Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. No matter the size, all Poodles are considered intelligent, sociable, fun loving, and loyal. They are also thought to be hypoallergenic — or as close as you can get, as there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. All that said, there is a bit of confusion among some people as to whether these dogs have hair or fur. So, which is it? The fact is that Poodles have hair. Here is everything that you need to know about this interesting topic.
What Kind of Hair Do Poodles Have?
Poodles have hair like humans do, and they are not the only breed that grows hair instead of fur. The Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier, Havanese, and Tibetan Terrier all also grow hair. No dog that grows hair instead of fur has a short coat unless it is trimmed to look that way.
What’s the Difference Between Hair and Fur?
According to the American Kennel Club, fur on a dog only grows to a certain length and then sheds off before it starts growing again. Conversely, hair never stops growing and sheds little as time goes on. Poodle hair responds to hormonal changes just like human hair does. For example, female Poodles may lose some of their hair after giving birth, but the loss is temporary.
Another difference between dog hair and fur is the texture. Fur tends to be much denser than hair. Dogs with double coats have thin, soft hair that lies underneath a dense, rough layer of fur. Dogs that grow hair, like Poodles, do not have double coats. Fur and hair have slightly different growth cycles too, but this isn’t something that the typical pet owner would notice.
How Is Poodle Hair Supposed to Be Groomed?
Poodles require a moderate amount of grooming to keep their coats looking soft, shiny, and healthy. An unkempt coat can quickly lead to problems, like hair matting and serious knots. The most important part of grooming is brushing. Your Poodle should be brushed every day to get rid of small knots and any debris that may have gotten caught in their hair.
Bathing should happen every 1 to 2 months, depending on how much time your dog spends outside and how dirty they get during their outings. Since Poodles have hair, you can use human shampoo to wash them with. It’s best to choose a natural option, though, and avoid getting the shampoo near their eyes, nose, or mouth.
A Poodle’s hair does not stop growing, so they will need a trim or haircut every now and then. The easiest way to keep your dog’s hair trimmed is to work with a professional groomer. They can create any haircut design that you prefer. Alternatively, you can use clippers or shears at home to carefully trim your Poodle’s hair. If you don’t have experience doing this, though, it’s best to stick to a simple trim until you gain experience.
A Quick Recap
Poodles grow hair instead of fur, which is one reason that they are thought to be a good pet pick for those who suffer from allergies. Their hair also makes it possible to give them adorable haircuts, but it can become tangled and matted, so regular grooming is required. These dogs have much going for them when it comes to personality, temperament, and looks.
Featured Image Credit: Anna_Bondarenko, Shutterstock
