Coat Dog Faux Fur

Fur is a synonym for hair, used more commonly in reference to non-human animals, usually mammals; particularly those with extensive body hair coverage. The term is sometimes used to refer to the body hair of an animal as a complete coat, also known as the "pelage" . Fur is also used to refer to animal pelts which have been processed into leather with the hair still attached. The words fur or furry are also used, more casually, to refer to hair-like growths or formations; particularly when the subject being referred to exhibits a dense coat of fine, soft "hairs".

Animal fur , if layered, rather than grown as a single coat, may consist of short ground hair, long guard hair, and, in some cases, medium awn hair. Mammals with reduced amounts of fur are often called "naked", as in The Naked Ape , naked mole rat, and naked dogs.

The acquisition and use of fur as clothing and/or decoration is considered controversial in some cultures. Animal welfare advocates object to the trapping and killing of wildlife, and the confinement and killing of animals on fur farms. An animal with commercially valuable fur is known within the fur industry as a furbearer. (See fur clothing).

Nature of fur

Fur usually consists of two main layers:

• Ground hair or underfur or down hair — the bottom layer consisting of wool hairs which tend to be shorter, flattened, curly, and denser than the top layer. Its principal function is thermal insulation and thus thermoregulation.
• Guard hair — the top layer consisting of longer, often coarser, straight shafts of hair that stick out through the underfur. This is usually the visible layer for most mammals and contains most of the pigmentation. It protects the underfur from outside factors, such as rain, and is thus often water-repellent.

A third layer, the awn hair , may also exist. It is intermediate between the two others.

Use in clothing

Main article: Fur clothing

In clothing, fur is leather with the hair retained for its insulating properties. Fur has long served as a source of clothing for hominoids including the Neanderthal. Some members of modern society continue to wear fur, although it is becoming less popular as the cruelty of present-day fur farming becomes more widely known. Animal furs used in garments and trim may be dyed bright colors or to mimic exotic animal patterns, or shorn down to imitate the feel of a soft velvet fabric. The term "a fur" is often used to refer to a fur coat, wrap, or shawl.

Common animal sources for fur clothing and fur trimmed accessories include fox, rabbit, mink, beavers, ermine, otters, sable, seals, cats, dogs, coyotes, chinchilla, and possum. The import and sale of seal products was banned in the U.S. in 1972 over conservation concerns about Canadian seals. The import, export and sales of domesticated cat and dog fur was also banned in the U.S. under the Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000.

The manufacturing of fur clothing involves obtaining animal pelts where the hair is left on the animal's processed skin. In contrast, making leather involves removing the hair from the hide or pelt and using only the skin. The use of wool involves shearing the animal's fleece from the living animal, so that the wool can be regrown but sheepskin shearling is made by retaining the fleece to the leather and shearing it. Shearling is used for boots, jackets and coats and is probably the most common type of skin worn.

Fur is also used to make felt. A common felt is made from beaver fur and is used in high-end cowboy hats.

Fake fur or "faux fur" designates any synthetic material that mimics the appearance and feel of real fur, without the use of animal products.

Controversy

Main article: Fur farmingFurther information: Fur trade

Animal rights activists are opposed to the trapping and killing of wildlife, and the confinement and killing of animals on fur farms. According to Humane Society International over 8 million animals are trapped yearly for fur, while more than 30 million were raised in fur farms. Based on undercover video footage, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) allege that dog and cat fur farming in China is particularly inhumane.

See also

• Wool
• Coat (animal)
• Animal colouration
• Cat coat genetics

• Fur farming
• Tanning
• Fur fetishism

References

1. ^ , "Fur-Free Designers and Retailers" July 31 , 2009 .
2. ^ Rules and Regulations Under the Fur Products Labeling Act
3. ^ Australian Wool Corporation, Australian Wool Classing, Raw Wool Services, 1990
4. ^ Chamber's journal, Published by Orr and Smith, 1952, pg 200, Original from the University of Michigan
5. ^ Humane Society International Fur Trade
6. ^ China's Shocking Dog and Cat Fur Trade

DESIGNER FAUX FUR DOG COATS: faux suede clothing with western styling ...

Designer exotic animal print dog Faux Fur Coats, faux suede western styling dog clothes, soft luxury clothing for your celebrity pooch.

...

Paw Appeal Luxury Cheetah Faux Fur Coat - Dog.com

Dog supplies from dog.com includes a huge variety of dog supplies & products at wholesale discounted prices. Dog.com satisfies your dog supplies & dog information needs.

...

Faux Fur Dog Coats - Designer Dogwear

Faux Fur Dog Coats keep your dog warm and looking very cool. With a natural looking animal print these faux fur dog coats will be a hit.

...

Faux Fur and Minky Dog Coats :: Emma Rose Design

Faux fur dog coats for the dog who needs to be extra warm. Also offering soft and luxurious minky designer dog coats. Very light weight while keeping your dog warm. Designer dog ...

...

Faux Fur Dog Coat - Dog Supplies

All Puppy Supplies including toys, treats, clothes, grooming, training, dvds and more.

...

Luxury Faux Fur Wild Child Leopard Dog Coat :: Faux Fur and Minky Dog ...

Wild Child luxury leopard faux fur pet coat. This coat has been crafted of the high end faux leopard fur with a faux black beaver collar. A dog coat for the princess. A Luxury ...

...

Paw Appeal Luxury Designer Coat w/ Faux Fur - Dog.com

Dog supplies from dog.com includes a huge variety of dog supplies & products at wholesale discounted prices. Dog.com satisfies your dog supplies & dog information needs.

...

Dog Faux Fur Coat [64330] - $19.95 : Bright Life Australia

Bright Life Australia : Dog Faux Fur Coat [64330] - These cozy, warm faux fur coats will protect your favourite pooch from winter chill in style! The...

...

Designer Faux Fur Dog Coats: Lightweight silk satin lining, throws and ...

Designer Faux Fur dog clothes with silk lining, luxury little dog coats and matching throws, blankets.

...

Chenille & Faux Fur Glamour Knit dog coat - Dog Coats UK - dog ...

Knitted dog coat with a faux fur collar in purple. Ideal for the smaller dog in your life Dog Coats UK by Kellings : greyhound coats, whippet coats, dog winter wear

...