Are Jack Russell Terrier Hypoallergenic?

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Different dog breeds have different shedding levels and contain different levels of allergy-causing elements in their coats. If you plan to own a Jack Russell Terrier, you might want to know whether its coat is hypoallergenic or not. So, are Jack Russell Terrier hypoallergenic?

Are Jack Russell Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Although they are moderate shedders, Jack Russell Terriers are not hypoallergenic due to their higher dander levels, which can cause allergic reactions in people suffering from hayfever and asthma.

Even if the dog’s hair is the primary cause of allergies, the protein present in the Jack Russell Terrier’s urine and saliva also contributes to allergies. 

Whilst simple measures can help you avoid the dog’s urine and saliva, it can be challenging to prevent the dander from getting into the lungs since it’s airborne. Like human dandruff, dander is a tiny piece of Jack Russell Terrier’s skin that can get through your nose.

Jack Russell Terrier playing with the ball

Since all Jack Russell Terriers contain almost the same level of dander, the control you will have over the dander shed depends on the type of coat and level of shedding. The following are some of the Jack Russell Terrier coats and how they affect the shedding level and ease of grooming.

  • Smooth coat: It’s the shortest coat in a Jack Russell Terrier and tends to lie in one direction. Although the smooth coats have the highest shedding level, they are easier to groom. 
  • Rough coat: The rough coat is also known as the wire-haired coat. In most cases, the wire hair grows in different directions and is typically more than an inch long, giving the dog a wiry appearance. Although it can be challenging to groom a rough coat, the shedding level is significantly low.  
  • Broken coat: The broken coat is medium, combining the attributes of a rough coat and a smooth coat. That means the shedding level and grooming difficulty of a broken coat is moderate.

When Does a Jack Russell Terrier Shed?

Although a Jack Russell Terrier can shed some hair every day, it sheds aggressively during the shedding season, around two times every year. In most cases, the shedding will be around spring and autumn. 

The dog will start shedding during autumn to create room for new, thicker hair that will keep it warm during the winter season. After winter, the dog will shed again during spring to create room for a thinner coat that will help it regulate its body temperature and survive through the summer heat.

Cute Jack Russell Terrier

Since the allergy is triggered when the dead flakes of the dog’s skin are exposed during shedding, lots of dander and allergens will be spread during the shedding seasons, so consider hand stripping and removing dead hair during this time.

Tips to Reduce Jack Russell Terrier Dander and Allergies 

Although there is no 100% solution to the dander in Jack Russell Terriers, the following ways can help to reduce allergies significantly. Keep in mind that you can also use these tips to improve the dog’s overall hygiene and lifestyle. 

  • Brush and groom the dog: Brushing helps remove the loose hair and dander from the skin. It is advisable to brush the dog outdoors so you can keep the loose hair out of the house altogether. 
  • Purify the air: Since the dog might still shed some hair indoors, you can use an air purifier to remove the dander and the allergens from the air. Keep in mind that an air purifier can also help you get rid of other impurities such as dust, viruses, and airborne germs. 
  • Vacuum: Vacuuming is more effective in removing pet hair and dander than other conventional cleaning methods. Regularly vacuum the floors, carpet, and furniture. 
  • Keep the dog out of your bedroom: If you’re suffering from hayfever or asthma, it is advisable to keep the dog out of your bedroom to reduce the presence of allergens and dander in your bedroom.
  • Minimize carpeting: Regardless of the method you use to get rid of the dog’s hair, it is easier to remove it from tiles and wood than from carpets.
  • Wash your bedding regularly: Even if you don’t allow the Jack Russell Terrier into your bedroom, allergens and dander will still find their way. It is therefore advisable to wash your bedding every week. 
Jack Russell Terrier running biting a ball

Related Questions 

How Can I Know Whether I’m Allergic to a Jack Russell Terrier?

You can know whether you are allergic to a Jack Russell Terrier by visiting your neighbor or a friend who owns a Jack Russell Terrier, especially during the shedding season. Interact closely with the dog, and then see how your body reacts. 

Can a Poor Diet Make a Jack Russell Terrier Shed Excessively?

A poor diet will affect the overall health of your Jack Russell Terrier’s skin, causing it to shed excessively. It’s therefore advisable to feed your dog with a balanced diet of fresh vegetables, fruits, low-starch foods, and lean meats, especially during the shedding season.

Final Thoughts

Although Jack Russell Terriers are not hypoallergenic, proper grooming can help reduce dander and allergens. Brush the dog regularly to get rid of loose hair, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the hair from the floors, and use an air purifier to remove it from the air.