The primary function of the dog's hair is as a protective and insulating covering.
However if the eyes are the entrance or the window to the soul, the skin and hair are both entrance and window to the embodiment of an animal's inner health and well-being. Shiny hair, that is, a hair coat that exudes a healthy and shiny sheen, is an indication of total health of the animal. On the other hand, a dull coat that does not have appeal is an indicator that the animal isn't as healthy as she could be.
Among the reasons individuals like to have pets around is that they are "furry," and furry is fun to touch. Having a healthy coat promotes increased contact between a dog and its owner, with regular contact ultimately strengthening the human-animal bond. Some caretakers are very conscious the feel and charm of their dogs and to the "social status" that originates from owning a dog with a stunning and/or uncommon haircoat.
Bull Terrier
Modifications in the texture or look of a dog's coat are an indicator of something going amiss within, however haircoat modifications are not specific for any one disease or condition. Dull or brittle hair can be brought on by a dietary imbalance, or it may be due to illness of digestion, hepatic, renal, thyroidal, immune, or parasitic origin. Alterations of hair generally appear rather late in the course of the illness, as hair growth is rather slow; it usually takes a minimum of 4 weeks of illness development prior to modifications are visible in the hair. And it generally takes four or more weeks before a dietary supplement will have any positive effects on the quality of the hair.
The shine credited to a healthy dog's coat is largely due to an intricate group of fats produced through glands in the skin called sebaceous glands, which function as a natural dispenser of hair conditioners.
Skin and hair fundamentals
A dog's skin and haircoat form a barrier to protect the body of the dog from infections, parasites, and the aspects.
Animal hairs are categorized into 3 standard types: a) "primary" or "guard" hairs that form the external coat of an animal and offer protection from sunlight, moisture; b) "secondary" hairs (also called fur or wool hairs, or the undercoat) that form the inner coat of an animal and supply insulation; and c) tactile hairs (whiskers) that supply sensory functions. Other types of hairs found on animals consist of tail and mane hair (in the horse, for example) and sensory hairs found in the inner ear (hairs that identify motion).
grooming dog have longer primary hairs and much shorter secondary hairs, but the ratio of each type of hair varies by age and specifically type. grooming a dog have nearly no undercoat and fairly short and thin main hair. These "single coated" dogs include Boxers, Dalmatians, and Greyhounds. Yorkshire Terriers, too, do not have much of an undercoat, however their main coat is long and smooth.
So-called "double-coated" breeds have substantial undercoats and thick primary coats. The Labrador has a brief but very thick coat of coarse primary hairs, and a thick undercoat of softer, insulating secondary hairs. The Bearded Collie has a soft, close undercoat and a shaggy outer coat.
Puppies are born with brief, soft secondary hairs just. Often the puppy's coat color resembles the grownup's; in other instances, the coat darkens or spots as the puppy grows. Dalmatian young puppies are born with a pure white coat that establishes black spots as the pup grows.