Paw Sattva
Opening your PawSattva space
We often describe pets as having a soft coat, thick fur, long hair or a double coat. But these words do not all mean the same thing.
Understanding your pet's coat helps you choose the right grooming routine, understand normal shedding and recognise when hair loss may actually be a health problem.
Soft coat is mainly a description of how the hair feels. It is not a separate scientific coat type.
A soft coat may feel silky, fine, smooth or fluffy. A Maltese, Shih Tzu, Persian cat or the undercoat of a Husky can all feel very soft, even though their overall coat structures are different.
The important point: soft coat does not mean single coat. A double-coated dog can have an extremely soft undercoat.
A single-coated dog has one dominant coat layer rather than a dense separate undercoat beneath the outer hair.
Examples commonly include Poodles, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers and Greyhounds, although coat type can vary between breeds and individual dogs.
Some single-coated breeds have hair that continues growing for a longer period before being shed. That is one reason breeds such as Poodles and Maltese need regular trimming or haircuts.
A double coat contains two main layers: an outer coat and a softer undercoat.
The outer hairs are generally longer, stronger and coarser. They help protect the skin from dirt, moisture, sunlight and minor physical damage.
The undercoat is usually shorter, softer, denser and fluffier. It acts as an insulating layer close to the skin.
An easy way to remember it is:
Guard hairs = protective jacket.
Undercoat = soft thermal layer.
Many popular breeds have double coats, including:
The famous fluffy Husky coat comes largely from its dense undercoat. During heavy seasonal shedding, large amounts of this soft undercoat can come loose.
Pet parents may see whole tufts coming out during brushing. This dramatic seasonal shed is often called blowing the coat.
Usually, routine shaving simply because the weather is hot is not recommended. The coat is part of the dog's natural protective and insulating system.
The outer coat also offers some protection from sunlight, insects and environmental exposure. Shaving can also alter the way the coat regrows in some individuals.
Instead, focus on regular brushing, removing loose undercoat, keeping the coat clean, providing shade and water and avoiding strenuous exercise during extreme heat.
There are medical and grooming situations where clipping may be necessary, so this does not mean a double-coated dog can never be clipped.
Hair grows from small structures inside the skin called hair follicles.
The hair does not grow forever. Each follicle moves through a natural growth cycle.
The hair is actively growing.
Active growth slows and the follicle starts moving towards a resting phase.
The hair remains in place but is no longer actively growing.
The old hair is released and falls out, allowing the cycle to begin again.
So normal shedding is not simply hair breaking off. It is part of a normal biological cycle.
Hair growth and shedding are influenced by many factors, including:
Pets that live indoors with artificial lighting, fans and air-conditioning may also shed more continuously throughout the year instead of showing only one or two dramatic seasonal changes.
In many dogs, a follicular unit can produce a primary hair along with several smaller secondary hairs.
The primary hair usually contributes to the stronger outer coat, while secondary hairs contribute more to the soft, insulating undercoat.
That means when you run your hand through a German Shepherd or Husky, you are actually feeling different types of hair at the same time.
Cats also have different types of hair within their coat. You may hear terms such as guard hair, awn hair and down hair.
Longer outer hairs that help protect the coat and skin.
Intermediate hairs that sit between the outer guard coat and softer undercoat.
Very fine, soft hairs close to the skin that provide insulation.
This is one reason a Persian cat can feel incredibly soft and dense even though you can also see much longer outer hairs.
Biologically, hair and fur are made of the same basic material. Both are primarily made of a protein called keratin.
People often use the word “hair” for coats that grow longer and shed less dramatically, such as Poodles or Maltese. The word “fur” is often used for shorter, denser coats that shed more regularly.
But there is not a completely different substance called fur. Both are hair.
The visible hair shaft above the skin consists mainly of keratinised cells and does not contain living nerves. That is why trimming hair does not hurt.
Pulling hair can hurt because the hair is anchored inside a living hair follicle surrounded by skin and sensory structures.
Hair is a protein-rich structure, so good nutrition plays an important role in maintaining a healthy coat.
Important nutrients include adequate high-quality protein, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, zinc, copper, vitamin A and several B vitamins.
Poor nutrition can contribute to a dull coat, brittle hair, scaling and poor hair growth. But nutrition is not the only cause of coat problems.
Normal shedding usually happens without major skin inflammation. The coat may become thinner during a seasonal change, but you should not normally see large irregular bald patches, open wounds or severe itching.
See a veterinarian if hair loss is accompanied by:
Parasites, allergies, bacterial and fungal infections, hormonal disease, immune-related conditions and nutritional problems can all affect the coat.
Next time someone says a dog has a “soft coat,” remember that they are talking about texture. A soft-feeling dog may still have a dense double coat underneath.
And when a Husky, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd starts covering your house in hair, it is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. Their coat is constantly renewing itself.
The simple way to remember a double coat: a protective jacket on the outside, with a soft thermal layer underneath. 🐾
Your feedback helps us write better guides.
Written by
Sharing expert insights and heartfelt advice for a happier, healthier life with your pets.
Keep reading
Practical pet care tips from the Paw Sattva team. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
