Double-Coated Dogs: How to Actually Clean All That Fur (Without the Stress)

If you’ve ever tried to wash a double coated dog, you’ll know… it’s not exactly a quick job.

You wet them down, add shampoo, give them a scrub and somehow it still feels like you’ve only washed the top layer. Meanwhile, the undercoat is holding onto dirt, oil, and loose fur like it’s its full-time job.

So let’s break it down properly - how to wash a double coat so it’s actually clean (and not itchy, greasy, or full of leftover product).

First, what is a double coat?

Double coated breeds have:

A top coat (longer guard hairs that repel dirt and water)
A dense undercoat (soft, fluffy, and designed to trap warmth… and shed everywhere)

This includes breeds like:

Golden Retrievers, Schnauzers, Border Collies, German Shepherds, Pomeranians - and quite a few others in our range.

The biggest mistake people make is not getting deep enough into the coat.

If the shampoo and conditioner don’t reach the undercoat:

Dirt and oils stay trapped
Shedding doesn’t properly release
Skin can become irritated
You’ll need to wash them again sooner

Step-by-step: How to wash a double coat properly

1. Fully saturate the coat (this takes longer than you think)

Don’t rush this step. It can take a few minutes to get water all the way through to the skin- especially with thick coats like Shepherds or Goldens.

Tip: Our top tip for getting into the undercoat without using a whole bottle of shampoo? Dilute some shampoo in a seperate bottle or container. Pour this diluted mix onto your dog’s coat before washing. This reduces the friction for the actual shampooing and allows the shampoo to get deeper into the coat quickly. Use your fingers to rake the shampoo into the coat as you go.

2. Apply shampoo in sections

Instead of dumping it all on top:

Work in sections (back, sides, chest, legs)
Use your fingers to rake the shampoo down into the coat and onto the skin

Think: through the coat, not on the coat

3. Use a gentle “rake and massage” motion

Scrubbing the surface won’t do much.

Instead:

Rake shampoo into the coat with your fingers
Massage in small circular motions
Focus on getting right down to the skin

This is what actually lifts dirt and helps release that loose undercoat.

4. Rinse… then rinse again

This is where most people fall short.

Leftover product in a double coat can cause:

Itchiness
Dull or greasy fur
Skin irritation

Rinse until the water runs clear, then keep going a little longer

Use your hands to “open” the coat and help water flow through

5. Conditioner = your secret weapon

A good conditioner helps:

Loosen and release shedding undercoat
Reduce tangles
Keep skin hydrated

Apply it the same way, working it deep into the coat, then rinse thoroughly.

Extra tips for double coated dogs

Brush before AND after washing

Before: use detangling spray to remove large knots or matting. Removing any tangles makes washing easier

After: Leave in conditioner spray between washes helps replenish natural oils that protect your dogs skin and coat and protect the coat from dirt.

Don’t rush drying

Damp undercoats can lead to odour and irritation.

If possible, towel dry well and let them fully dry before curling up on the couch.

Regular maintenance beats occasional deep cleans

A consistent routine = less shedding, healthier skin, and easier baths overall.

Choosing the right range

Different double coats need slightly different care, which is why we’ve created breed specific options including:

Beagle, Border Collie, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Jack Russell, Labrador, Pomeranian, Pug, Rottweiler, Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, and West Highland White Terrier.

Each is designed to: