We absolutely love our little furballs, but some breeds hard-earn that nickname. Not every dog breed sheds at the same rate. Read more to discover which terrier dog breeds are the best and worst when it comes to shedding their dog hair.
Congratulations on deciding to adopt a dog! With the most significant decision out of the way, there are still many more to make before you take a pup home.
What kind of temperament do you want? Energy level? Size?
One of the most significant barriers to dog ownership is shedding, as many of us suffer from allergies to a dog’s dander and fur.
Of course, you don’t have to have an allergy to care about shedding. Shedding fur makes a big mess of our house and clothes – and in the most unfortunate circumstances, this fur can end up in our mouths. Gross!
Adopting a dog doesn’t need to mean a deeper bond with the vacuum cleaner, as not all breeds shed excessively. Some non-shedding breeds have hair that doesn’t shed and is hypoallergenic too. It’s a double win!
Do long-haired and short-haired terriers shed much? It depends on the breed you choose. Learn more below about which terrier breeds are the best and worst options for avoiding shed dog hair.
How Much Do Dogs Shed?
First things first: the term “non-shedding dog” is a little misleading, because all dogs shed a little.
Everything with hair or fur MUST shed its hair. All hair has a specific life cycle, which is the length of time it can grow before it falls out. Hair follicles go through periods of activity and inactivity. When a hair falls out, a new hair eventually grows in its place.
We refer to them as non-shedding dog breeds, but what we’re really talking about is dogs that shed very, very little compared to other breeds. In other words, it’s so little that you likely won’t even notice it.
Some dogs shed a lot. It can be so much that when you brush them, it looks like you could make a whole new dog with all that hair. (Not recommended.)
Some dogs have thick double-coats that shed a lot all year round, while others shed quite a bit with the change of the seasons, as a new lighter or heavier coat takes the old one’s place.
Long, silky-coated dogs tend to shed more than shorter coats, and the longer hairs can look like more when they’re on the ground too.
Furry dogs shed much more than those with hair. The life-cycle of fur is much shorter, making it fall out at a much faster rate.
Do Terrier Breeds Shed Much?
Generally, terriers have a reputation as being pretty low-maintenance when it comes to shedding.
You won’t see a terrier shed anywhere near as much as a Golden Retriever and other high-shedding breeds.
Terrier breeds differ significantly when it comes to shedding – many terriers are low-shedding or no-shedding, but others can shed quite a bit.
For example, do wire-haired terriers shed? Yes, the wire-haired coat on many terriers will shed, but not significantly.
Please take a look at our breed list below to see your best and worst terrier options when it comes to shedding.
If you’re wondering about a terrier mix shedding, consider the other breeds in the mix: if there is a high-shedding breed, your dog will likely shed more than a pure-bred, low-shed terrier.
The Best and Worst Terrier Breeds for Shedding
Top 9 Lowest Shedding Terriers
#1: Australian Terrier
This Australian-born with classic terrier long hair has a wiry double coat that isn’t technically hypoallergenic, but sheds very little.
They’re easy to please, well-tempered, and do quite well living in small spaces, like apartments.
#2: Boston Terrier
These sweet, popular pups have a very short coat that’s considered hypoallergenic and requires very little grooming.
The Boston Terrier breed will shed more seasonally as their coats start to change from winter to summer.
Ensuring your pup is eating enough fatty acids in their diet can reduce the amount of shedding you see.
#3: Scottish Terrier
This Scottish breed, lovingly referred to as the Scottie, has a double-layered coat that is wiry on the outside and softly dense on the inside.
While this long-haired terrier doesn’t shed a lot, it requires grooming and brushing several times a week, especially when their seasonal coat sheds.
#4: Yorkshire Terrier
The “Yorkie” is possibly the most popular terrier on this list, as many love the look and convenience of tiny toy Yorkies, the original purse dog.
They’re some of the best dogs for first-time owners, as they’re small and very low-maintenance.
Yorkshire Terriers have very long coats that touch the floor when left long and require regular brushing. Despite all of their hair, this dog is a very low-shedding dog.
Some owners choose to keep their Yorkie’s coat clipped short to reduce their grooming needs.
#5: Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington isn’t hypoallergenic, but still manages to shed very little.
These dogs have a soft and curly single coat that makes them look rather lamb-like and requires monthly grooming. A regular trip to a professional groomer can keep their coat in check reasonably painlessly.
These dogs are beautiful pets to own as they’re charming, gentle, calm, and won’t leave a trail of hair everywhere they go.
#6: Border Terrier
A Border Terrier is yet another terrier breed that is double-coated and doesn’t shed much. Much like other pups with double-coats, they’ll shed their extra fur in preparation for the summer months, when they’ll need a much lighter coat.
These pups are incredibly friendly and social and require very little maintenance – a quick weekly groom with a brush will keep their coat in good shape.
#7: Tibetan Terrier
Despite their long hair, Tibetan Terrier shedding is very minimal. If you’re looking for a long-haired dog breed without the shedding, the Tibetan is your best option.
Their long, wiry hair doesn’t fall out much, but it is more prone to tangling and knotting than short-haired breeds. You’ll need to comb and detangle these pups pretty frequently.
#8: Wire Fox Terrier
It’s right there in the name! The Wire Fox Terrier has a wire-haired coat that’s incredibly strong and durable. This dog is very well-named indeed, as they’re known for their top-notch skills chasing foxes back into their burrows.
This breed’s hair is relatively short and requires almost no grooming at all. Does it get any better than that?
#9: Miniature Schnauzer
These double-coated terriers require regular brushing and grooming, but make an excellent pup for those with pet allergies.
The Miniature Schnauzer is best groomed every two months or so by a professional, as flaws in the cutting technique will show easily on their bodies.
Top 3 Highest Shedding Terriers
#1: Jack Russell Terrier
Do Jack Russell Terriers shed?
For such tiny dogs – and terriers at that – the Jack Russell terrier sheds quite a bit!
These dogs shed more than your average terrier year-round, and the shedding worsens as their coats change with the seasons.
Their bright copper or white needle-like hairs stick out like a sore thumb, which might make us think they’re shedding even more than they do.
#2: Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier has a fun look, with their distinctive, cone-shaped heads almost looking like a football.
These pups have short, rough coats that are almost sharp to the touch and stick through the delicate weaving of fabrics. Their hair doesn’t hurt, but it gets stuck everywhere.
A Bull Terrier sheds more than other terrier breeds, but they aren’t all bad – they still shed far less than other dog breeds, like Labs and Retrievers.
#3: Miniature Bull Terrier
Much like the Bull Terrier, its miniature version sheds more than your average terrier.
You’ll likely notice a little less shedding, as their bodies are smaller and have less total hair. Brush your Mini Bull Terrier daily to keep fur off your floors and clothes.
Other Non-Shedding Dog Breeds
Terriers are a wonderful breed to adopt if you’re concerned about keeping the dog hair down in your house.
They’re not the only low and non-shedding option, though. Here are some other non-shedding breeds that you may want to consider before you make a decision:
- Affenpinscher
- Bichon Frise
- Bolognese
- Maltese
- Mini, Toy, Small, Medium, and Large Poodle
- Basenji
- Brussels Griffon
- Coton de Tulear
- Havanese
- Shih Tzu
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Labradoodle
Reducing Shedding
Whether you choose a high, medium, low, or non-shedding breed, you can keep your dogs shedding to a minimum with some simple maintenance.
- Brush your dog weekly with a brush specifically made for your dog breed’s coat.
- Bathe your pup once a month.
- Discourage hair loss by feeding your dog a diet rich in fatty acids.
- Address any dry skin or allergies, which can lead to extra scratching.
- Make sure your pup is getting enough fresh water every day to stay hydrated.
- Pick furniture, carpets, and blankets that won’t cling to fur.
Final Verdict: Do Terrier Dogs Shed?
Throughout this post, we looked at different breeds to answer the question: “Do terriers shed?” The excellent news for any would-be terrier owners is that these dogs shed minimal fur compared to other breeds!
While some terriers shed a little more than others, they’re all a whole lot better than the highest-shedding breeds, like Retrievers, Labs, German Shepherds, or Huskies.
Pay particular attention when choosing a pup for those with pet allergies. Even though they’re low-shedding, not all terrier breeds are hypoallergenic, which can present some issues.
Whatever breed you choose, some easy grooming and maintenance can keep your pup’s shedding to a minimum. Enjoy your new terrier!
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