Caring for Floofy Double-Coated Dog Breeds

Collies are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world, thanks to their long, smooth coats that come in a range of colors. If you're looking for a good family dog, collies are famously fond of children, and their intelligence and loyalty make them great pets. Collies come in two varieties, smooth and rough. Both are double-coated, but rough collies need a little more attention when grooming as their coat is more likely to mat. Weekly brushing can remove the loose undercoat. Spayed female collies shed profusely once a year, while males shed around their birthdays.

Australian shepherds were once popular on the rodeo circuit in the American west and are widely known as skillful herding dogs. These beautiful dogs are intelligent and have a strong work ethic. Australian shepherds can be mischievous and are generally best for experienced dog owners. Their coats need weekly brushing, except during shedding season when you have to brush their undercoats every few days.

Pomeranians might be the most recognizable floofy double-coated lap dogs. They're small, typically weighing under seven pounds, with a big dog personality. This breed is alert, intelligent, and easy to train, and its fox-like face is simply adorable. Pomeranians have distinctive and perfuse double coats that come in a variety of colors. They require weekly brushing and a trip to the groomer every four to six weeks.

The Pekingese is a toy breed with a sophisticated and loyal personality. These dogs are charming and confident and tend to bond closely with one family member. Pekingese have long, thick double coats that are longer around the neck and shoulders, making them look as if they have a lion's mane. Grooming needs are extensive for these dogs. They shed a few times a year and require at least one hour-long maintenance session weekly to prevent matting.

Scottish terriers are well-known for their beards and the distinctive fur around their legs and lower body. This breed is independent, confident, and has a big personality though they can be aloof with strangers. Scotties have a strong prey drive and can be mischievous with other dogs. This double-coated breed has a soft, dense undercoat with a wiry outer layer. Hand-stripping their hair is best if you want to keep their harsh texture. Dog owners who choose to clip their Scotty dogs will find that their coat becomes softer and denser as the undercoat takes over.

Akitas are known for their courage, loyalty, and thick, fluffy double-coat. They have a broad head, full curly tail, pointy ears, and dark eyes. These dogs are wary of strangers but extremely affectionate with their families. Akitas are independent and very protective, making them excellent guard dogs. These pups are generally clean and don't have a strong scent, and while their coat is floofy and impressive, their grooming needs may be a little easier than you'd think. Akitas need a good brushing about once a week, except for the two times a year when they blow their undercoat. Brushing your Akita more frequently during this time can help keep dog hair from getting all over, well, everything.

This breed is the Holy Dog of Tibet, serving as a companion and watchdog in Buddhist monasteries. They're affectionate, loyal, clever, and well-known for their thick, beautiful double coats. Tibetan terriers have a wooly undercoat and a long top coat that comes in multiple colors and textures. Some are softer and more prone to matting, while others are harder and require less grooming. Many owners keep their Tibetan terriers clipped in a puppy cut to avoid excessive brushing and trips to the groomer.

Westies are small but tough dogs with dark eyes and snow-white coats. Although they're as cute as stuffed animals, West Highland terriers are surprisingly strong. They were bred to hunt rats and other rodents and are active and alert. This breed has a double coat that's wiry and stiff to the touch but gives them a fluffy appearance. Their coats should be brushed daily and hand-stripped to remove dead hair, but many pet owners choose to clip their Westie's coat every four to six weeks to keep it neat.

Siberian Huskies are sled dogs and bred to work in packs. They're friendly, hard-working, and graceful, though they are a little mischievous. Huskies are naturally clean and don't have a strong dog odor. Generally, they only need weekly brushing, but they shed their undercoats twice a year, and owners must rake out the old coat more often to avoid matting.

Chow Chows are powerful, dignified dogs with a recognizable lion's mane around their shoulders and head. This breed is exceptionally clean, adaptable, and loyal to family. There are two varieties of Chow Chows, rough and smooth-coated. Both require thorough brushing at least once a week to prevent mats in their undercoats.