Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and coat types. While some breeds have low-maintenance fur, others require regular grooming, skin care, and special attention to prevent irritation, matting, or infections.
If you’re thinking about adopting a dog or already have one with high-maintenance fur, it’s essential to understand their needs. In this guide, we’ll cover the dog breeds that require the most skin and coat care, the common challenges they face, and how to keep their coats healthy.
1. Why Do Some Breeds Need Extra Coat and Skin Care?
Certain dog breeds need more grooming and skin care due to:
✔ Long, thick, or curly coats that can easily mat or trap dirt.
✔ Sensitive skin prone to allergies, dryness, or infections.
✔ Lack of fur (hairless breeds) that makes them vulnerable to sunburn and irritation.
✔ High oil production that can cause greasy fur and strong odors.
Neglecting coat care can lead to skin infections, excessive shedding, or discomfort for your pet. Now, let’s look at the breeds that require the most attention.
2. Dog Breeds That Require the Most Skin and Coat Care
2.1. Long-Haired Breeds 🐶✨
These dogs have beautiful, flowing fur but require frequent brushing and grooming to prevent tangles and matting.
1. Afghan Hound
- Challenges: Silky coat tangles easily; prone to dry skin.
- Care Tips: Brush daily with a pin brush; bathe every 2-3 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo.
2. Shih Tzu
- Challenges: Long fur mats easily, and they have sensitive skin.
- Care Tips: Daily brushing; professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
3. Maltese
- Challenges: Fine hair tangles quickly and is prone to tear stains.
- Care Tips: Use a detangling spray; clean eyes daily to prevent stains.
4. Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
- Challenges: Hair grows continuously and is prone to matting.
- Care Tips: Regular haircuts; use a light conditioner to prevent dryness.
2.2. Curly-Coated Breeds 🌀🐕
Curly-haired dogs have dense coats that trap dirt and moisture, making them more prone to matting and skin infections.
5. Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard)
- Challenges: Tight curls trap dirt and need frequent trimming.
- Care Tips: Brush daily; professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
6. Bichon Frise
- Challenges: Prone to skin allergies and tear staining.
- Care Tips: Use hypoallergenic shampoo; clean tear stains regularly.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
- Challenges: Dense fur mats easily; prone to ear infections.
- Care Tips: Keep ears dry; brush thoroughly after swimming.
2.3. Double-Coated Breeds ❄️🐾
Double-coated dogs have a thick undercoat that sheds seasonally, requiring frequent brushing to remove loose fur and prevent overheating.
8. Siberian Husky
- Challenges: Heavy shedding during seasonal coat changes.
- Care Tips: Brush daily during shedding season; avoid shaving their coat.
9. Alaskan Malamute
- Challenges: Thick fur traps heat and dirt; heavy shedder.
- Care Tips: Use an undercoat rake; bathe only when necessary to prevent dryness.
10. German Shepherd
- Challenges: Prone to excessive shedding and skin allergies.
- Care Tips: Regular brushing with a de-shedding tool; check for hot spots.
2.4. Wrinkled Skin Breeds 🐶📜
Dogs with excess skin folds require extra care to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to infections.
11. English Bulldog
- Challenges: Skin folds trap moisture, leading to infections.
- Care Tips: Wipe folds daily with a damp cloth; use pet-safe antifungal wipes.
12. Shar Pei
- Challenges: Deep wrinkles can develop bacterial infections.
- Care Tips: Keep folds dry; use a mild, medicated shampoo.
13. Pug
- Challenges: Prone to tear stains and facial fold infections.
- Care Tips: Clean facial folds regularly; check for redness.
2.5. Hairless Breeds 🌞🐕
These dogs have little to no fur, making their skin highly sensitive to the sun, dryness, and irritation.
14. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
- Challenges: Prone to sunburn and dry skin.
- Care Tips: Use dog-safe sunscreen; apply coconut oil for moisture.
15. Chinese Crested
- Challenges: Acne-prone skin; sensitive to cold.
- Care Tips: Bathe weekly; dress in warm clothes in winter.
3. Essential Grooming and Skin Care Tips
No matter your dog’s coat type, following a good grooming routine is essential. Here are some general tips to keep their fur and skin healthy:
3.1. Brushing Frequency
✔ Daily brushing for long-haired and curly breeds.
✔ 2-3 times per week for short-haired dogs.
✔ During shedding seasons, increase brushing for double-coated dogs.
3.2. Bathing Schedule
✔ Once every 3-4 weeks for most breeds.
✔ More frequent baths for hairless and wrinkled-skin breeds.
✔ Use mild, dog-friendly shampoo to avoid stripping natural oils.
3.3. Ear and Wrinkle Care
✔ Clean ears weekly for breeds prone to infections.
✔ Dry skin folds daily to prevent bacterial buildup.
3.4. Protecting the Skin
✔ Apply dog-safe sunscreen on hairless breeds.
✔ Use moisturizing sprays for dry skin.
✔ Check for parasites, rashes, or hot spots regularly.
3.5. Nutrition for a Healthy Coat
✔ Feed high-quality dog food rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
✔ Add fish oil supplements for a shinier coat.
✔ Ensure proper hydration to prevent dry skin.
Final Thoughts
Some dog breeds require extra skin and coat care, but with proper grooming, a good diet, and regular vet check-ups, you can keep your pet comfortable and healthy.
If you’re considering adopting a high-maintenance breed, be prepared for the commitment of regular grooming. Taking the time to care for their coat properly will prevent health issues and keep your furry friend happy! 🐶✨