True seals have hair but rely on a heavy layer of blubber to keep them warm. There are 18 species of true seal alive today. The 19th, the Caribbean monk seal, is considered extinct. The long, mostly hairless, front flippers are used for propulsion through the water while the long hind flippers are used more for steering. The hind flippers can also be brought forward and under the body, enabling otariids to 'walk' on land.
Eared seals have different pelts than the true seals and each other.
The guard hairs of the fur seals are surrounded by more underfur than the sea lion. The resultant pelts are very luxurious and were highly prized by commercial sealers. There are 14 species of otariids. The walrus is a mix of both the true seal and the fur seal and sea lion. Like true seals, walruses do not have an external ear.