Coats, Undercoats, and Textures

  
by KYW's Nan Talleno


There are many types of coat length and textures for various breeds of dogs.  They include the hairless, short, medium, and long coats.

Hairless dogs include the American Hairless Terrier, the Chinese Crested, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Hairless Khala, and the Mexican Hairless -- also known as the Xoloitzcuintle (pronounced show-lo-its-queen-ti-li).

Curly-haired dogs have little or no undercoat to shed, but must be brushed and maintained to avoid tangles and matting.  These dogs include  Bichon Frise, Poodle, Curly Coated Retriever, and Irish Water Spaniel. 
   
Examples of dogs with a more dense undercoat and a short, smooth, soft outercoat  are German Shepherds, Labradors, and Huskies. 
 
Dogs with short under and outercoats include Boxers, Pinschers, and Pointers. Dogs with longer outercoats that are smooth and shiny include Collies, Border Collies, Samoyeds, and certain types of Spitzes.  
 
Most dogs shed two times a year. No matter the coat length or texture, all dogs need grooming and maintenance on a continual basis.