Fur is fur, right? Not quite. Hair and fur have some differences, and can have different considerations for grooming. Some dogs have hair instead of fur. Depending on your dog’s coat, you may have to groom them differently. What’s the difference between hair and fur on dogs? Here’s what to know and what to consider when it comes to grooming:

What’s the Difference Between Hair and Fur on Dogs?

Whether your dog has hair or fur, the cells are still keratin. The difference is whether that coat is genetically programmed to grow to a predetermined length (PDL) or an undetermined length (UDL).

Essentially, does the coat keep growing until it is cut or breaks, or does it grow to a certain length and then stop growing? Fur on dogs grows to a predetermined length (PDL) and then stops growing. Hair on dogs grows to an undetermined length (UDL) and will continue to grow until it is cut.

Grooming Considerations For Dog Hair vs Fur

Because of how dog hair and fur grow differently, there are grooming considerations for each. Here are some grooming considerations for dog hair vs fur to keep in mind:

1. Avoid shaving fur coats.
2. Dog hair requires regular trims.
3. Both dog hair and fur need moisture.
4. Fur tends to shed more than hair.
5. Hair tends to tangle more.

1. Avoid Shaving Fur Coats

A lot of dogs with fur have double coats. In addition to providing insulation and cooling, the undercoat also sheds and grows in faster cycles than the topcoat. If you shave a dog with fur, you remove the protection the top coat provides for the undercoat, and you also risk damaging the structural hairs of the top coat.

Not only does this risk those top coat guard hairs not growing back at all, but it also results in the undercoat growing back rapidly, which can leave it bristled, tangled, and matted. Instead of shaving a dog with fur, it’s better to use de-shedding tools to properly thin out shedding fur without damaging the protective top coat.

2. Dog Hair Requires Regular Trims

Just as human hair requires regular trims to avoid split ends and keep length manageable, the same is true for dogs with hair. These dogs require regular clipping and trimming to keep their coat length manageable and looking good. This is how coat type helps determine the grooming level of a puppy.

3. Both Dog Hair and Fur Need Moisture

Fur coats on dogs tend to have more follicles and more hairs per follicle. If it’s short, then it will shed and regrow more often as well. Dog fur needs conditioners to make sure all those hair follicles have the nutrients they need to support the fur growth cycle.

At the same time, hair on dogs also needs proper moisture to keep it from drying out and breaking, especially on the ends. This is particularly true for dogs with hair kept in a longer clip. There is a balance, though, since too many moisturizers can make dog hair feel greasy. Using the right products and the right balance of products is a useful dog bathing tip, whether your dog has fur or hair.

4. Fur Tends to Shed More Than Hair

Dogs with fur tend to shed more than dogs with hair. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Samoyeds, Boxers, Beagles, and more all have fur. Many dogs with fur also have undercoats, which shed seasonally. Brushing regularly and keeping up with grooming, especially during seasonal shedding, can help control dog shedding better.

On the other hand, dogs with hair tend to shed less, if at all. Most non-shedding dog breeds have hair. Poodles, Yorkies, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Maltese, and more have hair. Hair also produces less dander and traps it better, so dogs with hair also tend to shed less dander and skin than dogs with fur.

5. Hair Tends to Tangle More

Partly because hair grows longer, it is prone to tangling more than fur. This is also why dogs, like Poodles, require regular brushing and grooming to remove tangles and prevent mats, in addition to more frequent grooming and bathing. Hair requires more conditioning, detangling, and care to stay healthy, even though it sheds less than fur. This is also why brushing before bathing is a dog grooming tip.

This is just an overview of the difference between hair and fur on dogs, along with some grooming considerations. Knowing what type of coat your dog has and how to care for it properly is essential.