Hair vs Fur: Why Curly Coats Need Different Care

When it comes to dog coats, many people use the words hair and fur interchangeably - but they actually behave quite differently.

Understanding your dog’s coat type can completely change how you bathe, brush and maintain it, especially for curly and wavy breeds.

 

What’s the Difference Between Hair and Fur?

Generally speaking:

Dogs with fur usually have:
- Shorter hair growth cycles
- More regular shedding
- A coat that naturally releases loose hair

Breeds like Labradors, Border Collies and German Shepherds typically fall into this category.

Dogs with hair tend to have:
- Longer growth cycles
- Less visible shedding
- Loose hairs that become trapped within the coat

This is common in breeds like Poodles and many oodle mixes.

That “low shedding” coat often sounds easier - but it comes with its own challenges. Because loose hair gets caught inside curls and waves, the coat can become tangled or matted if not maintained regularly.

 

Why Curly Coats Need Different Grooming

Curly and wavy coats behave very differently during bathing.

Water, shampoo and conditioner often sit on the outer layer unless worked all the way through to the skin.

Tight curls can also trap:
- Dirt
- Oil
- Loose hair
- Sand and debris
- Product residue

This is why curly coats usually benefit from:
- Thorough soaking before shampooing
- Extra rinse time
- Regular brushing
- Moisture balance without heavy buildup

 

Not All Curly Coats Are the Same

One of the biggest misconceptions is that all fluffy dogs need the same products.

That’s exactly why we created three different curly coat ranges.

 

Our Poodle Range is designed for:

- Non shedding fleece coats
- Wool coats
- Tight curls

These coats often need:
- Moisture
- Slip for brushing
- Coat softness
- Help reducing tangles without heaviness

Perfect for traditional Poodles and similar non shedding curly coats.

 

Our Cavoodle Range is designed for:

- Mild to moderate shedding mixes
- Mixed coat textures
- Soft curls and waves

Many Cavoodles inherit a combination of coat traits, meaning they may still shed lightly while also developing knots and tangles.

This range focuses on balancing softness, coat maintenance and easy grooming.

 

Our Cocker Spaniel Range is designed for:
- Wavy coats
- Feathering
- Silky texture

Cocker coats can become fluffy and tangled around:
- Ears
- Chest
- Legs
- Tail feathering

These coats often benefit from lightweight conditioning and careful rinsing to avoid heaviness.

 

Helpful Tips for Curly & Wavy Coats

1. Fully Saturate the Coat First
Dense coats can repel water at first. Spend extra time soaking the coat before shampooing.

2. Wash All the Way to the Skin
Don’t just clean the surface layer. Use your fingers to work product through the curls.

3. Conditioner Matters
Conditioner helps reduce friction between hairs, making brushing easier and helping prevent knots.

4. Rinse Longer Than You Think
Curly coats hold onto product more easily. Leftover residue can irritate skin and weigh the coat down.

5. Dry Properly
Leaving thick coats damp can increase matting. Drying thoroughly makes a huge difference.

 

The Goal Isn’t “Perfect” Hair

Every curly coat is different - especially mixed breeds.

Some coats are soft and woolly, some are silky and wavy, and some sit somewhere in between. Understanding your dog’s individual coat type helps make grooming easier, more comfortable and far more effective.

A good coat routine isn’t about perfection - it’s about keeping the coat healthy, comfortable and manageable for both you and your dog.

Checkout out our Curly & Wavy Coat Shampoos and Conditioners: