Double Doggy

Double doggy-coated dogs have, as the name implies, two layers of fur. You might not even realize your dog has a double coat! While it’s easy to notice differences among dog breeds, such as size, color, and personality, identifying whether a dog has a single or double coat can be tricky for the untrained eye.

Some double-coated dogs, like Huskies, are obviously furry, making it easy to tell. Others, like the smooth-looking Beagle, might not be as apparent. So, how can you determine if your dog has a double coat, and what does it mean for their care?

What is a Double Coat on a Dog ?

A double coat on a dog consists of two layers: an undercoat and a topcoat. The undercoat is typically made up of short, dense hairs, while the topcoat has longer hairs known as guard hairs. Generally, the dense undercoat makes double-coated dogs look fluffy, though there are exceptions. Regardless of fluffiness, double coats offer significant benefits. The undercoat provides insulation and protects the dog from harsh weather and elements, while the topcoat repels dirt and moisture. However, double-coated dogs tend to shed more and need regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat and skin double doggy.

How To Tell a Double-Coated Dog From Others

Sometimes, you can determine if your dog has a double coat just by looking at it. If your dog appears extra fluffy and sheds a lot, it likely has a double coat. If you’re still unsure whether your dog has a single or double coat, try these simple steps to find out.

Brush your dog’s hair

To check if your dog has a double coat, use a brush or your hands to stroke upwards from the hindquarters to the neck. Gently separate the hair near the skin and observe. If you see a thick, coarse top layer with a softer layer underneath, your dog has a double coat.

Compare hair in the brush

After brushing your dog’s hair, remove the hair from the brush and examine it. If you find two different types of hair—one soft and one coarse—your dog has a double coat.

Look at the shedded hair

Similarly, you can observe the hair your dog sheds around the house. If you notice both soft and coarse hair, it’s a sign that your dog has a double coat.

Research the breed

If you know your dog’s breed, especially if it’s a pedigree, you can easily research whether that breed is double-coated. This information can help you better understand and care for your dog’s coat.

Check for a dewlap

A dewlap is a flap of skin that hangs beneath a dog’s lower neck. Breeds like Mastiffs are known for having dewlaps. Interestingly, many dogs with dewlaps also have double coats.

Double-Coated Dog Breeds

Dog breeds with double coats come in all shapes and sizes. While double coats are often associated with spitz-type dogs, known for their long hair and fluffy appearance, they are not exclusive to them. Spitz breeds, typically bred for cold climates, usually have pointy, upright ears, furry bodies, and tails that curl over their backs. However, double-coated dogs can vary widely. Here are some examples of double-coated dog breeds you might recognize.

How To Groom a Double-Coated Dog

Double-coated dogs shed more than single-coated dogs, so regular grooming is crucial. Without proper care, the undercoat can mat and tangle with the top coat, causing discomfort and potentially attracting pests like fleas and ticks. It’s recommended to brush double-coated dogs daily and bathe them about once a month double doggy.

The best care for a double-coated dog often involves regular grooming by a professional groomer who understands their specific coat needs. Groomers can manage the coat more effectively, ensuring it remains healthy and free of mats. However, for at-home maintenance between grooming appointments, you can follow these steps to groom and bathe your double-coated dog effectively.

Combing and brushing

Begin by brushing or combing the undercoat to remove loose hair. It’s best to use a brush or comb with longer pins to reach deep into the undercoat. Work through the dog’s coat section by section, lifting the hair and brushing underneath thoroughly. Lifting the dog’s hair is crucial for effectively removing dead undercoat and loosening hair. Simply brushing the top coat without lifting sections may not effectively remove all the loose hair double doggy.

Bathing

When bathing your double-coated dog, use a large bathtub, shower, or a self-serve dog wash facility. Wet the dog thoroughly and apply dog shampoo to the body and face, taking care to avoid the eyes and ears. Use a spray nozzle to rinse away the shampoo, ensuring to work your hands down to the undercoat to remove any residue. Follow up with conditioner to help prevent tangling. It’s important to use shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for double-coated dogs, as human products may not be suitable for their coat needs.

Drying

Begin by towel drying your dog, which may be sufficient if your dog has shorter hair. However, for most double-coated dogs, using a dog-specific hair dryer is recommended. This helps ensure that the undercoat is thoroughly dried and prevents any dampness that could lead to matting or discomfort.

Brushing

After drying your dog, use a stiff bristle brush or grooming glove to go over their coat again. This step helps ensure there are no tangles and encourages the distribution of natural oils throughout the dog’s coat, keeping it healthy and shiny double doggy.

Why You Should Never Shave a Double-Coated Dog

Now that we’ve covered the correct way to groom a double-coated dog, it’s equally important to understand what not to do. Shaving a double-coated dog should never be done. Despite the misconception that shaving helps dogs stay cooler in hot weather, it actually disrupts their natural cooling and insulation mechanisms. The double coat serves to regulate the dog’s temperature by insulating against both heat and cold. Other reasons not to shave a double-coated dog include:

• Causes skin problems Double-coated dogs can experience more skin problems from shaving, such as razor burns if the shaving cuts too close to their sensitive skin.
• Susceptibility to skin cancer. Double-coated dogs that are shaved become more susceptible to skin cancer due to increased sun exposure.
• It does not decrease the dog’s shedding. Shaving a double-coated dog does not reduce shedding; the dog will still shed just as much. The only difference is that the hairs may be shorter than they were before shaving.
• The coat will be permanently damaged. Shaving permanently damages and alters the dog’s coat by disrupting its natural growth cycle. After shaving, it can take up to two years for the hair to fully grow back, and in some cases, it may grow back patchy and thinner. Dogs may even develop conditions like alopecia as a result of shaving double doggy.

Additional Tips for Grooming

Since double-coated dogs require a bit more grooming than single-coated dogs, here are a few additional tips to help with their care:

• Brush a double-coated dog at least two or three times per week at home.During shedding season, consider increasing brushing sessions to once daily to manage the amount of loose hair.
• Use a slicker brush on short-haired dogs. Brush the undercoat using a slicker brush, moving it outward from the body. Then, brush the top coat in the direction of the hair growth to effectively groom your double-coated dog.
• Use an undercoat rake on long-haired dogs. Ensure you brush from the skin outward, and follow up with a wide-toothed comb to thoroughly groom your double-coated dog.
• Use a de-matting tool regularly. A dematting tool is essential for removing mats, dead hair, and knots from your dog’s coat. Various dematting tools include dematting combs, rakes, tools with blades, and undercoat rakes. Slicker brushes, featuring fine, closely spaced wires, are traditional tools ideal for dogs with medium to long hair.
• Use a detangler spray. Similar to humans, dogs can benefit from detangler spray. Use a dog-specific detangler spray when brushing or combing out knots, especially before bathing or during regular grooming sessions. This helps make the process smoother and more comfortable for your dog.
• After ocean swims, wash the salt water out. If your dog enjoys a romp in the ocean, be sure to rinse out the salt water thoroughly afterward. Salt water can get trapped between the undercoat and top coat, potentially leading to irritation and matting.
• Trim the dog’s coat regularly. Some double-coated dogs may require regular trimming, while others may only need occasional touch-ups and tidying. Consulting with a professional groomer can help determine if your double-coated dog needs regular coat trims. If trimming is recommended, maintaining a consistent grooming schedule is crucial, as regular trims help prevent matting and keep the coat in good condition.

Double-coated dogs often require more care and attention compared to other dogs, highlighting the importance of recognizing if your dog has a double coat. While long-haired breeds are typically easier to identify, short-haired breeds with double coats may not be as obvious. This article explains how to determine if your dog has a double coat and provides guidance on the professional grooming and bathing necessary for maintaining double-coated dogs.