With improper grooming, terrier breeds can shed. However, there are many terriers that shed very little if any fur, especially if you keep the coat trimmed down to a short length. Find out which terriers are least likely to shed and what to expect from these dogs.
Airedale Terrier Breeds
An Airedale's coat is labor intensive making it a dog best suited to someone with time for routine grooming. The coat actually has two layers, the wire top coat and the undercoat. You should pluck straight hairs from the undercoat every few months, no less than twice a year. This involves pulling out the hairs with your fingers.
Airedale terriers are also unlikely to shed if you shave the coat down periodically. Don't ignore grooming or you'll have to deal with the possibility of shedding fur. At the very least, the hair must be groomed every six months.
If you like a playful dog, Airedale terriers are a good choice. They need lots of exercise. They love to chase things, especially small animals like squirrels or chipmunks. Because of their rambunctious nature, they're best with older children.
American Hairless Terriers
While these little dogs are unusual looking, they are the perfect dog for allergy sufferers. In essence, the American Hairless Terrier breed's distinct feature is it's bald little body. Realistically, the dog isn't completely bald, there is a little fuzz, but not enough to matter.
Because they lack fur, they must be kept warm in winter. Sweaters or coats when they are outside is necessary. In the summer months, sunscreen is essential to keep their skin from burning. Sunburns in dogs can lead to skin cancer.
American Hairless Terriers love children and adults equally. They are energetic dogs totally devoted to their family. They require daily exercise, at least half an hour.
Bedlington Terrier Breeds
Bedlington terriers have hair that grows instead of fur. They do not shed if you properly groom their coat. Grooming involves daily brushing and trimming every one to two months. Standards for this breed involve leaving little tassels of hair at the end of the ear giving them their very unusual look.
For those looking for a loyal family dog, the Bedlington terrier is a great choice. However, they do have a relatively strong chase instinct. They're not great with cats unless they've grown up with them and been trained rigorously to be friendly to cats.
Bedlingtons do like to bark at any and everything, so training is required to keep them from making too much noise. They are highly active and need daily walks or runs.
Manchester Terrier
Want a dog that loves to play but is extremely loyal and protective? The Manchester Terrier is a great choice. The dog is small, usually averages 18 pounds in weight for the standard and 8 pounds for the toy breed.
Exercise and activity are essential. Manchester terriers bore easily and need activity. They also need a firm leader because they like to dominate the household and allowing them to do this can lead to snapping and biting.
Manchester terriers have very short fur, however that fur doesn't shed. Just make sure you brush the dog's coat daily to remove any loosening hairs.