The Complete Guide to Dog Coat Types

Introduction

Dogs display one of the greatest varieties of coat types found within any domesticated animal. From the dense double coats of northern working breeds to the tightly curled coats of water dogs and the distinctive wire coats of many terriers, each coat tells part of the story of how dogs adapted to different environments and the roles they performed alongside humans.

Although coat appearance is often one of the first characteristics people notice, a dog's coat serves far more important purposes than simply determining how it looks. Different coat types help protect the skin, provide insulation from changing weather conditions, assist with temperature regulation, and reflect thousands of years of natural adaptation and selective breeding.

Today, more than 300 recognised dog breeds exist around the world, displaying an extraordinary range of coat lengths, textures, colours, and patterns. Some breeds possess sleek coats that lie close to the body, while others develop long flowing hair, dense insulating undercoats, tight curls, or even naturally corded coats. Several recognised breeds have very little body hair at all.

Understanding the differences between dog coat types provides useful insight into why breeds vary so dramatically in appearance and why dogs from different parts of the world developed such distinctive characteristics. It also helps explain how climate, geography, and traditional working roles influenced the development of many of the breeds we recognise today.

This guide explores the main dog coat types, how they developed, the purposes they originally served, and why they remain one of the defining characteristics of modern dog breeds.

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Why Dog Coats Matter

A dog's coat is much more than an identifying feature.

Throughout history, coats have helped dogs survive in some of the world's most challenging environments. Whether protecting against freezing temperatures, heavy rain, rough vegetation, strong sunlight, or icy winds, different coat types developed because they offered practical advantages in the places where dogs lived and worked.

For many breeds, the coat formed part of a complete package of physical characteristics that suited a particular role. Herding dogs working across exposed hillsides benefited from coats capable of coping with changing weather, while water-retrieving breeds developed coats that provided protection during repeated exposure to cold water. Dogs living in warmer climates often retained shorter, lighter coats that allowed body heat to dissipate more efficiently.

Even though many modern dogs now live primarily as companions, these historical adaptations remain visible today. A Siberian Husky still carries the dense double coat developed for Arctic conditions, while a Border Terrier retains the coarse protective coat that suited life working through hedgerows and rough countryside.

Coats also contribute to the remarkable diversity seen across modern breeds. They influence a dog's overall appearance, silhouette, texture, and often provide some of the breed characteristics people recognise most easily.

Understanding why these differences exist offers a fascinating insight into both the history of domestic dogs and the environments that shaped their development.

How Dog Coats Evolved

The wide variety of dog coat types seen today is the result of thousands of years of gradual change. Long before recognised breeds existed, the ancestors of modern dogs were adapting to different climates, environments, and ways of living alongside humans.

As people travelled into new regions, the dogs accompanying them encountered very different conditions. Some lived in areas with long, harsh winters, while others worked in warm grasslands, forests, mountains, wetlands, or coastal regions. Over many generations, dogs possessing coat characteristics better suited to their surroundings were more likely to thrive and continue passing on those traits.

Natural adaptation was only part of the story.

As humans increasingly relied on dogs for specific tasks, they also began selecting individuals that were particularly well suited to particular types of work. This gradual process of domestication and selective breeding helped shape many of the physical characteristics seen in modern breeds today, including their coat types. You can learn more about this process in our article, The History of Domestic Dogs: From Early Domestication to Modern Breeds.

For example, dogs working in cold northern climates benefited from dense insulating coats capable of protecting them during long periods outdoors. Water dogs developed coats that provided protection during repeated exposure to lakes, rivers, and marshes. Meanwhile, many terriers developed coarse, protective coats suited to squeezing through rough vegetation while working close to the ground.

Over centuries, these characteristics became increasingly consistent within local populations. As organised breeding became more common, many of these regional dogs eventually developed into the recognised breeds we know today.

Although modern lifestyles have changed dramatically, the coats of many breeds still reflect the environments and purposes that originally shaped them.

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The Science Behind Dog Coats

Understanding how dog coats are structured helps explain why different breeds can look and feel so different.

Each hair grows from a tiny structure beneath the skin known as a hair follicle. Across the body, thousands of these follicles work continuously as older hairs naturally fall out and new hairs grow to replace them.

The appearance of a dog's coat depends on several factors working together, including:

• hair length
• hair thickness
• hair texture
• coat density
• the presence or absence of an undercoat
• the way individual hairs grow

These characteristics combine to create the enormous variety seen across modern breeds.

Some dogs produce fine, straight hairs that lie close to the body, creating a sleek appearance. Others develop longer guard hairs, dense insulating undercoats, tight curls, or coarse wire-like hairs that give the coat a completely different texture.

Genetics plays the primary role in determining coat characteristics. Individual breeds inherit coat types that have been established over many generations, although natural variation still occurs between individual dogs.

Environmental conditions can also influence how a coat appears throughout the year. Many breeds experience seasonal changes that affect coat density, while puppies often develop coats that differ noticeably from those seen in adulthood.

Although coat types vary enormously, they all perform the same fundamental purpose: helping protect the dog while supporting its ability to live comfortably in its environment.

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Understanding Single and Double Coats

One of the simplest ways to understand dog coats is by looking at the number of layers they contain.

Some breeds have a single coat made up of one layer of hair, while others possess a double coat consisting of two distinct layers that work together.

Single Coats

Single-coated dogs have one main layer of hair without a dense insulating undercoat.

These coats vary considerably between breeds. Some remain short and smooth, while others grow long, silky, curly, or even corded. Because there is no substantial undercoat, the overall appearance is usually determined by the outer hair itself.

Examples of recognised breeds commonly associated with single coats include:

• Poodle
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Afghan Hound

Although single coats differ greatly in appearance, they all share the characteristic of lacking a dense secondary layer beneath the outer coat.

Double Coats

Double-coated dogs possess two separate layers that work together.

The outer layer, often called the guard coat, consists of longer hairs that help protect against dirt, moisture, and the weather.

Beneath this sits a softer, denser undercoat that provides insulation by trapping air close to the body.

This combination allows many breeds to remain comfortable across a wide range of weather conditions. Historically, double coats proved particularly valuable for dogs living in colder climates or working outdoors throughout the year.

Examples include:

• Siberian Husky
• Akita
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Samoyed

Although double coats are often associated with cold weather, the insulating undercoat can also help reduce the amount of external heat reaching the skin, illustrating how coat structure serves several important functions rather than simply keeping dogs warm.

The Main Dog Coat Types

Modern dogs display an extraordinary variety of coat types. Although every recognised breed has its own distinctive appearance, most coats can be grouped into several broad categories based on their length, texture, structure, and overall characteristics.

Each coat type reflects generations of adaptation to different climates, environments, and traditional working roles. While appearance often attracts the most attention, every coat developed because it offered practical advantages to the dogs that possessed it.

Understanding these coat types provides a useful foundation for recognising why breeds differ so greatly from one another.

Smooth Coats

Smooth coats are among the shortest and sleekest coat types found in dogs.

The hair lies close to the body, creating a neat appearance that clearly shows the dog's natural shape and muscle definition. Because the coat sits flat against the skin, individual body features are often easier to see than in longer-coated breeds.

Historically, smooth coats suited dogs working in environments where a lightweight, practical coat provided sufficient protection without becoming tangled in vegetation or collecting excessive dirt.

Examples of recognised breeds with smooth coats include:

• Beagle
• Boxer
• Dobermann
• Great Dane
• Whippet

Although smooth coats are generally short, they still vary in density and texture between breeds. Some feel soft and fine, while others are firmer and more resilient.

Short Coats

Short coats are slightly longer than smooth coats while still remaining relatively close to the body.

They provide a little more coverage without producing the longer feathering or flowing appearance associated with long-coated breeds.

Many working dogs historically possessed short coats because they offered a practical balance between protection and freedom of movement. They were well suited to active dogs that spent long periods outdoors in varied conditions.

Examples include:

• Labrador Retriever
• Rottweiler
• Belgian Malinois
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Dalmatian

Although both smooth and short coats appear similar at first glance, short coats generally have a fuller appearance and often feel denser when compared with the sleek finish of true smooth-coated breeds.

Long Coats

Long coats extend much further from the body and create one of the most recognisable appearances among domestic dogs.

Depending on the breed, the hair may hang straight, develop a slight wave, or produce abundant feathering around areas such as:

• ears
• neck
• chest
• legs
• tail
• underside

Many long-coated breeds originated in cooler climates where additional coat length provided greater protection from changing weather conditions. In other breeds, selective breeding gradually enhanced coat length as appearance became an increasingly important characteristic.

Examples include:

• Rough Collie
• Afghan Hound
• Shih Tzu
• Lhasa Apso
• Havanese

Although long coats vary considerably between breeds, they all contribute to the distinctive outline and overall appearance for which many of these breeds are recognised.

Double Coats

Double coats are among the most widespread coat types found in recognised dog breeds.

Unlike single coats, double coats consist of two separate layers working together.

The outer coat contains longer guard hairs that help repel moisture, dirt, and everyday environmental conditions. Beneath this lies a dense undercoat that traps insulating air close to the skin.

This structure helped many breeds remain comfortable while living and working in demanding climates.

Examples include:

• Siberian Husky
• Akita
• German Shepherd
• Samoyed
• Alaskan Malamute
• Golden Retriever

The thickness of the undercoat varies considerably between breeds, giving each dog its own distinctive appearance while maintaining the same basic coat structure. For example, the Siberian Husky developed a dense double coat that reflects its history as a northern working breed.

Wire Coats

Wire coats have a texture that immediately distinguishes them from smoother coat types.

Rather than feeling soft, the individual hairs are coarse, stiff, and resilient.

Historically, this coat type proved particularly useful for dogs working through dense vegetation, rough countryside, and thorny undergrowth. The coarse outer hairs provided an additional layer of protection while helping shield the skin beneath.

Many wire-coated breeds also develop distinctive facial furnishings, including prominent eyebrows, moustaches, and beards that contribute to their unique appearance.

Examples include:

• Border Terrier
• Wire Fox Terrier
• Airedale Terrier
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Scottish Terrier

The combination of coarse texture and characteristic facial hair makes wire-coated breeds some of the easiest dogs to recognise.

Curly Coats

Curly coats form curls or waves rather than lying flat against the body.

Depending on the breed, these curls may be loose and open or tightly packed across much of the dog's body.

Historically, curly coats were especially useful for several breeds that worked in and around water. The tightly curled structure provided additional insulation while helping maintain protection in wet environments.

Examples include:

• Poodle
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Barbet

Although curly coats differ greatly in curl size and density, they remain one of the most distinctive coat types among recognised breeds.

Corded Coats

Corded coats are among the rarest and most unusual coat types found in domestic dogs.

Instead of remaining as individual hairs, sections of the coat gradually form long cords over time, creating an appearance unlike almost any other recognised breed.

Historically, these distinctive coats helped provide protection from harsh weather while also assisting certain livestock guardian breeds as they worked alongside flocks.

Examples include:

• Komondor
• Puli

Although relatively uncommon, corded coats demonstrate the remarkable diversity that exists within the domestic dog population.

Hairless Breeds

Not every recognised breed possesses a traditional coat.

Several breeds naturally have very little body hair due to inherited genetic characteristics.

Although often referred to as hairless, many individuals still develop small amounts of hair on areas such as the head, feet, or tail.

Examples include:

• Xoloitzcuintli
• Chinese Crested
• Peruvian Inca Orchid

Hairless breeds provide another example of the extraordinary variety that has developed throughout the long history of domestic dogs.

 

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Coat Textures and Characteristics

While coat length is one of the easiest features to recognise, texture is equally important in defining the appearance of a dog. Two breeds may have coats of a similar length but feel completely different when touched, reflecting the different environments and purposes for which they developed.

Texture is influenced by the structure, thickness, and arrangement of individual hairs. Across modern breeds, coats range from soft and silky to dense, coarse, curly, and wool-like, with each texture contributing to the dog's overall appearance and historical function.

Soft Coats

Soft coats have a fine, smooth texture that often gives dogs an elegant appearance.

Many companion breeds possess soft coats that feel pleasant to the touch and contribute to their distinctive look. Depending on the breed, these coats may be short, medium, or long in length.

Examples include:

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Maltese
• Bichon Frisé
• Papillon

Although soft coats often appear delicate, their texture varies considerably between breeds.

Silky Coats

Silky coats are similar to soft coats but have an especially fine, smooth texture that reflects light and creates a flowing appearance.

Several recognised breeds are well known for their silky coats, which have become one of their defining characteristics.

Examples include:

• Yorkshire Terrier
• Afghan Hound
• Australian Silky Terrier
• Maltese

Silky coats differ in both length and density, but all display the smooth, glossy texture from which they take their name.

Coarse Coats

Coarse coats feel noticeably firmer than soft or silky coats.

Individual hairs are thicker and more resilient, providing additional protection against everyday outdoor conditions.

Many working breeds developed coarser coats because they were well suited to life spent outdoors in varied environments.

Although coarse coats are often associated with wire-coated breeds, not every coarse coat is truly wire-haired.

Dense Coats

Density refers to how closely individual hairs grow together.

Some dogs possess exceptionally dense coats that create a thick, full appearance. This density often contributes significantly to insulation and weather protection.

Northern breeds and many mountain dogs are particularly well known for their dense coats, which developed in response to colder climates.

Examples include:

• Samoyed
• Chow Chow
• Keeshond
• Tibetan Mastiff

A dense coat can often make a dog appear considerably larger than its actual body size.

Wool-Like Coats

Some breeds possess coats that feel soft, thick, and wool-like.

These coats differ from silky coats by having a fuller texture rather than smooth flowing hair.

Several traditional working breeds developed wool-like coats that provided insulation while allowing them to work in demanding weather conditions.

The appearance varies between breeds, but wool-like coats remain one of the many textures that contribute to the remarkable diversity of domestic dogs.

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How Climate Shaped Different Coat Types

Climate has been one of the greatest influences on the development of dog coats.

As domestic dogs spread across different parts of the world alongside humans, they gradually adapted to the conditions in which they lived. Over many generations, coats that offered practical advantages became increasingly common within local dog populations.

Although selective breeding later refined many of these characteristics, the foundations were often established through environmental adaptation.

Cold Climates

Dogs living in northern regions faced long winters, heavy snowfall, icy winds, and freezing temperatures.

To help cope with these conditions, many gradually developed:

• dense insulating undercoats
• weather-resistant outer coats
• thicker overall coat density
• longer guard hairs

These characteristics helped reduce heat loss while allowing dogs to work outdoors for extended periods.

Many recognised northern breeds still display these features today.

Warm Climates

Dogs originating in warmer parts of the world often developed lighter coats.

Shorter hair allowed body heat to escape more efficiently while still providing protection against sunlight, insects, and everyday environmental conditions.

These coats were generally well suited to active dogs living in warmer temperatures throughout much of the year.

Wet Environments

Some traditional working dogs spent much of their time around lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastlines.

Breeds developed for retrieving from water or working in wet conditions often possessed coats that provided insulation while helping protect the body during repeated exposure to water.

Although coat structure varies between these breeds, many retain characteristics associated with their historical working roles.

Mountain Regions

Dogs living in mountainous areas experienced rapidly changing weather conditions throughout the year.

Many mountain breeds developed heavy coats capable of providing protection against cold temperatures, strong winds, and snowfall.

Combined with substantial body size, these coats helped many traditional mountain dogs work in demanding landscapes where weather conditions could change quickly.

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Coat Types and Traditional Working Roles

The remarkable variety of dog coats seen today reflects the equally remarkable variety of jobs dogs performed throughout history.

Long before dogs became household companions, they assisted humans with hunting, herding, guarding livestock, retrieving game, transporting supplies, and many other everyday tasks. Coat types gradually developed alongside these roles, providing practical advantages in the environments where the work took place.

While appearance has become an important characteristic of many modern breeds, the original purpose of the coat often explains why it developed in the first place.

Northern Working Dogs

Northern breeds traditionally worked in some of the coldest environments inhabited by humans.

Dense double coats helped provide insulation during freezing temperatures while allowing these dogs to remain active throughout long winters.

Examples include:

• Siberian Husky
• Alaskan Malamute
• Samoyed

Water Dogs

Several breeds were developed specifically to work in and around water.

Their distinctive coats helped protect them during repeated retrieval work while contributing to their ability to operate in wet environments.

Examples include:

• Portuguese Water Dog
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Barbet

Terrier Breeds

Many terriers were originally bred to work close to the ground in rough countryside.

Their coarse coats provided practical protection when moving through dense vegetation, hedgerows, and uneven terrain.

Examples include:

• Border Terrier
• Wire Fox Terrier
• Airedale Terrier
• Scottish Terrier

Livestock Guardians

Large guardian breeds frequently lived outdoors alongside livestock throughout the year.

Dense coats helped protect these dogs from changing weather conditions while they guarded flocks across wide areas of countryside.

Examples include:

• Great Pyrenees
• Komondor
• Tibetan Mastiff

Although many of these breeds now live very different lifestyles, their coats continue to reflect the environments and working roles that shaped their development over many generations.

Coat Colours and Patterns

Although this guide focuses primarily on coat types, coat colour and pattern contribute significantly to the remarkable variety seen across domestic dogs.

Two breeds may share exactly the same coat type while appearing completely different because of their colouring. Likewise, dogs within the same breed may display several recognised colour variations while retaining identical coat structure and texture.

Over many generations, selective breeding established many of the colours and patterns now associated with recognised breeds, adding even greater diversity to the domestic dog population.

Common coat colours include:

• Black
• White
• Brown
• Chocolate
• Golden
• Cream
• Red
• Grey
• Blue
• Fawn

Many breeds also display distinctive coat patterns, including:

• Brindle
• Merle
• Sable
• Spotted
• Parti-colour
• Tricolour
• Bicolour

Some recognised breeds are accepted in a wide range of colours, while others are traditionally associated with only a small number of recognised colour combinations.

Although colour often attracts attention, it does not determine the coat type itself. A curly coat may occur in several different colours, just as a smooth coat may appear in a wide variety of shades and patterns.

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Seasonal Coat Changes

Many dogs experience natural changes in their coats throughout the year.

Rather than remaining exactly the same in every season, coat thickness and density often adjust gradually in response to changing daylight hours and environmental conditions.

These seasonal changes are most noticeable in breeds with dense double coats.

Double-Coated Breeds

As colder weather approaches, many double-coated breeds gradually develop a thicker undercoat that provides additional insulation during winter.

When temperatures become warmer again, much of this undercoat is naturally shed, reducing overall coat density while leaving the protective outer coat in place.

The extent of these seasonal changes varies between breeds and individual dogs, with some experiencing far more noticeable changes than others.

Single-Coated Breeds

Single-coated breeds may also shed throughout the year, but the changes are often less dramatic than those seen in heavily insulated double-coated breeds.

Their coats generally maintain a more consistent appearance, although natural hair replacement continues throughout a dog's life.

Seasonal changes are simply one example of how a dog's coat remains an active, living part of its body rather than a fixed characteristic.

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Puppies and Adult Coats

Many puppies do not retain the exact same coat throughout their lives.

As dogs mature, their coats often change in several ways, including:

• length
• texture
• density
• colour
• overall appearance

Some puppies are born with soft, fluffy coats that gradually become denser as they mature. Others develop longer outer coats, more pronounced feathering, or distinctive adult markings that were not obvious during early life.

The timing and extent of these changes varies considerably between breeds.

In many recognised breeds, the full adult coat is not completely developed until well after the puppy stage has ended.

These gradual changes form a normal part of development and contribute to the unique appearance of adult dogs.

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Mixed-Breed Dogs and Coat Variation

Mixed-breed dogs demonstrate just how varied coat characteristics can be.

Because they inherit traits from more than one ancestral breed, mixed-breed dogs may display combinations of coat length, texture, density, and colour that differ from either parent.

Some closely resemble one recognised breed, while others inherit an appearance that reflects several generations of mixed ancestry.

Examples include dogs with:

• short but dense coats
• long, wavy coats
• coarse outer coats with softer undercoats
• curly coats of varying tightness
• unusual combinations of colours and markings

This natural variation means no two mixed-breed dogs are exactly alike.

Although predicting the adult coat of a mixed-breed puppy is not always possible, every combination reflects the remarkable genetic diversity found within domestic dogs.

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Common Myths About Dog Coats

Because dogs display such a wide variety of coats, many common assumptions have developed over time.

While some contain elements of truth, others are oversimplified or fail to reflect the diversity found across modern breeds.

Myth: All Long-Coated Dogs Shed Heavily

Long hair does not automatically mean heavy shedding.

The amount of loose hair varies between breeds and individual dogs, meaning coat length alone does not determine how much hair is naturally shed.

Myth: Short Coats Require No Attention

Short coats may appear simple, but they still play an important role in protecting the dog and naturally renew themselves throughout life.

Coat length should not be confused with the complexity or importance of the coat itself.

Myth: Double Coats Only Protect Dogs From Cold Weather

Although double coats provide excellent insulation during winter, they also help regulate temperature in warmer conditions by trapping layers of insulating air close to the body.

Their purpose is broader than simply keeping dogs warm.

Myth: Every Curly-Coated Breed Has Exactly the Same Coat

Curly coats vary considerably.

Some breeds develop tight curls across the entire body, while others display looser waves or curls that differ in texture, density, and overall appearance.

Myth: Dogs With Similar Coats Are Closely Related

Coat appearance alone does not necessarily indicate close ancestry.

Different breeds developed in different parts of the world can display remarkably similar coat types despite having very different historical backgrounds.

Understanding coat types involves looking at the whole dog, including its history, traditional role, environment, and overall physical characteristics rather than relying on appearance alone.

Quick Comparison of the Main Dog Coat Types

The wide variety of coat types found in modern dogs reflects thousands of years of adaptation, selective breeding, and traditional working roles. While every recognised breed has its own distinctive characteristics, the following table provides a simple overview of the main coat types discussed in this guide.

Although these categories help describe the main coat types, natural variation exists within every recognised breed, and individual dogs may display slight differences in texture, density, or appearance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dog coat type?

A dog coat type describes the overall structure and appearance of a dog's coat. It includes characteristics such as length, texture, density, and whether the dog has a single or double coat. Together, these features contribute to the distinctive appearance of different breeds.

What is the difference between a single coat and a double coat?

A single coat consists of one main layer of hair without a dense insulating undercoat.

A double coat has two separate layers: a protective outer coat and a softer undercoat that helps provide insulation and weather protection.

Which dog breeds have double coats?

Many recognised breeds possess double coats, including:

• Siberian Husky
• Akita
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Samoyed
• Alaskan Malamute

Although these breeds all have double coats, the density and overall appearance vary considerably.

What is the rarest dog coat type?

Corded coats are among the rarest naturally occurring coat types found in recognised dog breeds.

Breeds such as the Komondor and Puli are well known for developing long, distinctive cords that set them apart from most other dogs.

Why do northern dog breeds have thick coats?

Many northern breeds developed dense double coats that helped protect them while living and working in extremely cold environments.

These coats provided insulation against snow, ice, and freezing temperatures while allowing the dogs to remain active outdoors for long periods.

Do puppies always have the same coat as adult dogs?

Not always.

Many puppies gradually develop coats that differ in texture, density, length, or colour as they mature. Some breeds take several years to develop their full adult coat.

Can mixed-breed dogs have any coat type?

Yes.

Mixed-breed dogs may inherit coat characteristics from one or more ancestral breeds, resulting in an enormous variety of coat lengths, textures, colours, and patterns.

This natural variation is one of the reasons every mixed-breed dog has its own unique appearance.

Does coat colour determine coat type?

No.

Coat colour and coat type are separate characteristics.

Dogs with identical coat types may appear in many different colours and patterns, while dogs of the same colour may have completely different coat structures.

Why are there so many different dog coat types?

The remarkable diversity seen today is the result of thousands of years of environmental adaptation and selective breeding.

As dogs spread alongside humans into different parts of the world, their coats gradually developed characteristics that suited the climates, landscapes, and traditional roles in which they lived.

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Final Thoughts

Dog coats represent far more than a defining physical feature. They tell the story of how domestic dogs adapted to different environments, supported people in a remarkable variety of traditional roles, and gradually developed into the hundreds of recognised breeds seen today.

From the dense insulating coats of Arctic working dogs to the distinctive curls of water dogs, the coarse coats of terriers, and the elegant appearance of many companion breeds, every coat reflects generations of adaptation, selective breeding, and history. Even within the same breed, natural variation continues to make every individual dog unique.

Understanding coat types provides a greater appreciation for the extraordinary diversity found across the domestic dog population. It also highlights how closely appearance, environment, and historical purpose have been connected throughout the long relationship between dogs and humans.

Whether examining a smooth-coated companion, a corded livestock guardian, or a long-coated herding breed, every coat forms part of the wider story of domestic dogs and the remarkable partnership they have shared with people for thousands of years.