PUPPIES DOWNUNDER AUSTRALIA
A Guide to Dog Coat Types
Our puppies have different coat types, depending on their breed or mix of breeds. Below is a guide to help you understand the coat types, shedding and how to care for your dog's coat.
There are 3 coat variations as well as single and double coats.
A single coat of densely packed curls
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A single or double coat with waves
Single No undercoat
Double Top coat and Undercoat
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Between 6 and 15 months, your puppy will slowly transition to a new coat. Although the coat type is already determined when your puppy is born, the puppy coat is not yet the final structure.
During this coat change, it is even more important to brush your dog well. The adult coat grows through the puppy coat. This can cause tangles or felt spots to develop more quickly. If you teach your puppy from an early age that brushing is a positive activity, you will get through this coat change without any problems.
The Wool Coat
The wool coat is a single cost of densley packed soft curls with lots of volujme and a cotton wool like texture.
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Wool coats have hypoallergenic qualities and are low to no shedding making them ideal for allergy sufferers.
How do I maintain and brush a wool coat?
A wool coat can grow quickly and requires regular grooming to avoid matting.
You will need a soft slicker brush for this type of coat. The coat needs to be brushed against the way it grows to make it fluff up.
Part your dog's wool coat into sections starting at the head and moving down the body. Part the hair at the skin and work on one individual section at a time.
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Brush one section at a time with a slicker brush.
Make sure you brush the hair all the way down to the skin as some owners only brush the surface of the coat and leave mats to form close to the skin.
If you are unable to brush out any small or large mats, you will need to shave the hair right to the skin. A professional groomer may be able to get the mat out without cutting the hair.
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The wool coat can matt easily and will require weekly brushes and 2-3 trims a year.
How do I wash a wool coat?
Wash your dog's wool coat with a Dog Shampoo and conditioner.
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Dogs have sensitive skin and their skin pH is different from the pH of human skin so human shampoo products should not be used on dogs. Test patch a small amount of products first to make sure there is no reaction or irritation. If your dog seems irritated at all – talk to your vet and try a different product that doesn’t cause any irritation.
We wash our puppies with Double K Groomer's Edge Ultimate Pet Shampoo which can be purchased online
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Massage shampoo into your dog’s coat, creating a lather over all parts of the body.
Particular areas of attention include under the front legs, around the back of the ears, back legs and groin, and along the stomach.
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Towel dry your dog and then fluff his coat by using a blow dryer and brushing him with the slicker brush from the skin out.
For tips on how to properly bathe your dog, visit this article by Daily Paws.
What breeds of dogs have a wool coat?
Cavoodles, Groodles, Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles, Bordoodles and Spoodles can all have wool coats.
The Fleece Coat (Wavy)
A fleece coat can be a single or double coat with a soft texture similar to an Angora goat. It can either have a straight wavy look or a soft spiraling curl look.
Fleece coats have low shedding hypoallergenic qualities and typically have no odour making them ideal for allergy sufferers.
How do I maintain and brush a fleece coat?
A fleece coat is relatively easy to manage.
A bristle brush or a soft slicker brush is recommended for this type of coat. The coat needs to be brushed against the way it grows to make it fluff up.
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Dogs with a fleece coat require daily brushing.
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In addition to daily brushing, these dogs really do need to see professional groomers regularly to maintain coat health. Aim to visit the groomer every 4-6 weeks.
How do I wash a fleece coat?
Wash your dog's fleece coat with a Dog Shampoo and conditioner.
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Dogs have sensitive skin and their skin pH is different from the pH of human skin so human shampoo products should not be used on dogs. Test patch a small amount of products first to make sure there is no reaction or irritation. If your dog seems irritated at all – talk to your vet and try a different product that doesn’t cause any irritation.
We wash our puppies with Double K Groomer's Edge Ultimate Pet Shampoo which can be purchased online
​
Massage shampoo into your dog’s coat, creating a lather over all parts of the body.
Particular areas of attention include under the front legs, around the back of the ears, back legs and groin, and along the stomach.
​
Towel dry your dog and then fluff his coat by using a blow dryer and brushing him with the bristle or slicker brush from the skin out.
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For tips on how to properly bathe your dog, visit this article by Daily Paws.
What breed of dogs have a fleece coat?
What breed of dogs can have a wool coat?
Groodles, Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles, Bordoodles and Spoodles can all have fleece coats.
The Hair Coats
Hair coats can vary in length and are either Double or Single Coated.
What breed of dogs can have a hair coat?
What breed of dogs can have a hair coat?
Groodles, F1B and F2B Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles, Bordoodles Cavoodles and Spoodles can all have hair coats.
How do I brush a hair coat?
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Single Coat - Short to Medium Hair
Use a bristle brush or a pin brush.
Brush in the direction of hair growth. Apply firm strokes with not not too much pressure as you don't want to irritate your dog's skin.
Aim to brush short hair, single coat dogs at least once a week.
Single Coat - Long Hair
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Use a Slicker brush is reccomended for this type of coat.
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Part your dog's coat into sections starting at the head and moving down the body.
Part the hair at the skin and work on one individual section at a time.
Make sure you brush the hair all the way down to the skin as some owners only brush the surface of the coat and leave mats to form close to the skin.
If you are unable to brush out any small or large mats, you will need to shave the hair right to the skin. A professional groomer may be able to get the mat out without cutting the hair.
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Daily brushing ensures that mats don’t appear.
Double Coat - Short to Medium hair
You will need a slicker brush or pin brush.
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Use the brush to comb out the undercoat, brushing outward from the skin. Use the same brush to go over the topcoat, brushing with the lay of the coat
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Brush them at least 2-3 times a week to remove any dead undercoat and spread out natural oils.
Double Coat - Long hair
You will need a slicker brush or pin brush and a wide-toothed comb.
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Part your dog's coat into sections starting at the head and moving down the body.
Part the hair at the skin and work on one individual section at a time.
Brush one section at a time with a slicker brush.
Make sure you brush the hair all the way down to the skin as some owners only brush the surface of the coat and leave mats to form close to the skin.
If you are unable to brush out any small or large mats, you will need to shave the hair right to the skin. A professional groomer may be able to get the mat out without cutting the hair.
Use scissors and a comb to carefully trim long hairs around your dog’s face and eyes.
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Brush them at least 2-3 times a week to remove any dead undercoat and spread out natural oils.
How do I wash a dog with single or double hair coats?
Wash your dog's hair coat with a Dog Shampoo and conditioner.
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Dilute shampoo so it goes further and can be worked into several layers of long hair. Wet your dog down with a handheld shower and apply shampoo. Avoid the eyes; use a cloth to wet and shampoo around the eye area. Work through all layers with diluted shampoo. Rinse thoroughly to get rid of all residue
Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/grooming/bathe-a-long-haired-dog
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Dogs have sensitive skin and their skin pH is different from the pH of human skin so human shampoo products should not be used on dogs. Test patch a small amount of products first to make sure there is no reaction or irritation. If your dog seems irritated at all – talk to your vet and try a different product that doesn’t cause any irritation.
We wash our puppies with Double K Groomer's Edge Ultimate Pet Shampoo which can be purchased online
​
Massage shampoo into your dog’s coat, creating a lather over all parts of the body.
Particular areas of attention include under the front legs, around the back of the ears, back legs and groin, and along the stomach.
​
Towel dry your dog and then fluff his coat by using a blow dryer and brushing him with the bristle or slicker brush from the skin out.
How often should I wash a single coat short haired dog?
Every 4-6 weeks or when they start to smell unpleasant.
However, watch out for signs that you may be bathing them too much. Brittle hair, increased shedding, or dry skin are all indicators that you are bathing your single short haired dog too much.