shutterstock following sentence:
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