Many families are smitten with double coated breeds. But when summertime comes, they often wonder if their dogs are sweltering in the peak heat of the season. Experts agree that it is unhealthy for double coated breeds to be shaved when temperatures start to soar. The soft undercoat that is part of the two layered coverings these pooches possess helps to protect these dogs from the heat of summer and the extreme cold of winter. Though most dogs do shed a lot of their undercoat in the summer months, it is important for what remains to stay intact otherwise the dog becomes vulnerable to extreme heat and sunburn. For those families that may be considering adding a double coated breed to their homes, it’s a great idea to look at the different options available. Here is our list of some of the most popular double coated dog breeds today.
What are the Most Popular Double Coated Dog Breeds?
Double coated breeds are found in every single group of dogs from toys to terriers, herding breeds, and more. With so many dogs to choose from, families will be spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting the right double coated breed to become their next best canine pal.
Akita
The Akita is a proud and dignified breed that hails from Japan. Loyal to its family, the Akita is aloof with strangers, a trait it developed from its original purpose as a guard dog for members of the aristocracy.
In addition to the Akita’s role as a guardian, this powerful dog type was also employed as a hunting dog, assisting its owners with securing such game as wild boar, black bear, and even deer.
The Akita, considered to be one of the many “northern breeds” such as Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, and more, has a thick double coat to help him remain comfortable regardless of the extremes of his climate.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky has a regal, elegant air about him. A working breed, the Siberian Husky’s double coat comes in a vast number of colors and is characterized by many different variations of markings.
One of the elements that sets this breed apart from other northern breeds is its unique eye coloring which can be blue, multi-colored, or brown. The breed’s unique mask increases its visual appeal and has become a hallmark of this dog type.
The Siberian Husky bears a sharp resemblance to the wolf. The breed is known for its fierce intelligence and its strong desire for independence. These traits can make the Husky both stubborn and prone to roam.
The Husky’s double coat helps to keep him both warm and dry when out in arctic temperatures pulling sleds.
German Shepherd
Considered to be one of most popular dog types today, the German Shepherd is another breed that is in possession of a double coat. A breed renowned for its high intelligence and strong working drive, the German Shepherd is a devoted family companion with the heart of a lion.
A breed that is renowned for being exceptionally versatile, the German Shepherd excels at many different activities including Rally, obedience, conformation, agility, herding trials, scent detection, Schutzhund, and more.
The German Shepherd’s double coat acts as a form of weatherproofing, keeping him dry in wet weather, warm in cold water, and cool when temperatures start to soar.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a beloved herding breed that originated in the Shetland Islands located near Scotland. One of their roles was protecting their owners’ gardens from bird and sheep that liked to graze on the contents found therein. However, the Shetland Sheepdog’s main purpose was as a herding dog on his owner’s farm.
Shetland Sheepdogs are well renowned for their lustrous thick coats that come in a wide array of color combinations. Though the Sheltie does shed vigorously throughout the year, its double coat provides protection against inclement weather conditions.
This delightful breed is charming and fun. They make excellent family companions and are loving and affectionate by nature. Incredibly intelligent, the clever Sheltie is a pleasure to train.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever, a dog included in the sporting group, is one of America’s most popular breeds. A dog whose job was retrieving objects from the water in the cold North Atlantic waters, the Labrador Retriever’s double coat helps keep him dry while fending off the water’s chill.
A happy breed, the Labrador Retriever is a friendly pooch that bonds deeply to its family yet has never met a stranger. Labs are fiercely intelligent, excelling at many dog performance sports.
The Lab’s gentle nature makes him well-suited to family life, particularly if that includes time spent with children.
Beagle
The Beagle is a happy little hound that delights in following his nose wherever it will take him. A hunting breed, the Beagle excels out in the field alongside his owner on the lookout for small game such as rabbits and foxes.
The Beagle is well renowned for its gentle, affectionate nature. But the Beagle is not the quietest of breeds, possessing a strong bay that can be heard for miles around. A stubborn breed, the Beagle can be a challenge to train.
Though short, the Beagle’s thick double coat sheds A LOT. However, the Beagle’s dual pelt protects him against rain, allowing him to hunt for longer periods of time even during bouts of less than favorable weather.
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is of small build and is a charming little dog that is full of spunk. The breed descends from the Isle of Skye in Scotland where its main role was to keep their owner’s property free from nuisance critters. To this end, the Cairn is bold, tenacious, and chock full of smarts.
The Cairn is naturally an independent soul which can make the breed difficult to train. By nature, the Cairn Terrier is a social creature that is loving towards its family and friendly with strangers. However, though small of size, this dog breed is big on energy.
The Cairn is a double coated breed, possessing a soft undercoat and a wiry topcoat. Together, these two layers form a type of weatherproofing, allowing the Cairn to work outside in any weather.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier’s distinctive good looks set him apart from the crowd. A dog breed of exceptional intelligence, the Scottie has a strong independent streak, making him very strong-willed and obstinate.
A dog with a very serious nature, the Scottie can be very sharp of temperament. In spite of their stern appearance, the Scottie has a very soft heart and often appears hurt when scolded.
Scotties have a bark to match their bite, a characteristic that is quite surprising to many new to the breed. The Scottie has a double coat that sheds very little, but that requires a lot of grooming to maintain.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier might be pint-sized, but he makes up for his diminutive form with personality to spare. A breed renowned for its long, flowing, silky locks, the Yorkshire Terrier is one of America’s most popular dog breeds.
A breed that is deeply attached to its family, the Yorkie can be aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs. They are renowned for their distinctive yappy bark, a trademark that sometimes annoys neighbors if not kept under control.
The Yorkie is playful, loving, and lots of fun. Regular exercise is a must to keep this clever pooch mentally and physically satisfied.
The Yorkie’s double coat requires regularly combing, brushing, and professional grooming to remain mat-free.
Pomeranian
The sophisticated Pomeranian is a toy breed that traces its roots to the Spitz family. Bred to a smaller size from larger northern breeds intended for sledding, the Pomeranian is a small dog that has high energy levels and that enjoys the active lifestyle.
Delicate in size, the Pomeranian has a larger than life personality, believing it is on equal footing with large breed dogs. The Pom can be prone to frequent barking, a trait that must be managed to avoid unhappy neighbors.
The Pomeranian delights in being its family’s lap dog, eagerly lavishing them with love and affection. The breed’s thick double coat makes him appear far larger than he actually is and offers protection against the cold and insulation against the heat during warm weather months.
Thinking a double coated breed is the dog type for you? Consider contacting a reputable breeder today to learn more about one of our top ten most popular double coated dog breeds.
