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Writer's pictureTara Martin

Smooth Coat Grooming

Updated: Nov 5

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


The Smooth Coat lays close to the body, looking almost like it has been painted on; this coat is easy to maintain with some simple brushing, and will shed fine hair that may weave into fabrics. Smooth Coat breeds are the most sensitive to exposure, and require bug spray and sunscreen in warmer climates and jackets and boots in cooler climates - sometimes two layers! Smooth Coat breeds include the following:

Sporting Group

Terrier Group

Pointer

American Staffordshire Terrier

German Shorthaired Pointer

Bull Terrier

Vizsla

Manchester Terrier (Standard)

Weimaraner

Miniature Bull Terrier

Hound Group

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Basenji

Toy Group

Dachshund - “Smooth-Haired”

Chihuahua (Short Coat)

Greyhound

Italian Greyhound

Ibizan Hound

Manchester Terrier

Pharaoh Hound

Miniature Pinscher

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Non-Sporting Group

Whippet

Boston Terrier

Working Group

Bulldog

Boxer

Dalmatian

Doberman Pinscher

French Bulldog

Great Dane


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, like red skin or unusual scratching. Of course, your dogs opinion on water and their recreational activities will help determine how often they need to be groomed.


Gita, Whippet, Crystal C

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.

Juniper, Ibizan Hound, Kimmi C

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

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