Are Poodles Double Coated? The Truth May Surprise You!

By Nancy Williams •  Updated: 03/27/22 •  12 min read

Are Poodles Double-coated? The Truth May Surprise You!

You might have heard the term double-coated before, but have you wondered what it means exactly?

There is some debate over whether or not poodles are double coated. While some people believe that they are, others maintain that their coats are single layered. The truth is, poodles do not have a double coat.

Having a double coat means that a dog has two layers of fur. The undercoat is thicker and softer, somewhat wooly in texture. The top coat is usually close to the skin, very dense and can actually be prickly to the touch.

With that being said..

How is it different from just having normal fur? And what does this have to do with poodles? Let’s get to the bottom of all things double-coated.

Single or Double Coat: What’s the Difference?

Do you know the difference between a single and double coat? Most people don’t. In fact, I didn’t until I started researching this article. A single coat dog doesn’t have an undercoat, while a double coat dog does.

Poodles are a great example of a single coat breed. Their fur just lays on top of their skin, without any insulation from an undercoat. This is why they can be more prone to getting cold in the wintertime.

Another example of a single coat breed is the Jack Russell Terrier.Their fur doesn’t have much of an undercoat either. This is why they need to be groomed regularly – if you let their fur grow too long, it will start to tangle and mat.

Dogs that have a single coat of fur are more likely to need a coat when the weather gets cold. This is because their fur is not as thick as dogs with double coats, and they tend to get chilly when the winter winds come along.

Dogs with a single coat of fur have a longer hair growth cycle than those with two coats. This means their fur takes longer to grow out to its full length, which is part of why they tend to be less hairy. Single coat dogs also typically have less shedding and are better suited for warmer climates.

Close up of Poodle Hair

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Dogs that have a single coat are less likely to spread allergens all over your house than those with a double coat. This means that if you or a loved one suffers from allergies, you may want to consider getting a dog with a single coat. While all dogs produce dander, the single-coated breeds tend to produce less of it.

Dogs with a double coat have a separate undercoat and top coat. The top coat is made up of long, coarse hairs that provide protection from the elements. The undercoat is made up of short, soft hairs that keep the dog warm. Double-coated dogs are often used as working dogs because they can withstand cold weather and wet conditions.

The topcoat helps keep dirt and water off the dog’s body, while the undercoat helps keep them warm in cold weather. Dogs with a double coat are better able to stay warm in cold weather than dogs with a single coat.

When it comes to dogs with a double coat, the fluffy underlayer is often responsible for the insane seasonal shedding that takes place when the dog is “blowing” its coat. 

This happens when the dog’s undercoat sheds all at once, as opposed to gradually throughout the year. For some dogs, this can be a very noticeable event, as they can lose huge clumps of hair all at once.

 While this might be alarming to see, it’s a completely natural process and nothing to worry about. In fact, it’s actually a good thing, as it means that the dog’s coat is healthy and functioning properly.

Do Poodles Have a Double Coat of Fur?

Poodles don’t have plush double coats like many other dog breeds. Instead, Poodles have a single, dense coat of curly hair that can grow quite long. This coat is similar to the hair on human heads, so just like people who cut their hair from time to time, your Poodle may need a trim every once in a while.

You should brush your poodle daily to prevent mats from forming. The longer the coat, the more frequent you will need to groom it. To keep a long coat free of tangles and burrs, you need to brush it regularly. If you allow the coat to become very tangled, this will take much longer and may require assistance from a professional groomer. In order to maintain a longer coat, you will likely want to visit a groomer every two months or so for a trim and bath.

💡 Check out this article if you would like to know the best way to bathe a poodle: Poodle Bathing: When and How to Bathe Your Poodle

Poodles are considered hypoallergenic since they do not shed much like other dogs do. That is not to say that they are completely hypoallergenic or that they never shed at all. They just do not shed as much as other breeds because their hair grows continuously. Some people who suffer from allergies with other breeds find that they can own a Poodle because of this fact.

What Kind of Coats Do Poodles Have?

As it turns out, poodles don’t actually have double coats.

In that case, the question now remains, what kind of coat does a poodle actually have?

What Kind of Coats Do Poodles Have

According to the American Kennel Club, which organizes dog shows and competitions in the United States, specifies that “the poodle’s coat should be curly.” The standard also adds that the coat should be “dense throughout” the body and “must be of naturally harsh texture.” 

Although the actual length of the cord might vary, the breed standard allows corded coats, which hang evenly and tightly. The cords on the tail and legs and in the core are shorter, and the cord on the neck and arms are longer. The standard does not refer to a wavelike coat.

This may be surprising to those who are familiar with double coats, which are unique among dog breeds. A double-coated breed has a topcoat that is typically long, dense and straight or wavy, while their undercoat is usually soft and short. This type of coat serves to protect dogs from extreme temperatures—both hot and cold. That said, poodles do have the tight curls of a double coat, but it’s still all one layer.

It is also worth noting that some breeds of dog have what is known as a “fleece” coat. This type of coat has long hair with no obvious undercoat or guard hairs (the longer, coarser hairs you see in many breeds).

Do Poodles Have an Undercoat?

Do poodles have an undercoat

An undercoat is a layer of fur that helps insulate a dog from the cold weather. It is located beneath the topcoat, and helps to keep the dog warm by trapping air close to its body. The undercoat also helps protect the dog’s skin from the elements. 

Dogs with thick undercoats are better able to withstand cold weather, while dogs with thinner undercoats may need to wear a coat or sweater when it’s cold outside.

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are known for their signature curly hair. What many people don’t know is that poodles are also one of the most hypoallergenic dog breeds out there. 

The source of this hypoallergenic nature is due to the coat type that poodles have. 

While many dogs such as golden retrievers have a double coat – an outer coat and an undercoat – poodles lack an undercoat, which means less dander and allergens being released into the environment. 

This is why poodles are a great choice for those who suffer from allergies.

Poodle Puppy Coat Vs Adult Poodle Coat

When you think of a Poodle, the image that comes to mind is usually an adorable little puppy with a thick, curly coat. However, not all Poodle puppies have this type of coat. In fact, many puppies have very soft, wavy hair. This is because the adult Poodle’s coat begins to form and thicken around 4-5 months old. 

Poodle puppy vs adult poodle coat

So if you’re looking to get a Poodle puppy, don’t be discouraged if its coat is different from what you expected. It will most likely change dramatically by the time it’s fully grown.

All poodles go through a puppy coat stage where their coat is much thicker and fluffier than their adult coat. Standard poodles usually lose their puppy coat around 10 to 12 months of age. 

Miniature and toy poodles tend to shed their puppy coat earlier at nine or ten months of age. It’s important to note that this is just a generalization – some standard poodles may take longer to lose their puppy coat, while some miniature and toy poodles may keep their puppy coat for a bit longer.

The coat of a poodle puppy is usually soft and straight. However, as the puppy gets older, their hair will start becoming wavy or curly. This is because the puppy’s hair is still growing in and it will not be fully grown until they are about one year old. 

Some people mistakenly think that a poodle has a bad coat if it is not perfectly straight, but this is not the case. The wavy or curly coat of a poodle is actually very beautiful and unique.

Do Poodle Mixes Have Double Coats?

When you cross a poodle with another breed, the puppies will likely have one or two coats. Poodle mixes can have either a single coat, which is the same as a regular poodle, or they can have a double coat, which is thicker and more like that of a golden retriever. 

Do poodle mixes have double coats

The type of coat your dog has will depend on the genes they inherit from their parents. If both parents have a double coat, then the puppies are likely to also have one. But if one parent has a single coat and the other has a double coat, then the puppies could end up with either type of hair.

When it comes to poodle mixes, the coat type of the dog can depend on the genes of the poodle parent. If the parent breed other than poodle is a single coated breed, then the genes for double coats will most likely be absent and the resulting dog will have a single coat as well. However, if the parent other than the poodle is a double coated breed, then the mix will likely have a double coat as well. This is because the genes for both coat types are present in the poodle parent.

No matter what type of coat your dog has, it will need to be groomed regularly. Double-coated dogs need to be brushed every day to keep their hair from becoming matted and tangled.

However, if you are allergic to dogs in general, you may be able to tolerate a Poodle mix that has been mixed with a breed that sheds relatively less.

Is It Possible to Get a Low Shedding Poodle Mix?

Yes, it is possible to get a low shedding Poodle mix. The key is to find a reputable breeder who has the knowledge and insight into the low shedding dog family tree. Some breeders specialize in breeding low shedding dogs, while others may not have as much experience with this particular cross.

When looking for a low shedding poodle mix puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the coat type and whether or not it is likely to be non-shedding. 

Many dog owners want a low-shedding dog, and the Labradoodle is often seen as a good option. But how much shedding can you expect from a Labradoodle? And is it possible to get a low shedding Poodle mix?

The Labradoodle is a hybrid breed, made up of Poodle and Labrador Retrievers. This means that the Labradoodle will have some of the characteristics of both breeds. Poodles are known for being low-shedding dogs, while Labrador Retrievers are not. So, you can expect a Labradoodle to have less shedding than a purebred Labrador Retriever, but more shedding than a purebred poodle.

There are different types of Labradoodles, depending on the percentage of poodle and Labrador Retriever in the mix. For low-shedding labradoodles, you’ll do best with a little F1b Labradoodle (75% poodle, 25% Labrador Retriever).

As we move into this generation, the percentage of non-shedders should continue to increase making it the best option. Of course there are no guarantees in dog breeding and occasionally you will be surprised by unexpected results.

Do Poodle Puppies Have Double Coats?

Many people believe that Poodle puppies have a double coat. However, this is not actually the case. Puppies of this breed spend most of their time snuggling with their mother or with the rest of the poodle puppy pack. They do not therefore have a need to have a thick, wiry coat. 

do poodle puppies have double coats

Poodle puppies are usually born with hair that is soft and straight. As your puppy gets older, their hair will start becoming wavy or curly. Some poodles may even have a double coat, which means they will have a layer of longer hair over their shorter undercoat. If you’re concerned about your poodle’s coat, you can talk to your veterinarian about what type of care they need.

Poodle puppies are typically born with a soft, downy coat. This coat grows thicker and longer as the puppy matures. While some Poodles may eventually develop a thick undercoat, this is not always the case. In fact, many Poodle owners opt to keep their dogs’ coats trimmed short so that they do not have to deal with excess hair in their homes or on their clothing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, poodles are not double-coated. While they may have luscious hair, it is not the same as having two coats of fur. This means that they do not require the same level of care as other double-coated breeds. So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog that will not trigger your allergies, look good and be cute, a poodle may be the right choice for you!

Nancy Williams

👩🏻‍🦱 Hey, I'm Nancy! Over at PoodleGo, I'm "that passionate poodle lady". At home? Mom to 3 kiddos 👶🏻, ruled by 2 diva poodles 🐩, and one dramatic Persian cat 🐈‍⬛ who thinks he’s king. Poodles might seem all glam, but they’re more than just fancy fur. Dive into PoodleGo and discover the magic behind these curly superstars ✨. For some behind-the-scenes poodle tales 🐾, don't miss our newsletter 💌. Let's embark on this fluffy journey together! 💯