The terms dog hair and dog fur are often used interchangeably, leading people to believe that they are the same thing. Although they are similar, In reality, they are not exactly alike. Do Pomeranians have hair or fur?
Pomeranians have a beautiful double coat of dog fur. Their coat is made up of a thick and soft undercoat which protects their skin and a longer outer coat that protects them from the elements.
In this article, I discuss the differences between dog fur and dog hair, explain why Pomeranians have fur not hair and list common dog breeds with dog hair and dog fur.
- What Are The Differences Between Dog Hair And Dog Fur
- What Is A Pomeranians Coat Made Of
- Do Dogs With Fur Shed More Than Dogs With Hair
- Is Dog Hair More Fluffy Than Dog Fur
- Is Dog Hair Harder To Care For Compared To Dog Fur
- If You Have Allergies To Dogs Can You Have A Dog With Hair
- If Your Have Allergies To Dogs Can You Have A Dog With Fur
- Is Dog Hair Or Fur Better
- What Dogs Have Hair
- What Dogs Have Fur
- Final Thoughts
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What Are The Differences Between Dog Hair And Dog Fur
Now that we know that dog hair and dog fur are not the same. Let’s dig into the similarities and differences.
How Is Dog Hair And Dog Fur Similar
Both dog hair and dog fur are made up of the same protein compound called Keratin.
Keratin is also found in the dog’s nails and skin.
Even though dog hair and dog fur are genetically the same the differences lie in their textures, growth cycles, and grooming needs.
What Is Dog Hair
Dog hair is generally longer in length due to a longer growth cycle.
Dog hair is also smoother and finer compared to dog fur.
Dogs with hair only have one layer of hair compared to some dogs with fur who have a double-layered coat.
Dog hair and dog fur both goes through the exact same growth cycle but, a dog with hair stays in the growth or anagen phase longer than a dog with fur.
What Is Dog Fur
Dog’s with fur go through the first phase of growth much faster compared to dogs with hair.
Due to a faster fur growth cycle, their fur tends to be shorter in length.
Dog fur is often denser than dog hair. Dogs with fur have more follicles per inch of skin compared to dogs with hair.
Some dogs with fur will have a double coat.
Dogs with fur versus hair shed more often due to completing and restarting the growth process more often.
What Is A Dogs Fur Or Hair Growth Cycle
A dog’s fur or hair growth cycle goes through four phases.
Anagen Phase
In the first phase of growth, the hair or fur is actively growing.
Catagan Phase
During the catagen phase, the hair or fur reaches the end of its growth and stops growing.
Telagen Phase
In the telagen phase, the hair or fur is neither growing nor dying off.
Exogen Phase
During the Exogen Phase, the hair or fur reaches the end of its life and starts to die off and be shed.
Does A Short-Haired Pomeranian Exist?
What Is A Pomeranians Coat Made Of
Pomeranians have glorious double coats of fur.
A double coat consists of a soft and dense undercoat and a more coarse outercoat with longer fur.
The undercoat or “ground hair” is protection for your dogs’ skin, as well as keeping your dog warm.
The outer coat or “guard hair” protects your dog from the elements.
Many other dogs that originate from the Artic like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Bernese Mountain Dogs share a double coat.
When Do Pomeranians Get A Full Coat?
Do Dogs With Fur Shed More Than Dogs With Hair
Since dogs that have fur go through the growth process faster than dogs with hair they shed more often.
What Causes Hair Loss In Pomeranians?
Is Dog Hair More Fluffy Than Dog Fur
It’s all a matter of perception.
A dog like a Pomeranian has a dense and thick double coat giving them the appearance of a ball of fluff.
An Afgan Hound on the other hand has long silky hair that could be perceived as more or less fluffy than our Pomeranian.
Why Are Some Pomeranians Fluffier Than Others?
Is Dog Hair Harder To Care For Compared To Dog Fur
There are pros and cons to having a dog with dog hair versus a dog with dog fur.
As far as coat care is concerned there are some differences.
How To Care For Dog Fur
Dogs that have dog fur shed more often than dogs with dog hair requiring plenty of brushing and hair removal around your home and on your clothing.
Dogs with double coats will experience seasonal shedding in the Fall and Spring. During this time your should brush your dog daily to minimize the effects of shed fur on your furniture and clothing.
How To Care For Dog Hair
Dog hair doesn’t shed as much as dog fur does but, it still requires plenty of grooming.
Dog hair should be brushed often to avoid mats and tangles.
Dogs with long dog hair may need to be trimmed every now and then especially around their eyes and face.
Why Do Pomeranains Have So Much Fur?
If You Have Allergies To Dogs Can You Have A Dog With Hair
There is a misunderstanding that dogs with hair are hypoallergenic.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any true hypoallergenic dogs.
The proteins that can cause an allergic response in humans are actually found in a dog’s dander, saliva, and skin.
All dogs will produce the same amount of allergens regardless if they have dog fur or dog hair.
Dog’s that have curly hair give the impression that they don’t shed as often as other dogs due to the curls in their hair catching and trapping the shed hair. The shed hair doesn’t land all over your house or on your clothes but, the dander and proteins still exist.
If Your Have Allergies To Dogs Can You Have A Dog With Fur
Dogs with fur shed more often than dogs with hair.
That said, as mentioned above the proteins that spark allergic reactions in humans are found in a dog’s saliva, skin and dander not in the fur or hair itself.
Depending on the severity of your allergies you may be better off with a dog that sheds less than others.
Do Pomeranians Have A Lot Of Dander?
Is Dog Hair Or Fur Better
Dogs with dog hair are not any better than dogs with dog fur. It’s all a matter of personal preference and lifestyle.
What Dogs Have Hair
Let’s take a look at some dog breeds that have hair instead of fur.
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Maltese
- Poodles
- Afgan Hound
- Brussels Griffon
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Havenese
- West Highland Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Carin Terrier
- Border Terrier
- Schnauzer
What Dogs Have Fur
Many popular dog breeds have fur.
- Pomeranian
- Siberian Husky
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Border Collie
- Keeshond
- Akita
- Bernese Mountain Dog
Final Thoughts
Pomeranians may be best known for their distinct fluffiness and manes of fur.
There may be differences between dogs with hair and dogs with fur but, ultimately the dog you choose for your family needs to fit into your lifestyle and family dynamic.
