There are few things in the world that make me happier than dogs. Especially any bully breed, like bulldogs and terriers!
I have always been a fan of big dogs, and any dog for that matter, but for some reason I can’t get enough of the bullies.
By the way, my name is Bri and I’m a loving dog mom to an American Bully and Pitbull Terrier mix named Bruce!
Although Bruce is the first of the bully breeds I’ve owned, he definitely won’t be the last. I’ve done a lot of research on different bully breeds, and of course I’ve fallen in love with all of them.
One of the breeds that really caught my eye is the Bull Terrier. I honestly didn’t know much about this breed till recently, except that this breed is the iconic Target store mascot dog.
Something that I did know about bullies is that they shed like crazy. I’m constantly cleaning up Bruce’s dog hair! Bull Terriers have similar shedding habits.
Knowing that there are many other dog lovers out there like me that might be doing some research on different dog breeds to bring home. I decided to put this shedding guide together to help people learn more about Bull Terriers shedding!
Without further ado, let’s start with the history of Bull Terriers.
History of the Bull Terrier
As many people already know, bully breeds like the bull terrier have kind of a dark past.
Dog fighting has been around for centuries, and Bull Terriers were famous contenders in many gladiator sporting events.
Over the years, these dogs dominated the underground fighting world, even though it was illegal.
Luckily as the years went by, authorities really cracked down on these fighting rings and it’s much less common today.
Bull Terriers are now known as the gentlemen of the bully breeds with their handsome stance and snarky attitudes.
Their personalities are sweet, playful and loving, making it hard to believe they were ever raised to be so violent (and yes – I said raised to be violent because being a Bully breed does not make them violent automatically! It’s all how they’re raised!).
Before I go off on a tangent about bully breed rights, let’s talk more about their fur!
What is a Bull Terrier’s Coat Like?
Bull Terriers have the iconic bully fur – short, soft, straight and glossy.
Their fur is pretty thin, and you can often see their skin through their coats (which is especially adorable when you can see their little belly spots).
Their fur is relatively easy to maintain. They don’t need baths too often unless they get particularly dirty (which they will).
Do Bull Terriers Shed? How Much?
You bet they do! Bull Terriers are considered seasonal shedders by the American Kennel Club, but they lean a little more towards the frequent shedder side.
Short haired-dogs, especially bully breeds, are notorious for shedding.
However, since they are relatively clean dogs, their shedding is pretty easy to maintain with some simple grooming.
We will talk more about those details later.
When do Bull Terriers Shed the Most?
As the American Kennel Club says, they are seasonal shedders. This means they shed pretty moderately year-round.
However, like many other dog breeds, they will shed more during the noted shedding seasons. This time of year happens twice, once in the fall and again in the spring.
In the spring, Bull Terriers will shed heavily to get rid of their thick winter coats. Vice versa, they will shed those thin summer coats in the fall to make room for a thicker, warmer winter coat.
There are other factors that have a part in how much a Bull Terrier will shed throughout the year, which include:
Stage of life
This one might not be as obvious, but a dog’s age does make a difference in how much it sheds. Puppies keep their puppy coats for a while till they mature and shed their puppy fur.
Likewise, senior dogs tend to shed more than a normal adult dog too.
Diet and exercise
Proper nutrition and exercise make a huge difference in the health of a dog’s coat!
We actually have to mix salmon oil over Bruce’s food to keep his dry skin under control because of his sensitive skin. It works, but his breath stinks.
The nutrients in the oil help regulate his skin and thus help to make him not so itchy, and that means less fur he’s scratching off! Exercise can have the same effect.
Over or underweight dogs can experience numerous health problems, which can be seen in the health of their fur. Fur can become brittle, dry and damaged if the dog isn’t in good health.
Pests and skin conditions
Aside from allergies, dogs can have a number of skin issues that influence how much they shed. Many skin diseases like mange can be carried by pests like fleas and ticks.
Plus, these bugs can cause excess licking and scratching which can also result in hair loss.
How to Combat Bull Terrier Shedding
Saying you can reduce the amount a Bull Terrier sheds is a little tricky, but you can definitely manage it. Grooming is the best way to do so.
Bull Terriers should be brushed regularly, at least once a week or so. The more regular you make these sessions, the less fur you will start seeing around the house.
We didn’t know this when we brought Bruce home and we were literally drowning in dog hair. Once we got a good routine in place, it made the world of a difference!
There are plenty of tools that will help you along the way, which we’ll talk about next!
Equipment Help to Combat Bull Terrier Shedding
Three things every dog owner should have in their home is a good brush, a good vacuum and a good lint roller. These three items are absolute staples in my home!
While I’ve never owned a Bull Terrier, it seems like their fur is very similar to what I deal with for Bruce. That being said, I’ll share my favorite tools for dealing with dog hair.
The Furminator brush
Plus, I love it because it really gets so much dog hair off his body.
The brush is also really easy to clean which makes my life way easier.
I brush Bruce once a week and I’ve noticed a drastic difference in how much he sheds in the house!
The Dyson pet hair vacuum
This vacuum is cordless and comes apart so I can get into those dark dusty corners.
I seriously use this thing multiple times a week and I’m obsessed with it!
The Magik Brush lint roller
It’s a double-sided, reusable lint roller brush that catches EVERYTHING.
The best part is, I don’t have to replace the paper and it’s better for the environment!
Are Bull Terriers Considered to be Hypoallergenic?
If Bull Terriers are hypoallergenic, Bruce is a kitten. That’s a definite no.
However, no dog is fully hypoallergenic! Even if they were, a Bull Terrier wouldn’t come close because of how much they shed!
They also shed pet dander which is often one of the biggest triggers for allergies in people.
Even dog breeds that are known to not shed at all still shed pet dander, and are therefore not hypoallergenic!
Health reasons for Increased Shedding in Bull Terriers
Bull Terriers, like any other dog, will show pretty consistent shedding habits throughout their lives. That being said, increased shedding is not usually a good sign.
Excessive shedding can be a sign of something simple like allergies, or it can be a sign of something worse like cancer or other internal issues.
This is why it’s so important to pay attention to how much you dog sheds!
Noticing when something is abnormal like excessive shedding can potentially save your dog’s life, or even just save them from unnecessary discomfort.
And if that’s not the goal for every dog parent then what is?
Final Thoughts: Do Bull Terriers Shed?
Dog parents know that shedding comes with the territory. Although Bull Terriers probably shed more than other dog breeds, they are well worth the effort of maintaining the fur.
These pups are extremely good for families and kids with loving, loyal and playful personalities.
In my opinion, a little dog hair will never stop me from having a dog in my home!
Hopefully this shedding guide helps you learn a little more about Bull Terriers and their shedding habits. Happy Pup Parenting!
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