05/31/2026
Single-Coated Dogs, Breeds like Yorkies, Poodles, and Maltese have an anagen-dominated cycle. Their hair grows almost continuously with very little seasonal shedding. They require regular trimming because the hair keeps growing and the exogen (shedding) phase is minimal.
Double-Coated Dogs, Breeds like Huskies, Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Collies have a synchronized cycle driven by hormones and environmental changes. They "blow their coat" (heavy shedding) in the spring and fall as they transition between warm and cool weather coats. These breeds require regular brushing to keep the coat free of impaction.
Short/Smooth-Coated Dogs, Breeds like Pugs and Beagles typically have a shorter anagen phase and a telogen-dominated cycle. They tend to shed smaller amounts year-round.
Mixed-Coated dogs, mix breeds that are a combination of double coat and single coated dogs. These dogs can have both continuous growing coat, and a heavy shedding undercoat. These coats require special attention to keep the coat free of tangles and heavy Matt's.
All of these cycles do not happen at the same time, as every follicle is on its own timeline, meaning the follicles on your dog's neck, may be in a different growth stage than the follicles on his back.
Breeds with longer lasting resting/telogen phase often have trouble growing back after cutting, as the follicle can go dormant and stop growing all together.
