Jack Russells are an active dog breed that will keep you busy and excited throughout the day. Though they demand a lot of attention, their loyalty and protective nature make them perfect for families.
What is Their Shedding Rate?
Despite what some people believe, Jack Russells shed—shedding moderately to heavily. Dogs with shorter hair shed less frequently than dogs with longer hair and do not require as much grooming.
This article aims to educate Jack Russell’s owners about their pup’s shedding tendencies and how often they need to groom them.
Jack Russell Terriers Information
Jack Russell Terriers are one of the many dog breeds in the terrier family. They were initially bred for hunting foxes and vermin, just as Fox Terriers were in the 1850s.
They’re known for their tenacity, aggressiveness, and an unwavering urge to pounce on prey. As a result, they do not socialise well with other animals, particularly smaller ones. They might also be a little bit snappy around children.
That’s why it’s critical to put in the time and effort to train and socialise them properly. If you plan to have additional animals in your home, it is best to introduce Jack Russel as a puppy and raise them together.
Where Did They Come From?
When Parson John Russell (often known as “Jack”) set out to find the “ideal” hunting dog, he created the JRT. It all started with a white and tan terrier named Trump.
The Parson Russell Terrier is a distinct breed from the JRT, which some call a “Parson Russell.” There is a noticeable size and build difference between JRTs and other terrier types. They measure 10–15 inches at the withers and weigh 14–18 pounds.
What Kind of Coat Do They Have?
Smooth, rough, or broken coats are all common for Jacks and are relatively easy to maintain. The whiteness of their coat was essential in helping hunters distinguish them from foxes in the wild. If you’re looking for a more exotic look, you can get them in all different shades of grey or even tan with black or white patterns (tricolour).
Shedding
There is a widespread belief that JRTs don’t shed much. This is because they have short coats.
However, bear in mind that they shed!
The majority of dogs shed in preparation for the changing seasons. Shedding is usually not a health concern since it occurs naturally to keep their coats healthy. However, if you notice any excessive shedding, it might be a sign that your pup has an underlying medical problem and needs to see the vet.
JRTs are likely to shed all year round. They shed the most during spring and autumn. Short hair tends to shed more heavily and more consistently than longer hair.
When a strand of hair falls out, it is replaced by a new strand. Shorter hair goes through this cycle faster than long hair, causing short-haired dogs to shed more frequently than their long-haired counterparts.
Cleaning up after your JRT can be tedious. Therefore, it is best to groom your dog regularly to reduce the amount of hair they shed in your living room and on couches and beds.
Grooming
Brushing your JRT regularly to keep hair out of the house, car, or yard is essential. Set a schedule to brush your pup weekly on normal days and twice a week during shedding season.
In addition to eliminating dead hair, brushing helps circulate the coat’s oils, making the coat healthier and preventing excessive shedding. Dry, irritated skin is not healthy for your dog.
Why Should You Avoid Over-Bathing Your JRT?
Over-washing your Jack Russell Terrier, particularly with the wrong shampoos, can cause dry skin. Dry skin can result in excessive shedding, itchiness, and scratching.
Which Brush Should You Choose?
The brush you choose for your dog’s coat depends on his hair type and how much he sheds. Certain types of brushes are more suitable for some dogs than others. Jack Russell Terriers should be brushed with a regular bristle brush or rubber curry comb.
Furminator equipment can penetrate deeper into his coat and remove dead hair faster. You can also take your pup to a grooming salon for better results.
Are Jack Russell Terriers Hypoallergenic?
Jack Russell Terriers are not hypoallergenic and can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Note that no dog is entirely hypoallergenic. However, the JRT is not in the realm of “hypoallergenic dog breeds,” as they are often called.
Why?
It’s not the dog’s fur that causes you to sneeze. Sneezing and itchy eyes are all symptoms of allergies caused by saliva and dander (dead skin). Your JRT’s saliva and dander stick to his hair, which he sheds rapidly.
The Tibetan Terrier, Small Schnauzer, and Cocker Spaniel are hypoallergenic dog breeds that shed very little.
How to Cut Down on Shedding
Regular brushing is the most effective method of reducing shedding. It doesn’t matter if you use a specialised shedding instrument or a regular bristle brush.
Consistency is the key to reducing your pup’s rate of shedding.
If you brush your JRT regularly, less hair can make its way to your carpets, cars, couches, beds, or yard.
Other than brushing, here are a few other techniques to keep your JRT from shedding:
- Bathe your pup with natural dog shampoo.
- Feed your JRT a balanced diet to keep his coat healthy.
- Walk him regularly to reduce stress-induced shedding.
- Use coconut or olive oil as a home remedy for shedding.
Bottom Line
Jack Russell is a dog breed that sheds moderately to heavily.
Brushing your pet daily is all it takes to keep their hair away from your couches and other furniture. The JRT’s coat does not require maintenance and can be brushed once every week.
Don’t let the shedding scare you if you’re considering adopting a JRT. Simply follow the tips in the article, and the hair will never be a nuisance.