Which Dog Breeds Have the Fastest-Growing Fur?

Like humans, dogs have different fur lengths. Some have short, sleek fur, like Beagles and Greyhounds. Others have incredibly fast-growing fur, which results in long, flowing locks; but also locks that can easily get tangled and matted without regular grooms. Ever wondered which dog breeds have the fastest-growing fur? Here are the top five you need to know!

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, have long, silky fur that closely resembles human hair. This fine coat grows continuously. Without routine trims, it can easily reach the floor. Their hair tangles easily, so daily brushing is a must to prevent knots and mats from forming close to the skin.

Poodle

All varieties of Poodle—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—have a dense, curly coat that grows quickly. Their unique hair texture sheds very little, but loose hairs get trapped within the curls. This contributes to matting if owners don’t get their Poodle’s coat brushed and professionally groomed every four to six weeks.

Goldendoodle

As a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, the Goldendoodle often inherits the Poodle’s low-shed, fast-growth coat. Because their fur grows out so quickly, and because they’re prone to mats due to their curls, owners of Goldendoodles should take them to the groomers regularly for a professional trim. The required frequency depends on the dog’s specific coat type and the desired length.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is another breed famous for its luxurious, floor-length coat. Their hair grows at a steady pace and requires substantial upkeep to remain healthy and free of tangles. Many owners choose to keep their Shih Tzu in a shorter “puppy cut” to make home care more manageable between professional appointments.

Old English Sheepdog

Don’t let the name fool you; the Old English Sheepdog’s shaggy, double coat is anything but old-fashioned in its growth rate. This breed’s thick fur helps protect it from the elements. But that profuse, water-resistant coat demands a dedicated care routine with frequent brushing to work through both the soft undercoat and the coarse topcoat to avert matting.

Managing the Mane

These are the dog breeds with the fastest-growing fur. If you’re a proud pet parent to a dog composed of any of these breeds, just be aware that your pup may need more frequent trips to the groomers compared to shorter-haired companions.