Dog Hair Shedding

Shedding is a natural loss of hair in dogs that allows the new coat to come in. All dogs shed; some more then others. There is no such thing as a non-shedding dog, unless you have a completely hairless dog, such as the American Hairless Terrier, however shedding varies greatly from breed to breed.

The majority of breeds that are considered “very light shedders” are usually the breeds that need to be clipped, stripped and/or scissored. Because their hair falls out at a much slower rate, if they are not properly groomed they are prone to matting.

Some breeds have a seasonal shedding season in the spring, as their winter coats are lost. But if your dog is an indoor dog it may not be outside enough for the dog’s body to register the change of season, so he may shed all year round. Today dogs are bred mostly as companions and some breeds are not meant to live outdoors, so do not start leaving your dog outside all day long in hopes to stop the shedding. Longhaired dogs may appear to shed more, but it is really just the length of their hair that gives that illusion.

What can you do to reduce shedding?
Some dogs shed a lot. What can you do to help get the hair loss under control? Grooming is the key. Keeping in mind that the hair is going to fall out either way and it is best to remove it yourself and throw it in the trash, then to let the hair fall out naturally all over your house. The more hair YOU remove the less you will see it all over your house. Brushing your dog once a day will greatly reduce the unwanted hair all over your clothes, carpet and furniture, especially during shedding season. .

There are products that can help you remove all the dead hair in a few grooming sessions, leaving less hair to fall out inside your house. During the shedding season, if you do not remove the shedding winter coat, you will most likely see it falling all out all over your house for about a period of a month or so.

There are physical problems that can cause large, abnormal amounts of shedding such as ringworm, skin infections, stress, mange and cancer. It is not normal for your dogs coat to thin as the dog gets older. If your dog’s hair loss is abnormal you will see bald spots. If you see bald spots or you think your dog is shedding abnormally, take your dog to the vet.

Stop Dog Shedding

Dog’s hair looks good only on the dog itself. Nobody wants to see it on their sofa, carpet, or anywhere else in their home. Unfortunately though, dog shedding is a natural part of almost every dog’s life and it’s happens during the spring and summer season. If you own a dog, it is vital to know how to stop dog shedding, before it turns into a bigger problem for your household.

Even if you can’t stop dog shedding completely, there are several shedding dog solutions that may help you to decrease the amount of hair your dog sheds. Dog shedding occurs through out the year at dogs living inside, but most of the shedding comes in the spring months, when your dog is dropping his coat. Dog shedding also happens because of broken or damaged hair. Different kinds of allergies are another reason why some dogs are excessively shedding.

A simple but effective solution that helps you to stop dog shedding is to brush your dog once in a few days, or if he’s shedding excessively, you should brush him every day. Also, don’t forget to comb, in order to eliminate the dead hair. A head to tail brushing in each direction will make a big difference.

Special grooming gloves can be found at most pet stores. These shedding gloves are surfaced with plastic or rubber teeth, designed to eliminate the loose hair. Another good idea is to get your canine a nice haircut. It will not stop the shedding, but the lost hair will be shorter and less in quantity. Depending on the haircut, it could be unnoticeable.

Clean your pooch regularly and make him take a bath from time to time, especially in summer times. Keeping your dog clean and healthy means a better coat for him, hence that will stop dog shedding.

Non Shedding Dogs Provoke Fewer Allergies

Stop being mislead
Most of the people refuse to believe that dogs are just not allergy free. Die-hard fans commit everything to cover the truth and keep on buying puppies. What they don’t know is that both parties have to suffer because of a false belief. We recommend you to open your mind and accept things as they are.

There is no reason on this world why you should be restricted to love a dog and care for it. The bottom point is that individuals should conduct a thorough research before deciding to buy a dog, especially if they know to have allergies. Low shedding dogs are the best alternative to continuous sneezing and watery eyes. Finding non shedding dogs is as easy as pie, courtesy of the internet. Spotting a friendly dog breed that is known to block allergens from penetrating into your system will eventually allow you to enjoy a gorgeous life. Less dander and fewer strands means you have finally found a hypoallergenic dog!

More on allergies
The variables are endless, given the fact that we all have a unique immune system and the world knows thousands of breeds. This is reason enough to have your allergy sensitivity tested well before you open your pockets. Certain breeds fit in your lifestyle, while others serve to have the most colorful list of allergies. The ones who omit doing their homework have all the chances of facing symptoms such as itchy eyes, red itchy skin and the crowning of all negligence: asthma. Dog shedding is a serious issue and must be treated accordingly. Nobody deserves to be exposed to allergies and neither do dogs have to suffer. This should be a friendly communion that rejects allergies from the very start. No matter what low shedding dogs you prefer you first have to know how to handle allergies!

Heavy Shedding Dog Breeds: Part I

All breeds of dog actually shed. Dogs need fur, just like most other animals, to protect them from the elements. Dogs found in colder regions of the world have more fur on their bodies because they need greater protection. However, when the weather becomes warmer, excessive fur can cause a lot of discomfort to the dog. This is the primary reason that dogs shed.

Secondly, unlike humans who shed dead skin through ever growing nails and hair on their head, the fur on the dogs body can only grow as long is common for their breed. So, they shed dead skin by shedding their coat. The dead skin is removed in the hair that is shed and the new coat appears after the dead skin is discarded. Dogs that have heavier coats are prone to heavy shedding.

Some of the breeds of dogs that shed a lot include:

Alaskan Malamute
Among the North American Spitz dog breeds, the Alaskan Malamute is a big built dog, wide-chested and heavy bodied. The Malamute’s weight can range any where between 75 and 100 lbs. Its expression has a slight resemblance to that of a wolf and it has soft, thick ears. The undercoat of the Alaskan Malamute is soft, dense and fluffy and is shed twice a year during spring and again in summer. While it’s outer coat is of medium length and has a rough water-repellant quality which helps protect it from the wind, snow and rain prevalent in its natural environment. It sheds dust and dirt very easily and does not need regular baths.

Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is often kept on ranches to herd sheep and cattle. It also makes a good family pet. Its build is large and muscular and its weight can be any where between 40 and 60 lbs. The Aussie is a good looking dog and comes in varying shades of merle and tan or white. The length of its overcoat ranges from medium to long and is resistant to water. It requires very little grooming. The unique feature of these dogs lies in the eyes which are multi-colored i.e. each eye is a different color.

English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is known by different names in different regions. Outside the U.S.A and Canada, it is known as the King Charles Spaniel. It is also known as ETS or ‘Charlie’. It is a square little dog, its nose is short and its head is shaped like a dove. Its coat is long and dense, a bit wavy and very soft. It has a great deal of feathering on its feet and legs. And its body, chest and ears are heavily fringed. They come in four colors and are less than a foot tall.

The English Toy Spaniel needs to be brushed at least twice a week. The fringe on its body, chest and ears need to be looked after carefully. A special lotion should be applied on the face every week, especially between the folds.

Heavy Shedding Dog Breeds: Part II

There are some breeds of dogs that shed more than the others. Heavy Shedding is most common in dogs that are found in colder climatic conditions as they are more likely to have a heavy double coat, which is essential during the winter months, but becomes a source of discomfort as the temperature rises in the summer. Some such breeds of dogs that are heavy shedders include:

Belgian Sheepdog
There are four breeds of Belgian Shepherds and the Groenendael (Belgian Sheepdog) is the most popular among them. They are muscular and really solid. And yet, they are also very agile. This is a hyperactive breed and very enthusiastic about playing, to the extent that it can continue to do so until it collapses, exhausted.

All four breeds have similar bodies but have different kinds of coats. The Belgian Sheepdog or Groenendaels coat is long, silky and smooth. It has a double coat which is black. It sheds heavily in the spring and fall. The loose hair sheds all year round. On the other hand, the Belgian Malinois has a double coat that is dense and quite short. Its color normally ranges between red and light brown and it has a black face mask. The Belgian Tervueren also has a double coat that is long and smooth. Its colors range from beige to mahogany or a black mask on grey. While the Laekenois has a light brown coat that is medium in length. The texture varies from rough to curly.

Collies
Among the more popular of the breed of herding dogs, the Collie comes in two varieties. There is one with a rough coat and one with a smooth coat. The rough coated variety has a long, straight, rough and thick outer coat. Its mane is dense and its hindquarters are feathered. Its undercoat is soft and fluffy. It needs to be brushed at least once a week, using a pin brush in order to reach it’s under coat. It needs to be brushed more often when it’s shedding because it shed profusely. The smooth coated variety has a shorter outer coat which is also harsh in texture. But it sheds less than the rough coated variety and requires less grooming.
The Collie’s head is flat, eyes are almond in shape, its ears are small and its muzzle is tapering. Its coat can be in different shades of merle, sable, white or tricolor.

Akita
The Akita Inu is a Japanese breed and is among the largest of the Spitz dog breeds found there. The Akita is a powerful dog with heavy bones and muscles. It has a large head and its muzzle is short and powerful. It has small eyes and triangular upright ears which give it a hooded look. And also has a curly tail set high on its back. The Akita’s outer coat is coarse and straight and is water-proof in nature to protect it from the extreme temperatures in Japan. Its undercoat is thick and soft. And it sheds twice every year.

Heavy Shedding Dog Breeds: Part III

While all breeds of dogs shed fur to some extent, some breeds are particularly prone to heavy shedding. Dogs that have a heavy double coat of fur to protect them from the cold and harsh winter conditions become heavy shedders during summer as the temperatures go up and the heavy coat becomes a source of discomfort. Additionally, shedding is the method of shedding dead skin for a dog. The heavier the coat of fur is, heavier will be the shedding required for the dog to discard dead skin and turn out a new coat.

Some of the breeds that shed very heavily include:

German Shepherd
The German Shepherd, or the Alsatian, is among the most popular breeds of dogs. Its skull is wide and muzzle shaped like a wedge. Its ears are erect and set high. Its body is strong and long, while its tail is low and bushy. The Shepherds coat varies in texture from dog to dog:
• Straight, rough and short
• Straight, rough and long
• Long and wavy

However, they all have thick coats which are resistant to weather and have double coats. Their colors usually vary from black to grey with brown/yellow marks. They usually have a black upper layer. They need to be brushed every week. But when they are shedding, they should be brushed every day. The one’s with a longer coat need to be groomed more.

Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is probably the largest and strongest among all breeds of dogs. It is remarkably good looking and very lovable as a puppy. Possessing a double coat, the Pyr also has a lush, fine-haired under coat. Its outer coat is coarse, and it has thick hair which ranges from medium to long. The hair on its hind legs, tail and neck is longer. It sheds heavily and will require brushing every day or twice a day.

Keeshond
The Keeshond is the mildest and most unassuming of all Spitz breeds. Of medium size, it has a compact build and its body is powerful. It has an outer coat that is dense, quite long and fairly rough. It also tends to stick out from its body. Its soft under coat is also quite thick. It has a lush ruff-like collar around its neck, and its head has a shape similar to a fox. It’s under coat is usually cream, while its outer coat is grey or black.
The Keeshond normally does not require brushing more than once a week. However, it needs to be brushed daily during it’s twice a year shedding.

Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, also known as the Newf, is a giant breed of dog that has endeared itself to families with its soft and gentle nature. It weighs any where between 120 and 160 lbs. It has a double coat that is thick and lush. Its coarse outer coat is straight and flat, and its texture is a bit oily and resistant to water. It has a dense and soft under coat. Overall, its coat is a bit wavy.

Solving The Dog Shedding Problem

Hair loss is a common issue

We have once busted the myths of the non shedding dogs and are therefore to expect truckloads of problems. Knowing that all dog breeds are exposed to hair loss will trigger several problems. Solving these is the main concern of these lines, so feel free to get enlightened on how to solve small problems or avoid them from the very beginning.

How to avoid

Firstly you should avoid having a breed which is off the non shedding dogs list. We all admit that this is a restrictive approach, but as long as you and your family get an additional comfort and health ratio, it should be a priority concern. If you are fed up with continuous sneezing and watery eyes, you should search for non shedding dogs as many of them are hypoallergenic. There is golden rule: you shouldn’t interpret non shedding dogs literally. Parallel to this, don’t expect a dog to be 100% allergy free. You should abide by the rules and avoid problems right from the start.

Stop dog shedding

If you are familiar with dog hair on the coach, on the carpet, on the pavement, in the car, on your clothes and all over the place it means that you have either skipped the previous subheading or you just love dogs. Not having low shedding dogs doesn’t mean you can’t lower the shedding! Here are some tips that can help you lower the amount of hair loss.

Good dog training is indispensable; teaching your dog to have its hair brushed on a daily basis could reduce shedding. Don’t forget to brush in the direction the hair is growing.

A well balanced diet will make miracles. Don’t confuse your plate with its bowl, whatever you do, do not feed your dog from the table!

Non Shedding Dogs: Part I

The truth is that non-shedding dogs are a myth. All dogs shed some amount of hair periodically. The fact is that shedding their fur is the only way dogs get rid of their dead skin cells. Whereas human shed dead skin cells through nails and hair on their head that keeps growing in length as more dead cells accumulate, dogs unfortunately don’t have that option. The length of the dog’s fur is restricted by its breed and by the climatic conditions of the regions they belong to.

For instance, dogs in colder regions of the world are likely to have thick heavy fur as they need protection from cold and snow, whereas dogs from temperate regions do not need such heavy protection in warmer climates. However, irrespective of the length of the dog’s fur, dead skin that is accumulated has to be shed and this is true of every dog breed.

While dogs with heavy coats are prone to very heavy shedding, the shedding of some breeds of dog is so negligible, they are considered to be non-shedding dogs. This is mostly because they have very little or almost no hair to begin with. Some such breeds of dogs that are considered non-shedding include:

A number of terriers are amongst the lowest shedding dogs amongst all other breeds of dogs. Some of the terrier breeds that pose the least shedding problems include:

Airedale Terrier
Largest of all terrier breeds, the Airedale terrier has a hard, dense and a rather wiry coat. What is impressive is that it is water resistant. This wiry coat is generally bright tan-colored in color while the grizzle body saddle and top of neck and tail is black or dark.

This wiry top coat has a soft under coat under it, although the double coat usually has very short hair. This breed of dog needs to be brushed at least thrice a week, if not everyday. Also, dead and lose hair should be finger plucked from the coat or hand stripped at least a few times a year, usually at the time of season change. As long as these basic grooming measures are taken care of, the Airedale terrier is a very light shedding dog.

Boston Terrier
Considered the perfect ‘indoor dog,’ the Boston terrier is not actually a terrier despite its name. It is actually a mix between the English Bulldog and the white Bull Terries, later further modified by crossing with the French dog. The Boston terrier’s coat comprises of short and fine hair, and it is shiny to look at. The color of the Boston terrier’s coat is usually brindle with white markings, but it may also be black with white markings.

Boston terriers require very little grooming. This breed of dogs is usually very clean and does not even require regular bathing. Cleaning it with a damp cloth on a regular basis is sufficient cleaning for Boston terriers. They shed very little hair throughout the year and are generally considered ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs.

Non Shedding Dogs: Part II

All dogs shed hair periodically. But, depending on their breed, some dogs shed less hair than the others. Shedding is essential for every dog breed as it allows them to shed excess dead skin cells. But, when a dog has little or no fur on its body, the shedding is so negligible that it is hardly noticeable.

Such breeds of dogs are commonly considered to be non-shedding breeds. In some cases, even if the dog has a long haired coat of fur, proper and regular grooming technique can ensure that they hardly shed at all. So, despite having a full coat of fur, some dogs fall under the classification of non-shedding dogs. Dogs that are included in this category include:

Basenji
Basenji, also called the Congo dog, is a very unusual breed of dog. It trots like a horse and cleans itself by licking like a cat. This breed is usually small in size, and has a smooth shine coat of very small hair. The coat is usually all black, all red or all copper in color, but it may also be a combination of black and tan, or tan and white.

This breed of dogs requires very little grooming. It is usually very clean and does not need frequent bathing. Cleaning it with a damp cloth is sufficient to wipe out all the dust and dirt that may have attached itself to his body. They have very little hair to begin with, and they hardly ever shed at all.

Havanese
Considered to be amongst the sturdiest of dogs, the Havanese has a very high spirited disposition. It belongs to the Bichon family of dogs which includes other low shedding breeds like the Maltese and the Bichon Frise. The Havanese have a soft long-haired coat. It may be curly, wavy or straight. The coat is usually white, brown, gold, champagne or grey in color.

In the case of this breed, regular grooming of the coat is required. It has be be brushed and combed at least three times a week. However, if proper grooming can be ensured, the Havanese hardly shed at all, despite their long haired coat of fur.

Maltese
This is a toy dog breed that is considered to be amongst the most gentle and most intelligent amongst its peers. The Maltese have a long-haired coat, but no undercoat. This single coat, however, is straight and silky, does not have any curls and is pure white in color.
This breed of dogs requires a lot of grooming and caring.

They need to be bathed daily. After every bath, they need to be brushed and combed efficiently to remove any dead hair and also to untangle hair that may have gotten tangled or matted together. All the dead hair on their body requires to be plucked by finger brushing them. However, despite having a gorgeous coat of shine long hair and requiring daily grooming, the Maltese do not shed hair and are considered to be a non-shedding breed of dogs.

Non Shedding Dogs: Part III

Dogs, like a number of other animals have fur on their body to protect them from the harsh elements of the region they belong to. Animals from cold regions of the world are likely to have more fur on their bodies than those from temperate warm regions. This is true of dogs as well. However, the temperature change in colder regions during summer and winter causes dogs to shed their fur or grow a new coat to allow them to adapt to their present climatic conditions.

However, even if a dog comes from temperate climates, it will shed some of its fur periodically to shed dead skin cells. Shedding is a process of rejuvenation that allows dead skin cells to be discarded, so that fresh new ones can take their place.

This means that there really are no dogs that are non-shedding. However, mostly in the case of dogs found in warm climate, the fur is so minimal to begin with, that shedding is negligible. Some dogs despite having a coat of fur tend not to shed very much and are also commonly referred to as non-shedding dogs. Some breeds of dogs that fall in this category are:

Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is another one of the toy dog breeds that has a very cheerful disposition. The Bichon has a double coat of fur. The inner coat is soft and dense, while the outer coat is made of fine and silky hair which tends to curl when not brushed out. It has to be brushed after every bath, but when it has been bathed and brushed, its coat looks fluffy and gives the dog the appearance of a puff-ball.

The grooming of the Bichon Frise is best left to professionals. It needs to be bathed and brushed at least once a month. With soft, fine curls that are prone to curling, it requires professional care to maintain its often recognizable shape.

Chinese Crested
The Chinese crested are another variety of non shedding toy dogs. Hairless and Powder Puff are the two varieties of the Chinese crested dog. The Hairless Chinese Crested is characterized by a fine grained smooth skin which is warm and soft to the touch. Although their bodies are completely hairless, they do have a crest of hair on some parts of the body including their heads, their tufted feet and their plumed tails.

The Powder Puff Chinese Crested is characterized by a coat that is soft, silky and abundant. The Chinese Crested dog comes in all color combinations.
The Chinese Hairless needs a lot of grooming and care. It requires baths at regular intervals, and even the application of moisturizers and sometimes even sun block. It is important to keep the skin of this breed of dogs soft and supple to avoid its drying out.

On the other hand, the Chinese Powder Puff also requires regular bathing. Its coat needs to be brushed and combed after every bath. If proper care is taken, this breed of dogs hardly shed ant hair at all.

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