Depending on the dog breed you have chosen, your dog will have more or less fur. However, grooming is necessary for all breeds. We frequently receive questions about grooming. Classics include: Is it safe for my dog to bathe? Should I use shampoo, and if so, which one? How do I deal with matted fur on long-haired breeds? Which brush is ideal for my dog? And when is it better to visit a dog groomer? We have compiled our tips from our experiences in this guide on dog fur.
What is the function of a dog's coat and skin?
A dog's skin is a natural barrier against intruders such as bacteria, viruses, etc., and protects your dog's body from allergic reactions or infections. For this purpose, the skin produces sebum, for example. But beyond that, dog skin needs additional protection: the dog's coat. Just like our hair, your dog's fur is important for regulating skin function in terms of wetness, cold, strong sun exposure (yes, dogs can also get sunburn), or to minimize abrasions and other injuries when rambling through bushes and undergrowth.
By the way: Wolves don't need grooming because they squeeze through bushes and rub against trees. Our domestic dogs don't do that, so it's our job as dog owners to groom them regularly. Incidentally: in the wild, animals also groom each other, and your dog will recognize how much you love him through this. Another advantage: you can also detect wounds or parasites early and react accordingly.
What many forget: a good dog coat is also promoted by the right nutrition. Therefore, you should feed your four-legged friend according to his needs and not just with dry food from the discounter. Fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 are important, as they support healthy coat growth and ensure shine.
These are the coat types found in dogs
With more than 300 different dog breeds, there are now all types of coats. Here, we'll look at the most important coat types and give you tips on grooming them:
Coat type: Stock hair - short to long
- Typical breeds: German Shepherd, Spitz, Labrador Retriever
- Characteristics: this original dog coat is also found in wolves; in addition to the topcoat, there is a lot of undercoat
- Grooming: during shedding in spring and autumn, a lot of grooming is necessary (preferably daily), in between, depending on the hair length: short stock hair is up to about four centimeters long and needs about once a week with a dog brush, up to ten centimeters long stock hair once or twice weekly.
Coat type: Short hair / Smooth hair
- Typical breeds: Boxer, Pinscher, Dalmatian, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Beagle
- Characteristics: very smooth coat, hardly any undercoat
- Grooming: relaxed, as these dogs have a lot of topcoat and require relatively little care, brushing once a week is usually sufficient.
Coat type: Long hair
- Typical breeds: Bobtail, Tibetan Terrier, Briard, Bearded Collie
- Characteristics: long hair with little or a lot of undercoat; often, topcoat and undercoat are the same length and difficult to distinguish
- Grooming: like our hair, long hair requires more effort in terms of care, and with dogs, a distinction is also made between little and a lot of undercoat. Breeds with little undercoat are easier to care for, and breeds with a lot of undercoat, like the Bobtail, require at least one hour of grooming every week, preferably spread over several days, as matting can occur quickly here. Important: only shorten undercoat with scissors to avoid severe matting.
Coat type: Wavy hair
- Typical breeds: Poodle and Poodle mixes, Barbet, Bichon, Bedlington Terrier
- Characteristics: usually curly fur with little soft undercoat
- Grooming: since wavy-haired breeds do not shed, you have to use scissors yourself and brush regularly, preferably daily, to avoid matting. Important: don't forget the ears; hairs in the ear canals must also be removed regularly.
Coat type: Wirehair / Rough hair
- Typical breeds: many Terriers, Schnauzers, Wire-haired Dachshunds
- Characteristics: firm, water-repellent fur with a lot of undercoat
- Grooming: since the topcoat of wire-haired breeds does not shed on its own, brushing and combing once a week is necessary, as well as regular stripping.
Brushing your dog: how, with what, and how often?
Brushing your dog should be a standard routine that you perform regularly. By brushing, you remove dead hair and eliminate dirt. The result: your dog's coat not only looks shinier again, but you also promote your dog's blood circulation and prevent itching, allowing the skin to breathe and better regulate body temperature. So, by simply brushing, you improve your dog's appearance and hygiene.
Many ask themselves: How do I get my dog used to regular combing? This usually works best if you introduce it playfully from puppyhood, being as gentle as you are quick. Dogs usually don't have much patience and always find something to distract them. It might take some time, but after a while, you'll find the optimal routine that suits both of you. There are also many dogs who enjoy brushing as much as petting.
A dog-appropriate brush is important. If brushing is more of a struggle with your dog, you can also use a coat spray like Biodor Animal Care Spray in between. This cleans the coat without water by simply spraying it on and effectively covers bad odors.
Dog groomer: yes or no?
In most cases, you can take care of your dog's coat yourself. After all, you know them best. However, there are times when good advice is needed. Trained dog groomers can then advise you professionally and use special products. They are often also ideal contacts who can show you how to bathe, trim, and cut hair correctly. Especially when it comes to trimming and clipping, many dog owners often make small beginner's mistakes, which can be avoided this way.
Bathing your dog: whenever necessary
Opinions differ here. The fact is: if your dog has rolled in stinky things, you can't avoid bathing him. However, be aware that too frequent bathing can promote skin irritation; as a rule of thumb, bathe your dog a maximum of once a week. Normal dirt can usually be brushed out easily, especially before bathing. When it comes to bathing your dog, always use a special dog shampoo. Only this is adapted to the pH value of dog skin; even pH-neutral shampoos that you might use yourself are absolutely taboo for your dog. A good dog shampoo is also free of silicones, parabens, and SLS.
Pro tip: use a mat in the bathtub when bathing so your dog doesn't slip and injure himself. Also important: rinse out the shampoo completely; residues can irritate the skin and cause unpleasant itching, no matter how good the shampoo is. And eyes, nose, and mouth should under no circumstances come into contact with the shampoo.
Which dog breed do you have at home? And how often and with what do you care for your four-legged friend? Tell us in the comments.
