Do Jack Russell Terriers Shed?

Jack Russell Terriers make great companions and reliable dogs.

You may have considered owning a Jack Russell Terrier due to their high energy levels and accurate hunting instincts.

However, the thought of hair all over your house may keep you wondering whether Jack Russell Terriers shed.

So, do Jack Russell Terriers shed?

Yes, Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately throughout the year due to their double coats.

However, you may notice an increase in their shedding as they respond to weather changes during the spring and fall seasons.

Are there factors that impact shedding in Jack Russell Terriers?

If so, how can you minimize the shedding?

If you have such questions, keep reading because you’re in the right place.

Jack Russell Terrier’s Coat

Jack Russell Terriers have non-typical coats.

Their coats are neither fluffy nor soft.

These dogs come in three coat types:

  • Smooth
  • Broken
  • Rough

It’s worth noting that all Jack Rusell Terriers shed irrespective of their coat type.

This is because they both have double coats with coarse textures.

The smooth coat type is the most common among Jack Russell Terriers.

It has a dense outer coat with a soft undercoat.

Although they look smooth, these coats have a rough and wiry texture.

The broken coat type is a mix of smooth and rough types.

The coat is neither dense nor soft. Instead, it’s somewhere in between the two extremes.

The rough coat type is the least common.

It has a very dense outer coat and a thick undercoat.

Do Jack Russell Terriers Shed

The Personality of Jack Russell Terriers

Jack Russell Terriers are energetic dogs with hunting instincts.

They’re also very intelligent with a strong desire to please their owners.

These dogs were bred to hunt rats and other small animals, so they have high prey drives.

They’re also known for being determined, independent, and stubborn.

While these qualities make them excellent hunting dogs, they can be challenging for first-time owners.

They engage in activities like digging, which can be destructive if not properly trained.

If you intend to own a Jack Russell Terrier, be prepared to give him firm and consistent obedience training.

Factors that Affect Shedding in Jack Russell Terriers

It’s common to see varying degrees of shedding in Jack Russell Terriers.

The amount of shedding depends on various factors such as:

Health Conditions

Shedding in dogs is an essential part of their skin health.

However, a dog may shed more than usual when unwell.

For instance, if your Jack Russell Terrier has allergies or autoimmune skin disease, he’ll likely shed excessively.

Health conditions like allergies make a dog’s skin itchy.

The dog will scratch its skin excessively, damaging hair follicles which in turn increases shedding.

Autoimmune skin disease attacks a dog’s healthy cells and tissues.

This also causes damage to the hair follicles, leading to excessive shedding.

Hormonal Imbalance

Just like in humans, hormonal imbalances can cause hair shedding in dogs.

If your Jack Russell Terrier is pregnant or nursing, they may shed more than usual.

Pregnancy and nursing are taxing on a dog’s body.

This causes hormonal imbalances, which in turn leads to increased hair shedding.

Aging

As dogs age, their hair follicles start to weaken.

This leads to thinning of the coat and increased shedding.

You may notice that your senior Jack Russell Terrier sheds more than when they were younger.

Moreover, as dogs age, the lifespan of their hair reduces.

This means that the hair falls out faster and is replaced at a slower rate.

Seasonal Changes

Jack Russell’s shedding is affected by the amount of daylight and temperature changes during the seasons.

Spring and fall are the shedding seasons for most dogs due to temperature and daylight changes.

In spring, the days start to get longer, and the weather gets warmer.

This triggers the shedding of the dog’s winter coat in preparation for summer.

In fall, the days start getting shorter, and the weather starts cooling down.

This again triggers the shedding of the dog’s coat in preparation for a thicker winter coat.

Diet

Your furry friend needs a balanced diet for healthy skin that sheds less.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce shedding.

Omega-fatty acids are nutrients that are essential for healthy skin and coat.

They help to reduce inflammation and keep the skin moisturized.

In turn, this reduces shedding.

How to Minimize Shedding in Jack Russell Terriers

If you’re worried about shedding in your Jack Russell Terrier, there are a few things you can do to minimize it.

They include:

Regular Grooming

The best way to reduce shedding is to brush your dog two to three times a week.

Brushing helps remove dead hair and skin cells from the coat.

It also stimulates the hair follicles, which promotes the healthy growth of new hair.

The type of coat your dog has should guide you on which brush to use.

If they have a short rough coat, use a bristle brush.

A slicker brush or hound glove is best for smooth skins.

You can also bathe your dog monthly with a hypoallergenic shampoo.

Regular grooming also helps distribute the natural oils in your dog’s skin evenly.

This keeps the coat healthy and reduces shedding.

A Balanced Diet

As mentioned earlier, a healthy diet is essential for reducing shedding.

Make sure your Jack Russell Terrier has a balanced diet with omega-fatty acids.

You can also supplement their diet with vitamins E and A.

These help keep the skin and coat healthy, reducing shedding.

Some excellent foods for these nutrients include:

  • Salmon fish
  • Leafy greens
  • Carrots
  • Strawberries

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jack Russell Terrier shed a lot?

No, Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately throughout the year.

However, the shedding increases during the spring and fall seasons.

Are Jack Russell Terriers hypoallergenic?

Jack Russell Terriers are not hypoallergenic as they shed throughout the year.

You can minimize the shedding by grooming the dog regularly and giving him a balanced diet.

Bottom Line

Jack Russell Terriers are moderate shedding dogs.

The amount of shedding can be minimized by regularly grooming the dog and giving him a balanced diet.

If you’re allergic to dogs, Jack Russell Terriers may not be the best breed.

Megan Turner

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