Major Coat Type Categories

Dog coats generally fall into categories like double coats (shedding breeds with a soft undercoat and coarser topcoat), single coats, wire/broken coats, silky coats, and curly/non-shedding coats — each requiring different tools and technique.

Why Double-Coated Breeds Need Different Handling

Double-coated breeds should generally never be shaved down to skin except for specific medical reasons — improper shaving can damage the coat’s ability to regrow correctly and remove natural insulation and protection.

Wire and Broken Coat Considerations

Wire-coated breeds are often hand-stripped rather than clipped to maintain correct coat texture and color, a specialized technique distinct from standard clipping used on other coat types.

Matching Tools to Coat Type

Different coat types call for different blade guards, brush types, and de-shedding tools — using the wrong tool for a given coat type produces poor results and can genuinely harm the coat or skin.