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Ivy's always had a real harsh, thick, weatherproof coat. I read in the Dobe standard that this is what is preferred, but I swear her coat is so harsh that is almost gives me rashes. For some reason, I can't quite remember, but do Labs also tend to have a hard, thick coat? Also, Dobie owners, is this coat pretty much normal?
Winston has an unbelievably soft coat for a Doberman, and he's the only Dobie that I'm not allergic to - it is a fault though. Dobermans are supposed to have harsh coats. Red and dilutes are often coarser than the black, but yes, they're all pretty coarse. I hive out all the time when I Dober-sit. Bathing frequently can help a bit. I'm not sure about Labs, but I think their top-coat is moderately coarse.
I can add this:
My next door neighbors have 3 Boston Terriers. And their short short coats are harsh. I break out in hives anytinme I touch them!
If the coat is too harsh, your pet may need some oils added to their diet. Harsh is one thing...can't stand to be near them is something else. If your pet itches and scratches a lot, too, this tip will help.
My dobie mix from many years ago came to us via adoption and had a coat so harsh it would immediately break me out in a rash. A friend suggested adding some cooking oil to his food. Didn't have to...here's what happened.
At the time I used Mazola Oil for cooking and, believe it or not, he would lick it right from the soup spoon and beg for more!
His coat became much more tolerable (and glossy), his scratching stopped, my rashes ceased, and peace reigned. :D
Discovered it was great for hairball prevention for our cats and other grooming themselves pets as well. Vet said it wouldn't hurt any of them.
Callie
I broke out in hives when we first brought her home. Since she's been on her new diet, her coat has become a lot more tolerable. It's still very harsh and nothing at all like Giselle's or Lucky's coat, but at least her ears are velvety :p Thanks all. I guess Ivy really took after her Dobie side!