Do Boxers Shed?

With the Boxer’s short coat of firm hair, are they the type of breed to shed excessively? Unlike many other dog breeds, Boxers do not grow excess hair, so normal grooming for a Boxer’s coat should not prove too arduous of a task. But how much do these Brachycephalic dogs shed?

To be prepared for how much loose hair you’ll have to clean up after read on for everything you need to know about Boxer shedding.

How Much Do Boxers Shed?

Boxer dogs are moderate shedders, according to the American Kennel Club. They have a short, single coat that they shed throughout the year, so you will not find clumps of discarded fur on your sofa but rather notice a consistent presence of short, fallen hairs.

Puppies from the same litter can have individual shedding patterns, so become familiar with your dog’s coat and shedding pattern in order to tell if your Boxer is losing too much hair.

Do Boxers Shed More During Certain Seasons?

Boxer dogs shed year-round. Their consistent short, single-layered coat means that they do not grow a second coat for the cooler months as many other dogs do. However, seasonal shedding is to be expected, and you are likely to see an increase in loose hair at the onset of summer.

An un-spayed female Boxer dog might also shed more at the end of her heat cycle.

Do Boxers Shed More as Puppies?

A Boxer sheds its hair year-round, but dog owners may notice an increase in shedding when a Boxer puppy reaches 12-18 months. This will slow down as it grows into its adult coat when shedding remains at a consistent level.
 

What Type of Hair Do Boxers Have?

Boxers are short-coated dogs with smooth, tight coats with hairs that lie close to the dog’s body.
 

Boxer Shedding Tips: How To Minimise

As short-haired, single-coated dogs, Boxers are not prone to excessive shedding, and therefore, you should be able to get away with minimal grooming.

How often should I brush a Boxer dog?

Your Boxer is shedding all the time and will require brushing once or twice a week to remove dead hairs and stimulate natural oils to keep the skin and coat healthy.

Boxer owners will recognise that even two dogs of the same breed can shed at different rates. Get to know the normal shedding cycle for your dog’s fur. If it is one of the heavy shedders, you will need to brush its coat with a slicker brush at least twice a week.

A healthy diet to reduce excess shedding

Your boxer’s diet can have an astronomical effect on its shedding and overall health.

A key part of responsible dog ownership is making sure your dog gets all the nutrients and vitamins it needs. Feeding your Boxer high-quality dog food will help keep hair and skin healthy. A Boxer’s excessive shedding might be the result of a poor diet: a diet deficient or too rich in certain vitamins and minerals.

Especially in the hot, humid Australian climate, it is imperative that Boxer dogs drink enough water. Boxers are traditionally working dogs, so they need to drink plenty to stay active. Dehydration can lead to hair loss, among other serious health problems.

Nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy dog; speak to your veterinarian if you are concerned your Boxer is suddenly shedding too much.

Can shedding indicate underlying health issues?

Despite its iconic, short hair, this breed sheds throughout the year. Boxers shed lots during shedding seasons as well as at the end of the heat cycle.

However, if you notice your Boxer dog shedding more than normal outside these times, it could be indicative of something else. A Boxer’s shedding is natural, and despite the short coat, they are not a low-shedding breed. Consult your veterinarian if you notice an increase in loose hairs or a sudden, unhealthy coat.
 

Are Boxers Hypoallergenic?

No. Very few dogs are, and despite their short coats, Boxers definitely are not hypoallergenic.
 

Final Thoughts on Boxer Shedding

Nearly every dog sheds, and dealing with loose dog hair is to be expected, and frankly, there isn’t much you can do about it.

Brush your Boxer once or twice a week using a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair. Make sure to serve up high-quality food with all the nutrients your Boxer needs to promote healthy skin and hair.

That’s about it: get used to that hair because it comes part and parcel with your canine chum, and after all, your dog’s health is the most important thing, right?