How to Groom a Double Coated Dog?

Double coated dogs are among the most beautiful and majestic animals you’ll ever see. Their thick, plush fur doesn’t just make them look stunning, it also plays a vital role in protecting them from the elements. However, with this beauty comes responsibility. Grooming double coated dogs the right way is essential for their health and well-being. In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about keeping your double coated companion looking and feeling their best.

What is a Double Coated Dog?

Let’s start with the basics. A double coat dog has two layers of fur. The undercoat is soft and dense. It keeps the dog warm during cold weather and cool during summer. The topcoat, also called guard hairs, is longer and coarser. This layer protects the dog from water, dirt, and harmful UV rays.

Many double coated dog breeds come from regions with extreme weather conditions. Their coats evolved to suit these environments. The double dog coat is a natural insulator. It regulates body temperature and offers a barrier against injuries and insect bites.

Why Proper Grooming Matters for Double Coated Dogs?

You may wonder, can't these dogs just shed and take care of their coat naturally? The answer is no. While dogs with double coats do shed heavily, they still need regular grooming. Without proper care, their undercoat can mat and tangle. This leads to skin issues, discomfort, and in some cases, infections.

Brushing double coated dogs helps remove dead hair. It allows air to circulate to the skin and keeps their coat healthy. Neglecting grooming can cause hot spots, odor, and excessive shedding. Moreover, a well-groomed double coated dog will shed less around your home, a win for both you and your pet!

Dog Breeds with Double Coats You Should Know

Many beloved breeds fall into the double coated category. Each has unique grooming needs, but the basic principles are the same. Some of the most common double coated dog breeds include:

•  German Shepherds
•  Siberian Huskies
•  Golden Retrievers
•  Border Collies
•  Alaskan Malamutes
•  Shiba Inus
•  Newfoundlands
•  Akitas

These double coated breeds of dogs vary in size and temperament. But their coat structure demands similar grooming techniques.

Essential Grooming Tools for Double Coated Breeds

To groom your dog efficiently, you need the right toolkit. Using appropriate tools will make the process smoother and safer. Here’s what you should have:

•  Undercoat rake – This tool reaches deep into the undercoat to remove loose hair, without damaging the topcoat.
  
•  Slicker brush – Ideal for detangling, removing dead coat and smoothing the outer layer.
  
•  Pin brush – Gentle on the topcoat, great for finishing touches.
  
•  Deshedding tool – Perfect during heavy shedding seasons.
  
•  Wide-toothed comb – Used to detect mats and tangles, and to double-check your work to ensure the coat is completely mat-free.
  
•  High-velocity dryer – If you bathe your dog at home, this tool blows out loose fur and speeds up drying.

Always choose tools suited to your dog’s size, temperament and coat length. High-quality grooming tools are an investment in your dog’s health.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grooming

Grooming a double coat dog isn’t hard when you know the steps. Follow this simple guide for best results:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dog

Pick a calm, quiet space. Make sure your dog feels secure. Talk to them soothingly. Give them time to relax before you begin. Make sure they are safely secured and standing on a non-slip surface.

Step 2: Brush the Coat

Lightly mist the coat with a brushing spray to reduce hair breakage and to help the brush glide smoothly through the coat. Use the line brushing technique and start with the slicker brush. Use gentle strokes along the direction of hair growth. Focus on small sections at a time. Remove any mats you find before moving on.

Next, use the undercoat rake, if experienced. This tool pulls out dead undercoat hair that the slicker brush may have missed. You should be gentle when it comes to sensitive areas like the belly.

Finally, run the wide-toothed comb through the fur. This ensures all tangles are gone.

Step 3: Bath Time (If Needed)

Double coated dogs do not require frequent baths, as bathing them too often can strip their natural oils. However, if your dog is dirty or has an unpleasant odor, use a gentle, dog-safe shampoo.

When bathing your dog, be careful to prevent water getting trapped in their ears, as this can lead to problems. Rinse thoroughly and use a towel first, then a high-velocity dryer if available. Avoid leaving the undercoat damp. Moisture trapped in the coat can lead to skin infections.

Step 4: Trim Carefully

Use the dog grooming scissors to neaten areas like around the paws, ears, and sanitary zones. Never cut into the main coat layers. The outer coat should stay intact to protect the dog. Never clip a double coated dog.

Step 5: Check Nails and Ears

Don’t forget nail care. Cut overgrown nails to keep your pet comfortable. Long nails can cause joint strain. Check ears for signs of infection. Wipe gently with an ear cleaner if needed.

Step 6: Final Brushing

Once dry, give your dog a final brush. This helps remove any remaining loose hair and keeps the coat looking great. Repeat this routine at least once a week. During shedding seasons (spring and fall), you may need to groom your dog more often.

Click on the image below to learn more about various brushing techniques.

Why You Should Never Shave a Double Coated Dog

It may seem tempting to shave your dog during hot weather. But this is a big mistake. The double coat is nature’s perfect design. It keeps dogs cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

When you shave the coat, you remove that protection. The outer coat may not grow back properly. This can lead to patchy fur and a damaged coat. Worse, it leaves your dog vulnerable to sunburn and insect bites.

Instead of shaving, focus on regular brushing to remove excess undercoat. That’s the best way to help them stay comfortable.

Take Your Grooming Expertise with PDGA Professional Training!

Grooming a double coated dog requires more than just a good brush. What if you could learn the techniques professionals use to keep thick coats healthy, beautiful, and easier to manage? That’s where the Professional Dog Groomers Academy comes in.

PDGA offers a range of expert-designed grooming courses that help you get faster, safer, and more confident when caring for double coated dog breeds. Whether you’re a pet owner learning to groom at home or an aspiring professional groomer, PDGA’s training can transform your skills from basic to brilliant.

Assistant Grooming Course

Perfect for beginners, this course lays the foundation for effective grooming. You’ll learn how to brush and maintain a double dog coat properly, how to bathe without damaging the undercoat, and how to handle your dog safely during every session. With clear demonstrations and practical tips, the Assistant grooming course helps you avoid common mistakes and keeps each grooming routine smooth and stress-free.

Intermediate Dog Grooming Course

Ready to build on your skills? The intermediate grooming course focuses on advanced grooming techniques for double coated breeds of dogs, including deshedding, trimming long guard hairs, and using professional tools with confidence. You’ll discover how to reduce shedding and improve coat health while working more efficiently. This course is ideal if you want to step up your grooming game and deliver higher-quality results.

Professional Grooming Course

If you’re serious about mastering the art of grooming, the professional dog grooming course provides in-depth training in salon-level skills. You’ll learn coat-specific care strategies, precision trimming methods, and time-saving workflows that make even the thickest double coats easier to manage. Whether you plan to open your own grooming business or work in a salon, this course helps you achieve exceptional results and build a reputation for excellence.

All-in-One Grooming Mastery Course

Want a complete, step-by-step grooming education? The all-in-one Combo Course combines beginner and intermediate levels to guide you through every aspect of double coat dog care. From brushing basics to advanced deshedding techniques, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to handle any grooming challenge and keep your dog’s coat in top condition.

No matter where you start, PDGA’s courses give you the knowledge and hands-on experience to groom smarter, faster, and more effectively. Ready to elevate your grooming expertise? Explore PDGA and transform the way you care for your dog.

Conclusion

Grooming double coated dogs is not just about looks. It’s a key part of keeping your dog healthy, happy, and comfortable. With the right tools, a little patience, and regular care, your dog’s coat will stay in top shape year-round. Remember, never shave your double coat dog. Instead, embrace a grooming routine that respects the natural beauty and purpose of your dog’s fur. Whether you’re caring for a Husky, a Shepherd, or a fluffy Pomeranian, a well-groomed coat reflects your love and dedication.