Do Norwich Terriers Shed?

So you’ve heard that Norwich Terriers are excellent rat hunters and companions.

You may want to own this dog as a companion who can keep your home and yard free of rats.

However, the worry of getting hair on your furniture keeps you wondering whether Norwich Terriers shed.

Do Norwich Terriers shed?

Yes, Norwich Terriers are low-shedding dogs that shed throughout the year due to their long hair growth cycle.

It takes longer for the hair to mature, die, and shed, making them low-shedders.

If you want to own a Norwich Terrier, it’s essential to know how to manage the shedding.

You also want to know the factors affecting these dogs’ shedding so you can control them.

Keep reading for these, including Norwich Terriers’ personality.

Norwich Terrier Coats

Norwich Terriers have double coats with rough topcoats and soft undercoats.

These coats are black, red, wheaten, grizzled, or tan.

Norwich Terrier coats have hair that undergoes longer growth cycles.

It takes longer for the hair to grow, mature, die, and shed.

The trade-off is that their coat will require more grooming than other breeds with shorter hair growth cycles.

The presence of an undercoat affects how these dogs shed.

You may notice an uptick in Norwich Terriers’ shedding during the spring and fall.

These are the times when they “blow their coats” to adapt to the changing seasons.

Norwich Terrier Personality

Norwich Terriers are small active dogs that enjoy being around their guardians.

A Norwich Terrier will always want to take part in everything you do.

Due to this personality, terriers will always want something to do, or they create one.

The best way to live with a Norwich Terrier is by keeping him entertained and well-exercised.

Boredom can lead to destructive chewing and other problematic behaviors.

Norwich Terriers are also known to be vocal dogs.

They will bark when they sense something amiss or to get your attention.

It’s worth noting that Norwich Terriers are untrustworthy off-leash because of their hunting curiosity.

They will take off after any moving creature they see, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and rats.

One good personality about these furry friends is that they are friendly around kids.

Norwich Terriers enjoy the company of children and make good playmates.

Factors that Affect Shedding in Norwich Terriers

It’s not uncommon to notice varying degrees of shedding in Norwich Terriers.

The amount of hair your Norwich Terrier sheds will depend on the following factors:

Season

Dogs change their coats to align with seasonal changes.

Pups, Norwich Terriers included, shed excessively in spring and fall.

They “blow their coats” in the spring to get rid of their winter coat.

The same happens in the fall as they prepare for winter.

During these times, you may notice more hair around your home.

Health Conditions

Excessive shedding in your Norwich Terrier can be a sign of illness.

Hypothyroidism and skin allergies are two health conditions that may cause your dog to shed excessively.

Hypothyroidism is a hormonal imbalance that can be genetic or caused by an autoimmune disease.

It slows down the metabolism, and one symptom is excessive shedding.

Skin allergies are another possible reason for your Norwich Terrier’s excessive shedding.

They can be triggered by food, the environment, or skin chemicals.

Skin allergies cause skin irritation and itchiness, making the dog scratch excessively, which causes shedding.

Diet

A poor diet lacking essential nutrients to nourish the skin will increase shedding in your canine.

Dogs need proteins, vitamins, calcium, and fatty acids for healthy skin that sheds less.

These nutrients moisturize the skin, strengthen hair follicles, and reduce inflammation.

If your Norwich Terrier is on a poor diet, he’s likely to shed excessively.

You may also notice other health problems such as a dull coat and dry skin.

How to Manage Shedding in Norwich Terriers

You cannot stop shedding in dogs because it’s a normal and healthy process.

However, you can manage the amount of hair your dog sheds by:

Regular Grooming

Proper grooming helps remove the dead hair from your Norwich Terrier’s coat before it sheds.

It also distributes the natural oils that moisturize the skin and keeps the coat healthy.

You can groom your pup by:

• Brushing: Use a slicker or pin brush to remove the dead fur from your dog’s skin. You can do this twice a week.
• Bathing: Use a mild or de-shedding dog shampoo to bathe your pup at least once a month.

You can also trim your dog’s nails and clean its ears to prevent fleas and other parasites.

Providing a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential for healthy dog skin.

The key is to ensure your pup consumes a balanced diet high in vitamins and proteins.

You can also supplement your Norwich Terrier’s diet with omega-fatty acids to reduce shedding.

Omega-fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and help to moisturize the skin.

You can find them in fish oils, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds.

You should also avoid feeding your Norwich Terrier food that triggers allergies.

Common food triggers include corn, wheat, and soy.

If you suspect your pet has a food allergy, take him to the vet for testing.

The vet will recommend an elimination trial to help identify the allergen.

Are Norwich Terriers Good With Other Pets?

Norwich Terriers are good with cats and dogs.

However, they are not good with rodents and other small animals due to their prey drive.

If you have small animals like ferrets, rabbits, or guinea pigs, it’s best not to keep them together with a Norwich Terrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Norwich terriers shed a lot?

Norwich Terriers don’t shed a lot.

Although they are low-shedders, Norwich Terriers may shed excessively in the spring and fall seasons.

Bottom Line

Norwich Terriers are low-shedding dogs that shed throughout the year.

However, you may notice an increased shedding during the fall and spring seasons as they adapt their skins to changing weather.

You can minimize the shedding by grooming and feeding your dog a balanced diet.

Foods like salmon, ground beef, turkey, and leafy greens are excellent for healthy skins that shed less.