Petway Petcare Products & Coat Types

Let's face it: our furry friends are as unique as we are, and when it comes to their grooming, it’s all about understanding their coat type. From short and smooth to long and fluffy, knowing your dog's coat will help you pick the right grooming products and ensure they look (and smell) their best.

The World Canine Organization (aka the Federation Cynologique Internationale) recognizes a whopping 339 dog breeds—yep, you read that right!—grouped into ten categories based on what they were bred to do. Whether your pup’s a hardworking herding dog or just a fluffy companion, they all have one thing in common: they need the right grooming routine. So, let’s dive in and get to know those adorable coats a little better.

Smooth Coat: Shiny & Sleek

Smooth coats are like that perfect pair of skinny jeans—sleek, smooth, and always in style! These coats are short, snug, and flat against the skin, which gives them a glossy shine. While they’re easy to maintain, they shed like nobody’s business, usually in short bursts every 1 to 12 weeks. If you’re dealing with a smooth coat, you’ll need to stay on top of the shedding game.

Pro Tip: Try our De-Shedding Shampoo to help with hair everywhere. If your dog’s skin is extra sensitive, give our Gentle Protein Shampoo a whirl, followed by the Gentle Protein Conditioner for that extra softness. Got a puppy? Our Tearless Puppy Shampoo is gentle and hypoallergenic for those tiny noses.

Breeds that love a good smooth coat:

• Doberman Pinscher
• Great Dane
• Boxer
• Whippet
• And more!

 

Short Coat: Rough & Ready

A short coat is basically your dog’s version of wearing a T-shirt—close to the skin but with a little more texture. These coats are easy to care for but can develop that classic "doggie smell" (we've all been there). Plus, they shed a lot, especially if your dog’s been playing outside and rolling around in the mud!

Pro Tip: Grab our Pink Shampoo for a fresh and fragrant clean. When shedding season hits, our De-Shedding Shampoo will help keep things under control. Sensitive skin? No worries! Our Gentle Protein Range is perfect for pups who need a little TLC.

Breeds that rock a short coat:

• Labrador Retriever
• Bullmastiff
• Beagle
• Pug
• And more!

 

Combination Coat: The Best of Both Worlds

Combination coats are like a trendy hybrid—short around the face and legs, but with longer, silkier fur elsewhere (hello, tail fluff!). These dogs shed seasonally, and let’s just say, their hair likes to stick to everything. But with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be a battle.

Pro Tip: To manage seasonal shedding, use a mix of our De-Shedding Shampoo and Anti-Static Detangler. Also, give our Gentle Protein Range a try for that silky smooth finish. Brushing is key, so keep that brush handy!

Breeds that love their combo coat:

• Golden Retriever
• Border Collie
• Australian Shepherd
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• And more!

 

Double Coat: Ready for Anything

Double coats are like the ultimate weather protection system. They come with a thick, soft undercoat and a tougher, protective outer layer. These pups are built to handle extremes, but let’s just say they shed A LOT, especially when the weather changes. If your dog’s shedding like a leaf blower, it’s time to take action.

Pro Tip: Our De-Shedding Shampoo is a must during shedding season. Pair it with Anti-Static Detangler to make the process a breeze. For deep cleansing, our Herbal Shampoo tackles odors, and Clarifying Shampoo is your go-to for greasy pups.

Breeds that wear a double coat like pros:

• Siberian Husky
• Collie
• German Shepherd
• Akita
• And more!

 

Heavy Coat: Big, Fluffy, & Full of Love

Heavy coats are the cuddly giants of the dog world. With thick, silky fur and a little bit of short, smooth hair, these coats can get matted, tangled, and knotted if not properly cared for. Regular grooming is a must, especially during shedding season. But with the right care, your dog’s coat can stay stunning.

Pro Tip: When shedding hits, give our De-Shedding Shampoo a go. For white-coated pups, Wicked White Whitening & Stain Removal Shampoo keeps them sparkling. And for all breeds, our Pink Range and Protein Range are perfect for both normal and sensitive skin.

Breeds that love the heavy coat life:

• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Newfoundland
• Saint Bernard
• Pekingese
• And more!

 

Silky Coat: Smooth & Glamorous

Silky coats are the red carpet of dog fur. These coats are super shiny, soft, and definitely require a little extra TLC. They have a mix of short smooth fur on the body and long silky hair on the undercarriage, legs, and tail. Without regular grooming, these coats can quickly turn into a tangled mess.

Pro Tip: To keep it sleek, use Anti-Static Detangler to help with brushing and combing. For a shampoo that enhances the shine, try Wicked White Shampoo for light coats or Black Coat Shampoo for darker fur.

Breeds with a flair for the silky look:

• Cocker Spaniel
• English Setter
• Gordon Setter
• And more!

 

Long Coat: Never-Ending Glamour

Long coats (aka drop coats) are a lot like hair extensions—they keep growing and require a bit of maintenance. These coats are non-shedding, but that doesn’t mean they’re low maintenance. Regular brushing is key to prevent mats, tangles, and skin irritation.

Pro Tip: Brush your long coat dog at least three times a week to keep it looking flawless. Use Anti-Static Detangler to help with tangles, and don’t skip conditioning—our Protein Range is perfect for drop coats.

Breeds that love the long-coat life:

• Afghan Hound
• Shih Tzu
• Yorkshire Terrier
• And more!

 

Curly/Wavy/Fleece Coat: Soft & Bouncy

Curly and wavy coats are like the fun, bouncy friend who’s always ready to go. These coats are non-shedding and soft, but they require a bit of attention to avoid mats, tangles, and knots. Regular brushing and bathing are key to keeping them looking their best.

Pro Tip: Use our Anti-Static Detangler when grooming to prevent tangles. For extra volume, try our Volumising Shampoo or Coarse Coat Shampoo. And don’t forget to keep them fresh with our Cologne Coat Glosses.

Breeds with curly/wavy fur:

• Poodle
• Bichon Frise
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• And more!

 

Wire Coat: Rough & Ready

Wire coats are like the rugged adventurer of dog coats—dense and wiry with a soft undercoat. They’re built to handle the outdoors, but they still require regular grooming to stay looking sharp. Hand-stripping or hand-plucking is often necessary, especially during shedding seasons.

Pro Tip: Keep that rough texture intact by using Coarse Coats Shampoo. If you need help with grooming, Anti-Static Detangler will make things smoother.

Breeds that are all about the wire coat:

• Airedale Terrier
• Mini Schnauzer
• Fox Terrier (wire)
• And more!

 

Hairless Coat: Sensitive & Sweet

Hairless dogs are unique, with sensitive skin that needs extra care. These pups require gentle, soothing shampoos like our Gentle Protein Shampoo or Tearless Puppy Shampoo. Don’t forget to add moisture back into their skin with our Gentle Protein Conditioner.

Pro Tip: Keep your hairless pup’s skin healthy and hydrated by using our gentle, moisturizing products. For pups like the Chinese Crested, the hair they do have on their ears and tail might need a little extra help from our Anti-Static Detangler.

Breeds with that hairless charm:

• Chinese Crested Dog
• Mexican Hairless Dog
• American Hairless Terrier
• And more

 

There you have it—your ultimate guide to your dog’s coat type and how to pamper them with the perfect grooming products. Whether your pup is sleek and smooth or fluffy and fabulous, Fetch Grooming Supplies has everything you need to keep them looking their best!