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Fox Terriers are known for their short, dense coats, but do they shed? The answer is yes, Fox Terriers do shed, and it's essential to understand what you're getting into if you're considering bringing one home.
Fox Terriers shed moderately, with most owners reporting a moderate to high level of shedding, especially during seasonal changes.
Fox Terrier Shedding Basics
Fox Terriers shed a moderate to significant amount of hair, especially during seasonal shedding in spring and fall.
The amount of shedding can be deceiving due to their short coats, but they're constantly shedding to make way for new hair growth.
Smooth Fox Terriers have a rougher, harder, and flatter outer coat that gets stuck into fabric easily.
Wire coat Fox Terriers are considered hypoallergenic, but they still shed some hair, which can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Regular brushing is essential to reduce shedding, and a good quality bristle brush or de-shedding tool can make a big difference.
Brushing your Fox Terrier weekly can help manage their shedding and keep their coat looking its best.
It's worth noting that Smooth Fox Terriers can get their hair stuck into fabric, upholstery, carpet, and other surfaces, making cleaning a bit of a challenge.
On a similar theme: Smooth Haired Fox Terrier Puppies
Grooming and Care
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Fox Terriers have moderate maintenance needs and require a weekly brushing to keep their coats looking their best. They come in solid white, white with tan, black, or black and tan colors.
Their short coats may lead you to think they don't shed, but Smooth Coat Fox Terriers actually shed a moderate amount of hair. I've seen it firsthand, and it can be a real nuisance.
A good quality bristle brush or de-shedding tool can make all the difference in reducing shedding. If your dog hates being brushed, a rubber grooming glove can be a great alternative.
For more insights, see: Black Russian Terrier Shed
Wire Coat Terrier Shedding
The Wire Coat Terrier is a low-shedding breed, which means you won't have to worry about dog hair everywhere.
Their coat is more like human hair than regular dog hair or fur, so it doesn't fall out at the same rate as most other dogs.
This is great news for people who suffer from allergies or hate dog hair everywhere.
For more insights, see: Silky Smooth Dog Grooming
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However, grooming a Wire Foxy can be a lot more work, so it's a kind of trade-off between spending time cleaning up loose hair and spending time grooming.
Their coat grows in a unique way, with the outer wiry coat growing to a certain length and then dying before being replaced by new hair.
This growth cycle typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks.
During this time, there is hardly any shedding at all.
As the growth cycle comes to an end, the coat will then fall out individually as human hair does.
But in most cases, these dead hairs stay in the follicles and will only come off from external forces like rolling on the ground, brushing against bushes, and grooming.
So, while they do shed some hair, it's not as prevalent as other breeds.
This makes them a great option for people with allergies or who prefer a low-shedding breed.
Just remember that Wire coats do shed at least some hair, so they can still cause some irritation in sensitive people.
A unique perspective: Wire Fox Terriers for Adoption
Coat Grooming Needs
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Fox Terriers have moderate grooming needs. They require regular brushing to remove dead hair and prevent matting.
Wire Fox Terriers are considered hypoallergenic because they don't shed much hair, but they still shed some. This means they can cause some irritation for people with allergies.
Smooth Fox Terriers shed a moderate amount of hair, despite what some people may think. They have a short coat and shed constantly, making it a good idea to brush them regularly.
Regular brushing can help reduce shedding and prevent mats and knots. It's also a good way to remove dead hair and dander from your dog's coat.
Daily brushing is ideal, but brushing your Fox Terrier at least once a week is a good goal to strive for. This will help keep their coat healthy and prevent excessive shedding.
Health and Allergies
Fox Terriers can be a good choice for people with allergies, but it's essential to understand the facts. Wire coat Fox Terriers are considered hypoallergenic because they don't shed much hair.
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The main culprit behind allergies is not the hair itself, but the saliva and dead skin (also known as dander) that gets stuck on a dog's hair and becomes airborne. Less shedding means less dander in the air.
However, Wire coats do shed at least some hair, which can still cause irritation, especially for sensitive individuals.
Related reading: Dog Grooming Hair Splinters
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Fox Terriers are non shedding?
Fox Terriers are known for being low shedders, requiring minimal grooming to maintain their coat. Regular health check-ups with your vet are crucial for their overall well-being.
Is a Fox Terrier a good family dog?
Yes, the Fox Terrier is a great family dog, known for being friendly, energetic, and outgoing, making them a wonderful companion for children. They're also relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming.
Sources
- https://copyclem.medium.com/fox-terriers-facts-on-shedding-and-hypoallergenicity-a8f8a795ca6
- https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/fox-terrier
- https://www.petbarn.com.au/petspot/dog/dog-breeds/fox-terrier-wire/
- https://wahlusa.com/pet-grooming/product-selector/dog/smooth-fox-terrier
- https://stopmydogshedding.com/do-fox-terriers-shed
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