Do Bull Terriers Shed?

Most people love bull terriers because they are loyal, active, and eager to learn.

It’s always a pleasure to have such an active dog at home as you can easily teach him to be your companion.

However, the fear of getting hair all over your house keeps you wondering whether bull terriers shed.

So, do bull terriers shed?

Yes, bull terriers shed moderately throughout the year.

However, they shed heavily twice a year during the spring and fall seasons.

Knowing the factors that impact shedding in your dog is vital if you want to maintain a clean house.

You also want to know how to minimize the shedding to keep your home clean.

Keep reading to learn more about living with bull terriers.

The History of Bull Terriers

The bull terrier is a crossbreed of England’s old English Terrier and bulldog.

The breed has a dark history filled with a lot of fights.

Dog fighting has been in existence for long, and bullies like terriers were the leading contenders.

Bull terriers dominated underground fights for many years.

In the 20th century, breeders of bull terriers decided to focus on the dog’s unique head.

These people started standardizing the head through breeding to obtain a shape like a shark with convex planes.

This gave rise to the modern-day bull terriers’ “egg-like” head.

Why Do Bull Terriers Shed?

Shedding is an essential part of every dog’s life.

However, dogs shed differently depending on the breed.

Some shed more while others, like bull terriers, shed less.

There are also hypoallergenic dog breeds like the American hairless terrier.

Like other dogs, bull terriers shed to eliminate old, dead, or damaged hair.

It’s worth noting that a dog’s hair goes through growth, rest, and shed phases.

The growth phase is when the hair follicles produce new hair.

The resting stage is when the follicles stop producing new hair.

Finally, the shedding phase is when the old or damaged hair falls out to make room for new growth.

Factors That Affect Shedding in Bull Terriers

Your bull terrier will not shed constantly throughout the year.

You’ll notice an increase and a decrease in his shedding at some point.

The factors that affect shedding in bull terriers are:

Diet

Your bull terrier requires a balanced diet in the right amount for a healthy coat that sheds less.

A diet lacking essential nutrients will result in dull, dry skin that sheds more.

Our furry friends need protein, vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy coats.

If his diet does not contain these nutrients, expect more shedding due to unhealthy skin.

Health

Some health conditions increase shedding in canines.

These conditions include:

• Allergies
• Hormonal imbalances
• Parasites
• Infections

If your bull terrier is sick, his body will direct nutrients to vital organs for healing.

This results in a dry, dull coat that sheds more due to insufficient nutrients.

Also, some medications used to treat these conditions can cause increased shedding.

On the other hand, allergies cause irritation that results in excessive scratching.

Your canine friend will shed more as he scratches his skin.

Age

Bull terriers shed more as they grow older.

This is because their hair follicles go through miniaturization as they get old.

The miniaturization of hair follicles leads to weaker and thinner hairs that shed more.

Don’t be alarmed if you notice an increased shedding in your old bull terrier.

It’s normal.

Stress

Just like humans, dogs experience anxiety and stress.

When your bull terrier is stressed, his body releases a hormone called cortisol.

Cortisol interferes with the normal hair growth cycle by causing follicles to go into the resting phase too soon.

As a result, your dog will shed more during periods of stress.

Seasons

Bull terriers shed heavily during the spring and fall seasons.

This is because the changing seasons cause hormonal changes that trigger shedding.

Bull terriers shed their winter coats during the spring to prepare for a lighter summer coat.

In fall, they shed to prepare for heavier coats in winter.

How to Minimize Shedding in Bull Terriers

If you’re worried about hygiene due to shedding, don’t be.

There are different ways to minimize shedding in your pup.

They include:

Regular Brushing

Brushing your pup at least three times a week removes dead hair and fur before they drop into your house.

Moreover, brushing helps spread the natural oil in a dog’s skin for a healthy, moist coat that sheds less.

Bull terriers have soft, short, and glossy coats.

Brushing such coats with hard-bristled brushes can cause injuries.

Only use a soft-bristled dog brush.

Brush the dog from head to tail to prevent dirt from dropping into his ears and eyes.

A Nutritious Diet

As earlier mentioned, a nutritious diet is essential for a healthy coat that sheds less.

Ensure your bull terrier’s diet contains all the nutrients he needs for a healthy coat.

These nutrients include proteins, omega-fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Feed your dog cooked salmon because it’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

You can also supplement your dog’s diet with commercial foods rich in these nutrients.

Avoiding Stressors

Do not expose your pup to stressors, as this will increase his shedding.

Some stressors include loud noises, changes in routine, and separation anxiety.

If you can’t avoid such stressors, help your dog cope with them by crate training or desensitization therapy.

Regular Bathes

Bathing your dog at least once a month helps remove dirt and debris that can clog his hair follicles.

Clogged follicles lead to shedding.

When bathing your dog, use a mild shampoo designed for dogs because human shampoo is too harsh for them.

Also, avoid over-bathing as this strips the natural oils in their skin and causes dryness.

Dryness leads to more shedding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bull terriers shed much hair?

No, bull terriers are low-shedders.

However, they shed much hair during the fall and spring seasons.

Are Bull Terriers hypoallergenic?

Bull terriers are not hypoallergenic.

These dogs shed moderately throughout the year.

Bottom Line

Bull terriers are low-shedders who shed throughout the year.

However, you should expect an increase in their shedding during the spring and fall seasons.

You can minimize the shedding by brushing, bathing, and feeding your pup a nutritious diet.

Furthermore, ensure your dog is not stressed to prevent cortisol secretion.