What Is a Double-Coated Dog? Vet-Verified Info, Breed Examples & Care Guide
All dogs are pretty impressive in looks. After all, if you consider they all come from wolves, it’s wild to consider that all these different coat colors, textures, and lengths originated from this ancient canid species.
If you have heard the term double-coat, you might wonder what it means and if your current dog or a dog you want has this breed feature. Essentially, a double coat means that the dog has two layers of hair. There are longer hairs extending to the outside of the coat and shorter hairs serving as an inner coat for insulation. Let’s explore this coat type so you can get more comfortable with the cleanup required for double-coated breeds.
What Is a Double Coat?
Double-coated is likely a term you hear thrown around a lot, even if you’re not 100% sure what that means. A double coat means that the dog has two types of hair growing to make up the coat. There are longer “primary” or “guard” hairs that are for prevention of skin injuries and repel water. They give the coat its distinctive color and pattern. There are also shorter, softer and more numerous “secondary” hairs or the “undercoat” for protection against extremes of weather and temperature. Dogs are covered in hair virtually the same as human scalp hair in structure but when this hair has a smooth texture it is usually referred to as hair and when more coarse or fluffy it is often called fur.
You might see the term double coated related to long-haired breeds like the Great Pyrenees, and you might assume that it has something to do with coat length. However, even short haired dogs can have double coats, and it serves a very defined purpose, which can change depending on the breed in question.
Dogs with double coats typically shed in higher volume than dogs with a single coat and usually experience seasonal coat blowouts, in which they shed a bunch of fur. During spring or fall months, their coats begin to change to prepare for the upcoming season.
How Are Double Coats Useful?
Double coats are extremely useful for a variety of reasons, but primarily for climate control. Often, dogs who come from colder climates have an extra layer of fur to provide insulation and protection to their skin. Most double-coated breeds tend to be more tolerant of colder weather. It has been found that there are variations in the genetics of single-coated dogs (missing the undercoat) that are rarely present in wolves.1
Breeds of Double-Coated Dogs
Now that you know more about a double coat, what are some dogs that have this trait? We will go over the different dogs as well as a fun fact or two about their care and personality.
This is not an all-inclusive list, but these are some of the most popular dog breeds with double coats.
Akita
The Akita is a striking looking ancient Japanese dog breed. These fearsome protectors are well known for their unique appearance. The Akita is definitely not for the faint of heart. These loyal defenders will stand by your side and can even be prone to intolerance of other people and other pets.
Personality-wise, these dogs tend to be aloof and strong willed. They may show a sillier more playful side with their trusted human caregivers. If you choose to bring an Akita into your home, you will definitely need to keep up with training, social skills and grooming.
However, this is something that you might have to do from your own home as the Akita does not necessarily take well to strangers and might not be the best candidate for going to a professional groomer who is not familiar with the breed.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a breed from China known for being a guardian of fierce proportions. These dogs mean business! In addition to their notably black tongue, they also have a thick double coat. Many Chow Chows, especially as puppies, resemble a bear, with fur to match.
The Chow Chow certainly needs an owner that knows what they’re doing. These dogs are fiercely loyal and protective of their families, they don’t seem to have a ton of affection towards strangers and other animals.
For this reason, Chow Chows work best in homes with a highly experienced owner who can train them and socialize them efficiently.
German Shepherd
A German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds of all time. It’s really no wonder. Their intelligence and training capabilities are out of this world! The German Shepherd is well-renowned for their work ethic and trainability, making them a favorite in areas of service, support, and rescue.
Since these dogs are considered double-coated, they are sure to leave tumbleweeds of fluff all around your house. Daily brushing and general home cleanliness can really help to alleviate a lot of the trouble, but you have to be diligent.
These dogs are very impressive overall, but grooming is definitely a factor you should always consider when selecting the right breed for you.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees might not surprise you to make the list. They have very long, thick coats that were originally designed to protect them from extreme temperatures in mountainous weather.
The Great Pyrenees is an awesome family, dog, and perfect for people who live in the country. These dogs have natural guardian instincts, and are both patient and discerning, making them very even tempered.
Many of these dogs prefer to be outdoors, so you might find that your Pyrenees likes hanging out on the porch more than their doggy bed inside. They are frequent shedders and cleanup is essential.
You will have to remove the fur from your fabrics and clothing, and make sure to keep up with daily brushing to keep everything in order.
Havanese
The cheerful little Havanese was created in Cuba as a companion dog and they fit the role beautifully! These small dogs are very people oriented and love nothing more than being with their humans. These dogs can be extremely attached, meaning they can make a terrific, emotional support dog legally, or just a best buddy in general!
The Havanese is one of the only dog breeds to be kind to allergies and double-coated at the same time. Interestingly, these dogs are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they are anecdotally less likely to trigger allergies than some other breeds, and also shed far less frequently.
If you brush your Havanese, you might get a few hairs rounded up, but it’s really nothing to write home about. The shed output is nothing like that of some of the others we have already listed here.
Husky
The Husky is a real fan favorite. These Alaskan sled dogs have an extreme pack mentality and take loyalty to another level. These dogs are very vocal in nature. They certainly put a spin on having an interesting personality and excitable nature.
It might be no surprise to you that these snow dogs require a very dense insulated coat to keep them warm. After all, it’s the primary source they rely on in freezing temperatures to keep them protected.
If you have a Husky in your home, you will quickly get used to daily brushing and general cleanup. It isn’t unusual to see a tumbleweed of hair, floating across your hardwood floors or attaching to your fabric surfaces.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular double-coated dog breeds thanks to their loyalty and friendliness. But their double coat is unique because it helps to make them more waterproof and insulates them from cold temperatures.
Labradors were bred for retrieving ducks and other waterfowl from the water for hunters, so they needed to have a coat to help protect them. Interestingly, they also have slightly webbed feet to help them swim better.
However, even if your Labrador is just a companion dog, you can expect them to shed significant amounts of fur around your home. So, you will need to keep up with routine brushing and grooming to keep from having shed hair everywhere.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a dog of mass proportions. These big cuddle bugs are well known for being some of the sweetest big dog breeds of all. They have charming personalities and a gentle giant approach to all things in life. They tend to make extremely good playmates for children, other pets, and any human on the planet.
If you have a Newfoundland, you are no stranger to the slobber and shedding that comes along with them. What you might not have known is that these dogs are also double-coated, which means that they shed tremendously year-round.
Even though they are calm enough to live in apartments and other small spaces, general upkeep is essential and we recommend them for larger homes. But overall, the Newfie is known for being a sweet, even-tempered dog, which is a huge upside for some. However, the intense grooming and general cleanup might be a lot for some people to handle.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The little Corgi is a favorite for a reason. These peppy little dogs have so much love to offer, and they take on life with a glass-half-full approach. Bred for herding they are alert and agile dogs who like to be with their human companions and have a big dog bark.
They also have a double coat, which means that they will shed continuously. Their coats are relatively short, but they tend to shed in bulk, meaning lots of tufts of hair come out at once. These dogs require regular grooming to keep up with any hair loss throughout the day.
Pug
The cheerful Pug will warm your heart with their silly personalities. These dogs tend to be a friend to all—and they even make a pretty good watch dog! These little pups are perfect for apartment living and get along with just about anything—human or otherwise.
However, what you might not expect is that some colors of these short-haired little dogs have a double coat. The apricot, fawn and silver pugs tend to have double coats and the black ones a single coat. That means that they shed more densely than others. So, it is very important to practice daily brushing and remember to clean their folds!
Because these little pups are brachycephalic and wrinkly, they will need you to clean out their wrinkles to prevent any debris or build up that could lead to irritation or infection.
Grooming Supplies for Double-Coated Dogs
Double-coated dogs will certainly need a lot of care in the grooming department. It is important that your fabrics, furniture, and floors stay fur-free and your pet’s daily shedding is collected in a brush and thrown in the trash.
Here are some important grooming items to have on hand to help you with the process.
Slicker Brushes
Slicker brushes are designed in a smart fashion. Some of them have curved bristles while others are straight. However, the overall design is used to penetrate the fur and collect any loose shed hair and fur in the coat.
Many of these brushes come with a self-cleaning mechanism where you can press a button and the bristles retract so that the hair falls into the trash can. Even if your particular slicker brush does not have these features, they are still pretty easy to clean, as all the fur clumps together.
De-Shedding Tool
De-shedding tools will be a real lifesaver when it comes to removing all of the dead fur and debris from the undercoat. The trouble with a double-coated dog breed is that you don’t always see all of the shed existing in the undercoat.
There can be tons of tiny hair follicles underneath that are no longer serving a purpose, so using a de-shedding tool every few weeks can be extremely helpful. Most of the time, the de-shedding tool is best to use after a bath so that you can remove anything that’s left in the coat before letting them dry and setting them free.
Shampoo/Conditioner
The type of shampoo and conditioner you use can be very important. While there is no specified product that you should buy, it’s always best to get natural, hypoallergenic products specifically made for dogs to avoid chemical exposure and skin irritation.
Shedding Rake
In some cases, getting a fur thinner or rake is a very good idea. It will allow you to cut through problematic areas of the coat, leaving your dog’s fur thinner and tangle-free. These are not suitable for all breeds however so do check first.
Clean Up Tools for the Home
Vacuum Cleaners
There are numerous brands of vacuum cleaners on the market that are targeted at pet parents. These offer features such as special attachments to better pick up the hair, anti-wrap technology and HEPA filters. You may also find yourself longing for a robot vacuum cleaner and these can be a great help in keeping on top of dog fluff tumbleweed.
Brooms
Rubber brooms can be really useful for hard floors and short tufted rugs.
Carpet Scrapers
There are also clever little tools for getting those embedded hairs out of carpets. The carpet scrapers are metal tools with little teeth that really get in there to grab hairs. Take care on delicate fabrics however.
NEVER Shave a Double-Coated Dog
It is important that you never shave a double-coated dog’s fur completely off in order to make grooming easier and reduce shedding. Doing so can cause the fur to not grow back properly. This will reduce the coat’s ability to regulate your dog’s temperature, can contribute to more skin problems, and can make your dog more prone to sunburn. The short hairs and long hairs grow at different rates. Your veterinarian may need to shave your pet for medical procedures and in this case the shaving is acceptable.
Conclusion
Now you know a lot more about what a double coat is and what types of dogs possess it. Not all dogs have this coat type, and some double-coated dogs still shed more than others. You have dogs like the Havanese that have double coats, but don’t shed or cause allergies nearly as much as some other breeds. If you have a double-coated breed of any kind, one thing is for certain, routine grooming and consistent cleaning is a must!
Featured Image Credit: Ana Bencina Kosmac, Shutterstock
