Let's find out if labs have a double coat. All about coat type
Labs are famous for their shiny, fur and coat type. Do labs have a double coat? Yes, around 75% of labs have dual coats that provide many health benefits. Let’s debunk more!
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Table of Contents
Written By: Ethan Anderson
Team My Dog Cravings
Disclaimer By The Author:
I am not a veterinarian doctor; I am just a pet parent responsible for more serious issues regarding your dog's health. It would help to visit a doctor and thoroughly research before choosing any food product.
Labrador breed dogs have always been the center of attention of dog enthusiasts due to their high energy level, friendly nature, and loyalty. Labs look very cute because of their body texture and beautiful coat. But does a Labrador have a double coat? Yes, about 75 percent of Labbred puppies are born with a double coat.
Lab double coats protect these energetic dogs from environmental hazards and also provide many health benefits as these dogs can survive in extreme cold and hot temperatures by maintaining body temperature according to the environment. Moreover, labs have very little water and nutrient loss from the skin. Let’s Learn more about how lab coat type is beneficial or harmful to dogs and how their coat and fur can be maintained!
Labrador retriever coat type and maintenance tips
Labrador breed dogs are genetically perfect, which makes them a perfect organism to survive in extreme environments. Nature has also blessed them with double coat quality.
- The top layer of the coat is surrounded by dense hair that protects it from water, dust, and dirt.
- The inner layer of the coat helps with temperature maintenance, water loss resistance, and body water regulation in dogs.
Lab breed dogs shed their coats approximately twice a year, by following the shedding pattern of Labradors. This shedding pattern depends on the thickness of the coat’s fur length, as well as dog stress and activity levels. So proper grooming of your dog’s coat can improve its shedding pattern and make their coat shinier.
Important tips for Lab Coat Maintenance
With a dense outer coat and thin insulated inner coat, it becomes very essential to take proper care of lab skin.
- Try to brush your dog’s hair twice a week to remove dirt, debris, and odor. Follow these additional brushing techniques for double-coated dogs to maintain hair health.
- Get the Best Grooming Tools for Labradors kit, which is available and includes a nail trimmer, teethbrush, and comb, all the things that can help you groom your dog.
Note: The frequency of grooming for double-coat dogs should be only twice a week, as excessive combing will cause more shedding, and your dog’s fur will definitely become thinner. Many pet parents, like me, worry about How to reduce shedding in Labradors. So, Remember, the more grooming and care you give to your dog’s fur coat, the more shedding patterns can be reduced.
Health and Care:
Lab dogs have thick fur; they can have Common skin issues in double-coated dogs, like parasites and skin irritation. If you see any allergic signs, be sure to get your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid any potential risk. Get diet and supplements for a healthy coat of canine.
What are Seasonal Changes to lab coats?
The seasonal shedding cycles in double-coated dogs occur twice a year.
- During summer and spring, labs shed their thick coat, and shedding is very heavy.
- During the winter and fall seasons, the lab fur shedding is not intense but noticeable.
How to reduce shedding during peak times?
To reduce shedding during the heavy shedding season in a labrador double coat, follow the following steps.
- Proper fur combing
- Giving nutritional food
- Following grooming tips
Comparison between single and double coats
There are the following benefits of double coats for dogs!
Single Coat
| Double coat
|
Breeding and Genetics behind Lab Coat
The coat color in labs is controlled by two genes: the B gene, which is responsible for the black and chocolate coat, and the E gene, which is responsible for extension and variation, like the yellow-silver coat color.
Coat Colour | Gene | Inheritance of double coats in Labradors |
Black | BB | dominant |
Chocolate | bb | Recessive |
Yellow | ee | Extension |
So, B and E are the Genetic factors influencing coat type of labs.
Behavioural and Environmental Factors Affecting Lab Coat
The following factors impact the lab coat!
Behavioral signs of coat discomfort in Labradors
Here are the following sings
- Intense scratching
- Rubbing body
- Rolling on ground
- Paw shaking
- Skin irritation
- Hair loss.
How climate affects double-coated dogs?
Climate has a profound effect on the coat of a Lab dog as
- Fur shedding is more common in hot weather than in cold weather.
- If your dog is exposed to UV radiation for a long time, the fur density will decrease, and bleaching will start.
- Lab dogs swimming in chlorinated water on a daily basis can also reduce their fur.
- More hormonal imbalances, skin allergies, smog allergies, and food allergies also cause rashes on the skin.
Amazing Historical Context of Lab Coat
The historical use of Labradors and their coats is rooted deep in the 1800s when they were considered the best companions for fishing due to their coat’s water-repellent ability in Canada’s Newfoundland.
- In the 1800s, breeders preferred lab-breed dogs for fishing and hunting due to their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
- In the 19th-20th century, the labrador retriever coat type was considered a masterpiece of nature due to its beautiful, shiny, and distinct coat color and good body health.
Conclusions:
There is no doubt that the Labrador Retriever breed is one of nature’s masterpieces. These double-coated dogs are friendly, loyal, and energetic and can maintain their body temperature, which makes them superior to other dogs.
Grooming your dog, trimming, and taking care of his health is important, even if it’s hard work, but they strengthen your relationship with your furry fellow in the long run. Follow all these grooming tips to improve your dog’s fur.
Spend as much time as possible with your fun-loving double-coat labrador retrievers to make them comfortable so that they grow up optimally and become strong. Visit our website for more information.
References
Research By: Brian Mitchell
Team My Dog Cravings
