Mats may contain

Mats may contain

• A. Guard hairs
• B. Loose hairs from the undercoat
• C. Debris such as burrs and foxtails
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Mats form when fur tangles and traps materials from both the coat and the environment. They may include guard hairs—the long, outer hairs that give the coat its overall length and look—along with loose hairs shed from the soft undercoat. Debris from the dog’s surroundings, such as burrs and foxtails, can get caught in the mat and be held against the skin. Because mats are a mix of these coat fibers and any debris the fur encounters, they can contain all of these elements. When grooming, expect to find a combination of guard hairs, undercoat hairs, and environmental debris inside mats, and approach detangling with care to protect the skin.

Mats form when fur tangles and traps materials from both the coat and the environment. They may include guard hairs—the long, outer hairs that give the coat its overall length and look—along with loose hairs shed from the soft undercoat. Debris from the dog’s surroundings, such as burrs and foxtails, can get caught in the mat and be held against the skin. Because mats are a mix of these coat fibers and any debris the fur encounters, they can contain all of these elements. When grooming, expect to find a combination of guard hairs, undercoat hairs, and environmental debris inside mats, and approach detangling with care to protect the skin.