Do Poodles Have Hair or Fur? Breed Facts
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View 2 More +Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. No matter the size, though, all Poodles are considered intelligent, sociable, fun loving, and loyal. They are also thought to be hypoallergenic—or as close as a dog can get, as there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic canine.1
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 truth 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?
The 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 should pick the right dog shampoo to wash them with. Be sure to avoid getting the soap near their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Giving your pet a bath can be a difficult task, but the first step is to choose a great shampoo. We love Hepper's Shampoo Products, both of which are natural, pet-safe options specially formulated to clean your pet's skin and coat without causing irritation. Both formulas are also free of things like dyes, soaps, sulfates, and phthalates. Your pet will enjoy the soothing aloe vera and oatmeal, and you'll love the clean, fresh scents!
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A Poodle’s hair does not stop growing, so they will need a trim or haircut regularly. 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.
Summary
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 easily become tangled and matted, so regular grooming is required. Otherwise, these dogs have much going for them when it comes to personality, temperament, and looks.
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Featured Image Credit: Anna_Bondarenko, Shutterstock
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Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000. In this time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need, both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and flock of chickens.
