Do French Bulldogs Shed?
Yes. Like all dog breeds, French Bulldogs can and do shed. However, because they are smooth-coated dogs, they usually shed a little less than fluffier breeds.
Let's take a closer look at why French Bulldogs shed, and what you can do to keep it to a minimum.
Why Do French Bulldogs Shed?
The first thing you might be wondering about your French Bulldog shedding is why it happens. The truth is, it happens for the same reason that other dog breeds shed, and for the same reason we lose hairs.
Over time, hair follicles die, and when they do, those hairs will naturally fall out. Sometimes, hair can also be loosened by scratching or other mechanical means, and sometimes, they lose hair because of medical conditions.
The good news is that in most cases, your French Bulldog's shedding is completely normal and natural and is not a sign of anything to worry about.
Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
No. In fact, there are no dog breeds that are.
The reason dogs trigger allergies in some people is not because of their hair, but rather because of "dander," which is the flaky substance that is created when their saliva dries on their skin and hair, flakes off and gets into the air.
Since all dogs (even hairless ones) lick their skin, all dogs produce dander. However, hairless dogs and short-haired breeds like French Bulldogs might produce a little less.
Does Any Color of French Bulldog Shed Less?
Many people believe that one color or another of French Bulldog sheds less than the other, but the truth is, it's not the color by the type of coat that affects how much or little healthy dogs shed.
If you have a Frenchie that has a little more undercoat than another, they might shed a little more, but generally, if you want a minimal-shedding breed and you don't want a hairless breed, you can't do much better than a short-coated dog like a French Bulldog!
Do Female French Bulldogs Shed More Than Males?
Sometimes, gender can have an impact on shedding, particularly if you have a female French Bulldog that is not spayed.
Hormonal changes that happen naturally when dogs (and people) are pregnant, postpartum, or ovulating can trigger heavier than normal shedding.
Do French Bulldogs Shed More In a Particular Season?
Many people believe that French Bulldogs and other dogs tend to shed more in one season than another, but that's not really proven, especially for short-coated dogs like French Bulldogs.
Those who believe this is a factor normally state that it's most likely in the spring, but generally you won't notice any difference.
Can You Stop French Bulldogs Shedding?
You can't stop any dog shedding since it's a natural process, but there are things you can do to make things a little easier.
First, bathe your Frenchie often. This will help to wash any stray, loose hairs down the drain.
Next, use a slicker brush or a rubber mitt frequently. These are able to capture even short hairs like you will find on your Frenchie, and then you get to decide where they go!
Investing in a robotic vacuum that picks up pet hair is another good way to deal with your Frenchie's shedding.
While you can't stop any dog shedding, you can control how much they shed and where the hair goes, and that's usually enough unless you have severe allergies.
What to Do If Your Frenchie Is Shedding In Patches
Usually, healthy dogs lose hair uniformly over their whole body, so there are never any noticeable bald patches.
If you notice any areas on your French Bulldog that are bald or thinner than other areas, especially if they're not symmetrical, there's a chance your dog might need a trip to the vet.
Everything from parasites like fleas or ticks to fungal infections like ringworm and even Lyme disease can lead to hair loss. So, if any dog is shedding excessively or has noticeable areas of hair loss on their body, you always want to get an expert opinion.
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