Have you ever been intrigued by the delicate, sleek fur of the English Foxhound and wondered how much do these dogs actually shed? You’d be surprised to know, Maybe a tiny bit more than you’re imagining! I’ll bet you haven’t considered that before.
Let’s take a walk into the world of English Foxhounds to uncover some truly fascinating pieces of information about their shedding habits and how it affects them as well as us, their human friends.
It’s not rocket science to understand that every dog, regardless of breed, sheds to some extent. It is a natural process after all, like us humans losing body hair. However, when we refer to the English Foxhound breed, they shed moderately. Yes, while they are not the biggest shedders you could find in the canine world, they aren’t exactly hypoallergenic either. And this moderate shedding increases during seasonal changes, particularly in spring and fall.
Don’t be startled yet! Shedding might seem to be a hassle or a big ‘no-no’ when considering a pet, but it’s far from being a detrimental factor. On the contrary, it speaks volumes about the animal’s health status and quality of life. The key word here is ‘natural’. It is nature’s way of making space for a new set of hair growth! It’s like the doggie version of out with the old, in with the new!
But wait! Here comes the interesting part!
While looking at the English Foxhound, have you ever wondered why they have two different types of hair on their body? The mystery behind this lies in the fact that these two types of hair, the ‘guard hairs’ and ‘undercoat’ have distinct functions.
The guard hairs, which make up the top coat, are coarser and longer. They provide protection against sun, rain, and external irritants. The undercoat, on the other hand, is softer and denser and works as insulation to regulate the dog’s body temperature. No wonder these dogs can run around so comfortably in all kinds of weather, right?
Now, most of the shedding you’ll notice around your house will be from the undercoat as the hair lifecycle is shorter, leading to more frequent shedding. The shedding of the topcoat happens less often. However, during spring time, the entire coat often sheds to make way for a new growth that helps them adapt to the changing weather.
Here’s something even more awesome!
The color of the English Foxhound’s coat can also make a difference to their shedding patterns. Typically, foxhounds have a tricolor coat, mainly black, white, and tan. According to experts, dogs with lighter coats shed less as they have fewer hair follicles compared to their darker counterparts. So don’t be surprised if you find more black hairs on your white carpet than white hairs!
Now, onto the more practical matters.
If you are considering welcoming an English Foxhound into your home, concerns about keeping up with shedding are valid. After all, none of us signs up for endless hours of cleaning up dog hair from our home interiors, do we?
Don’t worry! Here’s a piece of advice that can come in handy.
Grooming your beloved pet regularly can significantly aid in controlling the shedding. Brushing your Foxhound’s coat once or twice a week can keep it healthy and minimize shedding. Not only does it remove the dead hair strands, but it also distributes natural skin oils throughout their coat, keeping it shiny and healthy. Therefore, investing in a high-quality dog brush can be a wise decision in the long run.
Also, occasional baths with a gentle dog shampoo can help remove loose fur and keep their skin clean. Want to make bath time fun? Try using a rubber grooming mitt. This can make the process easier and more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
To sum it up, English Foxhounds do shed moderately, but that should not be a deterrent if you’ve fallen in love with their jovial and friendly demeanour. As a responsible pet parent, being aware of these small yet important facts about your Foxhound’s shedding habits can help you chalk out an effective grooming routine. It also allows you to enjoy this beautiful bond with your four-legged partner without any hiccups.
After all, shedding or no shedding, the love and loyalty an English Foxhound brings into your life is practically impossible to put into words. In return, a bit of fur on your couch seems like a small price to pay, doesn’t it?
The world of English Foxhounds and their shedding mystery is indeed fascinating. Hopefully, this piece of knowledge has not only quenched your curiosity but also given you something to ponder over. Remember, no amount of hair can outweigh the tremendous joy that comes with sharing your life with an English Foxhound!
