Many dogs are bred for their hypoallergenic fur, which allows those who suffer from allergies to still have a pet. Dogs are often crossed with poodles to create breeds such as the labradoodle and Jack-a-poo (more on them below), which have hypoallergenic fur.
Poodles are used to develop these breeds as their fur structure varies to other species. They have very fine, curly fur, which doesn’t usually cause allergies. But how about Jack Russel Terriers? Is their fur hypoallergenic?
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic pet, read on. This article will answer the question, ‘are Jack Russell Terriers hypoallergenic?’
the American kennel club doesn’t consider a Jack Russell Terrier to be a hypoallergenic breed.
A look at the Jack Russell Terriers coat
If you have allergies, you may be wondering whether Jack Russel Terriers are hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, this breed isn’t one of the dogs that’s generally thought of as being hypoallergenic. Jack Russels have a coat that tends to shed, especially during the spring and summer months, and this can cause allergies.
Jack Russel and other dog breeds produce proteins in their fur, saliva, and urine, which can cause an allergic reaction in many people. Those who suffer from asthma and other allergies are more likely to be allergic to dogs.
Pet fur can cause an allergic reaction because dander will build upon the hair follicles. If you suffer from allergies and often sneeze in the presence of dogs but want to have a pet, there are a few things you can do.
Choose a breed that has short-hair and is considered low shedding, such as a small hybrid dog. You can also vacuum your home regularly, keep your pet out of your bedroom and wash your dog’s bedding often. These actions will all help to reduce the amount of fur and allergens that are lying around your home.
How Hypoallergenic are Jack Russell’s coats?
Jack Russell’s are a relatively small dog. They are energetic and fun to be around. Unfortunately, the American kennel club doesn’t consider a Jack Russell Terrier to be a hypoallergenic breed.
These dogs are moderate shedders, and perhaps surprisingly, the shorter the dog’s fur, the more it will shed. Many people make the mistake of getting a Jack Russel with short fur as they think it will be less likely to cause allergies than a longer-haired variety.
How much a Jack Russell sheds will depend on which type of coat he has. There are generally three different types of coats that you’ll see on a Jack Russel. The smooth-coated variety are very popular but more prone to shedding. They have a very short coat that lies in one direction.
Many Jack Russels have a rough coat, which is sometimes called a wire-haired coat. These dogs have longer fur, which can be over an inch in length. The hair will grow in different directions, and this creates a wiry looking coat.
Other Jack Russel’s have what is called a broken coat, which is a combination of smooth and rough fur. Jack Russell Terriers all shed, especially at certain times of year. They, therefore, need to be regularly brushed and groomed. Many owners report that Jack Russell’s with wiry coats shed less and are better for people with allergies as the loose fur becomes trapped in their fur. This means that your dog will require extra grooming.
Jack Russell Terriers Grooming Needs
All Jack Russell Terriers need brushing regularly and given the occasional bath. Smooth-coated Jack Russell’s require brushing more often than those with wiry or combination fur. It’s recommended that a smooth-coated Jack Russel is brushed at least once a week. Jack Russell’s with wiry coats need to be brushed more frequently. Brushing will help remove all the dead hairs that are trapped in their fur.
While Jack Russell Terriers aren’t hypoallergenic, grooming really does help. Here’ a step by step guide to grooming the Jack Russell.
It’s also a good idea to strip a Jack Russel twice annually. Stripping is a process that removes dead hairs and is challenging to do and time-consuming; it also requires a specific grooming tool. Many owners take their dogs to a professional groomer.
If you suffer from allergies and have a Jack Russel, you can bathe your pet regularly as this can help to reduce allergens and get rid of dander. It also removes dust and pollen, which may have been trapped in your dog’s fur during walks. Don’t bathe your dog too often, as this can cause skin issues and may even create extra dander. If you are unsure how often to wash your dog, talk to your vet or dog groomer.
Jack-A-Poo
If you’re searching for a dog that will be less likely to cause allergies, you may like to consider the Jack-A-Poo. This is a designer breed that’s been created using a Jack Russell Terrier and a poodle. The Jack a poo has been created to give the owner the best characteristic of the Jack Russel and poodle.
Poodles have fine, curly fur, which sheds less and is hypoallergenic. Mixing a poodle with a Jack Russel creates a dog with a similar temperament to a Jack Russel and doesn’t shed as much.
The Jack a Poo is a relatively new breed of dog; there is evidence that this breed produces less dander than a Jack Russel. Jack-A-Poo’s come in a variety of sizes, depending on their genetics. If you’re looking for a tiny dog, you can choose one with a toy poodle and Jack Russell as parents. Dogs bred using a miniature poodle will be slightly bigger, while those with a standard poodle as one of the parents will be a large dog.
Conclusion: Jack Russell Terriers are not hypoallergenic
Many people suffer from allergies, and for this reason, there are lots of discussion about which dog breed is hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a dog that’s totally hypoallergenic. All dogs will shed fur, and dead skin cells and their saliva can also cause allergies.
The good news is that some dogs are less likely to cause allergies than others. Wiry coated Jack Russel’s shed less and produce fewer allergens than the smooth-coated variety. If you suffer from allergies or asthmas, you may also like to consider a Jack-a-poo or similar dog that’s been bred using a poodle to make it less likely to cause allergies.
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