top of page
Writer's pictureTara Martin

Short Coat Grooming

Updated: Nov 5

This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read the full disclaimer here.


All images of dogs are provided by the owner with permission to use within this blog.


The Short Coat lays close to the skin, however, it does fluff when dried well. This coat is easy to maintain with some simple brushing, but it usually sheds a coarser hair that is harder to get out of fabrics. Short Coat breeds are less sensitive to exposure than their Smooth Coat friends, although bug spray, sunscreen, and jackets can be used to help protect these breeds during activities. Short Coat breeds include the following:

Sporting Group

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Mastiff

Curly-Coated Retriever

Rottweiler

Labrador Retriever

Terrier Group

Hound Group

Smooth Fox Terrier

Basset Hound

Parson Russell

Beagle

Toy Group

Black and Tan Coonhound

Pug

Bloodhound

Non-Sporting Group

American Foxhound

Chinese Shar-Pei

English Foxhound

Herding Group

Harrier

Australian Cattle Dog

Working Group

Belgian Malinois

Bullmastiff

Canaan Dog

Frequency

We recommend bathing once a week, or up to every 12 weeks. These coats can be sensitive to harsh products and tools, so be on the lookout for irritation. Of course, your dog's opinion on water and their recreational activities will help determine how often they need to be groomed.


Loki, Australian Cattle Dog, Andrea D

Brushing

For dogs with Smooth Coat, we recommend using a rubber curry comb, like the Bodhi Dog Bath Brush. This style of brush should be used in circular motions, allowing the loose, dead coat to fall out when brushing from tail to head, and then smoothing the live, attached hairs down while brushing from head to tail. Wet or dry, this brush is the absolute best for Smooth Coat grooming.


When your dog is shedding a lot, we recommend the EquiGroomer Deshedding Brush. This uniquely designed brush has small teeth that grab dead, loose hairs instead of digging in and cutting healthy, live hair. If you have used the Furminator in the past, read our blog Why I’ll Never Use A Furminator.


Bathing

Use a regular shampoo, followed by a skin conditioner, unless your dog has allergies or requires a hypo-allergenic shampoo. Our recommendations for gentle shampoos and conditioners are:


If your dog has sensitive skin, allergies or other skin issues, we recommend:


Check out Why 2-in-1 is ½ As Good for details about why two separate products are better.


Drying

Drying the coat can be done a number of ways, starting with towel drying. Squeegee off as much water with your hands before using a thick towel to gently, but firmly pat your dog’s coat. Repeat until there is very little moisture left in the coat. We recommend keeping a dedicated towel for your dog, but whether you use microfibre or terry towel is truly up to you. Either one works well for Short Coat dogs, so pick what you prefer.


After the towel drying, you can use a hairdryer to blow out the loose coat on a light heat setting, never hot. Always keep one hand on your dog when drying, to help stabilize and calm your pet.


Regardless of the method you use, drying is not complete until the coat is completely cool and dry to the touch. If your dog requires a bath in cold weather, you can use fleece pajamas to keep them warm after drying.

Ozzie, Pug, Daiana F

Need to get your dog groomed? contact us at (403) 304-7296.

Questions or comments about this blog post? email us at info@pawsclawswings.com

5 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentários


Os comentários foram desativados.
bottom of page