Here you are, sitting around the dinner table and talking about how everyone’s day went until you all stumble upon the topic of adopting a dog. Everyone starts giving each other a look of both off-hand laughing but equal parts kind of serious. And after a few moments of silence, everyone bursts in agreement, and it seems like everyone’s onboard the idea of adopting a pooch into the family!
Ah yes, nothing comes close to the excitement and happiness that wells inside your stomach once everyone in the family has finally agreed to get a dog. And, as responsible parents, it’s also equally nerve-wracking thinking about how you’ll manage to have a new family member and if the kids keep their end of the promise to care for the little pupper. However, before you make the trip to the local dog rescue shelter, we want to warn you of the potential problems you could run into with a dog’s fur coat. And, to save you the trouble of finding out yourself, it’s time you get to know the different types and their pros & cons.
#1 Long Coats Are Beautiful But High-Maintenance
If you’ve ever seen the breeds of dogs that participate in beauty competitions, then you’ve probably seen many long coats like the Afghan Hound and the Rough Collie. These dogs are well-known for their long, thick, and silky fur coats, which makes them the perfect candidate for any beauty competition. However, this also means that adopting and caring for one will require some high-maintenance work.
- Extra Grooming Services: If you plan to get a dog that features a long coat, then expect a lot of extra grooming services on your plate. Be ready to learn the intricacies of cutting their hair and breed-specific practices to keep them in excellent shape. Of course, you could also take the safer route of grooming services, but understand that it will come at a pretty penny. Plus, expect to clean the air ducts if your pooch sheds a lot.
- Can Hide Potential Problems: Despite their silky and beautiful appeal, the long coats can be deceiving at times because they can hide potential problems. Sure, your pooch could look perfectly fine on the outside, but beneath the fur could be some underlying problems hiding away. So, if you do plan to adopt a dog with a long coat, remember to pay extra close attention to them and let your kids know.
#2 Wire Coated Dogs Need A Lot Of Brushing
In contrast to the long coats that look like royalty, wire-coated dogs are some of the most playful and fun doggies to adopt. Much like the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Airedale Terrier, these coats lean toward the more rough and bristly texture. So, don’t expect to be managing through soft and silky fur as you would with longer coats.
- Don’t Shed As Much: If you’re not too keen about cleaning after fur that’s gotten stuck to your clothes or on the furniture, then wire coated dogs might just be the perfect pet. These breeds don’t shed as much, which means less time-consuming work for you trying to keep every part of the house clean. Plus, this means it’s safer for children who don’t bode well with fur.
- Time-Consuming Grooming: However, it can take quite some time before you get used to all the combing, so don’t think you’re exactly free from grooming and care. The last thing you want to happen is to make all that beautiful wire coat shed from lack of care.
#3 Curly Coats Require Extra Products
Everybody knows all about curly coats from the Poodles to Terriers; there’s something about curly coats that just spark joy in anyone’s hearts. However, in contrast to their playful-looking appeal, it also means that you’ll need some extra products to deals with their coat-specific problems. So, expect to allocate a budget for your pooch’s grooming regimen.
- Matting And Tangling: One of the most annoying things you’ll run into while taking care of a curly coat is trying to get rid of the matted dog hair and investing some much-needed time for detangling. Yes, regular maintenance will go a long way, but you’ll need some dog shampoo, conditioner, and specific detangling brushes to get anything done fast.
#4 Smooth Coats Are The Easiest To Handle
Last but not least, we have the smooth coats and quite probably the most iconic coats that people associate with dogs. With some of the more famous dog breeds like the Boxers, Beagles, and Labradors falling under this coat category, you’ll find many familiar faces here. Plus, you don’t have to go through any of the intricacies that come with other coat types.
- A Comb And Soft Brush Will Do: For the most part, all you’ll need to care for smooth coats is a comb and a soft brush. Just remember to keep their coat clean and brush them regularly to avoid any problems. Of course, you’re not scot-free from shedding and don’t give them baths too often to keep their fur looking great.
What Does Your Family Want In A Pooch?
Dogs are beautiful animals, and they can bring a lot of fun into the family, but before you go out to adopt one be sure to think twice about the different coat types. Be honest with your family; ask them what type of dog they would want at home and if they’re willing to do the extra work associated with their coats. Overall, it boils back down to preference and the personal responsibility everyone’s willing to assume.
