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Understanding Different Dog Coat Types: Grooming Tips for Port St. Lucie Pet Owners

Professional Dog Haircutting Service at Shampoochiday Spa

There are several unique dog coat types, and each one requires slightly different care and maintenance to stay healthy and fresh. Whether your dog has a sleek, smooth coat or a dense curly one, knowing specific dog grooming tips to care for their specific hair-type is essential for their comfort and overall well-being. Establishing a proper dog grooming schedule by coat type – especially in the warm Port St. Lucie climate will make all the difference in your dog’s coat care.

Shedding Breeds

The simplest way to break down coat types is into shedding and non-shedding types. Just as it sounds, a shedding coat is one where hairs are naturally expelled on a regular basis. These dogs don’t require haircuts, but that doesn’t mean they don’t benefit from regular grooming just like their non-shedding counterparts!  

Shedding dogs can be further categorized by coat length, and density to determine their grooming needs. Understanding these key differences is essential to choosing the right dog grooming services in Port St. Lucie.

Short Coats

While they are obviously the easiest to maintain, anyone who shares a home with a short-coated dog can agree – they are hair machines and often shed heavily. Some short-haired breeds have dense undercoats – like Labs, Beagles and Pugs- but even some smooth-coated breeds can leave quite the pile of hair around your home.  

The ideal grooming schedule for your short haired dog will depend on how heavily they shed. If you’re constantly finding your dogs fur everywhere, grooming every four to six weeks will minimize the hair piles. Using a rubber brush between their regular grooming appointments can help cut down on the shedding even further.

Non-Shedding Breeds

The coat of these dogs consists of a coarse, curly topcoat and a soft, insulating undercoat. The topcoat grows long and needs regular trimming to keep it at a manageable length. Their undercoat is minimal compared to shedding breeds and doesn’t shed like most double coated breeds; instead, the dead hair comes out when it’s brushed or combed.  

Within the non-shedding category there are a few unique coat types, that differ mainly in texture.  

Curly Coats

The most recognizable curly-haired breed is the poodle, but there are several others in this category as well. Others include the Bichon Frise, Barbet, and Portuguese water dog. These breeds require regular grooming, especially if you want to keep them in a longer haircut. Monthly spa days and brushing every few days with a slicker brush and comb are needed to keep the tangles away. 

Medium/Long Shedding Coats

This category contains the largest variety of breeds, which come in all shapes and sizes from tiny Pomeranians to massive Great Pyrenees. Some, like the German Shepherd and Husky require little more than a bath and good thorough brushing. Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and other breeds with heavy feathering usually have some trimming done to keep them looking nice and tidy.  

It is a common belief that cutting their hair short will help to keep them nice and cool in hot weather, but this actually does more harm than good. Double coats provide insulation by trapping a layer of air against the skin, and they only function properly when left intact and well-maintained. Because of this, the best way to keep your thick coated friend nice cool in the summer is to have them bathed and all the dead undercoat brushed out on a regular basis. Scheduling spa days every four to six weeks and brushing a few times per week will help you achieve optimal results.

Silky Coats

Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Papillons are all common breeds with silky coats. They’re characterized by their soft, flowy, long hair. Because their hair is typically quite fine, it mats very easily and requires frequent grooming to keep it in good condition. Regular grooming every four to six weeks, along with brushing every few days using a conditioning spray to keep tangles and frizz at bay is needed to prevent matting.

Wire Coats

Schnauzers, and most other terriers, have a distinct wiry texture to their coats. Their super coarse coat texture prevents them from matting or getting dirty as fast as other coat types. Weekly brushing and a full spa day every six to eight weeks should be enough to keep your wire-haired dog looking and feeling their best. 

Whether your dog’s hair sheds like crazy, or grows like mad, regular grooming is essential to keeping them feeling great and looking their best. Understanding your pet’s specific needs will help ensure you get on the right grooming schedule and can be successful at maintaining their coat between spa days. If you’re looking for a professional dog groomer in Port St. Lucie that will know just what your dog needs, you’ve come to the right place at Shampoochi Day Spa. 

A professional groomer cutting a dog’s hair and providing deshedding services at Shampoochiday Spa.