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When it comes to grooming your dog, it is a good idea to know what sort of coat type it has.

There are many different types of coats including: Short/Smooth, Combination/Silky, Double/Heavy, Long/Drop, Curly/Wavy, Corded, Rustic, Wire and Hairless.

See below for a description of the different coat types, along with breed examples, as well as recommended grooming frequencies.

  • Coat is short and close to the body.

    Bathing frequency: Every 1-12 weeks

    Brushing frequency: Every 4-8 weeks

    Breed examples: Dalmation, Weimaraner, Viszla, Pointer, Pug, Rottweiler, Labrador Retriever, Beagle

  • Combination of long, silky coat and short smooth coat.

    Bathing frequency: Every 1-12 weeks

    Brushing frequency: Every 1-7 days

    Breed examples: Border Collie, King Charles Cavalier, Papillon, Cocker Spaniel, Irish Setter

  • Combination of outercoat and undercoat which is thick and dense.

    Bathing frequency: Every 1-12 weeks

    Brushing frequency: Every 1-7 days

    Breed examples: German Shepherd, Alaskan Malmute, Siberian Husky, Welsh Corgi, Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, Samoyed

  • Long coat over entire body, drop-coat type, considered non-shedding.

    Bathing frequency: Every 1-12 weeks

    Brushing frequency: Every 1-3 days

    Breed examples: Silky Terrier, Maltese, Afghan Hound

  • Soft, curly or wavy coat, considered non-shedding.

    Bathing frequency: Every 1-12 weeks

    Brushing frequency: Every 1-3 days

    Clipping frequency: Every 4-6 weeks

    Breed examples: Bichon Frise, Poodle, Bedlington Terrier

  • Cords are made up of strong top coat entwining itself around soft, wooly undercoat. Referred to as a “controlled mat”. Essentially looks and feels like dreadlocks.

    Bathing frequency: Every 12 weeks or when needed

    Brushing frequency: Every 1-4 weeks with fingers to work the cords

    Breed examples: Komondor, Puli, Bergamasco

  • Rustic, tousled and unkempt looking

    Bathing frequency: Every 3-12 weeks

    Brushing frequency: Every 2-3 weeks with a rake or comb, not brush

    Breed examples: Lagotto Romagnolo, Pumi, Belgian Laekenois, Spanish Water Dog

  • Combination of soft, dense undercoat with wiry guard hair on outer coat.

    Bathing frequency: Every 1-12 weeks

    Hand-stripping frequency: Every 4-8 weeks

    Breed examples: Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, Irish Wolfhound, Border Terrier

  • Some breeds may have a few sprigs of hair on select parts of their body.

    Bathing frequency: Every 1-2 weeks. Wipe down daily with a moist cloth.

    Breed examples: Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli, Peruvian Inca Orchid, American Hairless Terrier