Grooming double coated dogs in Griffin, GA

Do you know what a double coated dog is? Is your dog in Griffin, GA double coated? What makes grooming a double coated dog in Griffin different?

Double coated dogs have a longer outer coat with thicker hairs, and an undercoat with softer, fluffier hairs. The double coat shields your dog from harmful UV rays in summer and helps keep them warm in winter.

Breeds of Double Coated Dogs

Most breeds of double coated dogs are pretty obvious, most “spitz” type dogs, dogs that have long, thick, and often white fur are double coated as well as dogs that have fluffy, thick coats. Some breeds of double coated dogs include:

• Akita
• Alaskan Husky
• Chow Chow
• Finnish Lapphund
• Keeshond
• Shiba Inu
• Siberian Husky
• Australian Shepherd
• Old English Sheepdog
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Great Pyrenees
• Newfoundland
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever

However, long, thick, and fluffy fur isn’t always the case. Many Terriers are double coated as well as Rottweiler's. Rottweiler’s are unique as the undercoat is mainly on their neck and their thighs.

Pros and Cons of having a double coated dog in Griffin, GA

The pros are numerous. Who doesn’t love to play frisbee with an Australian Shepherd, or pitch a ball for a golden retriever? The double coated breeds are some of the most loved of all dogs. There is no need for sweaters in winter with your double coated dog. They have all the insulation they need. 

However, that double coat also leads to more hair. Coat blow is when your dog is transitioning from winter to summer. That soft under coat which insulates so well during the winter, comes off in tufts to prepare for summer. If you could weave it, you could probably make several blankets, depending on the size of your dog.

Grooming Double Coated Dogs in Griffin, GA

Double coated dogs need to be brushed at least once or twice a week to make sure that the undercoat isn’t matting. It’s also beneficial to have several brushes and combs to address the layers.

The right shampoo is also key. Deep cleaning, de-shedding and 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioners are all considerations, and bathing should be done every 4-8 weeks, possibly more during times of coat blow and shedding.

Also note, that while the temptation is strong, don’t shave your double coated dog. The extra insulation doesn’t just regulate hot and cold for your dog, but also protects their skin from harmful UV rays and keeps the oils needed for a healthy coat and skin. A customized cut is always welcome and will make your dog feel like they are a cover model for Dogster magazine.

Our groomers know what cuts are right for your dog, and what tools you need to keep up with grooming between visits. No matter the breed, age, size, or personality of your dog, give us a call at (470) 204-7073 to schedule your next grooming appointment.