How To Properly Groom All 6 Types Of Dog Fur

It's not one size fits all and with every coat comes a different set of instructions.

Dogs come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes and with a number of different coat types. When it comes to dog fur, it’s not one size fits all and with every varying coat comes a different set of instructions. If you want to properly groom your dog, it is important to learn how to best care for your dog’s particular fur and avoid any potential complications in the future.

Curly Coat: Dogs with this type of coat, such as Poodles and Bichon Frise, require a soft slicker brush for grooming. Brush against the way that your dog’s fur grows to achieve a fluffed up look and after washing him with a dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner, towel dry and blow-dry. When you blow-dry a curly coat, it is advisable to use the slicker brush simultaneously to brush from the skin outwards.

: Smooth Coat: Breeds with this type of fur, such as the Bull Terrier and the Dachshund, do not need to be groomed frequently but it is advised that when they are groomed that you use a bristle brush. Smooth coated dogs can be washed with any gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs and they should be left to air dry naturally post-bath.

: Wire Coat: Wire coats require consistent grooming and are often referred to as a “broken coat” due to their susceptibly to matts and tangles. This coat is common in Terrier dogs, such as the Border Terrier and Rat Terrier. For proper maintenance, use a slicker brush and a stripping comb. First, use the stripping comb to thin the overgrown fur to prevent any tangling, followed by a slicker brush. If your dog is particularly susceptible to tangling, you can wash him/her with a detangling shampoo and conditioner or spray a little bit before grooming.

: Double Coat: A double coat can be either long or short and requires slightly different grooming instructions depending on the length that your dog has. A slicker brush and a wide-toothed comb are required for a dog with a long-haired double coat, while a short-haired dog only requires the use of the slicker brush. For the long hair, use the slicker brush for the dog’s hair in sections, followed by the comb to gently pull out any loose hairs still stuck in the undercoat. For short hair, use the slicker brush to groom the undercoat by brushing the fur outward from the skin and then use the same brush to go over the top of the dog’s entire body. Breeds with this type of coat include the Rottweiler, Chow Chow, and Border Collie.

: Curly Coat: Dogs with this type of coat, such as Poodles and Bichon Frise, require a soft slicker brush for grooming. Brush against the way that your dog’s fur grows to achieve a fluffed up look and after washing him with a dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner, towel dry and blow-dry. When you blow-dry a curly coat, it is advisable to use the slicker brush simultaneously to brush from the skin outwards.

: Long Coat: Although a long coat may require more attention than others, you only need a slicker or a pin brush and a soft bristle brush to ensure proper grooming. It is also recommended to use a detangling spray or shampoo and conditioner, as this type of fur is the most likely to tangle. Work a detangling solution through your dog’s coat and then brush it with a slicker in the direction that the fur grows. Once completed, you should go over the dog’s entire body with a soft bristle brush. After a shampoo and conditioner, it is best to blow dry your dog’s hair as you brush it. Dog breeds with this type of coat include the Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese and Lhasa Apso.

: Hairless Coat: Dogs that are hairless, like the Chinese Crested and the Inca Orchid, may not require brushing but they do still need to be washed. Use a gentle, natural, dog-friendly shampoo on your hairless dog and be sure to apply a natural sun-block lotion if your dog is going outside.