The little Jack Russell Terrier is a familiar face and has endeared itself into the hearts of many Americans through its widespread and continued use in television and Hollywood.
The dog is a popular breed due to its small size, intelligence, and lively disposition. Adding a Jack Russell Terrier is sure to bring excitement and entertainment to any family.
Although the Jack Russell Terrier is small and has a short coat variety, this is not a hypoallergenic dog breed.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a prolific shedder throughout the year, with severe shedding with changing seasons.
Not recommended for those with severe allergies, regular grooming may help make the Jack Russell Terrier tolerable for those with mild pet allergies.
Regular grooming is essential to keep the Jack Russell Terrier healthy and happy. Not only does grooming help to eliminate dead and loose hair, but it helps make the existing hair healthy.
Jack Russell Terriers are prone to irritated skin, which can accelerate and worsen shedding. It is vitally important to not over-bathe the Jack Russell Terrier which can lead to dry and damaged skin and fur.
Can Dogs Cause Allergies?
Allergies are triggered by substances called allergens. People can be allergic to anything, ranging from certain foods to spores to pollen floating through the air.
Unfortunately, dogs produce organic matter that can be severely allergic to some people. This allergen is marked by a specific protein that is unique to a dog.
The protein that causes allergies can be found in several places within the dog. While proteins that trigger allergies are usually present in the dog’s fur and dander, proteins can also be found in the saliva, feces, and urine.
While a dog itself does not cause allergies, the proteins associated with the dog, and parts of the dog, are leading causes of pet allergies in people.
Why Are Some Dogs Labeled Hypoallergenic?
Excess pet hair and dander is often the leading cause of pet allergies in people.
When the hair and dander are left to float through the home environment, people who suffer from pet allergies will notice their symptoms worsen.
However, some dog breeds will only lightly shed, which can make allergies more tolerable. Dogs that shed lightly are often referred to as hypoallergenic.
While no dog is completely “allergy-proof,” certain breeds are less likely to cause a reaction than others.
Hypoallergenic usually refers to the level of shedding. It is important to remember that some allergy sufferers may be allergic to specific proteins found in a dog’s urine or saliva.
If you suffer from allergies pertaining to this specific protein, even a hypoallergenic dog will still create allergic reactions.
Do Jack Russell Terriers Shed?
Even though a Jack Russell is a small dog with relatively short hair, it may surprise some to learn that this little dog is a prolific shedder.
Many Jack Russell owners report shedding in this breed is much higher than average, and keeping up with the hair and dander produced can be a full-time job.
Expect moderate to severe shedding throughout the year. During particular times in the year, your Jack Russell will shed more than usual.
These times usually coincide with changing seasons, as your dog will replace a thick winter coat with a lighter spring and summer coat.
Heavy shedding will only last about two weeks but can be severe. During this time, pay particular attention to your brushing and grooming routine to keep ahead of the heavy shedding seasons.
Can Grooming Prevent Shedding?
Shedding is natural for animals as new fur pushes out old, dead fur to create a healthy coat.
There is no way to prevent shedding entirely, and if there were a way, it would be incredibly unhealthy for the animal.
Although there is no way to eliminate shedding entirely, regular grooming can help reduce the amount of shedding and fur found throughout your home.
Grooming and brushing your dog regularly can help create a healthy coat for your pet. Brushing takes the natural oils from the skin and redistributes them throughout the coat.
The healthier the hairs, the less likely they are to be replaced by new hairs. Plus, grooming will pull out the already dead and loose hairs before they have a chance to circulate through your home.
While preventing shedding entirely is impossible, grooming can help reduce shedding in Jack Russell Terriers.
Do Jack Russell Terriers Have Intensive Grooming Needs?
When it comes to dogs, the Jack Russell Terrier is a pretty easy pet to groom. Intended for outdoor adventure, their coat is considered “wash and wear.”
With minimal grooming and upkeep, you’ll be able to keep your Jack Russell Terrier healthy and happy while reducing the amount of fur and dander in your home.
Most Jack Russell Terriers can be brushed and groomed in just 15 minutes a few times a week.
How Often Should A Jack Russell Be Groomed?
Grooming your Jack Russell Terrier can not only help reduce shedding and dander but can keep your pet healthier and happier. You’ll want to regularly brush your Jack Russell Terrier at least twice per week.
Both smooth coat and rough coat Jack Russells have relatively short hair, so be sure to use a slicker brush or a short comb.
Brushing the Jack Russell frequently will help displace loose or dead hairs and transfer valuable natural oils from the skin’s surface to the ends of the fur.
You’ll want to brush your Jack Russell Terrier more when the seasons change and shedding is amplified.
Your Jack Russell Terrier should only be bathed about once every six to eight weeks. Bathing your dog too often can create dry skin, which can cause the fur to shed even more.
The number one cause of excess shedding in this breed is irritated skin, often caused by excessive bathing.
If you notice your dog shedding more than usual, stop bathing your dog as much. You should switch to moisturizing shampoo only bathe your dog when absolutely necessary.
Do Rough Coat Or Smooth Coat Jack Russells Shed More?
The adorable Jack Russell Terrier comes in two different coat varieties. One coat features short and smooth fur, and the other coat has a wiry and coarse texture.
Although the ongoing school of thought shared by much of the public dictates that short coat dog varieties shed less, this falsehood is largely attributed to longer hair simply being more visible.
When it comes time to choose between a smooth coat or rough coat Jack Russell Terrier, the two varieties shed the same exact amount and produce the same amount of dander.
Both coat types are prone to shedding, particularly heavy shedding at specific points in the year, and are not a great choice for those with severe pet allergies.
How Do I Know If I’m Allergic To Dogs?
Allergies have a way of manifesting in people with several symptoms. However, those that are allergic to pets usually have similar symptoms connected to dog fur and dander.
Some common symptoms usually associated with pet allergies include:
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Runny Nose
- Itchy Throat or Eyes
- Postnasal Drip
- Swollen Face
Sometimes, pet allergies can be quite severe and trigger an extreme allergic reaction. Severe allergic reactions to pets can include:
- Chest Pain or Tightness
- Difficulty Breathing
- Audible Whistling when Breathing
If you experience any extreme allergy symptoms, it is best to reach out to your doctor for medical attention.
Remove yourself from the presence of an animal and continue to monitor your condition. If symptoms worsen, seek immediate attention.
Related Questions
Are Jack Russell Terriers easy to train?
The Jack Russell Terrier is a very intelligent and active dog which makes it extremely easy to train. This little dog is always eager to please its owner and can learn new behaviors in just a matter of minutes.
Plus, the hard-working mindset of this dog makes it determined to learn new behaviors and won’t tire of ongoing repetition.
This temperament is one of the reasons why the Jack Russell Terrier is so commonly used in Hollywood and television productions.
Remember to always use positive reinforcement when training your dog with plenty of treats and praise.
Can I keep a Jack Russell Terrier if I have cats?
Jack Russell Terriers were born to hunt and catch prey, so they have a very strong prey drive and instinct to chase. This dog breed will commonly attack and chase small pets, including rabbits, mice, gerbils, and even cats.
If you have other small animals or cats, it is best always to supervise the two animals together.
It is not recommended to house a Jack Russell Terrier with a cat in the home, especially if the two animals will be left unsupervised for long periods.
To the Jack Russell Terrier, a cat will be viewed as prey, and it will consider your pet fair game for a chase.
Our team is composed of pet care professionals, veterinarians, and pet owners. To date, we’ve conducted thousands of hours of research to publish the most accurate pet information.
Most of the writers on our site are vets with 10+ years of clinical experience, ranging from small practice, to equine practice, academia, and surgery. Our goal is to help every pet owner get the information they seek about their dear companions.
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