By Andrea Jordan Lane
This is the first in a series about grooming specific coat types. We’ll begin with coat types in general - how they are structured, what care they need, and which grooming practices work best - then move on to detailed guides for specific breeds. Our first topic is the double coat, one of the most distinctive and often misunderstood coat types.
What Is a Double Coat?
A double coat has two distinct layers. The outer coat, made of longer guard hairs, helps repel dirt and moisture and offers protection from the elements. Beneath it is a softer, denser undercoat that provides insulation. Depending on the breed, climate, health, and season, that undercoat may shed gradually or release heavily during seasonal “coat blows.”
Breeds Commonly Known for Double Coats
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian Shepherd
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Border Collie
- Chow Chow
- German Shepherd Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Great Pyrenees
- Labrador Retriever
- Newfoundland
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Pomeranian
- Samoyed
These are representative examples rather than a complete list. Coat length, density, texture, shedding patterns, and grooming needs can vary by breed and by individual dog.
Why Routine Grooming Matters
Regular grooming removes loose undercoat, prevents compacted fur, distributes natural oils, and gives you a chance to notice skin changes, parasites, tenderness, or lumps. It also helps air move through the coat. Frequency varies: some dogs do well with a thorough weekly session, while heavy shedders may need shorter, more frequent sessions during seasonal transitions.
Useful Tools
- A slicker brush sized appropriately for the dog
- A pin brush for longer furnishings or feathering
- A wide-tooth comb and a finer metal comb for checking progress
- An undercoat rake with rounded, coat-appropriate teeth
- Coat-type appropriate shampoo and conditioner
- Absorbent towels and a forced-air dryer used on a safe setting
Choose tools for the individual dog’s coat length and density. A tool that works well on one double-coated breed may be too harsh or ineffective on another. If you are unsure, feel free to send a more specific question to our Ask Andrea option or ask a qualified groomer or dog show exhibitor to demonstrate proper tool choice and technique.
A Gentle Grooming Routine
- Check the coat and skin. Before brushing, look for mats, burrs, irritated areas, moisture trapped near the skin, or spots that seem painful.
- Work in small sections. Part the coat so you can brush from near the skin outward without scraping the skin. Use light pressure and follow the direction of hair growth.
- Remove loose undercoat gradually. Use an appropriate rake or slicker in short, controlled strokes. Do not repeatedly scrape the same area.
- Confirm with a comb. A comb should pass through comfortably when the section is finished. Never pull hard through a tangle.
- Bathe only after major tangles are addressed. Use coat-type specific products, rinse thoroughly, and remove excess water gently.
- Dry completely. Dense undercoats can remain damp close to the skin. Keep airflow and temperature comfortable and stop if the dog shows distress.
Should You Shave a Double Coat?
In general, a double coat should not be shaved simply to reduce shedding or help a dog “stay cool.” Cutting it very short can change how the coat grows back, reduce protection from sun and debris, and does not address loose undercoat. There are exceptions for medical treatment or severe matting, but those decisions should be made with a veterinarian or experienced professional groomer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Brushing only the top layer while compacted undercoat remains underneath
- Using excessive pressure or aggressive de-shedding tools
- Bathing a tightly matted coat, which can make tangles harder to manage
- Leaving dense coat damp near the skin
- Trying to cut out mats with scissors close to the skin
- Continuing a session when the dog is uncomfortable, fearful, or painful
Seasonal Shedding and Coat Blows
When the undercoat releases heavily, consistency is more effective than one marathon grooming session. Brief daily brushing can keep loose fur manageable and make the process more comfortable. A thorough bath and dry by a professional groomer can also help move out shedding coat efficiently, especially for very dense or large dogs.
When to Call a Professional
Seek professional help for tight mats, widespread coat compaction, persistent odor, sores, significant dandruff, sudden hair loss, or pain during handling. Skin changes and unexpected shedding can have medical causes, so contact a veterinarian when something seems abnormal. A skilled groomer can also create a realistic maintenance schedule for your dog’s coat, lifestyle, and tolerance.
The Isle of Dogs Approach
At Isle of Dogs, we approach double coats by focusing on the needs of both layers: cleansing thoroughly without weighing down the coat, supporting strength and condition, encouraging natural lift, and finishing with a touchable texture. Because double coats range from short and dense to long and abundant, product selection should reflect the individual dog’s coat texture, condition, shedding cycle, and desired finish.
Coature Collection
- Coature No. 20: Royal Jelly is nature’s protein and helps strengthen each strand which in turn builds volume. It is also well known to stimulate hair growth - speeding up the shedding process – and repair coat damage.
- Coature No. 50: Provides the nourishing benefits of conditioner the coat without weighing it down.
- Coature No. 52: Provides a deep conditioning treatment to restore body, strength, and vitality while supporting the volume you built during the shampooing.
- Coature No. 63: A complementary choice for completing a layered double-coat routine by allowing tangles and mats to be separated and removed with ease.
- Isle Strengthen: Enhances the flexibility of the coat to reduce breakage caused by frequent brushing.
Everyday NaturaLuxury Collection
For double coats that benefit from more body and lift, use Keratin Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner as a coordinated cleansing and conditioning pair. Dog hair is made of alpha-keratin, and using a keratin-based product is a fantastic way to repair and strengthen the structure of the hair strands, thus allowing for the lift and volume so desired in double-coated coats. This combination is perfect for those looking for a sulfate free alternative to our traditional shampoos.
Everyday Elements Collection
For longer, fuller, or more abundant double coats, Everyday Elements offers the ready-to-use version of our Salon Elements for home use. The Lush Coating Shampoo, Conditioner, and Spray trio offers a complete system. Begin with the shampoo, follow with the conditioner, and use the spray during grooming, as a finishing step to support manageability or to refresh to coat between baths.
For best results, choose products according to the dog in front of you rather than the breed name alone. Adjust the amount of conditioner and finishing product to the coat’s density and texture, rinse thoroughly, and dry the undercoat completely. When trying a new routine, introduce products gradually and follow the label directions.
Coming Next in the Series
Understanding coat structure is the foundation of good grooming. In the next installments, we’ll continue exploring coat types in general before turning to breed-specific guides with practical routines, tool recommendations, and care considerations for each breed.