Think all dog coats are the same? Think again! From dreadlocked pups to spotted showstoppers, the dog world is bursting with wild and wonderful coat styles. Whether it’s curls, waves, tufts, or sleek shine, there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye.
Here’s the cool part: According to the American Kennel Club, a dog’s coat is actually controlled by three tiny genes: FGF5, KRT71, and RSPO2 (try saying those three times fast!).
FGF5 decides how long the hair grows,
KRT71 controls if it’s curly or straight,
and RSPO2 handles whether your pup rocks facial fluff or goes clean-cut.
Pretty fascinating, right? Let’s dive into the most unique-coated canines out there, you’ll be amazed at just how stylish nature can get!
Dog Breeds with Unusual Coats and Striking Patterns
1. Komondor
Originally from Hungary, the Komondor stands out in the crowd with its white corded coat. As fascinating as its name, this flock guardian’s uniqueness makes the grooming totally worth it. The white coat has distinctive, long hair that looks braided. After some grooming and styling, it looks runway-ready.
It doesn’t just sound majestic; Komondor (plural Komondorok) is a big dog. The females can weigh above 80 pounds, and the males can go way above 100 pounds. These large dogs need daily grooming, so make sure you have your calendar blocked out for this.
Their outer coat is quite rough, while the undercoat tends to be smooth. Due to their thick, luxurious coats, they’re suitable for colder climates.
PetMD advises watching out against ear infections, dysplasia, and entropion. Also, be wary of ticks and fleas, and give them regular baths to keep the white coat from looking muddy.
2. Shar-Pei
Shar-Pei is a dog breed hailing from Southern China. This grumpy-looking but adorable pup has a rough coat and is known for its wrinkly appearance. The word Shar-Pei itself means ‘sandpaper skin’ in Cantonese. So, you know what to expect when petting it.
Proper grooming is a good owner’s love language. However, Shar-Pei is mostly a low-maintenance doggo. One bath every month would keep your canine in its best form. Some nail trimming and weekly ear-cleaning won’t hurt either.
This versatile canine comes in many striking colors, including shades of brown, cream, blue, lilac dilute, and fawn.
This guy is a little drool-prone. If you’re completely anti-drool, Shar-Pei might not be the right pet for you. On the plus side, they’re quite trainable and make watchdogs as they’re protective in nature. AKC recommends early socialization to make it comfortable around people.
3. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is an instantly recognizable toy breed and does not have a usual dog-like coat, but silky hair. It’s adored as a companion dog due to its unique appearance and playfulness. They tend to be a little feline-like in temperament.
They stand 11 to 13 inches tall and can be 8 to 12 pounds heavy. Their color palette is quite diverse; it includes shades of chocolate, blue, pink, white, and sable.
This elegant breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Make sure to brush this playful diva’s hair at least a few times a week to keep it smooth. Some occasional trimming won’t hurt, as the hair tends to grow.
PetMD warns that the Chinese Crested is a little accident-prone due to its size and bone density. You might want to keep an eye out for these gremlins. The Chinese Cresteds are prone to skin sensitivities and allergies; a skincare routine incorporating hypoallergenics can help.
If your Chinese Crested is Hairless, be generous about buying dog sunscreen. Sunburn is a huge concern with them, though their brown patches are more immune to it.
4. Bedlington Terrier
If you ever see a lamb that barks, you actually saw a Bedlington Terrier. With its unmissable, distinctive coat, this dog is as unique as it gets. According to PetMD, Bedlington Terriers were originally bred at a mining shire in Northumberland, England.
Somewhat fuzzy, its curly coat is medium in length and doesn’t shed much. These fuzzpops are great companions to their families and have a protective instinct. They might surprise you with how fast they can run and might chase small animals.
Bedlington Terriers enjoy playtime and attention from their owners. Some exercise and mental stimulation games are necessary for this curious and intelligent dog. They were originally bred as work dogs and have hunter instincts. Don’t be surprised if you see them digging around.
5. Curly Coated Retriever
Stand up for the oldest known retriever breed! The Curly Coated Retriever is also called ‘curlies’ and is famous for their striking, brown and sometimes black tresses.
They are intelligent and loving in nature. They are loyal to their family but couldn’t care less about strangers. They are awesome watchdogs; alert, loyal, and always ready to protect their home. Whether they’re out in the field or snuggled up on the couch, they’re devoted companions through and through.
Curlies will shed every six months, so be prepared to remove the dead hair with a grooming tool. They don’t really have an undercoat. While grooming this canine bestie, blow drying their hair while it’s wet will do the trick.
While curlies are quite active, they will also happily chill with you at home. They are good boys (and girls) known for their good manners. If you’re an introvert who loves to stay at home, this dog is the one for you. But don’t forget to give them their outdoor time and exercise as well.
6. Xoloitzcuintle
Revered in Aztec mythology, the Xoloitzcuintli, often called the Xolo, is Mexico’s iconic hairless dog. It proudly wears its baldness as a symbol of purity and grace. Majestic, elegant, and deeply loyal, this gentle breed carries centuries of history and heart in every step.
This breed comes in three size categories: toy Xolo, Miniature Xolo, and Standard Xolo.
Toy: 10-14 inches tall.
Miniature: Height between 14-18 inches.
Standard: They are 18-23 inches tall.
They’re mostly smooth head to toe, but some variations have brittle hair on their head, feet, and the top of their tail. Some Xolos even come with skin pigmentation due to their genes.
They normally have solid dark coats, but those with seal, liver, brown, and pariah tones are also not uncommon. According to AKC, you’ll also find them with white markings and tri-color.
This hairless breed is prone to developing skin issues. Pamper your Xolo with regular baths and protect its skin with a good dog sunscreen.
7. Thai Ridgeback
Thai Ridgeback is one of the ancient breeds, domesticated only about 350 years ago. Now globally popular, this Thai hunter breed is well-suited for a dedicated and experienced owner. It’s not for beginners. Its smooth coat is on the shorter side in length.
While mostly they’re baddies in black, other colors you might see them in are red, blue-gray, red, and fawn. Now, let’s address the ridge in the room! If you’ve seen a Ridgeback, you’ve noticed it for sure. It’s a strip of hair that stands on the shoulder of the dog, all the way to its back.
Thai Ridgebacks are a smart and independent breed. They usually have medium to high energy levels, spending much of the day relaxing, but bursting into action during short, lively spurts.
This dog has a minimal shedding tendency, so all they need is off and on brushing. They don’t have an undercoat and just need occasional baths to stay clean.
Conclusion
Getting to know different types of dog coats helps potential owners prepare for grooming routines and budgeting. Coats are an important and interesting factor in determining a dog’s appeal and its grooming needs. Some other dog breeds worth mentioning with fascinating coats are the Alaskan Malamute, the Great Dane, the Catahoula Leopard Dog, and the Poodle.
