While there are quite a few different coat
types and they can even vary slightly within a specific breen, here is a general outline of all the differences. We've
also included some examples and pictures, so you know exactly what we're talking about when we say a big, fluffy, heavy-coated
Newfoundland!
SMOOTH-COATED BREEDS
In general, the smooth coat is clean and odor-free. It is close to the body, and individual hairs
are short and stiff. The skin is soft, and it is often sensitive to harsh products, tools, and equipment.
Examples: Pointers, Boxers, Bulldogs, & Boston Terriers
COMBINATION-COATED BREEDS
The combination coat has both a short, smooth coat and a long, silky coat. A very short coat is on the face
and front sides of the legs; a short, dense coat is on the body; and a longer coat is on the tail, the undercarriage, and
the rear sides of the legs.
Examples: Golden Retrievers, Border Collies,
& Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
DOUBLE-COATED
BREEDS
The double coat is straight, and short to moderate in length.
It has a harsh outer guard coat, and a dense, thick, soft down undercoat, which protects against extreme weather.
Examples: Akitas, German Shepherds, & Siberian Huskies
HEAVY-COATED BREEDS
The heavy
coat has both long, thick, silky coat and limited short, smooth coat.
Examples:
Newfoundlands, Chow Chows, & Pekingese
SILKY-COATED
BREEDS
The silky coat has both long, silky coat and limited short,
smooth coat. A very short, tight coat is on the face and front sides of the legs; a short coat is on the body; and a
longer coat is on the tail, the undercarriage, and the rear sides of the legs.
Examples: Setters, Cocker Spaniels, & Springer Spaniels
SHORT-COATED BREEDS
The short coat is short, firm,
and close to the body
Examples: Labrador Retreivers, Beagles, Rottweilers,
& Pugs
LONG-HAIRED BREEDS
The natural long-haired coat is characterized by long coat covering the entire body, and is considered
non-shedding.
Examples: Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers, Tibetian Terriers,
Lhasa Apsos, & Malteses
CURLY- AND WAVY-COATED
BREEDS
The curly or wavy coat is soft, curly or wavy, and non-shedding.
Examples: Poodles, Old English Sheepdogs, & Bichon Frises
WIRE-COATED BREEDS
The wire
coat has a soft, dense undercoat that covers much of the body, wiry guard hair that covers the entire body.
Examples: most Terriers, Schnausers, Wire-Haired Dauchshunds
