Vizslas are medium-sized hunting dogs who are low-moderate shedders. Their size is perfect for any family looking for an affectionate canine (not too large or small). They are also the cleanest dog breeds worldwide, including their shedding tendencies. They self-clean themselves just like cats always do by licking their coats.
Why do you have to worry about molting and grooming plans when you have the cleanest canine. They can easily be identified with their silky bodies and rust-colored hair. They have a single, short coat making them easier to groom and low-maintenance. The most critical question you should know is, how much do Vizslas shed? So, let us discuss everything you need to know about the Vizslas shedding.
Do Vizslas shed? Yes, they do, and they are considered low to moderate shedders. They have acquired a low-maintenance status because they are self-cleaning and shed less fur. This is one of the best characteristics of the Vizsla that people love. In addition, they are short-haired canines, and their hair is usually invisible on the carpet and couch, unlike other dogs’ hair. You will only notice their shedding while brushing them.
If you are a Vizsla owner, or maybe you are thinking about adopting one and want to know about their shedding habits, worry less because I got all the information that will help you and your furry friend enjoy each other’s company. Shedding will never be an issue for you and your pup if you learn and incorporate just how to manage it.
This article will explain how much Vizslas shed, why they shed, shedding frequency, coat type, how you can manage their shedding, and lastly if they are hypoallergenic. This will help you to better understand this breed before adopting one into your home.
How Much Do Vizslas Shed
Vizslas are low-moderate shedders, meaning they are neither the lowest shedding canine nor do they shed much like other dogs. Generally, how much a dog sheds depends on the breed type and how fast their hairs grow or stop growing and are replaced by new hairs. This whole process is known as the hair growth cycle.
Another reason why Vizslas don’t shed much is that they don’t have an undercoat. They also do not undergo the process of blowing coats as double-coated dogs do during the seasonal shedding. Their short hair is also an advantage because it is not noticeable when it falls out.
Why Do Vizslas Shed
All canines shed, and it is normal for your Vizsla to shed. A female vizsla will shed when pregnant and when they are still feeding her young one. This is a result of the hormonal changes happening in their body. You don’t have to worry because it is a temporary and regular process. Like other canines, your Vizsla will shed to eliminate the loose, dead hairs and develop new ones.
This is a life cycle that every canine breed goes through. It helps them maintain their body temperature. The only thing you can do is ensure they don’t shed excessively by feeding them a high-quality diet and grooming them properly.
Shedding Seasons and Frequency
Canines with double coats are the ones who commonly experience seasonal shedding, which happens in spring and fall. They have a thick undercoat shed during the summer to keep them cool and a lighter one that is shed to pave the way for a thicker one during winter.
Unlike the seasonal dog breed shedders, Vizslas are single-coated dog breeds and do not undergo the seasonal shedding process (blowing coat). They will shed the same amount of fur throughout the whole year. As a pet parent, there is no time you will notice excess in your house unless your Vizsla is unwell. Plus, they are also short-haired, and their hair is unnoticeable.
Unhealthy Shedding
Unhealthy shedding for your Vizslas should be a significant concern because they could have a health-related problem. So, if you notice any bald patches on your Vizsla’s body, it might result from excess shedding. Some causes of unhealthy shedding include parasites, pregnancy (hormonal imbalance), poor diet, improper grooming, or an underlying illness.
To avoid unhealthy shedding in your Vizsla, try feeding him a portion of high-quality canine food and grooming them properly. Most importantly, visit your vet to help you figure out what might be wrong with your canine.
What Type of Coat Do Vizslas Have?
Vizslas have short, smooth, single coats that are easier to groom and brush. A single coat means less shedding because they only have the outer coat, unlike double-coated dogs. They also cannot survive under extreme cold weather conditions like other dogs because they don’t have a warm woolen undercoat. Their short hair may go unnoticed even if it falls on the floor and couch. You will only notice their shedding while brushing their fur.
How To Manage and Reduce Vizslas Shedding
You can never stop your Vizslas from shedding because all dogs shed to replace old dead hairs with a new ones. Once you understand the topic, do Vizslas shed, the only thing you can do is embrace the shed and learn how to manage and reduce it.
You can minimize the shedding through proper diet, adding supplements to their diet, and proper grooming. If you adhere to these procedures, you will be surprised just how less time you will be spending cleaning your house. It will benefit both of you because even your dog’s fur will look healthier and reduce the shedding.
Vizslas Grooming
Vizslas are low-moderate shedders, meaning they lose a fair amount of fur all year round. They also have short, smooth fur and are considered a low-maintenance breed. A regular brush can reduce the amount of shedding of your Vizsla. Remember, slightly and repeatedly is the key to remaining on top of the loose and dead hairs.
Brushing will also prevent loose hair from falling inside your house and messing it up. Several Vizsla parents claim that a soft bristle brush comes in handy when brushing your dog. Because of their short, single coat, you can wipe off debris, loose hairs, and dirt using a wet cloth.
Other sectors of grooming you shouldn’t ignore include nail trimming, cleaning of the ears, and a consistent oral routine.
Vizslas Diet
Healthy nutrition is among the best ways to manage your dog’s shedding. Make sure your Vizsla is feeding on a high-quality diet that could help with developing healthy fur. Some nutrients suitable for your Vizslas fur include the Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. These nutrients will keep their shedding under control.
Remember, the Vizslas were bred as hunters, and probably their first diet consisted of meat. Therefore, you can always include meat in their diet as it is highly rich in proteins, fats, and fatty acids, which help maintain a healthy fur. You can also consult your vet to recommend the right food for your Vizsla.
Your Vizsla will shed more if you feed them a diet that does not contain the necessary nutrients needed to keep the fur healthy.
Baths, Supplements…
An interesting fact about Vizslas is that they are known to be self-cleaning, and so they rarely need a bath. They tend to lick and clean their fur just like cats do, and you don’t have to worry about bathing them. Other Vizslas pet parents claim that they have never bathed their dogs. This breed prefers taking care of himself, so they are easier to manage.
Your Vizsla will only require bathing once every three months. Always use a good quality shampoo to keep their fur shiny, healthy, and smelling good. You can check your dog’s fur for scratching, bald skin conditions, parasites, or cuts during bathing.
For additional supplements to keep the fur healthy, you can incorporate some fresh, raw eggs and fish oil into your diet. Do not worry about cooking the eggs as they love it raw, and cooking will interfere with its nutritional value. It is advisable to discuss these supplements with your vet first before adding them to your dog’s diet.
Are Vizslas Hypoallergenic
The term “hypoallergenic dogs” has been commonly used since most individuals suffer from dog allergies and are looking for hypoallergenic breeds. No canine breed is completely hypoallergenic. As long as a dog sheds less and is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction, we can term it hypoallergenic.
Perhaps you are an allergy sufferer, and you are looking for a furry friend who won’t flare up your allergies. Unfortunately, Vizslas are not hypoallergenic dogs. Many people assume that just because the Vizslas are short-haired and self-cleaning dogs, they are allergy-friendly. But despite their short coat, Vizslas still shed and produce dander, which are the biggest culprits of allergies.
However, if you love the Vizslas so much, some tips can help you ease your allergies and live comfortably with them. Some of the allergy-reducing guidelines are:
- Deny your dog access to places you spend a lot of time in like the bedroom. Otherwise, they will spread allergens on your beddings, and you easily be affected while sleeping.
- Invest in a HEPA air filter to help filter out the airborne allergens and limits the amount of dander present in your surroundings.
- If you want to minimize your allergies, you will have to vacuum your house and keep it clean always. Remove as much dander as possible from your carpet and couch. In addition, wash your dog’s bedding frequently because it contains a lot of dander.
- Regularly brushing and bathing your Vizsla can also help remove dead hairs that contain dander and other allergens that cause allergies. If you are an allergy sufferer, you can have someone do it for you, or you can wear gloves while bathing your pup. Do not over bathe your pup because you might strip their fur of the natural oils and increase their shedding frequency.
- Lastly, you can always opt for allergy medications to help relieve your symptoms. Talk to your allergist or doctor about the medicines. Some are even found over the counter where you can buy them.