Did you know that just like us humans, our beloved dog breeds also have hair growth cycles where old hair falls out and new hair grow? In the canine world, shedding is normal and completely natural. But the question really is, how much does each breed shed?
We’re going to take an up-close and personal look at a feisty and energetic pal of ours, the Rat Terrier. Yes, the breed that exudes intelligence, agility, and a glimmering character, but the one point up for debate often- How much does a Rat Terrier shed?
Unlike a lot of other dog breeds, Rat Terriers have a wiring of sorts that produces a lower shedding rate. Commonly referred to as “mild shedders”, these dogs might be the perfect pet if you’re not big on constantly cleaning up dog hair. The shedding rate of a dog breed primarily depends on their hair growth cycle and the type of coat they have.
In the case of Rat Terriers, shedding occurs twice a year, during the fall and spring. If you find your furry friend shedding during these seasons, it’s just their way of preparing for the seasonal changes. The shedding during spring helps them lose their winter coat to make way for a lighter one suitable for the warm summer months. Similarly, fall shedding is all about getting a denser coat to survive the cold winter months. However, Rat Terriers don’t have a long, thick winter coat like many other breeds do, so there’s naturally less hair to shed.
Rat Terriers have a short and smooth coat that lies close to their body. The hairs are shorter than an inch in length, which means even if they shed, the hairs are not a big menace and easy to clean. So, the Rat Terrier can be a good option for individuals who have mild pet allergies or who just can’t stand major shedding.
Now, even though Rat Terriers are low shedders, that doesn’t mean they don’t need grooming. Grooming plays a pivotal role in the overall well-being of your dog and can help minimize shedding to an extent. An important note to remember here is that grooming doesn’t mean giving them a haircut! But rather, maintaining their coat by regular brushing.
Regular brushing is a great way to reduce loose hairs. It not only helps control the shedding but also keeps the coat healthy by distributing the skin’s natural oils. For your Rat Terrier, a grooming glove can be a handy tool. It’s like a normal glove with rubber nubs or a brush-like surface on the palm and fingers. Your pet gets a massage, while the glove collects the loose hairs right then and there.
Another method to manage the shedding process is by providing a well-balanced diet to your Rat Terrier. A diet that contains a good amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can create a considerable difference in controlling hair shedding to a degree. Along with contributing to overall health, these fatty acids keep the skin healthy and the coat shiny which helps contain shedding.
Finally, proper hydration is another crucial aspect of your Rat Terrier’s well-being. Make sure your Rat Terrier always has access to fresh, clean water. Proper hydration aids in maintaining healthy skin and, subsequently, a healthy coat, which in turn ties with the theme of controlled shedding.
So, to sum up, even though our charming and agile Rat Terriers shed, it’s pretty manageable compared to many other breeds. With a little grooming, some healthy diet modifications, and loads of love, these feisty four-legged friends can make a great addition to any indoor-loving family. The Rat Terrier, with its mild shedding, makes a strong case for being an ideal pet choice for people who aren’t fans of cleaning up a storm of dog hair every day.
But like always, no matter the breed, the joy and love that a canine brings to your life are surely worth a little sweeping, vacuuming and lint rolling, aren’t they?
