Color and shine are not vanity metrics—they’re practical signals. A coat that reflects light evenly is often easier to brush, less prone to breakage, and more forgiving between appointments. When shine disappears, owners usually notice it first on the top line and shoulders, where the coat gets the most contact from harnesses and hands.
Before you chase new products, check the basics: is the coat being over-washed, is the brush appropriate for the curl pattern, and is friction (collars, backpacks, car seat belts) creating a dull “rub zone”? Nutrition also matters for coat quality, and deficiencies can contribute to dryness and shedding (German K, 2025).
The goal is a coat that looks freshly finished more days of the week—smooth movement, clean texture, and a healthy sheen that reads as well-kept.