How To Identify Your Dog’s Coat Type
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Knowing the difference between low, medium, and high-density dog coats can help when shopping for dog shampoo.
Dogs come in many shapes and sizes, and so do their coats. Some pups have curly hair, some have bristly dog fur, and some have dog fur types that grow down to the floor. 1
The type of coat a dog has depends on its breed and genetics, with some having just a single layer of hair and others having a double coat with both an outer layer and a soft undercoat. These differences affect how much dogs shed and how much care their coats need. 1
Understanding Dog Coat Types
As a dog owner, knowing what type of coat your dog has can help you be a better groomer at home. Because when your dog finds a nice pile of mud to roll in, sometimes it’s up to you to get their coat color clean and smelling nice again.
To help you better understand how to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy, let's determine the various coat care needs based on the coat density:
- Low
- Medium
- High
Fine & Dandy: Low Density
Short-haired dogs and those with fine coats are usually the easiest to care for when it comes to regular grooming. 2 One of the best ways to tell if you have a thin and loose-haired pup is to check whether or not their skin is easily visible through their dog hair. As they don’t have as much fur to protect their sensitive skin, these dogs often need help, such as a warm jacket, when adjusting to cooler climates.
Common breeds: Chihuahua, Dachshund, Doberman Pinscher, English Bulldog, Greyhound, Bull Terrier
Photo by Sergi Dolcet Escrig on Unsplash
Between Two Furs: Medium Density
Dogs with slightly longer, fluffier hair tend to have medium-density fur. Their skin is less visible through their long hair, and they are better protected from the elements by an undercoat. Wondering how to groom long-haired dogs?
Some of these dogs require the occasional haircut to keep their line of sight clear, but for the most part, they can be groomed at home. Medium-density dog-hair coats are considered the most normally occurring coat type.
Common Breeds: Rottweiler, Maltese, Goldendoodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Poodle, Border Collie, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier
Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash
The Shaggy Dog: High Density
Sometimes these pups are more fluff than dog. For a dog owner, regular grooming and brushing are a constant effort, and so is vacuuming. These dogs often have two coats of fur that fluctuate with the seasons, and their skin is barely visible beneath all of their fur. Your average dog shampoo probably won’t cut it for these pups, because they need products that can penetrate their dense fur coat and contact their skin for nourishment and cleansing.
Common Breeds: Siberian Husky, Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dog, Pomeranian
Photo by Vita Leonis on Unsplash
How to Pick the Right Shampoo for Your Dog's Coat
Different dog coat types, such as thick or thin, curly, silky, wire, and double, require individualized care. Our FoamCare shampoo, available in dog coat-specific formulas, provides an easier and more nourishing clean for each type of fur.
Find Out How FoamCare is Revolutionizing Bath Time
Looking for ways to care for your dog’s hair or want to know how to make a dog’s coat shiny?
FoamCare is our award-winning, spray-on, foaming shampoo. It instantly foams up to provide a deeper clean that conditions the skin, and rinses easily to make bath time quicker. It’s pH-balanced, plant-based, and available in three coat-specific formulations: all coats, high-density, and medicated for more serious skin issues.
Give your pet a fresh start with Vetericyn FoamCare Dog Shampoo. It’s specially formulated to maximize skin care and support vibrant, healthy coats of all types.
Reviewed by Dr. Kathy Adamson
Dr. Kathy Adamson earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.
She completed a one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Alongside her studies, Kathy worked in a research lab, contributing as an author and co-author to various journal articles.
She has also pursued medical writing and editing certification through the University of Chicago Graham School. Currently, she runs KMA Veterinary & Medical Writing, a freelance medical writing company, serves as the Digital Content Manager for the Greater Chicago Area Chapter of the American Medical Writers Association, is a member of the AMWA Communications Committee, and enjoys writing about healthcare topics for people and their cherished pets.
Sources:
- Furry kid focused – human’s welcome. Wigglyville. https://www.wigglyville.com/groomingcoattypes. Accessed July 28, 2025
- A guide to dog coat types and care. Wisdom Panel. https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/blog/dog-coat-types-and-care. Accessed July 28, 2025.
