Do Lancashire Heelers Shed A Lot? | Grooming Guide to Manage Their Coat

If you’re considering a Lancashire Heeler or already have one, you might wonder, do Lancashire Heelers shed a lot? The short answer is that they shed a moderate amount. Their dense, double coat requires regular care to keep shedding under control. This breed experiences seasonal shedding, especially in spring and fall, when they blow their undercoat. Understanding their shedding patterns, grooming needs, and home cleaning tips can help you maintain a tidy living space and a healthy, happy dog.

Understanding the Lancashire Heeler’s Shedding Tendencies

Lancashire Heelers have a double coat that is dense and weather-resistant, designed to protect them outdoors. This double coat consists of a soft undercoat and a short, smooth outer coat. Because of this, they shed moderately throughout the year but tend to shed more heavily during seasonal changes.

Their shedding is not constant year-round but peaks in spring and autumn when they shed their undercoat to adjust to temperature changes. This seasonal shedding can leave noticeable hair around your home if not managed properly.

Practical Advice for Managing Shedding

To keep your Lancashire Heeler’s shedding manageable, regular grooming is key. Their coat requires brushing about twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. During heavy shedding seasons, daily brushing helps reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture and floors.

Recommended grooming tools include:

• Slicker brush: Great for removing loose undercoat and surface hair.
• Undercoat rake: Helps reach the dense undercoat and reduce shedding.
• Rubber curry comb: Useful for massaging the skin and loosening dead hair.

Bathing your dog occasionally with a gentle shampoo can also help loosen dead hair, but avoid over-bathing as it can dry out the skin.

Training and Management Strategies

Here are some simple steps to keep shedding under control:

1. Establish a grooming routine early to get your dog used to brushing.
2. Inspect your dog’s coat regularly during seasonal changes to catch heavy shedding early.
3. Use the right tools to effectively remove loose hair without irritating the skin.
4. Maintain a clean home environment by vacuuming frequently and using lint rollers on furniture.
5. Provide a healthy diet rich in omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health, potentially reducing excessive shedding.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

• Finding hair on clothes and furniture? Regular brushing and using furniture covers can help.
• Dealing with shedding during spring/fall? Increase brushing frequency to daily sessions.
• Sensitive skin concerns? Choose gentle grooming tools and hypoallergenic shampoos.
• Allergies to pet hair? Consider air purifiers and frequent cleaning to reduce allergens.

Conclusion

Lancashire Heelers shed a moderate amount, with their double coat demanding consistent grooming to manage seasonal shedding. Twice-weekly brushing and increased care during shedding seasons keep their coat healthy and your home cleaner. Using the right tools and maintaining a grooming routine makes living with this lively, charming breed a pleasure without excessive hair troubles.

By understanding and addressing their shedding needs, you’ll enjoy the best of what the Lancashire Heeler has to offer — a beautiful, manageable coat and a joyful companion.