A true blue friend is one that will loyally stand by your side, and this is the perfect way to describe these blue dog breeds. Each of these canine companions carries the genes for a blue coat color - maybe a light, pale blue or a deeper, steely shade of blue.



Regardless of what shade it takes, all blue-colored dogs are displaying a coat that is in reality influenced by a gene for either a diluted black coat. There are both large and small blue dog breeds. Some of these breeds are recognized within their breed standard as carrying the gene for a blue coat, while others manifest a blue coat that falls outside of the guidelines for the breed. Regardless, many of these blue dog breeds are sought after and highly prized for their good looks and unique blue coat!



There are four types of blue coats, depending on the pattern and whether or not the dog is born blue. They are all inherited differently.

TYPES OF BLUE DOG COATS

1. Blue (dilute):
a genetically black or dark brown coat becomes metallic blue-gray in appearance - blue Great Dane, blue Weimaraner. Always with a grey nose or paw pads.

2. Blue (progressive silvering):
Puppies are born black, but become blue-gray in adulthood - Kerry blue terrier. Other breeds in which progressive blue can be found: Puli, Havanese, Briard, Poodle and other breeds. Always with a black nose.

3. Blue-tick:
Black roaning on white. The blue coloring results from a black / white mottling which gives the impression of a navy blue color. Always with a black nose, e.g. Petit Blue de Gascogne, Blue Belton.

4. Blue Merle:
This is a color pattern, more than a color, which looks like marbled gray on black as in the Catahoula leopard dog and the Australian Shepherd dog. Always with a black nose, sometimes blue eyes.



THE GENETICS
The dog's coat color is determined by a substance called melanin. There are two distinct types of melanin in the dog, eumelanin and phaeomelanin. Eumelanin will, in the absence of other modifying genes, give the color black or dark brown. Phaeomelanin is, in its unmodified form, red/yellow. In some dogs the coat color dilution can be accompanied by hair loss and recurrent skin inflammation, the so called color dilution alopecia (CDA) or black hair follicular dysplasia (BHFD). Dogs with coat color dilution show a characteristic pigmentation phenotype. The coat colors are lighter in shade, diluted black (eumelanin dilution) giving a silvery grey (blue) and red / yellow giving a cream color - Isabella fawn, also referred to as lilac in some breeds. Note that dark phaeomelanin can ressemble lighter forms of eumelanin and both dark phaeomelanin and brown eumelanin are likely to be considered "red" by many breeders, which only adds to the confusion.

In some breeds blue dilute is termed grey or silver, which further adds to the confusion. This is the case, for example, in the Tervueren, where a dog with diluted red hairs appearing as blue, is usually called grey. In some dog breeds the blue color variety is associated with a specific coat texture. That is the case for example in the Thai ridgeback, where the blue color is almost always associated with a velvet coat texture, while the other colored Thai ridgebacks are can have either a short, a velvet or a long coat.



Blue dilution can sometimes be associated with health issues. An affection called CDA (Color Dilution Alopecia), formerly known as Blue Balding Syndrome or Blue Doberman Syndrome, causes the melanin in the hairshaft to clump together making the hair weak and breakable. Despite its former name this affection is not limited to Dobermans, but can occur in many breeds, most notable are blue Chow Chows, Dachshunds, Whippets, Standard Poodles, and Great Danes. Though fawn (dilute brown) dogs also tend to suffer from the same affection, CDA seems less common in fawns than in blues. Dilute coats also tend to be sparser in general than non-dilutes, with fewer hairs to the inch. In collies there is another type of dilution (Grey collie syndrome) causing acyclic neutropenia, a disorder of the immune system, which renders them defenseless against infection. Puppies with this affection die within a few weeks unless kept on stringent regimens of antibiotics their whole lives.


BLUE DOG BREEDS



1. Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as the blue heeler, it's no surprise that the Australian Cattle dog lands on the list of best blue dog breeds. While a red coat is also possible - known as the red heeler, a blue coat on this dog may be solid, mottled, or speckled according to the breed standard. Other markings in black or tan may be present, but the overall impression of a blue heeler is well, blue. Height: 17 to 20 inches, Weight: 35 to 50 pounds. Physical Characteristics: An athletic, muscular and broad dog, smooth, hard double-coat, coat color is usually blue, blue mottled or blue speckled but may also be red.


2. Kerry Blue Terrier
As the name suggests, the Kerry blue terrier only comes in one color: blue. This breed has a unique, curly coat that ranges in shade from a deep slate to a light blue gray. While the muzzle, head, ears, tail, and feet may be darker or even black, the breed standard calls for a dog that is described as either "blue gray" or "gray blue," with either color showing more dominantly. However, the blue hue should not be missing. The most interesting thing about this blue dog breed is the fact that puppies are born black. Through a process described as "clearing," the coat of a Kerry blue terrier gradually changes to the characteristic blue coat color. Generally, a dog will have it is mature coat by the age of 18 months. Height: 17 to 19 inches, Weight: 30 to 40 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Medium-size breed with a short coat of curls that is soft and wavy with no undercoat, a bearded face with heavy eyebrows often conceal this breed's eyes.


3. Weimaraner
Weimaraners typically are known by their steely gray coat that is actually the dilute of the gene for a brown coat, but in some dogs a black dilute gene is present instead. This produces a dark grey colored dog, often described as a blue Weimaraner. According to the breed standard, this coat color is a disqualified, but regardless, people in search of blue dog breeds are often drawn to the athletic and striking look of the blue Weimaraner. Height: 23 to 27 inches, Weight: 55 to 90 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Sleek body, short coat, blue to gray color.


4. Chihuahua
One of the smallest dog breeds, there is no shortage of coat colors for the Chihuahua - including a beautiful blue coat. The gene responsible for producing this rare coat color is recessive, so this is not a common blue dog breed. When it does appear, the blue may be solid, or it can appear in combination with tan, white, fawn, or brown markings. Both long-haired and short-haired chihuahuas may have a blue coat color. Height: 5 to 8 inches, Weight: Up to 6 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Prominent ears and alert expression, short or long coat in many different colors, including black, white, fawn, blue and more. Height: 20 to 22 inches, Weight: 45 to 55 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Medium-sized breed with a distinctive shaggy look, long, coarse topcoat; colors include white with red, brown or brindle markings.


5. Bearded Collie
The shaggy coat of the bearded collie comes in a handful colors, including blue. Commonly seen with white markings on the face, chest, legs, and tail, the body is always solid in color from the shoulders back. Blue bearded collies may be born with a darker color coat-blue or grey and gradually lighten as they mature.


6. Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier wears a little tuxedo, and while his coat is usually black-and-white in color, a red or blue coat is possible too! Like some other blue dog breeds, the blue coat color is not recognized in the AKC breed standard for Boston Terriers. Regardless, however, this recessive gene does sometimes appear. The blue coat of a Boston terrier may appear distinctly blue in color, or have a silver or grey shade. Height: 15 to 17 inches, Weight: 12 to 25 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Compact but sturdy build with round face and upright ears, smooth coat in solid colors or accented with white.


7. Italian Greyhound
The long legs and petite body of the Italian greyhound give this dog a graceful look, especially when it happens to be sporting a blue coat. While not exclusively a blue dog breed, the Italia greyhound does carry the gene for a dilute black coat, which manifests itself as a dark grey with a distinctly blue cast. Height: 13 to 15 inches, Weight: 7 to 14 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Dainty body with deep chest and long legs, thin tail, short, smooth coat in variety of colors including black, blue, fawn, and more.


8. Blue Lacy
The Blue Lacy is a rare blue dog breed, originating in the United States in the middle 1800's as a rancher's right-hand companion. While not yet AKC-recognized, the Blue Lacy is the state dog of Texas. These dogs carry the recessive gene responsible for producing a blue coat, but they may also produce puppies that are red, cream, or tricolor. Regardless of coat color, the Blue Lacy is known for having a natural aptitude for work and a high level of intelligence. Height: 18 to 21 inches, Weight: 25 to 50 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Elongated muzzle with folded ears and athletic body type, short and smooth coat in various shades of blue, such as gray, light silver, or deeper charcoal but may also be red or tricolored.


9. Neapolitan Mastiff
For a BIG blue dog breed, look no further than the Neapolitan mastiff. This large breed is recognized by its imposing frame and loose skin, which often wrinkles around the head. A blue coat is relatively common, along with black, mahogany, and tawny coat colors. No matter what color coat they have, these dogs are large and in charge! Height: 24 to 31 inches, Weight: 110 to 150 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Large, heavy boned dog with an abundance of loose skin across the body, short coat that comes in black, blue, mahogany, and tawny colors.


10. Chinese Shar-Pei
Most people know the Shar-Pei for their folds of skin and wrinkled appearance. However, you may not realize that this dog breed carries the capacity for a variety of coat colors, including blue. The breed standard allows for a Shar-Pei coat to be any color as long as it is solid. Blue Shar-Peis can range from a lighter hue of grey blue to a deeper slate color. Some of these dogs have shading along the back and ears, but it must be of the same color as the rest of the coat. Interestingly, this blue dog breed has a blue-black tongue, regardless of coat color! Height: 18 to 20 inches, Weight: 45 to 60 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Compact, medium-sized dog known for distinctive appearance; wrinkled faces with loose skin, a blue-black tongue, small, round eyes, and very small, triangular ears, coats are very short and bristly, coming in black, brown, cream, and blue.


11. Irish Wolfhound
The gene responsible for diluting a black coat into a blue one is present in Irish wolfhounds as well. It is believed that this trait was inherited from another blue dog breed, the Great Dane. While many blue Irish wolfhounds may appear somewhat gray at first glance, those with a blue coat have a distinctive blue tint to their coat and might also have liver-colored paw pads, nose, and eye rims. Height: 30 inches and up, Weight: 105 to 120 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Tall, long body, rough coat, colors include black, blue, brindle, cream, gray, and more.


12. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire terrier is a breed of many colors, but is included on the list of blue dog breeds for its steel grey coat that often is described as blue. It generally appears in combination with white patches. Regardless of coat color, these dogs have short, coarse hair. Height: 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder, Weight: 40 to 70 pounds. Physical Characteristics: Medium to large dog with a muscular build and square head, short, smooth coat in many different colors.


13. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback traces its history to the mid-17th century in eastern Thailand. Given the relative isolation of eastern Thailand and primitive transportation options, limited cross breeding allowed the Thai Ridgeback to remain pure for centuries. This hunting dog and watchdog is still little known outside Thailand. The Thai Ridgeback name refers to the ridge line of hair growing in the opposite direction of the main coat - creating a ridge, or crest, behind the ears. This muscular large breed has a natural hunting instinct and must be well trained at an early age. The Thai Ridgeback was an independent breed and most likely survived on the spoils of the hunt and small barn animals. This would have been nutritionally insufficient should the Thai Ridgeback been suffering from sensitive stomach issues.


14. Great Dane
Blue Great Dane puppy's coat color is a standard Great Dane breed color. The blue puppy Danes are favored generally and would develop into dog show acceptable dogs. They are also regarded as a tainted variant of a black Great Dane coat color. Both these coat colors are revered as standard Great Dane coat colors. The Blue Great Danes are standard Danes. As, the Blue Great Dane puppy is born with the recessive blue gene in its genetic makeup. Transforming the coat color of a Black Dane into its dilute coat bearing Blue color. A Blue Great Dane puppy require particular feed and exercise alike Great Dane dogs. This beautiful coat colored dog is joyful, faithful, appeasing, and friendly indeed.


15. Chow Chow
The blue Chow Chow is one of the most ancient dog breeds on Earth and also one of the noblest. Even today, to see a blue Chow Chow walk past is like watching history itself walk by. With this dog's lion-like head ruff and dignified bearing, there is no mistaking a Chow Chow when you meet one!


16. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of small dog named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. Originally bred to hunt vermin the Bedlington Terrier has since been used in dog racing, numerous dog sports, as well as in conformation shows and as a companion dog.


17. Doberman
Most of us are familiar with the Doberman dog breed - the attractive black and tan dogs known for making great guardians. But not many of us may be familiar with the blue doberman, a color variation of this breed. No, these dogs are not blue in the real sense of the word, so don't imagine them as being Smurf blue or electric blue. The word blue in this case refers to the dilution of the black coat color, which gives these dogs an attractive grayish hue that draws the attention of many people in search of an unusual looking Doberman. Dobermans are known to come in several coat colors. The American Kennel Club lists four coat colors for this breed: black and rust, blue and rust, fawn (isabella) and rust, and red and rust. The rust markings are typically found above each eye, on the muzzle, throat and fore chest, on all legs and feet, and below the tail. While Dobermans can also come in a white color, this coat color is not accepted as standard.


18. Glen of Imaal Terrier
Glens are scruffy, sturdy, low-slung terriers standing no more than 14 inches at the shoulder. There is nothing fancy or fussed-over about Glens. Rather, their wiry no-frills coat, broad head, and bowed front legs suggest a working farm dog from a time and place where substance was more important than style. And yet, they are also ridiculously cute. It takes a heart of stone to resist reaching down to give a Glen a scratch behind the ear and a pat on the well-muscled rump. Height: 12.5-14 inches, Weight: 32-40 pounds.


19. Havanese
​Distinctive features of the Havanese include a curled-over tail and a gorgeous silky coat, which comes in a variety of colors. Some owners enjoy cording the coat, in the manner of a Puli, and others clip it short to reduce grooming time. Happily, Havenese are just as cute no matter what hairdo you give them. Their small but sturdy bodies, adaptable nature, and social skills make Havanese an ideal city dog, but they are content to be anywhere that they can command the attention of admirers young and old alike. Havanese, smart and trainable extroverts with the comic instincts of a born clown, are natural trick dogs. Havanese are also excellent watchdogs and take the job seriously, but will usually keep the barking to a minimum. Height: 8.5-11.5 inches, Weight: 7-13 pounds.


20. Lakeland Terrier
A bold, zesty "big dog in a small package," the Lakeland Terrier, named for the Lake District of his native England, was once a farmer's dog bred to work in packs on sheep-stealing foxes. The Lakeland's coat is hard, wiry, and low-shedding. Square and sturdy Lakelands, standing less than 15 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 17 pounds, are small dogs. But don't tell them that. With their cock of the walk swagger, Lakelands personify the old dog-lover's cliche "a big dog in a small package." They come in several colors, some have a sporty saddle mark on the back. With folded V-shaped ears, straight front, rectangular head, and a mischievous twinkle in their eye, Lakelands are the blueprint of a long-legged British terrier. Height: 14-15 inches (male), slightly smaller (female), Weight: 17 pounds (male), slightly smaller (female).


21. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is the archetypical shaggy dog, famous for his profuse coat and peak-a-boo hair, a distinctive bear-like gait, and a mellow, agreeable nature. The OES is a big, agile dog who enjoys exploring and a good romp. Beneath the Old English Sheepdog's profuse double coat is a muscular and compact drover, with plenty of bone and a big rump, standing 21 or 22 inches at the shoulder. Their eyes, when you can see them, are dark brown, or blue, or one of each. The OES breed standard says the skull is capacious and rather squarely formed, giving plenty of room for brain power. OES move with a bear-like shuffle but are famous for their nimbleness afoot. Regular exercise is required for these strong, able-bodied workers. Equally famed are their many fine housedog qualities: watchfulness, courage, kindliness, and intelligence. Great with children, OES make patient, protective playmates. They are sensible watchdogs known for a loud, ringing bark. Height: 22 inches & up (male), 21 inches & up (female), Weight: 60-100 pounds.


22. Plott Hound
The Plott Hound, a hound with a curious name and a unique history, is a rugged, relentless hunting dog who is a mellow gentleman at home but fearless, implacable, and bold at work. This eye-catching scenthound is North Carolina's state dog. The hound with the curious name and unique history is a streamlined, long-tailed, light-footed hunter standing as high as 25 inches at the shoulder. The flashy coat comes in an array of brindle-stripe patterns, from black flecked with gold to flaming orange and russet, in addition to some solid colors. The medium-length ears hang gracefully, and the leather of the nose, lips, and eye rims are black, setting off an inquisitive and confident expression. Height: 20-25 inches (male), 20-23 inches (female), Weight: 50-60 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female).


23. Pomeranian
The tiny Pomeranian, long a favorite of royals and commoners alike, has been called the ideal companion. The glorious coat, smiling, foxy face, and vivacious personality have helped make the Pom one of the world's most popular toy breeds, ​The Pomeranian combines a tiny body (no more than seven pounds) and a commanding big-dog demeanor. The abundant double coat, with its frill extending over the chest and shoulders, comes in almost two dozen colors, and various patterns and markings, but is most commonly seen in orange or red. Alert and intelligent, Pomeranians are easily trained and make fine watchdogs and perky pets for families with children old enough to know the difference between a toy dog and a toy. Poms are active but can be exercised with indoor play and short walks, so they are content in both the city and suburbs. They will master tricks and games with ease, though their favorite activity is providing laughs and companionship to their special human.


24. Pyrenean Sheepdog
Enthusiastic, mischievous, and whip-smart, the Pyrenean Shepherd is an indefatigable herder descended from ancient sheepdogs of the Pyrenees mountains. Tough and sinewy Pyr Sheps come in "rough-faced" and "smooth-faced" coat varieties. These tough, lean, and lively herders, famous for their vigorous and free-flowing movement, come in two coat varieties: rough-faced and smooth-faced. Roughs have profuse, "windswept" hair above the muzzle and a generally harsh coat, smooths have short facial hair, a finer-textured coat, and a slightly longer, pointier muzzle. Both varieties of this sinewy, rectangular breed come in many colors and patterns. Pyr Sheps see the world through dark almond-shaped eyes conveying an alert and cunning expression. Height: 15.5-18.5 inches (male rough-faced), 15-18 inches (female rough-faced), 15.5-21 inches (male smooth-faced), 15.5-20.5 inches (female smooth-faced), Weight: 15-30 pounds.


25. Bluetick Coonhound
The sleekly beautiful Bluetick Coonhound is a sweet and affectionate charmer who might enjoy snoozing in the shade, but in pursuit of quarry he is relentless, bold, and single-minded. His off the charts prey drive must be channeled. Blueticks are speedy and compact nocturnal hunters named for the mottled or "ticked" black-and-blue pattern of the glossy coat. A large male can top out at 27 inches and 80 pounds, females are smaller. Blueticks are well-muscled but sleek and racy, never chunky or clumsy. The baying, bawling, and chopping bark of Blueticks might be cacophonous to some, but to coon hunters it's the music of the night. The droopy-eared charm of Blueticks is irresistible. They crave affection and are deeply devoted to those who provide it. Blueticks have tremendous prey drive. Neglected, underemployed coonhounds with no outlet for their hardwired impulses can develop problem behaviors, like serenading the neighbors with loud, mournful "music."


26. Grand Blue de Gascogne
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a breed of dog of the scenthound type, originating in France and used for hunting in packs. Today's breed is the descendant of a very old type of large hunting dog, and is an important breed in the ancestry of many other hounds. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is one of the original bloodhound breeds in Europe. In the Middle Ages, noblemen often kept a pack of these fine dogs to use in their favourite pursuit, hunting. Their melodious howls would often be heard as they chased deer and other large game through the countryside. However, the breed lost much of its popularity in France between the 18th and 20th centuries. Instead, the mantle of preserving the breed fell to the United States where they had been exported to French colonies. Here the breed successfully managed to make it into the modern age. Grand Bleu are extremely active dogs who are still most suited to a working environment or at least a rural setting. They are pack animals who would prefer to spend as much time as possible with their families. Any alone time will probably be spent practising their howling. However, with the right amount of exercise and companionship, a Grand Bleu will prove to be a friendly hunting companion who is always ready to follow a scent and set off on another adventure. Height: Male: 65-72 cm, Female: 62-68 cm, Weight: Male: 35-39 kg, Female: 35-39 kg.


27. Petit Blue de Gascogne
The dark brown eyes, slate blue coat and pendulous ears of the Petit Bleu de Gascogne will be very familiar to any fans of the original Grand Bleu de Gascogne dog. Indeed, the two share many physical and character traits, differing only by their size and the prey that they are best suited to hunt. The Petit Bleu de Gascogne breed was deliberately bred by those French hunters who wanted to hunt rabbits and hares rather than boar and deer. Though commonly kept as a pet nowadays, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne retains its hunting instincts and still has superb scenting abilities and the endurance to track for miles. Despite this, they can make wonderful and affectionate family members, as long as their owner dedicates plenty of time to keeping them entertained and are strict with their training.


28. Petit Griffon de Gascogne
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne, Is a breed of dog of the scenthound type, originating in France, and is a versatile hunting dog, used on small and large game, in packs or individually. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne has a speckled, rough coat. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is descended from crosses between the Bleu de Gascogne and the Griffon Nivernais, and possibly the Grand Griffon Vendeen as well. The breed declined for many years, but is now experiencing a revival. The breed has a good nose and a good voice, and is a good and very alert hunting dog for all kinds of hunting, not just as a pack hound for large game. Examples of the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne have been exported to other countries, where they are promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-large dog, 50 to 57 cm (10.5-22.4 ins) at the withers, with a distinctive rough (shaggy) blue speckled coat, drop ears that are not as long as those on other hounds, and a tail carried up and in a slight curve.


29. Basset Blue de Gascogne
Often confused with its cousin, the Basset Hound, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a much rarer breed, with only a handful being registered by the Kennel Club. Like the Basset Hound, it originated in France as a slow and steady type of hunting dog with which hunters could keep pace on foot. True to its origin, today's Basset Bleu retains a strong prey drive and an incredible sense of smell, with which it can track scent trails that are several days old. As a working dog, it is generally kept in packs, and it is extremely sociable and easy-going with other dogs. It develops a strong bond with its owners, and makes a playful and good-natured pet for people of all ages. While it is not built for speed, it does need a good deal of exercise, and is an ideal walking or hiking companion for active owners. Like many hounds, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne has a musical voice that it is fond of using, which can create tensions with neighbours in urban areas, especially if the dog is left alone for periods during the day. Its coat is easy to care for, but it sheds steadily throughout the year, and often has a strong "doggy" odour that some owners may find off-putting. It is generally a healthy breed, but prospective owners do need to do their research before buying a pup, especially given that there are currently no UK-registered breeders, and so the few dogs that are imported each year are often not viewed in the flesh before being bought. The average life expectancy for the breed is 12 to 14 years.

DOG COLORING & COAT GENETICS
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EUMELANIN
Does your dog have black fur? Eumelanin is a pigment in a dog's genes that expresses itself in a dog,s coat color, nose color, and eye color. This will determine how "black" a dog's coat is or if they have any black markings on their coat at all. Breeds such as a Black Lab or a Newfoundland dog, for example, will have a strong concentration of Eumelanin in their coats. Do you wonder why most dogs have black noses? This is because the Eumelanin pigment is the default coloration for most dogs! Eumelanin can be altered slightly so that it produces a pigment closer to gray, brown, or light brown. These hues respectively are called "blue," "liver," and "isabella." If a dog's Eumelanin goes more liver, for example, not only will their coat color be affected but also their nose color and eye color.


PHEOMELANIN
Does your pup's fur stray more into the red-tones? A secondary pigment called Phaeomelanin is also an important determinant of a dog's fur. Unlike the way that Eumelanin also affects the coloration of a dog's nose and eyes, Phaeomelanin only affects their coat color. Also, Phaeomelanin only expresses one color - red - as opposed to two groups of color like Eumelanin's liver and black. It includes dogs with truly red coats - such as an Irish Setter, and also includes a wider range of hues including golden tans, yellows, and oranges. A dog's genetics determine how pronounced the Phaeomelanin is and how dense the hue of their coat is. Think your dog's coat is totally unique? You are absolutely correct: while families tend to have similar coat patterns, stray spots here and there will differ from dog to dog. This is how every coat color and combination end up being truly unique!


ALBINISM
What if your dog's coat is white? Good question: it really doesn't fall under either of the pigments we have explained! White, the presence of all color in the visible light spectrum, is the absence of all color and information in a dog coat. Dogs have white coats whenever both of these pigments are inhibited or whenever the Eumelanin and the Phaeomelanin are extremely weak. For example, whenever a dog has a completely white body and a black nose and darker eyes, it means that the Phaeomelanin is dominant but unpronounced. However, in the case of albino dogs or breeds where the genetics don't clearly delineate a dominant/recessive relationship, the eyes will be blue and the nose will likely be pink because the Eumelanin is not affecting those traits. A true albino dog would have red eyes, but it is more common to find dogs with weakened traits as opposed to the anomaly of actual albinism. "White spotting" under the technical term epistasis, in a dog refers to white patches that lay on top of any Eumelanin or Phaeomelanin on a dog. This means that any dog coat color can be speckled with white regardless of their dominant pigmentation. Like the primary colors on the color wheel, small bits of pigment help determine a wide variety of color. These fundamental principles help us better understand the reasons behind each pup's uniquely colored coat.

DOG COLORS CHART !!!

DOG FUR vs DOG HAIR
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The terms fur and hair are often used interchangeably when describing a dog's coat, however in general, a double coat, e.g., like that of the Newfoundland and most mountain dogs, is referred to as a fur coat, while a single coat, like that of the Poodle, is referred to as a hair coat.



Today I found out that there isn't any difference between fur and hair - it's all just hair!

We tend to refer to a lot of animal hair as "fur", while referring to our own hair as just "hair". It turns out though that hair and fur are chemically indistinguishable, both made up of keratin. The argument that is often cited as to why there must be a difference is that human hair will just keep growing forever, while most animal "fur" stops at a set length. In fact, the latter is true, but the former is not. Human hair will stop growing after a certain period and with your scalp at least, it tends to be a longer period than with many animals, though it varies on different parts of your body.



The maximum length of hair on various parts of your body is entirely determined by your genetics and varies widely from person to person and animal to animal. Each hair follicle has a period of growing and not growing. During the anagen period your hair grows. During the catagen period, your hair stops growing and the outer root sheath shrinks and the root of the hair is cut off from its blood supply and from the cells that produce new hair. This is followed by a telogen period, where more or less the follicle is resting. Eventually your hair falls out and the whole cycle starts again.



For humans, a typical anagen period for your scalp hair follicles will last between 2-7 years... the resting phase, telogen, here lasts about 100 days. On your arms and your legs, the anagen period lasts around 30-45 days. This explains why the hair on your arms and legs doesn't get that long compared to your head hair and more or less always seems to stay at a seemingly fixed length.



Various mammals have different growth cycles on their hair than humans do, thus why cat hair seems to stop growing at a certain, relatively short, length; not too dissimilar from the growth rate and length of the hair on a human's arms and legs. But in the end, hair and fur are chemically the same exact thing. There is no difference other than what we chose to call "fur" or "hair", which is often pretty arbitrary.



For instance, in many dogs with naturally short hair, it is typical to call this fur, though not always. But if the dog's hair gets naturally long, we tend to call this hair, even though the only difference is in the length of the anagen period of the hair follicle growth cycle. Dogs such as the Poodle or Havanese tend to have a very long anagen cycle, which is why most pet owners will have their hair cut. Other dogs, such as a Labrador, have relatively short anagen periods, so their hair never gets that long.




Fur and Hair Are Chemically the Same
The reality is that both fur and hair are chemically indistinguishable. They are both made up of keratin, the chemical that also creates skin and nails. Technically this means that whether a dog has hair or fur, it's not the reason they may appear to be hypoallergenic.



Hair Has a Longer Growth Cycle
One difference in determining hair from fur is the growing cycle. Hair has various growth phases and the length of the various phases helps determine if people consider the dog's coat to be fur or hair.

Anagen is the phase of new hair growth.

Catagen is the transition phase where hair stops growing and the outer root sheath attaches to the hair.

Telogen is the resting phase.

Exogen is when the hair falls out and the follicle moves back into the anagen phase. The exogen phase is typically longer during warm months as the undercoats and excess hair are used as insulation during cold weather.



Hair seems to continuously grow, having a longer anagen phase, while coats that continuously shed have shorter anagen hair growth phases and are called fur.



The hair of a dog does not grow continously, but in cycles, similar to our eyebrows. Anagen is the first phase, in which the hair is produced. The new hair grows along side the old hair, which is subsequently lost. Catagen is an intermediate stage in the cycle, and telogen is the resting phase in which the follicle is basically dormant. The hair follicles are not all in the same phase at the same time, which is why we do not see a lot of bald dogs!




Fur and Hair Have Different Textures
Texture is also a key factor in distinguishing hair from fur. Hair tends to be longer and finer in texture, and will frequently be wavy or curly. It is this curliness that actually traps the shedding hair and dander inside the coat, giving the appearance that the coat doesn't shed and doesn't produce allergic reactions. It is this factor, along with absence of an undercoat, that gives the impression that certain breeds are allergen-free. Fur is typically shorter and more dense in texture, with a finer undercoat during the colder months for warmth. Because the shedding hair easily drops from the dog, it only appears that the shedding is more profuse than the finer hair coat. The only real differences between hair and fur are the descriptions that we have applied to hair and fur that determine the type of coat a dog has. One is not more allergen-free than the other, it is the lack of loose hair and dander as well as well as other factors, that determine whether a person is allergic or not.

DOG FUR HEALTHINESS
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You can tell a lot about the general health of your dog by taking a good look at her coat and skin. A healthy dog is a beautiful dog, and a coat that's nice and shiny is a strong indicator that your pet's in peak condition.



Signs of a healthy coat
How do you know if your dog's coat is in good shape?
Just use your senses!

A healthy coat should feel pliable and smooth, even the wiry pelts of dogs like Terriers. If the texture's dry or coarse, or if the hair's brittle and broken (yes, dogs get split ends too), then you need to take action.



A healthy coat looks good, too. Think about it the same way you think about your own hair: you want your pet's coat to be shiny and lustrous, bouncy and resilient, not limp or bristly or dull.



The coat should smell good, even when it hasn't just been washed. In fact, if her coat's dry and well cared for, and you're washing her about once a month or so, your dog shouldn't smell bad at all. A rancid, oily, or sour odor signals that bacteria are breaking down the skin's natural protective oils. Your dog may be suffering from flea bites, or hot spots, or very dry skin.




What keeps the coat healthy?
The single most important factor in growing a gorgeous coat is good nutrition, or a diet rich in fatty acids and meat, poultry, or fish. This means that the label on the package should list some kind of meat (beef, lamb), poultry (chicken), or fish as the first and most dominant ingredient-not corn, wheat, barley, or rice. For extra shine, some nutritionists also recommend mixing a teaspoonful of vegetable oil into your dog's food once or twice a day.

Grooming is another way to improve your dog's coat health. Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush can help keep keep your dog's fur clean and glossy.

Practicing good flea control is also very helpful, so stick to a schedule of applying flea prevention product (suggestions include Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution) every month.

Dietary supplements may or may not help. If you think your dog's coat isn't all it should be, try switching foods first. If that doesn't work, a vet may be able to help you decide whether it makes sense to feed your dog omega-3s, or some other type of essential fatty acids supplement. Feel free to experiment yourself, these healthy fats can only help your dog. But be aware it will be a matter of weeks or months before you'll be able to notice any significant improvement.




Hot spots
Any dog with matted or dirty hair or a naturally thick coat may be more prone to hot spots. A bacterial infection officially called pyrotraumatic dermatitis, or moist eczema. Hot spots begin as infected bites or scratches, and as the infection spreads very rapidly hair falls out, pus forms, and the area begins to smell awful. The spot is actually warm to the touch. Hot spots are most common in breeds with thick coats, such as Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and German Shepherds, and they occur more often in the warmer months. But they can afflict any dog at any time of the year. You can help stay on top of them by shaving your dog closely during the summer.




Shedding
Shedding isn't necessarily a sign of a problem. Even if you can pluck out clumps of fur, as long as the coat is reasonably dense with no bald spots, your dog's hair loss is probably normal. Dogs who spend most of their time outdoors tend to shed mostly during the spring and fall, but indoor dogs shed any time, or all the time. It's not entirely clear what triggers shedding; hormones, environmental factors, stress, and poor nutrition probably have something to do with it. But the process of growth, rest, shedding, and regrowth is part of the canine coat life cycle, and it's perfectly normal. Your best strategy for dealing with it is to make sure your vacuum cleaner's in good working order.



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When it's time to see the vet?
If you see any of these symptoms, it's time to visit the vet:

A significant change in your dog's coat or skin

Evidence of parasites

Open sores

Hot spots or signs of infection.

DOG FUR SHINING TIPS
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Your dog's coat is one of the clearest indicators of your dog's overall health. A dull or damaged coat may indicate disease, poor grooming, or parasites. If you've determined that your dog isn't suffering from a medical condition that affects his coat, it's easy to make your dog's coat shine. Flaxseed oil and fish oils are rich in Omega 6. Unfortunately, fish oils do smell "fishy" so you may prefer to give a capsule so that the dog's breath doesn't smell bad as a result. Be wary of over-the-counter treatments if you suspect your dog has internal parasites. These store-bought remedies can be poisonous to your dog.

PART I:
Improving Your Dog's Coat

1. Feed your dog a healthy and well-balanced diet.
If you buy a commercial dog food, make sure it contains the proper balance of nutrients. You may want to ask your vet to recommend a product and dosage specific to your dog. A nutritionally-rich diet is important in maintaining the health and condition of your dog's coat. If you choose to make your own dog food, talk with the vet about making sure it's got the right balance of vitamins and minerals. Making your own dog food at home is a great way to be completely sure of what you are feeding your dog.

2. Supplement your dog's diet with omega fatty acids.
Look for an omega-6 supplement or consider adding safflower or sunflower oil to your dog's food. If adding the oil, give 1 teaspoon a day to a small dog or 1 tablespoon a day for a large dog. Avoid giving too much, since it could cause diarrhea. You may also want to give omega-3 fatty acids, which have a greater anti-inflammatory effect. These are found in flaxseed and fish oils. Regardless of the supplement you choose, always follow the packaging for dosage instructions. Omega fatty acids can reduce the itchy skin of dogs with allergies, since they have natural anti-inflammatory effects. They also nourish the cells that are developing at the deepest layer of your dog's skin. It will take at least 28 days for these skin cells to become the top layer and reveal an extra plush coat, so don't stop supplementing before that time.

3. Groom your dog regularly.
You should groom your dog every few days, regardless of whether he has long or short hair. Be sure to use dog brushes and combs, since they're designed to remove tangles, mats, dead skin cells, and dander. You will need to look for tools that are best suited to your dog's fur. Always brush with the lie of the fur to distribute the natural oils through the hair and use a comb to get rid of tangles. Grooming also improves the oxygen supply to your dog's skin. This can improve the health and look of your dog's coat. You may want to rub a dry leather chamois over your dog's coat to buff and polish it.

5. Bathe your dog with the proper shampoo.
To avoid stripping the natural oils from your dog's coat, leaving him prone to dryness, shampoo your dog no more than once a month. Choose a shampoo specifically made for dogs and look for one that matches your dog's coat and skin sensitivity. For example, if your dog scratches a lot, you may want to choose a sensitive shampoo or look for one made with oatmeal since oatmeal acts as a natural itch reliever. If your dog loves to roll in mud and needs frequent washing, chose the mildest shampoo you can find, preferably one that's moisturizing. Be sure to rinse the dog's coat thoroughly. Any residual shampoo or conditioner left in the coat can irritate the skin and make the coat look dull and lifeless.

6. Check for parasites.
Thoroughly look through your dog's coat for parasites, like fleas or ticks, which can affect your dog's coat and overall health. Since ticks are larger and slower, they will be easier to see than fleas. To check for fleas, run your fingers over several parts of your dog's coat - like behind the ears, down the back, near the tail, and on the belly. Look for small pinpoint-sized black spots, known as flea dirt. These are flea droppings that are usually concentrated in one area. You may want the veterinarian to check for worms and other internal parasites. These can feed off your dog and rob him of nutrients, damaging his coat. Your vet can check a fecal sample and prescribe medication to treat your dog. One parasite (cheyletiella) is known as "walking dandruff" because it looks like large flakes of dandruff and if you watch carefully you may see it walk. Your vet will check for this and might recommend your dog be sprayed with medication once every two weeks for 2 or 3 treatments.


PART II:
Identifying Skin & Health Issues

1. Determine if your dog is unwell.
If your dog is sick or feeling nauseous, he may stop grooming. This leads to a dull, unkempt coat and can signal to veterinarians that your dog has a medical condition. Check in with your veterinarian if you notice any one of the following symptoms in your dog:
Lack of appetite, Excessive thirst, Vomiting, Diarrhea or soft stools, Smelly Breath, Smelly ears, Lameness, Difficulty Breathing.

2. Check your dog for sore teeth.
Sore teeth can make it harder for your dog to eat. As a consequence, he may be messier and get food in his coat. To check for sore teeth, lift your dog's lip and take a look at the teeth and gums. His mouth should look like yours, with white teeth and pink gums. If the teeth are coated in tartar - a white buildup, the teeth are wobbly, or the gums are inflamed and bleeding, then your pet needs veterinary attention. You may also notice your dog's breath smells bad and he's a messy eater. If his teeth hurt, he will drop food out of his mouth when he chews. This can contribute to a dirty coat.

3. Consider if your dog has arthritis
Arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, can cause stiffness and pain. Your dog may be too stiff and sore to easily groom himself. If this is the case, you will notice your dog walking stiffly and having difficulty using stairs or jumping in a vehicle. You will need to talk to the veterinarian about medication to treat the pain of arthritis. In the meantime, help your dog by grooming him daily. Pay particular attention to areas that your dog can't comfortably reach.

4. Check if your dog has a greasy coat or scaly skin.
Pay attention for scaly, dandruff prone skin or an especially greasy coat. Your dog may have a condition called seborrhea, in which the skin's follicles create too much oil. This can trigger skin flaking or dandruff. Your vet will need to determine the cause of the greasy or scaly skin in order to recommend a treatment. Your vet may recommend supplementing your dog's diet with vitamin A or zinc to clear up any skin conditions.

HYPOALLERGENIC DOGS:
FUR FACTS & FICTIONS
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Allergy sufferers who still want to share their home with a canine companion have been known to drop big bucks on breeds that are being touted as "hypoallergenic dogs." These are dogs who are reported to have lower household allergen levels compared to other pooches. But before you throw out your bottle of Visine and handkerchief, a new study suggests that this just may be fur fiction.



Prominent allergen researchers have found that there is no basis to the claim "that certain dog breeds are hypoallergenic" and have found that allergen levels vary among individual dogs, not individual breeds. The American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy published a study in 2011 that revealed the amount of dog allergens found in households does not vary depending on the breed, and families with "hypoallergenic" dogs are living with the same level of allergens in their homes as people who live with a, shall we say, "common" dog.



The researchers measured the level of the most common dog allergen, Canis familiaris 1, in the homes of 173 families who lived with one dog and found that 163 of them produced measurable levels of Can f 1. The numbers of dogs of each breed were not large enough to allow for analyses by individual breed, but the researchers compared quantities of allergens found in the samples using various categories of purebred and mixed-breed hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic dogs. No matter how they did the comparisons even comparing dogs suggested as being "more hypoallergenic" by the AKC against all other dogs they found no statistically significant differences in levels of Can f 1.



The AKC does not actually recommend or endorse any specific breed, nor does it claim that hypoallergenic breeds will not affect people with allergies, but they do suggest 11 canine candidates that have "consistent and predictable coats" that may benefit allergy sufferers. Basically, these are the breeds that have more of a non-shedding coat, which in turn produces less dander, and therefore less allergens in the environment.

How then, was the legend of the hypoallergenic dog born? Good question, as no one really knows where the whole concept got its start. But perform an internet search with the terms "hypoallergenic dog" and you will see endless links touting the perfect allergy-free pooch. I was most shocked when I read about Simon Brodie of Lifestyle Pets, a controversial U.S.-based company that breeds and sells cats and dogs as "hypoallergenic" at a price of $16,000 each! And, no, that was not a typo with an extra one or two "0's" on the end!




How to reduce the sniffling and sneezing?

By following these tips, you may be able to lessen the allergenic load in your environment and live more harmoniously with your canine companions:

1. - Make sure your pet's essential fatty acid requirements are met. By assuring your dog or kitty has optimal levels of EFAs in the diet, you can reduce shedding and dander associated with EFA deficiency. Adding coconut oil has also proven to help reduce dander and shedding.

2. - Bathe your pet often. Even kitties can be bathed regularly, but take special care to use only safe, non-drying herbal animal shampoos. Whatever you do, avoid using people shampoo on your dog or cat, and skip any shampoo containing oatmeal.

3. - Invest in a good quality vacuum designed for households with pets.

4. - Clean your home frequently and thoroughly, including any surfaces that trap pet hair and dander like couch covers, pillows and pet beds. This will also help control other allergens in your home that could be contributing to the allergic load of family members.

5. - Wash bedding frequently in hot water.

6. - If your pet rides in the car with you, consider using washable seat covers.

7. - Purchase a good quality air purifier for your home.

8. - If possible, remove carpeting, drapes and other fabric that traps animal dander. Tile or wood floors are much easier to clean of allergens.

DIFFERENT DOG BREEDS COAT:
STRUCTURE, LENGTH & TEXTURE
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Dog breed coats vary markedly. For example, there are hairless dogs, dogs with double coats, having both a primary or outer coat and an undercoat and dogs with a primary coat but no undercoat. There are dogs with different coat textures, from wavy or curly, to straight, to wiry, harsh or hard. There are also coats of different lengths, from short to long.



Naturally, the hairless dogs shed the least. These dogs still need attention for their skin, which can sunburn easily. They are also easily chilled. Dog breeds with only a primary outer coat appear to shed less than dogs with both primary and undercoats. Dogs with wiry or wavy coats appear not to shed because their hairs are trapped in the coat and don't fall to the floor. Dogs with short hair appear to shed less than dogs with long hair because they have much more hair. The following lists breeds according to coat characteristics: amount of coat hair, coat texture, and coat length:




Hairless Dog Breeds
American Hairless Terrier
Chinese Crested
Mexican Hairless Dog
Peruvian Hairless Dog


Breeds with Only Primary Coat
(No Undercoat Hair)
A primary coat, also called a guard coat, is present in some dogs, but they have no undercoat. These dogs can have straight or curly coats, but the coat does not appear dense. Because there is less hair on the dog, there is less shedding than with dogs that have both primary coats and undercoats.

Afghan Hound
Italian Greyhound
Australian Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Basenji
Lowchen
Bedlington Terrier
Lhasa Apso
Bichon Frise
Maltese
Border Terrier
Poodles (all sizes)
Bouvier des Flandres
Portuguese Water Dog
Cairn terrier
Schnauzer (all sizes)
Coton de Tulear
German Shorthaired Pointer
Shih Tzu
Greyhound
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Havanese
Spanish Water Dog
Irish Water Spaniel
Yorkshire Terrier
Whippet




Dog Breed Coat Texture
Coat texture influences shedding. Dog breeds with wavy or wiry coats shed less because their hair is caught and held in the coat rather than shed to the floor. These dogs require hand stripping or professional trimming. Dog breeds with smooth coats often have short hair so they appear to shed less than dogs with long hair although technically they may lose the same number of hairs.

Smooth Coated Dog Breeds
American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Cattle Dog
Basset Hound
Beagle
Belgian Malinois
Bloodhound
Border Collie (smooth)
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Bulldog
Bull Terrier
Chihuahua
Collie (smooth coated)
Dachshund
Dalmatian
Doberman Pinscher
Foxhound
Great Dane
Greyhound
Labrador Retriever
Mastiff
Miniature Pinscher
Pointer
Pug
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Saluki
Smooth Fox Terrier
Vizsla
Weimaraner
Whippet


Wavy or curly coated dog breeds
Bichon Frise
Bedlington Terrier
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Curly-Coated Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Komondor
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Wheaton Terrier


Wiry, Harsh, or Hard Coated Dog Breeds
Airedale Terrier
Australian Terrier
Border Terrier
Brussels Griffon
Cairn Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Dachshund Wire-haired
Irish Terrier
Lakeland Terrier
Norfolk Terrier
Otterhound
Parson Russell Terrier
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Schnauzer
Welsh Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Wire Fox terrier




Dog Breed Coat Lengths
The length of the hair is a factor in how much hair appears to have been shed. The shorter the coat, the less hair on the carpet. Dogs with shorter coats are also easier to groom. They may be more sensitive to heat and to cold than dogs with medium or long coats.

Dog Breeds with Short Coat Lengths
American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Cattle Dog
Basset Hound
Beagle
Belgian Malinois
Bloodhound
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Bulldog
Bull Terrier
Chihuahua
Collie (smooth coated)
Dachshund
Dalmatian
Doberman
Foxhound
Great Dane
Greyhound
Mastiff
Miniature Pinscher
Pointer
Pug
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Saluki
Smooth Fox Terrier
Vizsla
Weimaraner
Whippet

Dog Breeds with Medium Coat Lengths
Akita
Alaskan Malamute
Australian Shepherd
Border Collie
Brittany Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel
German Shepherd Dog
Great Pyrenees
Labrador Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Norwegian Elkhound
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Saint Bernard
Siberian Husky
Tibetan Spaniel

Dog Breeds with Long Coats Lengths
Afghan Hound
Bearded Collie
Belgian Tervuren
Bernese Mountain Dog
Briard
Chow Chow
Cocker Spaniel
Collie
English Setter
Golden Retriever
Havanese
Irish Setter
Japanese Chin
Keeshond
Lhasa Apso
Maltese
Newfoundland
Old English Sheepdog
Papillion
Pekingese
Pomeranian
Saint Bernard
Samoyed
Shetland Sheepdog
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Skye Terrier
Tibetan Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

DETERMINE A DOG
BY THE HAIR STYLE
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DOG FUR vs DOG HEALTH
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A happy dog is a healthy dog, and a healthy dog has strong, shiny fur. Your dog's coat is one of the best ways to gain insight into your dog's condition, be it physical or emotional. It's very important to get to know the ideal qualities of your furry friend's breed and to set aside time to maintain his or her coat with regular brushing and washing.



The right food
A balanced diet with plenty of protein and amino acid content will help strengthen and replenish your dog's coat by giving it the building blocks of the hair's natural structure. Dog fur is made mostly of protein, so a coat that is dull or fragile can be an indication that your pooch isn't getting the best nutrition. Do your research about the best kind of food and the right portions of it for your dog. If the diet needs an extra boost, you can talk to your vet about pet supplements.



Unwanted guests
The fur can be an inviting shelter for ticks, fleas, and other parasites that are very bad for your dog's health. This is especially true in dirty, matted hair. Parasites can lead to infections and discomfort in your dog. Keeping the coat clean and brushed gets you up close and personal with your dog's skin and hair, ensuring that parasites stay away or don't get to set up shop for very long.



Bad news with balding
Excessive hair loss or patches of baldness on your dog's coat can be a sign of any number of problems. This can result from such things as hormonal problems and tumors, though it can also be a symptom of emotional problems, like stress or impulse control issues. Different breeds have different rates of shedding, especially as the seasons change, but extreme or unusual hair loss can be an indication of more serious concerns for your dog's overall health.



That "new dog" smell
The look and feel of the fur aren't the only ways to monitor your dog's health through his or her coat. The fur should also smell fresh in between baths. A strong, musky, or foul odor on dry fur is often an indication of bacterial infection, fungus, fleas, or even dry skin. A coat that stays stinky even after a scrub is a sign that a visit to the vet may be in order. Keeping your dog's coat strong and shiny will teach you a lot about how to care for his or her health in general. It's a great way to monitor nutrition, win the fight against parasites, and stay informed about your dog's feelings. It's also a wonderful way to bond. Regular brushing, baths, and petting are all part of the process, so show your dog love and attention for the good of his or her health as well as the good of your relationship with one another.

Do you keep a specific regimen to ensure your dog's fur is healthy, strong, and shiny?

SHEDDING DOGS
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Dogs shed, it's what they do! However, excessive dog shedding might be a cause for concern, as it can often be symptomatic of an underlying condition. Learn the signs of normal dog shedding and how it's different from illness-related shedding. Shedding is part of everyday life with a dog. Excessive dog shedding, however, could be a sign of an underlying issue that could require attention and care.



WHAT IS NORMAL SHEDDING?
All dogs shed (except for the American Hairless Terriers, who are physically incapable due to their hairlessness). Most dogs shed year round, though some will "blow their coat" seasonally, once or twice a year, in a most spectacular fashion



Year Round Shedding
Some dogs shed a lot, and some don't. If your dog is healthy and regularly sheds a lot, it's just part of who they are. As a loving pet parent, it's your cross to bear Most normal shedding is the loss of the undercoat, with some regular loss of fur. Normal shedding will occur year round, and will be visible on your clothes, sofa, and around the house, but will not generally be visible on the dog's body. If you do notice patches of fur missing, it is time for a trip to the vet.



Seasonal Shedding
Seasonal shedding occurs with some breeds, usually in the spring, but may also happen in the fall. Seasonal shedding occurs evenly across the whole body, and will happen every year on a cycle. This type of shedding is typical among cold weather breeds like Huskies. It's not something to be alarmed about, it's perfectly natural and can be managed through daily grooming with an undercoat rake like the Furminator!




WHEN TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT EXCESSIVE SHEDDING?

Fur Loss vs. Shedding. Fur loss due to sickness is not really "shedding" per se, but rather loss of hair due to a factor other than the general rhythms of hair growth. In the case of adrenal diseases like Cushing's disease, illness-related traumas, or infections, you'll likely see spotty or patchy hair loss, as opposed to more general shedding. In some cases, as with a hypothyroid dog, the hair loss will be symmetrical, but isolated to certain parts of the dog's body.

Troubling Hair Loss in Dogs. Unusual hair loss is one of the best indications that there's an underlying health issue. If you notice any of the issues below, you should explore the reasons with your dog's vet.

Fur has become dry and brittle

Fur that breaks or falls out unevenly

Bald patches or clumps of lost hair

Hair loss accompanied by another skin problem

Dog is tender to the touch, or resists being touched where they're losing fur




CAUSES OF EXCESSIVE HAIR LOSS IN DOGS
Excessive hair loss can be due to a variety of factors including allergies, hormonal imbalances, and other deficiencies. Elimination is the best way to diagnose an allergic response. With veterinary assistance, remove all possible allergens from your dog's life until their fur grows back. Then slowly introduce items one by one till you figure out what was causing the problem.

Allergies - Your dog's hair could be falling out because of an allergic reaction to any of the following:

Food: An allergy to a single ingredient in a kibble or canned food can cause hair loss

Medications

Something in the environment like a household cleaner, or a dog bed

A new soap or shampoo

Pest bites, which can be addressed through monthly pest prevention

HormonesImbalances in your dog's thyroid can cause hair to become brittle and fall out. Hypothyroidism is a common condition among dogs, and can be readily treated with medication. Other hormonal issues involving the over- or under-production of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone can cause a dog to shed more than usual.During pregnancy and lactation, many dogs will lose some hair. This is normal, but if it's excessive, see a vet about supplements.


Shedding Dogs Photos

NOT SHEDDING DOGS
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While no dog is truly hypoallergenic as all dogs shed some allergens, there are some breeds that are known to be better for allergy sufferers.



And, these same dogs that don't shed may just have you put away the lint roller for good.













































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DOG HAIR CUT STYLES
(By Breed)
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The Summer Cut
A summer cut is a good maintenance trim.



The Lamb Trim
A lamb trim is good all purpose dog haircut. It can be put on many different long haired breeds. Poodles, terriers, toy breeds, as well as larger breeds.



The Scissored Lamb Trim
A scissored lamb trim makes a nice looking dog grooming trim and gives you the option to be a little more creative in your dog grooming with the length and the shaping of the coat.



Maltese Groom
When grooming a maltese you will need to decide if you're keeping your dog in a show trim, a variation of a show trim or a pet trim. In the long run a shorthaired trim will be less work for you and your dog. Whatever your decision you will need certain dog grooming equipment and to follow certain dog grooming processes.



Havanese Groom
Grooming a Havanese: You've seen your Havanese in show coat, it looks great and in actuality it is a lot of work. If you are willing to take it on that's great otherwise you may want to think about putting your dog in a shorter trim, one that is more manageable and a lot less work.



Chi Hua Hua
Chihuahua grooming is a fairly simple dog grooming task for both shorthaired and longhaired Chihuahuas. Long haired Chihuahuas are usually kept in their natural state but if the long coat is a problem you may want to give your dog a haircut. Either a summer cut, puppy cut or a variation of one of the two cuts.



The Pomeraninan
Grooming a Pomeranian does not have to be lot of work. Daily brushing of your Pomeranian is a must if you're keeping him in full coat.



American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel haircut. This is dog grooming for your pet Cocker Spaniel.



Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer haircut is a specific dog haircut.



The Continental
The Continental cut is the most popular cut for poodles. The style shows off the dog's hind legs. With this cut, the hind legs and behind are shaved. Pompoms can be kept on the hip bones if preferred. The face, legs, feet and tail are also shaved, but there are "bracelets" of fur above each paw and a pompom poof at the end of the tail. The remaining fur stays as is.



Chih Tzu Groom
You may want to keep your Shih Tzu in a long trim like you see in dog shows or in a short trim which will actually be less work for you and your dog.



The Puppy
The Puppy cut is used to get dogs used to grooming habits, as well as a standard trim for all dogs. With this cut, the fur is trimmed evenly, but kept at a longer length. Some dogs will be shaved on the face in order to see better. Poodles with a puppy cut are also shaved at the base of the tail, creating a pompom look on the end of the tail.



The Retriever
The Retriever cut is common for long-haired dogs and curly-haired dogs. This cut is basically shaving the fur to about an inch long, with the face and tail even shorter. The name comes from the fact that this cut is meant to make the fur more manageable, like that of a Golden Retriever. The cut also helps to keep long-haired dogs cool in warmer climates.



The Lion
The Lion cut is popular with many dogs, and even cats. Pomeranians are most recognizable with the lion cut because the color of their fur resembles that of a lion. The lion cut is when the back half of the dog is shaved very, very short (like a buzz cut) with the tip of the tail left as a pompom. The front half of the dog is left with longer fur and the legs are often shaved down with a pompom around the feet.



The Teddy Bear
The Teddy Bear cut is similar to the Retriever cut, but longer. The cut is meant to keep the dog cuddly and soft-looking, but also to keep the fur clean and trimmed evenly. This cut for dogs is like "getting a trim" for humans. It's simply for maintenance and clean lines. This cut differs from the Puppy cut in that the fur is kept a little shorter than the Puppy (and longer than the Retriever) and the face and tail are shaved shorter than the rest of the body (also like the Retriever).



Original & Unique
Many dog owners choose to style their dog's fur in a style that isn't traditional, like a mohawk. Dying dogs' fur has also been done. There are many different cuts suitable for different breeds, based on the breed specifics. Some dogs swim often, and some cuts are better for water speed. Ask your vet or dog groomer for cut recommendations for your dog.



Yorkshire Terrier
Many owners of pet Yorkies are always asking us about the best way to cut their Yorkie's hair. There are a LOT of options out there.

HOW TO SHAVE YOUR DOG?
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Every year when summer arrives and the days grow longer and hotter, you can't help but notice many people out walking their newly-shaved dogs. You might think that dog shaving is a great idea and can help keep your dog cool. Nature has seen to it that a dog's hair affords him protection from the sun, heat, insects, dirt, and water. Don't undermine the process by shaving him. After all, you wouldn't want to go around wearing a fur coat during the summer. However, it is not a good idea to shave your dog for the summer, for the following reasons:

1. - Dogs' coats are designed to capture air and use it as an insulator. In the winter, this keeps the cold out and holds the heat in. During the summer, this system holds the heat at bay and helps your dog regulate his body temperature. Without this insulating layer of hair, he is susceptible to heat stroke.

2. - Dogs do not cool down the same way that humans do.(When humans are overly warm, our skin perspires and the evaporation of the perspiration helps us to cool down. We have the advantage of perspiring skin over our entire body. In dogs, this evaporative cooling is limited to a very small area - the footpads, which sweat, and the lungs, where panting allows for latent heat to be removed through evaporation. Shaving the coat will have no effect on these areas). Dilated expanded blood vessels in dogs' ears and on their faces carry warm blood closer to the surface of the skin, allowing heat to escape. Again, body shaving will not influence this process.

3. - A dog's fur coat protects him from sunburn and decreases his risk of developing skin cancer. Think of a bald human head at the beach in the sun: a light hat allows the occupant to be cooler and his head better-protected from sun damage. Some other ways to help prevent skin cancer in your dog are:

Keeping him inside when the sun is the brightest during mid-day.

Using pet-specific sunblock on your dog's nose, ear-tips, and stomach if it is hairless.

4. - Shaving a double-coated breed can result in improper re-growth. Many large northern dog breeds such as Labradors, Shepherds, Huskies, and Golden retrievers have two hair coats. The inner, down undercoat is insulating and keeps the dog warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. This layer is shed regularly. The outer coat, or guard hairs, are coarser, fewer, and longer. They give the dog his color and aren't shed as often. If this type of coat is shaved, the undercoat grows back quickly and sheds normally. However, the guard hairs don't grow out as quickly and sometimes can't grow at all because they are crowded out by the faster-growing undercoat. This can result in color and texture changes in your dog's coat, a patchy appearance to the fur, follicle damage and clogging, and the loss of the weather and water protection that guard hairs provide.


How Can You Help Your Dog Stay Cool?

1. - Provide lots of fresh, cold water

2. - Make sure your dog always has shelter from the sun when he is outdoors.

3. - Don't leave your dog outside in hot weather. Remember that it's easier for you to keep cool than him, so if it's hot for you, it's hotter for him.

4. - Tend to your dog's coat with regular brushing. A clean and fluffed coat is his best defense against the heat. Use a tool that helps remove the undercoat that your dog is naturally shedding due to the warmer weather. These are excellent products:

Zoom Groom by Kong is an excellent bathing tool. This rubber body brush helps massage your dog's skin, scrubs in the shampoo, and stimulates circulation to the hair follicles.

Jorvet T-Shaped Undercoat Rake is a wonderful tool for effectively removing loose undercoat in double-coated dogs.

Dog Body Brush with Shampoo Applicator is another body brush that also dispenses shampoo.

Fur-buster De-shedding Tool has stainless steel blades that removes loose undercoat while fluffing the remaining fur and promoting good air circulation.

DOG GROOMING GUIDE
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How to train your dog to sit still during grooming

In order to get your dog to sit still during grooming there are four important training sections:

Standing
Sit-Stay
Distraction Training
Grooming & Nail Clipping Acceptation



According to Rick of Wiggly Tails - a dog groomer in Perth. It is important to start early with this training. Don't start a day before the first grooming session! As with anything, it takes time to train your beloved dog.

Standing
Training your dog to enjoy their grooming session at an early age is a must for pet owners. You can make this a positive experience for your dog by training them when they are young pups. Several basic commands that are important to a pet owner and often taught during puppy training are the sit, stand and come commands. In addition to grooming, the stand command can also come in handy if you show your dog or attend rally classes. Begin the exercise by asking your dog to sit. With a treat in hand, move the morsel forward toward your body. When your dog stands to sample the treat, praise them and give the snack as the reward. Practise the exercise until they master the command. Because the groomer will need to beautify different areas of their body, you can cue them on the stand-stay command. This allows them sufficient time to go over the dog and ensure that they are perfectly coiffed. Gently pat and touch different areas on their body to get them used to the movements.

Sit-Stay
Whether your dog is getting a haircut, nails trimmed, fur blown dry or bathed, they are going to need to be kept calm. You can help your dog through the process by teaching them how to sit still. Positive reinforcement through praise, petting or a treat are all popular training methods. You can begin by placing your dog in the sit position for short amounts of time. If they perform this task, they get the reward. If they break form, they are placed back into the sit position. As your dog progresses, increase the amount time that they need to sit before they are rewarded. If your dog is older or has health complications, they may be more comfortable in the down stay position. Practise the same drills using treats, praise or belly rubs.

Preparing Your Pup for Distractions
Because your dog will have an assortment of grooming needs throughout their lives, you want to get them used to an assortment of distractions. If your dog is scared or breaks their sit-stay suddenly, it could put both them and groomer at risk. This is especially important when your dog is getting their nails trimmed. As your dog is in the sit-stay command, find activities that will distract them and break their position. If your dog loves to fetch, bounce a tennis ball past them while sitting. If they show signs of going after the balls, place them back in the sit-stay position. For dogs who fail to break the command, you can reward them positively with a treat. Other forms of distraction during their sit-stay include walking around the room, greeting friends and making loud noises. If your dog gets nervous or excited, practise this exercise until it no longer causes them anxiety or stress.

Training Your Dog to Stay and Accept Grooming
Keeping your dogs nails trimmed and hair cut is an important part of the grooming process. You can begin by teaching your dog to accept being brushed by keeping the sessions short and comforting. Look for a brush where the bristles are soft and feel welcoming against the puppies face and torso. As you move along their body, gently pick up each paw and touch it with the brush. Give the dog belly rubs, praise and a treat as positive reinforcement. Since their groin, paws and underarms are sensitive areas, be extra gentle when manoeuvring the brush. Touching their paws with gentle games of "got your paw" can prove helpful when it's time for your dog to get their nails trimmed. After the nail trimming session, offer praise and treats as their reward for good behaviour.

DOG FUR & PEOPLE CLOTHING
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Doume Jalat-Dehen of Brittany, France creates custom coats, sweaters, and hats for dog owners using the fur gathered from their beloved pets (the stuff that results from shedding and brushing). Photographer Erwan Fichou decided to base one of his photo projects around the furry fashions. His series Dogwool features portraits of these owners wearing Jalat-Dehen's creations, standing besides the animals the materials were gathered from. The portraits were captured across France and Belgium. VICE Magazine writes, It takes about seven years to gather enough dog hair for a sweater. First of all, you can't just pull the fur out out! That's inhumane, plus it's cheating. You just have to brush your dog regularly and save what comes off. Then you mail your precious collection of Rover fur to Doume and she will return it to you in a 50-gram ball of dog wool.



















HOW TO MAKE A YARN
FROM DOG FUR
Did you know that you can knit dog fur into sweaters and blankets? Some people have an automatic knee jerk reaction to that idea. We typically think of dog fur as something that is both dirty and a nuisance, but it doesn't have to be that way. I think most folks just need a moment to let the idea sink in, since it's not something that the average person has considered. In reality though, it's no stranger than knitting with wool.



The only reason why it's never become commonplace, is that it's not very economical. Most dogs can't produce the same amount of material as sheep, and their diet is more expensive, so farmers never used dogs. Thus, the public was never introduced to the idea. Some think it's stylish and quirky while others just want a nice memento to remember their pet by after it dies. But what makes this idea so intriguing to me, is that dog fur is ridiculously warm. While it varies depending on the breed, everyone who has tried it agrees that dog fur is warmer than wool, with most estimates placing it at around 2 to 8 times warmer. And best of all, you can wash it without worrying shrinkage.


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I should mention a few important details that weren't included in the video. First of all, the fur needs to be a certain length. 2 inches is considered the best. Anything less than that, and the yarn won't be very strong. You should also know that it's not a good idea to shave your dog. You'll wind up with stubble that is mixed in with the long hairs. The best way to get the hair is by brushing the dog's coat. And finally, it's important to actually shampoo the hair after you collect it. This will not only remove the smell, but will make the yarn safe for people who are allergic to dogs.



And if you're interested in learning some of the finer details of dog fur knitting, you'd should check out
Knitting With Dog Hair Book which is the best, and probably only, book on the subject.

BEST DOG HAIR
REMOVAL TOOLS
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For animal lovers, pet hair and pet hair removal are just a fact of life. It's one of those small inconveniences we accept as part of the doggy deal alongside muddy paw prints on the kitchen floor and slobbery kisses when you know exactly where that mouth has been. This list of tried and true dog hair removal tools has something for everyone, from premium appliances to some simple household hacks. Whether you are dealing with long hair or short fur, these tools will help you get the best dog fur in your home.


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1. Sticky Lint RollerThe classic. Relatively inexpensive and easy to use, the only downside is that these handy rollers don't stand up to de-hairing the entire living room in one go, and are best suited to small jobs like cleaning off your work clothes on your way out the door. $6 on Amazon.com. Less expensive hack? Sticky tape wrapped around your hand will remove pet hair from carpet, clothes, furniture, and soft surfaces far more cheaply than the sticky roll tapes of a pet hair roller.

2. Evercare Pet Mega Cleaning RollerThis thing is like a lint roller on steroids, definitely a pet parent must-have. With a 3' long handle and a giant, super-sticky roller, it works sort of like a duster, only it really traps hair. We like it for furniture, and also for low-pile carpets and rugs. Note that it's not great for a deeper or shag carpet. $56 on Amazon

3. Grooming and Deshedding GloveA dog grooming tool and surface cleaner all in one, this has the added benefit of looking like some kind of science fiction prop. Just pet your dog with the glove to give her a shiny coat, and then pick up stray hair from the furniture with the same petting motion. $9 on Amazon

4. FUR-D Duo Fur RemoverThis is my personal favorite dog grooming tool/fur remover brush for quick clean-up around the house. Two sizes of rubber pet hair capturing bristles bigger bristles can be used to brush your dog's coat and remove loose fur before it has the chance to get stuck to your stuff, and the finer bristles are perfect for brushing hair off the upholstery. Plus, it comes in cute colors! $5.98 on Amazon

5. FURemover BroomRubber brooms like this are a staple in doggy daycare for their strong hair-gathering ability. The sweeper version of the FURemover is effective on several surfaces, so you can de-hair the carpeted living room and the tiled kitchen in one go, and the long handle means you can work the pet hair out of your rugs from a standing position. Plus, it's a multi-tasker with uses far beyond pet hair removal: After you clean up after your dog, you can use the FURemover broom to scrub the bathroom tile or wash the car! $20 on Amazon

6. KONG ZoomGroomThis is a cute little dog grooming tool with stiff but gentle rubber bristles that remove loose hair and stimulate dogs' skin for a healthy, shiny coat. I use ZoomGrooms regularly for gentle brushing, and at bath time to help work shampoo through my dogs' coats. $4.79 on Amazon

7. Pick It Up MittWe love a wearable tool, and pet hair removal mitts are affordable and effective for gathering pet hair off of fabric. I don't know what magic material these gloves are made from, but they have soft have little nubs that pick up pet hair, and are easily cleaned by rubbing two mitts together in opposite directions. Mitts are great for removing hair from more delicate clothing, as the soft material means your clothes won't be pulled or pilled from abrasion. This lint brush works well for pet hair and everyday cleanup and dusting, too. $10 on Amazon

8. Pledge Fabric SweeperThis uses two rollers to lift and trap pet hair, and the attached handle/hair trapper can be emptied between rounds. Online reviewers rave about the efficiency of this handheld tool, and it's easy to find in most major stores. I like it best for cleaning up pillows and couch cushions.

9. Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum CleanerThe Cadillac of pet hair removal tools, and my fantasy appliance, the Dyson Animal has powerful suction and best of all, a tangle-free turbine tool to remove dirt and hair from carpets and upholstery. There are other competent pet hair vacuums on the market, but this bad boy is the dream. $468 on Amazon

10. Shark Rotator Professional Lift-AwayThe Rotator is a quality everyday vacuum that gets the job done, and it-s often on sale for less than $190. If you are not ready to splurge on a Dyson, the Shark Rotator is the vacuum for you. Though it's not billed as being specifically for pet hair cleanup, it gets rave reviews from pet owners for its hair-annihilating properties. It's lightweight, easy to maneuver, and easy to clean. $170 on Amazon

11. FURminatorIf the Dyson Pet is the Cadillac of pet hair vacuum cleaners, then this is the Porsche of dog grooming tools: compact, powerful, efficient, and worth every penny. The Furminator helps keep your dog's coat in great shape, and reduces shedding by removing loose fur from the undercoat before it has a chance to hit your furniture. Used appropriately on the right dog, the Furminator can help prevent excess hair mess and minimize your need for other tools on this list. $27 on Amazon

12. Rubber GlovesHere it is, the unbelievable, incredible, household object life hack that will make pet hair cleanup a breeze: a plain old rubber glove. Put on a pair of basic grocery store dish gloves, get them just barely damp or even go dry, and go to town on your fur-covered sofa, rug, or pants. At a certain point you just roll over and accept the dog hair that creeps onto every surface in your home. As long as the dog is around, the hair will be, too. Still, it's helpful to have a toolbox to turn to when cleaning time rolls around. Feel free to leave your favorite dog hair removal tools & tips in the comments, and happy spring cleaning!

DOG BREED GROOMING GUIDE
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DOG BREED GROOMING GUIDE
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DOG GROOMING STYLE
BY HAIR TYPES
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How to groom


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How to groom with a clippers

How to groom LONG-HAIRED dog


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How to groom SHORT-HAIRED dog


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How to desh


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How to color LARGE dogs fur

DOG GROOMING TIPS
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Dogs are typically not very patient when you groom them so keep the sessions short. Offer your pet treats to keep them still and calm.

Your grooming should start when the pet is still a puppy. As he grows older, it will be easier to get through the grooming sessions.



Follow positive reinforcement techniques (like petting and talking in a sweet voice). This makes the grooming sessions pleasant and helps him feel more comfortable during veterinary procedures too.

Does your dog need a bath? How often you bathe your dog depends upon his lifestyle. The more active he is, the more bathing he will require. Generally speaking, a dog should not be bathed more than once a week. On the other hand, he shouldn't go more than 4-6 weeks without a bath (unless you like a smelly house!).

Brush your dog after a bath while he is still wet. It's easier to get the excess hair out. Then brush again when he is dry.

Many owners forget to brush their dog's teeth. Don't forget! It's really important! Get some dog toothpaste and a dog toothbrush at your local vet. Place toothpaste on the toothbrush and gently rub your dog's teeth in a circular motion (just like you would brush your own teeth!). Don't forget those back teeth where plaque builds up.

A dog's nails need to be trimmed every few months, depending on how active he is. Trimming a dog's nails can be dangerous and painful if it is done incorrectly. We suggest leaving this for a trained professional. But if you must cut your dog's nails at home, be sure to use a proper nail cutting tool and cut away from the bloodline.

HOW TO CHOOSE
GOOD DOG GROOMER
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As with choosing your own hairstylist, looking in the yellow pages isn't the recommended method. You could find yourself contracted with Edward Scissorhands, or the last man on earth that still embraces the mullet. Likewise, the yellow pages and strip mall signs are not good methods for quality decision making. Compile a list of potential groomers and visit each one, taking the following factors into consideration. When choosing your dog groomer consider these important elements:

Cleanliness: Do the staff clean up after each dog's procedure? Are cages kept free of urine and feces? If the smell in the facility is offensive, I would assume the service to be the same. When you patronize a substandard grooming facility, you risk the infection of your dog's skin or worse.

Humane Treatment: Are the animals in the groomer's care treated with a nurturing and patient manner? Are the handlers gentle? Are dogs and cats housed in separate areas? Are cages large enough to accommodate the animals in them? And are dogs under automatic blow dryers monitored, to prevent burning? If, during your visit, the staff at the facility does not seem to be enamored with their furry clients, then imagine how they treat them while not under your scrutiny.

Good Lighting and Organization:Is the facility well-lit? Are work areas well-spaced and organized? If more than one groomer works at a time, does each one have sufficient space to move around his or her workspace? If the groomer is cramped, expected to operate with substandard equipment, or under insufficient lighting, no one can honestly expect the results to be dynamic.

Finished Product: Visit during regular business hours so that you can assess the quality of the hairstyles exiting. Would you be satisfied if your dog were donning the same quality? Crooked cuts and skin nicks are good reasons to cross a groomer's office off your list.

Particular Breed Results: If your dog is of the Terrier persuasion, do not make a decision based on a Golden Retriever's bath and clip. Some groomers specialize in particular breeds, and likewise, some shy away from certain breeds because they do not have the experience or the desire to perform a certain style. Be specific about your dog's breed and the clip style that you fancy. Ask for pictures, and decide for yourself.

Vaccinations: Choose a groomer who requires all canine clients to sport vaccination records - like Rabies and Bordatella (Kennel Cough). This will protect all animals, including yours, that share a space while in the facility.

Familiarize Yourself: Take a few minutes to ask the manager or staff questions involving time required for a visit, appointment availability, cost, pick-up and delivery procedures, and complete services offered.

Tranquilizers: If your dog is of the anxious sort, and will require a tranquilizer for his appointment, ask your groomer if they will administer it. Many will not (unless they're affiliated with a veterinary office), but will accept an animal that has been tranquilized by a veterinarian and transported to the groomer's office.




Additionally, network with your dog's veterinarian, kennel, pet supply retailer, breeder, and pet owner friends for recommendations. Clients who have had a bad experience will talk and so will those who've been satisfied. Rumors travel fast, but so does a good word about a quality product.

You can expect to pay $40 to $60 for your dog's visit to a professional groomer. Of course, that price can vary. Urban locales tend to be pricier. Mobile dog grooming services' prices are a bit higher, but so is their convenience factor. And, of course, heavy matting and complex cuts will add bucks to your bill. Whether you chance the groomer next door, or travel three towns south, a finicky attitude is central to grooming success.

HOW TO REMOVE FUR MATTS
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Matted dog hair may be one of the worst grooming issues a dog owner can experience. It's caused by excess loose hair that gets unbearably tangled. Getting rid of mats is painful for both of you, so what you really need to invest your time in is preventing matting. Here is how:

1. Make sure your dog has the right diet
You are what you eat, and so is your dog. Feed it a healthy, balanced diet rich in omega 3s - yep! they are just as good for your dog as they are for you. The omega 3s will help with any allergies or skin conditions that can cause difficulty while combing or bathing, which can lead to matting. You can even give your fur baby a daily dose of fish oil, but ask your vet what the best dosage is for your dog's size.

2. Bathe your dog regularly
As long as you've been regularly combing your dog, regular bathing is key. Bathe it at least once a month, more frequently if matting becomes a serious issue.

3. Try a detangler
Use a good detangling shampoo and conditioner when giving your dog a bath, and when the bath is over, you can spritz it down with tangle prevention sprays like The Stuff for Dogs for a little extra protection.

4. Brush regularly
Between baths, do brush and comb regularly - don't forget the legs, chest, underarms and tummy. Those can mat, too, and may tend to do so more easily in some breeds. Treat it just like human hair in some ways, sectioning it out when you brush it. Do it a minimum of once a week, but if you notice lots of knots in its fur, it's best to do it more often. It will be easier for you and less stressful or painful for your pup. It may get more necessary with age as it grooms itself less frequently.

5. Choose the right brush
Steer clear of those cheap pin brushes with plastic nubs on the ends. They can get tangled in human hair, so they aren't much better for dogs. If you have a real matting problem, don't expect the local pet supply store - chain or not, to have the brush you need. Look online for the stuff the pros use. Spend some cash on a really good nub free slicker brush and follow it up with a combing for good measure. You can reapply the detangling spray if necessary.

6. Use thinning shears
If you get a mat you can't get out, don't shave your pup. Consider using thinning shears to selectively work on that area until the mat itself falls out.

CHECK THE GUIDE:
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MATTED DOG HAIR & FUR
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ALBINISM IN DOGS
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There are two main types of albinism:
Oculocutaneous - eyes, skin, and hair.
Ocular - just eyes.

There are also different levels of albinism, and different types within those two classifications. In fact, until recently, a lot of people denied they even existed. Sure, white dogs are everywhere!

But albino dogs aren't just white - they a complete or almost complete lack of pigment in the fur, skin, eyes, and nose. True albino dogs with no pigment at all are extremely rare.



In 1976, a white female Doberman Pinscher named Padula's Queen Shebah was born to two black and rust parents. Shebah was bred to her son to produce more white Dobermans. Since then, several thousand Dobermans, many of them white, have descended from Shebah. Although they are called white, they are actually light cream, with blue eyes and pink nose, lips and eye rims. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA), backed by several geneticists, contended they were albinos. But many of their breeders insisted they weren't because they didn't fit the image of the prototypical albino with white fur and pink eyes.



Dobermans are the only breed in which albinos appear to be purposefully bred, very much against the wishes of the DPCA. They squint in bright light, and they're prone to sunburn, which may lead to skin tumors. A recent study (Winkler PA, Gornik KR, Ramsey DT, Dubielzig RR, Venta PJ, et al. (2014) found albino Dobes had a much higher incidence of eye and skin melanocytic tumors than normally pigmented Dobes.


What Causes Albinism?
A completely pure white animal with pink eyes and pale pink skin is considered albino, and is technically referred to as tyrosinase-negative. Tyrosinase is an enzyme involved in melanin production, and melanin is the natural substance that gives color (or pigment) to the eyes, skin, and hair. Albinism is a lack or defect of this enzyme and is caused by a recessive gene that is inherited from both parents. Many true albino dogs will suffer from deafness because the unpigmented skin in the ear canal causes the nerve endings to degenerate.



The truth is, more than 60 different gene mutations in various species are known to cause albinism, often with slightly different effects. Light fur with blue eyes is typical of the most common type of albinism, oculocutaneous albinism type 2 (OCA2), in humans. It is now acknowledged that white Dobermans are in fact albinos, and the causative gene has recently been discovered.

The mutation is not a part of any of the known dog color loci. This includes the C series, where mutations causing albinism in many others species, including cats, rats and mice, have been identified. However, mutations in SLC45A2 cause the OCA4 type of albinism responsible for cream-colored Bengal tigers, horses, and gorillas, as well as some albino humans.



But Dobes are not the only breed with albinos. Pekingese seem to have the second largest number, but they have also been seen in Shih Tzu, Poodles, Pit Bulls, Beagles, Pugs, Dachshunds and doubtless, many others. In the few individuals tested, they don't seem to share the same mutant gene with the albino Dobes, nor do they seem to share the C-series allele seen in so many other domestic albino animals. In no breed is the purposeful breeding of these dogs encouraged. Nonetheless, if you have one, they make fine companions but you need to take steps to keep them from being dazzled by bright light or from getting sunburned.



Despite the fact that albinism is equally rare among all vertebrates from humans to fish and birds, the real albino dogs are even rarer due to two reasons. The first reason is that the most "albino" dogs pictures on the internet depicting pretty normal dogs with white fur. The second one, it's a bit hard to figure out if your dog is real albino.

WHITE vs ALBINO DOGS
PARTIAL ALBINISM IN DOGS
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HOW TO DISTINGUISH
WHITE vs ALBINO DOG ?

Tip #1 - Inspect the dog's coat. If the dog is predominantly white, but has some brown or black fur around the nose or feet, the dog is not an albino. The albino dog is unable to produce hair color of any kind.

Tip #2 - Spread the fur and look at the dog's skin. Many dogs have mottled skin with large colored patches beneath their fur. These are normal skin colorations and prove that the dog has the ability to produce melanin, the key component in skin coloration. Albinos lack the ability to produce melanin.

Tip #3 - Look at the dog's eyes. If the iris of the eyes is brown, the dog has normal melanin distribution. If the iris of the eyes is pink, the dog is an albino. The iris appears pink because the eyes lack the pigment to shelter the blood vessels of the eye.



Albinism is rare in all animals, including dogs, and many people easily confuse white-coated dogs, or dogs that exhibit forms of albinism, for albinos. True albinism is a genetic condition in which pigmentation of eyes, coat, and skin is completely absent. An important distinction to draw between dogs with white coats and albino dogs is that white-coated dogs produce the color white, while albinos only appear white due to lack of pigmentation.



All-white dogs have genetic markers by virtue of which the white pigment masks, or suppresses, all other colors. Albinism, on the other hand, is caused by the absence of both melanin and the enzymes that produce it. That said, some dogs exhibit characteristics of albinism without being true albinos. Let's explore the distinctions, as plainly and legibly as possible, and see what makes an albino dog an albino.


Partial albinism in dogs
Some dogs may appear to be true albinos, but retain some pigmentation, which will be most noticeable on the nose or stomach. We can call this partial albinism, but there is actually a range of melanins, and as such, a wide variety of albinisms are possible and observable in dogs. Eyes and skin of albino dogs may appear pink, but it is the diffused color of blood vessels:



In cases of partial albinism, dogs produce only a small amount of melanin, sufficient to produce limited coloration. With the exception of small areas of pigmentation, whether in eyes, skin, or coat, what remains will retain that extremely pale, color-drained appearance.



Coat patterns confused with albinism
Instances of limited coloration in non-albino dogs produces two coat patterns, each producing limited color swatches on a dog's coat and skin. These patterns are known in breed standards and kennel clubs as "piebald" and "merle." Piebald dogs have mostly white-colored coats that display large spots or patches of dark coloration. Merle-coated dogs exhibit splotches or patches of color, not only on the coat, but on the skin as well.



Dogs with merle coats are also prone to having heterochromatic, or different-colored, eyes. As in white cats, the genes responsible for coat color, eye, and ear health are not causally linked, so white and albino dogs are not necessarily more likely to be born blind or deaf. However, a rare genetic combination, known as "double merle", does carry inherent health risks. Double merle dogs, like Keller in the photo above, may be mistaken for albino dogs. Unlike true albino dogs, who, aside from light sensitivity, are generally healthy, double-merle-coated dogs are at higher risk for both deafness and blindness. This beautiful dog is Keller, a double merle Australian Shepherd. Her owner writes very movingly about the difficulties and health issues of double merle dogs, not to be confused with albinos:


Light sensitivity in albino dogs
Melanin serves a number of uses in the body aside from providing pigmentation. In the eyes, the presence of melanin is one thing that allows dogs to process and filter light. For a true albino dog, without melanin or without much, direct sunlight causes pain in their eyes which makes them squint. True albino dogs should get minimal and carefully managed exposure to direct sunlight.



Light filtration is not the only purpose for melanin. With regard to the skin and body, it provides natural protection from the sun, as well as contributing to the body's ability to fight off infection. Further, albino dogs are far more prone to sunburn and to developing skin cancers due to their extreme photosensitivity.




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BassetHound



Prone to bloat and gassiness, the Basset Hound is also prone to dog odor. Shampooing is an option, but too many baths will dry out their skin.


Cocker Spaniel



Although this breed (both the American and English varieties) are plagued with several genetic faults, one that isn't commonly known is their overwhelming dog odor.


Beagle



Another hound on the list, the Beagle is one who is prone to a particular doggy odor that seems to permeate the entire yard.


Pug



Although the Pug has a short coat, the folds on their faces need careful cleaning to keep from dirt and infection. These breeds are also prone to extreme gassiness.


Bloodhound



Between the long floppy ears that need routine cleaning and the oiled coat that retains a constant dog scent, Bloodhounds are a laid back potpourri of scents and the only scents that don't seem to interest them.


Yorkshire Terrier



Between their coats that need constant grooming and the genetic predisposition to tooth decay, a Yorkie needs special care to keep smelling like a rose.


English Bulldog



It's commonly known this dog is riddled with skin problems, which may contribute to some not so pleasant smelling fur. But these barrel chested dogs also emit lethal flatulence that may bring a grown man to tears.


Chinese Shar Pei



Shar Pei's also suffer from hereditary skin ailments, that have nothing to do with their many folds. Owners need to be diligent in cleaning this breed, the folds may begin to reek if not cleaned properly.


Boxer



Boxers are notorious for the noxious gasses they emit. Other than their room clearing abilities, the boxer doesn't have any other type of "doggy" odor.


Saint Bernard



These dogs are notorious droolers, which get down into their coat, causing it to smell. Also prone to skin problems and gassiness, the St. Bernard could be considered a triple threat.


Shepherd



And finally, most of Shepperd breeds are stinky as hell, while you grow them up at home.

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Domestic dogs have been bred to become the most diverse species on the planet, and come in a dizzying array of body shapes and sizes, ear shapes, nose lengths, and coat colors. This is quite an achievement considering that most of the 400 or so dog breeds in existence have been around for only a few hundred years.


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But even with all this variety, we occasionally encounter dogs that are so unique in their appearance that we have to pause and admire their beauty. Some of these coat markings are the result of a rare genetic variations or conditions such as vitiligo and piebaldism, but that doesn't make these dogs any less stunning.

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