Double Coats
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Many popular breeds, from the GOLDEN RETRIEVER and
the BORDER COLLIE to the GERMAN SHEPHERD and the
SIBERIAN HUSKY, are double-coated. In most cases, the inner
coat is made of hair that is short and soft. Serving as a protective
barrier against the elements, this coat is usually dense.
Outer coats come in a wide variety of lengths and textures. Some double-coated breeds have a short to medium outer coat, while others have a longer outer coat. In breeds such as the POMERANIAN or the SHETLAND SHEEPDOG, the hair is straight |
and harsh – while other breeds such as the AFGHAN
HOUND or the YORKSHIRE TERRIER have silky outer coats.
Double-coated dogs should be groomed regularly to keep both
the inner and outer coats healthy. The thick hair of the inner coat can be prone to matting
when it gets too long. This is especially true of Nordic breeds, many of which will
not shed their inner coat hair.
Regular grooming with a slicker brush will remove dead hair and debris from the inner
and outer coat.To work on the undercoat, use of an undercoat rake and a wide-toothed
comb helps remove hair. For silky coated breeds like the AFGHAN or YORKIE, a mediumtoothed
comb should be used. When grooming, you should pay careful attention to
areas that are prone to matting, such as behind the ears, the mane and the legs. If
matting is severe, consult a professional. |
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