Like humans, dogs have various hair growth stages. The time it takes for your dog’s hair to grow will depend on multiple factors.
Today, we will discuss the factors that determine how fast your dog’s hair will grow and give you examples of different rates of growth.
Learning about your dog’s hair growth rate will help you understand what to expect as a dog parent.
Many People Choose Dogs Based on Their Hair
Hair is one of those things that differentiate dog breeds. When choosing a dog, many people want to know about its hair and how much it sheds.
Your dog’s fur is an integral part of its coat health. A dog’s fur is important for the regulation of his body temperature.
Fur is also essential for protecting your dog’s sensitive skin. Your dog’s hair protects him against sunburn, frostbite, hypothermia, and heatstroke.
Every single dog in existence has hair, even those breeds that are so-called hairless. The primary difference between breeds is the amount of hair they have, the type, and the growth.
The Three Parts of a Dog’s Coat
There are three main parts to a dog’s coat. A dog’s coat is much more complex than human hair. As humans, we have one hair growing from each follicle.
Dogs can have as many as 20 per follicle. The following are the three types of hair that make up a dog’s coat.
- The guard hairs are the longest and coarsest.
- The intermediate coat contains hairs that are medium length.
- The undercoat has the softest feel and is almost cotton-like or crimped.
All three types of dog hair can stem from the same follicle. The pattern, color, and texture of these hairs are what cause each breed to look so different.
What Factors Determine How Fast Dog Hair Grows?
Multiple factors determine how fast dog hair grows. Consider the following.
- The breed
- The dog’s age
- Hormone levels
- The season
- The dog’s health
- Genetics
The Four Stages of Dog Hair Growth
There are four main stages of dog hair growth. Although these growth stages are predetermined, interruptions can occur at any point in the stages and cause problems with slowed hair growth or loss.
- Anagen stage – During this growth stage, a dog’s hair grows continuously. This period can last from 30 days to up to two years. Poodles have anagen stages that last two years, so they need frequent grooming.
- Catagen stage – During this stage, the dog’s hair stops growing.
- Telogen stage – During this stage, the hair is at rest.
- Exogen stage – During this phase, the dog’s hair is shed.
How Fast Does a Dog’s Hair Grow?
Perhaps your dog lost his hair because of an illness or had to be shaved for summer and you want to know how long it will take for his hair to grow back. This is a common question among dog owners.
Once shaved, it will take a minimum of around six weeks for you to begin seeing new hair growth again. For most dogs, the cycles above are completed within 130 days. You will notice a third of an inch or half an inch a month.
How Fast Do Different Dog Breeds Grow Hair After Shaving?
- Labradors – 14 1/2 to 15 1/2 weeks
- Retrievers – 3 to 4 months
- Bulldogs – 4 to 6 months
- Rottweilers – 2 to 3 1/2 months
- Corgis – 3 to 4 months
- Yorkshire Terriers – 4 to 6 weeks
- Boxers 4 to 6 months
- Great Danes – 1 to 2 months
- Siberian Huskies – 2 to 3 months
Ways to Improve Your Dog’s Hair Growth Rate
- Feed your dog a nutritious diet.
- Bathe your dog regularly.
- Seek regular grooming sessions for your dog.
- Seek prompt veterinarian care whenever health issues arise.
Final Thoughts
If your dog had to be shaved or lost hair temporarily, do not fret. After being fully shaved, a dog will typically see new hair growth in about six weeks.
Some dogs grow hair faster than others. You should feed your dog a healthy diet, keep his hair groomed, and give regular baths to ensure healthy hair growth throughout all stages of life.