Dogs come in all different coat types, depending on their breed or mix of breeds. Before you start grooming your dog, understand his coat type. That little bit of knowledge will give you the edge when it comes to making him look his best. To determine what kind of coat type your dog has, take a close look at his fur – which category fits his coat?

1. Smooth Coat – Dogs who are smooth-coated do not need to be groomed often, so make sure to focus on quality over quantity when it comes to bathes and brushing. Use a bristle brush to brush against the lay of the hair. Using the same tool, brush with the lay of the top coat. Smooth-coated dogs will benefit from a bath with Cowboy Magic® Rosewater Shampoo and Rosewater Conditioner after they have been brushed. The shampoo and conditioner will make hair shine and will help repel dust and dirt. Towel dry your dog after the bath and then let them air dry naturally. (Examples: Bull Terrier, Daschund)

2. Double Coat – A dog with a double coat will need a little more TLC than a smooth-coated dog. These dogs may have a short or long hair. You will need a slicker brush or pin brush for either length and a wide-toothed comb as well, for double-coated dogs with long hair. For short-haired double-coated dogs, use the brush to comb out the undercoat, brushing outward from the skin. Use the same brush to go over the topcoat, brushing with the lay of the coat.

For long-haired double-coated dogs, take sections of the dog’s hair and separate it with your hand before brushing with the slicker brush. Brush outward from Akita Inu panting the skin to help remove loose hairs in the thick undercoat. After you have brushed the whole body, take the wide-toothed comb and place it deep within the coat, parallel to the skin. Comb outward to remove more loose undercoat. With either link you may find some mats that need addressing. Use a dime size amount of Detangler & Shine and work the mat out with your fingers and the brush. Repeat brushing after bathing with Rosewater Shampoo and Rosewater Conditioner. (Examples: Rottweiler, Chow, Husky and Collie)

3. Wire Coat – This coat type, also known as Broken Coat, requires a slicker brush and a stripping comb. Starting with the stripping comb, run it lightly along the back of the dog, thinning the overgrown wiry coat. This will prevent mats and tangles. (If matting does occur, use a dime-sized amount of the Detangler & Shine to work the mat out). After thinning out the coat, brush the coat in layers from the skin outward with the slicker brush. Follow up the brushing by bathing your dog with Rosewater Shampoo. (Examples: Airedales, Irish Wolfhound)

4. Curly Coat – Dogs with a curly or wavy coat, have thick and soft curls close to the body. You will need a soft slicker brush for this type of coat. Whether your dog is clipped in a modified show clip or a puppy clip, use the slicker to brush the coat against the way it grows to make it fluff up. Next, bathe your curly-haired dog with Rosewater Shampoo and Conditioner. Towel dry him before fluff drying him using a blow dryer, while brushing him with the slicker brush from the skin out. (Examples: Poodle, Bichon Frise)

5. Long Coat – Don’t let the intimidation of grooming a long-haired dog overwhelm you. Whether you have a long-haired dog with a coarse coat or a silky coat, a grooming regimen that suits you and your dog will help their coat continue to look their best. A Long-haired dog with a coarse coat has a softer undercoat mixed in. You will need a slicker brush or pin brush and a smooth bristle brush. Longer hair is at a greater risk for matting so have Detangler & Shine on hand. Start by removing any mats that you find by placing a dime size of Detangler & Shine on the mat and working it out with your fingers and the brush. Next, using the pin brush, brush the coat out gently in the direction that it grows. Then, go over the entire coat again with a soft bristle brush. Bathe your dog with Rosewater Shampoo and Rosewater Conditioner afterwards. Long-haired silky-coated dogs, have no undercoat. But as with the long, coarse coat, the biggest challenge in grooming a long, silky coat, is dealing with the mats that often form in the fine hair. Use the Detangler & Shine to remove all mats and then brush the entire coat with the lay of the hair. After grooming, bathe the dog with Cowboy Magic® Rosewater Shampoo and follow with Rosewater Conditioner. Dry with a hair dryer, and brush the coat out. (Examples: Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese)

6. Hairless Coat – Dogs with a hairless coat are just that – hairless. (The Chinese Crested does have tufts of hair on the head,legs and tail but none on the body). Don’t think this means you can skip grooming them though; they may not need brushing, but they do need bathing. Use Rosewater Shampoo and a soft sponge to gently scrub while shampooing. The tufts of hair on the head, tail and legs can also be washed with Rosewater Shampoo. Rinse the dog thoroughly after shampooing. If the dog will be going outside, you will also need to use a gentle sunblock with SPF 15 or higher. (Examples: Mexican Hairless, Inca Orchid)

Regardless of what coat type your dog has, you will occasionally have issues with matted dog hair. Read our 8 Steps to Untangle Matted Dog Hair for tips to make it less painful for your dog (and you!).

Whether your dog’s coat is long and thick or short and slick, using the best grooming products and techniques for his coat type will help him to keep looking his best.