How long does it take a dog's coat to air dry?

A Whippet or Boxer's single, flat coat holds relatively little water and dries quickly once towel dried, usually within half an hour. A Golden Retriever or Husky's dense double coat, by contrast, holds far more water in its undercoat, and left to air dry alone can take two to four hours, sometimes stretching into the evening if the room is cool.

Extended air drying, particularly on double or curly coats, leaves the skin damp for hours, which can contribute to a musty smell and, in dogs prone to skin issues, irritation. This is the main reason curly and double coated dogs generally benefit from an assisted dry with a towel and low heat dryer rather than air drying alone.

A thorough towel dry immediately after the bath, pressing rather than rubbing, removes a large share of the water before air drying even starts. Keeping the dog in a warm room, away from drafts, and brushing the coat periodically as it dries also cuts down total drying time and helps prevent tangling.