Have you ever touched a dog, and you feel like you have touched a warm, big blanket? That’s the beauty and charm of double-coated dog breeds. Due to their double coats, such breeds are typically referred to as fluffy, poofy, and downy. Certainly, leads to more love and hugs from people around.
Double-coated dog breeds have coats made up of two different layers, as per the AKC. The outer layer consists of long, coarse hairs, making it a harsh topcoat, also referred to as guard hairs or primary hairs. The inner layer, also termed as undercoat, is the short, soft, and dense second layer.
The purpose of a double coat is not just to make a dog breed fluffy and look cute. Certainly, it protects the dog from harsh weather conditions, like cold weather, providing insulation for the dog to stay warm. While in hot weather, make them cool by trapping cool air close to the skin. Moreover, the double coat also has a waterproof effect.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the significance of coat protection, along popular double-coated dog breeds will be discussed.
Double-Coated Dog Breeds
1. Akita
Originating from Japan, this giant, muscular breed is one of the coolest double-coated dog breeds. The Akita’s insulating coat, along with its thick neck, erect triangular ears, and upright curled tail, gives it a teddy bear-like appearance.
The thick double coat of Akitas consists of a short outer coat and a very dense and plush undercoat. About two to three times a year, Akitas heavily shed. This process of shedding is often termed as blowing their coat.
During the shedding process, their undercoat would shed in the form of clumps, so don’t panic. During this time, try to brush the dog to contain loose fur. Moreover, when they are not going through the blowing process, they only need to be brushed a couple of times a week.
2. Chow Chow
Originating from China, Chow Chows are all-purpose dogs. They are compact, well-built dogs that come in black, cream, cinnamon, blue, or red colors.
Around its head and shoulders, Chow Chow has a characteristic lion’s mane. Their blue-black tongue and almond eyes give it a snobbish look. Moreover, another distinct feature is their double coat.
The double coat of the Chow Chow consists of two layers of coat. Out of which, the undercoat has a wool-like texture, and the outer coat is either smooth or rough. The soft coat is soft, thick, and woolly. On the other hand, a rough coat consists of dense, straight hairs.
The texture of the smooth coat is harsher compared to the rough coat. But like the rough coat does, the smooth coat doesn’t have an obvious ruff or feathering. But Chows either have a smooth or rough coat, and both coats require regular brushing. On the other hand, regular bathing is not necessarily required.
Although they don’t like snuggles much but under a fluffy coat, they have a heart of gold, so they make a wonderful furry friend.
3. Newfoundland
Newfoundland might look like a bear with a sweet temperament. It’s a large, strong working dog of dense bone and noble bearing. The gentle-natured Newfie is known to be a good companion. Moreover, it has earned a reputation as a patient and watchful ‘nanny dog’ for kids, as per Britannica.
Newfoundland is one of the double-coated dog breeds. They have a dense, flat, water-resistant double coat. Their double coat has a fluffy, soft, dense undercoat and a coarse, long, water-resistant outer coat.
Their double coat, a marvel of nature that provides insulation, waterproofing, and protection in equal measure to withstand the harsh climatic conditions. Moreover, they have a history of lifesaving, as they are avid swimmers.
Additionally, the outer coat provides some protection against harmful UV rays from the sun. While not as effective as sunscreen, the dense fur can help shield the dog’s skin from prolonged exposure to sunlight, reducing the risk of sunburn and related skin conditions.
Moreover, they typically require brushing a couple of times a week as these double-coated dogs are moderate shedders. But twice a year, they do blow their coats and will need daily brushing during the process.
4. Pomeranian
Pomeranian is one of the world’s most popular toy breeds that has a glorious double coat, a smiling, foxy face, and a vivacious personality. The Pomeranian combines a tiny body and a commanding big-dog demeanor.
It is one of the smallest Spitz dog breeds, having a fluffy double coat. This fluffy dog’s coat consists of a medium–to-long smooth outer coat and a wavy, wiry undercoat. Around the neck, this double coat forms a profuse ruff that extends over the shoulders and chest.
They need brushing a few times a week to prevent mats. Although these double-coated breeds are moderate shedders. But expect increased shedding that requires more frequent grooming sessions during spring and fall.
In order to help maintain their ideal coat health, home care is essential. For instance, regular brushing is a must. While brushing, make sure the brush reaches through the coat to groom the undercoat.
5. Siberian Husky
These double-coated dog breeds are popularly known as naturally clean breeds, who seldom needs a bath. They have a medium-length, straight outer coat paired with a soft and dense undercoat.
Whilst performing their sled dog duties in the freezing temperatures of Siberia, their outer coat would help them to keep warm. Around twice a year, when it will require a good rake out, the undercoat will shed. It’s an interesting fact that Huskies in warmer climates tend to shed more than those in cooler areas.
This undercoat sheds about twice yearly. Brushing them with a rake-style brush will help remove the loose undercoat, reduce shedding, and distribute oils evenly across the skin.
6. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute has an extremely thick double coat that is waterproof. The undercoat is oily and woolly and around one – two inches deep, paired with a thick and coarse outer coat. The undercoat actually repels damp and cold.
Whilst carrying out a variety of tasks from hunting to sledding in the unforgiving Alaskan climate, this double coat helps them to keep warm. Moreover, expect heavy shedding twice yearly, and the dogs’ double coat requires regular brushing.
Their thick double coat needs daily brushing, which will remove any dirt and debris, prevent excess shedding, and spread oils to moisturize the skin.
7. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd’s unique double coat seems like an artist’s palette of patterns and colors. These double-coated dog breeds contain a shorter undercoat and a weather-resistant, medium-length, straight to wavy outer coat.
In order to prevent mats and remove loose fur, Australian Shepherd dogs generally need a weekly brushing. Moreover, using a grooming rake every couple of days will help to get rid of loose undercoat fur during the times of profuse shedding.
Additionally, in terms of grooming, it’s best to avoid shaving your dog’s coat. It will go against their natural coat, acting as a temperature barrier and protection.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
As the name suggests, the Bernese Mountain Dog breed is a hard-working farm breed from the Alps. Its double coat consists of a woolly undercoat and a long topcoat. The woolly undercoat helps these double-coated breeds to stay safe from cold weather.
On a regular basis, these double-coated dogs shed quite a bit. But they shed profoundly when they blow their coats a couple of times a year. During their major sheds, brush them at least weekly and up to daily.
Deshedding tools help remove the undercoat and keep the shedding a little more manageable. Owners should also invest in a good vacuum cleaner, too.
9. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are easy-going dog breeds that possess a constant smiling face. They are top picks for children due to their gentle nature.
There are three different types of Golden Retrievers, but they all share medium-length coats ranging in color from cream to honey to red, and their fur is straight or wavy, with feathering.
Due to this dense double coat, Golden Retrievers shed a lot. They also tend to develop matted hair behind their ears and on their hind limbs. So, Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming.
Conclusion
Double-coated dog breeds, offering both beauty and functionality with their distinctive coats, make wonderful companions. Their ability to adapt to various climates and their loyal, loving nature often make them the perfect choice for many dog owners.
Though they require diligent grooming, be prepared for regular grooming sessions, especially during the shedding period, if you’re considering adopting a double-coated dog into your family. But know that the bond you form with your furry friend will be more than worth the effort.
