Do Mixed-Breed Dogs Shed?

by Mary Simpson

Published: January 3rd, 2023

Do mixed breeds shed? The short answer is yes, mixed-breed dogs do shed. However, just how frequently and how heavily that fur will be wafting off your pooch and onto your floors and furnishings is going to be down to which gene pool your mixed-breed dog is drawing from.

Tanya Consaul Photography/Shutterstock

Not to be confused with Designer Dogs, mixed breeds (AKA mutts or Heinz 57s) will typically have a number of different breeds contributing to their DNA profile. And that’s why all those online doggy DNA kits are so popular. Families with dogs who look, sound, and act like a smorgasbord of different breeds want to know what issues (including health-related) they should be watching for down the line.

With Designer Dogs, forecasting physical traits and characteristics are much easier because you’re working with just two breeds and both will be purebreds. So no “mud blood” to sort through here. And qualities such as being super-friendly, uber-chill and yes, non-shedding are going to be more predictable based on their known parentage. That’s one reason you see so many Labradoodles, Golden Doodles, Shepadoodles – and on and on - running around the dog parks these days. If it’s an “oodle” or a “poo”, the odds are it’s a Designer Dog chosen for his non-shedding properties.

But that doesn’t mean your standard little mutt of mixed-breed origin can’t be low-shedding. The gene found in Poodles that makes them non-shedding can also be found in some lines of Terrier and many of the smaller dog breeds such as Maltese, Bichon Frise and Lhasa Apso. So, if your pooch has any of the non- or low-shedding variants of the MC5R gene in his DNA, he may well reward you with a fluff-free house. In fact, my two dogs were labelled Schnoodles yet it’s clear from their physical appearance that there are breeds beyond just Poodle and Schnauzer at play. In their instances, the low-shed gene dominates and they are both non-shedding.

Similarly, the genes of dogs known to be heavy shedders can be passed along to any offspring or even offspring of offspring, that share their DNA. Which breeds might those be?

Let’s start with any dog that has a thick double coat. It’s typical of dogs from cold weather climates and it includes coarse outer hair with a soft, downy undercoat that helps keep him warm when temperatures drop. As a result, if you’re considered a dog that is identified as being a “cross” with a Labrador, Husky, Newfoundland, German Shepherd… you get the picture. These dogs are known to “blow” their coats twice a year when the seasons change. So, if you have your heart set on a mixed breed pup that comes from double-coat stock, plan to brush him weekly and splurge on a groomer when seasons change to help de-shed him and save on the lint rollers.

But it’s not just the double-coats who shed heavily. Smaller dogs such as Pugs, Beagles, and all the way up to Dobermans and even Dalmatians can leave a pretty impressive trail of tiny hairs throughout the house.

So, if shedding is a big issue for you, it may be best to lean toward the mixed breeds with a clear Poodle or Terrier leaning and stay on top of the weekly brushing.

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Early Neutering May Be Bad For Larger Mixed-Breed Dogs

Researchers from the University of California, Davis just released study results that show heavier mixed-breed dogs may be at higher risks for joint disorders and problems if they’re neutered before they are a year old. The debate about when to spay or neuter your dog has equal support for both sides of the earlier/later fence. But new research from researchers at the University of California, Davis believe that it may be best to wait until your larger mixed-breed dog is over a year old. Related: What Is The Best Age To Neuter Your Dog? This is because they found that mixed-breed dogs who weighed more than 44 pounds as adults were at higher risk for joint disorders if they were neutered before their first birthday. Dogs 43 pounds and under didn’t appear to have increased risk for joint issues. It’s common to neuter dogs by the time they are 6-months-old. This study looked at 15 years’ worth of data from the thousands of dogs seen at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Lead Author Benjamin Hart said that since most dogs are mixed breeds, he hopes the study will allow dog parents to make informed decisions on when to spay or neuter. Dr. Hart is a distinguished professor emeritus at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He says that owners should weigh options carefully when adopting a puppy and deciding when to spay or neuter. The researchers looked at common joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as cranial cruciate ligament tears and knee injuries in five different weight categories. They also looked at the risks mixed-breed dogs had of developing cancers based on their weight categories; they found no increased risk based on weight as compared to dogs who were not spayed or neutered. The risk of joint disorders for heavier dogs could be up to a few times higher than when compared to dogs who are not spayed or neutered. They found this was true for large mixed-breed dogs. As an example, in female dogs over 43 pounds, the risk jumped from 4 percent for intact dogs to 10-12 percent if spayed before a year of age. Dr. Lynette Hart is a professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She is also a co-author of the study and said that it’s important people look at all angles of spaying and neutering as the study brings about unique situations. Too often, Hart says, when adopting a mixed-breed puppy from a shelter, one has no idea how big the dog will actually become. It makes deciding when to spay or neuter tough, particularly when you know little to nothing about the dog’s parents. Related: Scientists Propose New Non-Invasive Spay Treatment Many times, neutering is a requirement of an adoption process for shelters as well as breeders. The researchers believe that this policy should be looked at, and instead, shelters and breeders should consider requiring neutering a standard when dogs are a year or older if they are breeds that will grow into larger dogs. Dr. Hart believes this is especially important for those who raise service dogs, as joint disorders can significantly impact a dog’s ability to do its ‘job’ as well as impact its role as a family member. The research team has previously conducted similar research and found health risks based on neuter age tended to vary greatly depending on dog breed, but size and weight may now need to be looked at, despite breed histories.

AKC’s Lure-Coursing Test Turns Mixed-Breed Dogs Into Tracking Champs

Put your dog’s instinct to track with training from the ACK’s official coursing class. And everyone’s welcome to join – even mixed breed dogs! While we can learn virtually anything by picking up a book, taking a class or going on-line, some skills are just plain inherent; you have them or you don’t. Think Olympic athlete, star hockey or tennis player, and even champion hunting, herding or coursing dog. Like most of us, you probably think your pup is a natural born champion when it comes to chasing down a ball or catching a Frisbee and now you may have the chance to prove it. You see although the fast-growing sport of lure-coursing is reserved primarily for sight-hound breeds (e.g. Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Afghan, Whippet), if your little guy loves to run and chase things, this may be his ticket to owning an actual coursing title! Related: Dock Diving Dogs are Making a Splash this Summer The term “ coursing” actually refers to your dog’s basic instinct to track by sight and chase small prey (in this instance, it’s a mechanical lure) and now the highly esteemed American Kennel Club (AKC) that deals primarily with recognized purebred dogs, is running tests to rank the coursing skills of mixed breed dogs that can include the family pet! While these tests won’t ever qualify him for Crufts or Westminster, they are a chance to formally gauge his talents against others and gain bragging rights if he earns himself a title. So how does it work? Right off the mark, your dog needs to be at least 1 year old and have an AKC, Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) or Canine Partners number (just check out their websites to apply for your number). Related: 5 Foot Friendly Tips That Will Save Your Athletic Dogs Paws On the day of the event, your dog will run solo, through a specified course while chasing a lure. He must do this a number of times, non-stop and within a stated maximum amount of time – so without becoming distracted, winded or stopping for a pee-break. The test is challenging but not gruelling, so expect your pooch to have fun during the process! Unlike the trials undertaken by champion purebreds, your boy won’t have to run long distances or make extreme turns as he pursues the lure (which can be tough on joints). In fact, the test has been modified so that dogs less than 12 inches in height must cover approximately 300 yards within 1.5 minutes and larger dogs approximately 600 yards in no more than 2 minutes. To learn more about the lure-coursing tests or to find a date and location near you, check out the official AKC website. Additionally, AKC offers tips for those interested in having their dog participate in this fun sport: Make sure your pooch is healthy and capable of running a course. If in doubt, get your veterinarian to check him out before committing.Gauge his interest in the sport by testing him with lures and how long they hold his attention. It may be shorter than you think.On the day of his test, bring lots of fresh water, a strong, soft leash, and AKC recommends you bring his crate if the lure field is a distance from your vehicle.Dress for an active day by wearing comfy clothes and shoes that will allow you to easily catch, release and hold onto your excited dog.Manners count and it’s important your pooch have obedience basics down pat. With lots of dogs in a high energy environment, you’ll need your pooch to come, sit and stay on command.

What is Red Light Therapy for Dogs?

When your dog gets injured or is recovering from a routine surgery, it can be difficult to keep them comfy and to help heal their injuries faster at the same time. However, innovative red light therapy for dogs proved to be a safe and efficient treatment for a variety of ailments, from skin inflammation to wound healing, and much, much more.Red light therapy is also known as photobiomodulation therapy, and it involves the use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. The reason for its effectiveness is the specific wavelengths that are absorbed by the mitochondria in cells, which are considered the cell’s powerhouse. As the mitochondria absorb the “red light”, the absorption stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is popularly called the “energy currency of cells”. The entire process then increases blood flow to the treated area, stimulating faster healing, and pain relief. What’s so great about red light therapy is that it is not invasive, and all that is needed is a specialized device that emits specific wavelengths of light.Red light therapy treatment sessions usually last from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the specific device used. The frequency of sessions may vary, with some dogs benefiting from daily treatments initially, followed by less frequent “maintenance” sessions. Of course, your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate treatment procedure for your dog's needs – if you’re unsure if red light therapy is the right choice for your dog, be sure to consult an expert before taking any steps.Of course, while you shouldn’t do anything without your vet’s approval, a great thing about this treatment is that it is entirely safe. When used appropriately, it has no risks for your dog. The secret is in the light energy that does not generate heat at all, eliminating any risk of burning or tissue damage. Naturally, it goes without saying that you should closely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific device you are using. 

What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't?

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Should My Dog Wear a Winter Coat?

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How Much Exercise Does My Cat Need?

Cats are often known for their laidback and aloof personalities, lounging around the house like true couch potatoes. But just like us, our kitties need regular exercise to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. That’s where your job as a cat parent comes in! In this article, we will explore the importance of exercise for your cat, including how much exercise they need, the benefits of being active, and fun ways to include more physical activity in your cat’s daily routine. Whether you have an energetic young kitten or a calm senior cat, understanding their exercise needs can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. How Much Playtime Does an Indoor Cat Need? When choosing the perfect pet for your family, you have likely heard about how laid back and easy to care for cats can be. After all, they just lounge around the house all day. Right? The truth is that your cat needs daily activity to stay healthy and in shape. The exact amount of exercise your cat needs will depend on several factors, including their age, breed, lifestyle, and individual health needs. For example, a cat that is obese and needs to lose weight to improve their health may need more physical activity than a cat that is already of a healthy weight. That being said, the general rule of thumb is that a healthy adult cat should be engaging in 30 to 60 minutes of active playtime every day, split into shorter 10 or 15-minute play sessions. If you are unsure about your cat’s specific needs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to provide insight into how exercise and playtime can improve or help to maintain your cat’s quality of life at this stage and as they continue to age. How Do I Know My Cat is Getting Enough Exercise? There are several behavioral signs that a cat isn’t getting enough exercise that you can watch out for. Cats that don’t engage in regular physical activity often suffer from boredom, depression, or anxiety. While our cats obviously can’t speak to tell us this, we can pay attention to their body language and behavior to catch any signs of trouble. Some key signs to watch out for include: Destructive Behavior: One of the first signs people notice when a cat is bored is that they start to exhibit bad habits and destructive behavior. This could include scratching your furniture, tearing apart the toilet paper, ripping curtains or screens, or stealing items they know they shouldn’t. It’s like a young child. They are bored and looking for ways to keep themselves entertained. Excessive Vocalization: Do you have a naturally vocal cat? If so, they may be trying to tell you that something’s wrong verbally. Some cats, when bored, will cry out for attention. This is a behavior we see in our two every time their morning playtime is even 5 minutes late. Change of Appetite: If they are feeling anxious or highly stressed, some cats will stop eating. Others, like humans, will turn to food during times of boredom. Any unexplained changes to your cat’s diet should be considered a sign of trouble – whether it’s a need for more exercise or something health-related.Over-Grooming: Cats are masters of self-grooming, but if a cat is stressed, anxious, or bored, they may take their grooming too far. This can often lead to the development of bald patches or skin irritation. Aggression or Irritation: Some cats become irritable or upset when experiencing stress and anxiety. This could result in uncharacteristic biting or scratching directed towards you, other family members, or other pets in the home. Loss of Energy or Lethargy: This may come as a surprise as most people will associate not enough exercise with having pent-up energy just begging to come out. However, a cat that isn’t getting enough physical activity can become depressed, which may present as being lazy, uninterested, or more aloof than usual. Another important sign to watch out for is unexplained weight gain. Just as humans will gain weight if they aren’t getting enough exercise, so will your cat. Sure, they likely aren’t concerned with “how they look” each morning – but obesity is a growing problem in the United States and can introduce serious health consequences!

What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a popular form of positive reinforcement dog training that uses a small handheld device called a clicker to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. The clicker makes a distinct and consistent sound that signals to the dog that they have performed the desired behavior, followed by a reward such as a treat or praise. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with the reward, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.Now, if you want to try clicker training with your dog, you could be wondering at what age should you start. Very early on? Or as your puppy grows a bit older? Let’s find out.What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?Clicker training is versatile and can be used for teaching  basic commands, tricks, and even addressing behavioral issues. It is a humane and positive approach to training that fosters a strong bond between the owner and the dog. Clicker training can be started with dogs at a relatively young age, typically when they are around 8 weeks old. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands and behaviors from a young age, and clicker training can be a positive and effective method for teaching them.However, it's important to keep in mind that very young puppies have shorter attention spans, so training sessions should be kept short and fun. Focus on simple commands and behaviors, and use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, in conjunction with the clicker.Consistency and patience are key when training puppies, and it's important to make the training sessions enjoyable for them. Stay consistent and maintain your composure and command. Even if the early training sessions last just a few minutes, keep it up. Of course, if you're unsure about how to start clicker training or have concerns about your puppy's readiness, consulting with a professional dog trainer or attending puppy training classes can be helpful. Always use positive reinforcement methods to create a positive and trusting relationship between you and your dog.Remember that clicker training requires patience and hard work to be successful. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with positive reinforcement, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.4 Things to Know About Clicker TrainingTo ensure your training sessions with a clicker are successful no matter when you start implementing them in your pet’s routine, you need to know the basics. These tips will help you optimize your process for maximum efficiency:Timing is KeyClicker training relies on precise timing. The click should occur at the exact moment your dog exhibits the desired behavior. This helps your dog make the connection between the behavior and the reward.Positive Reinforcement

Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

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How Can I Reduce My Dog's Environmental Pawprint?

In today’s day and age, with the climate and environment at great risk, we want to do anything we can to minimize our own carbon footprint and the damage we do to Mother Nature. Of course, our pets also have an environmental impact – and eco-conscious pet parents are always on the lookout for simple ways to reduce their pet’s carbon footprint (or pawprint if we’re being precise). Luckily, there are a lot of small but important steps that you can take in order to make your pet’s lifestyle and care much more eco-friendly without compromising the quality of life they are used to. Here's where to start if you want to become a more eco-friendly, sustainable dog owner!5 Ways You Can Reduce Your Dog's Environmental PawprintCaring for your pet can be challenging, and that’s no secret. However, the things that make it easier are not often very good for the environment, and can make your pet’s environmental pawprint significant. Luckily, it does not take too much of a change to turn that completely around and start improving that environmental impact, day by day. What follows are just a few of the basic steps you can take as a caring and responsible owner.#1 Be Responsible About Your Pet’s Waste Disposal:

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Sometimes, dogs can behave straight out quirky. The range of their weird behaviors varies from chasing their tail and scooting on their but, to “pawing” or “digging” food, which sort of looks like they’re burying their kibble but they’re not really doing anything. Have you ever seen your pooch trying to fake bury his food by pawing at it? Don’t worry, the behavior might look odd at the very least, but it’s not a reason for concern. Here’s what dogs that dig, bury, or paw their food are trying to tell you with this behavior.Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?Dogs may exhibit pawing or digging behavior around their food bowl for various reasons, and the interpretation can depend on the individual dog. By closely observing your dog's specific actions and considering these factors, you may gain a better understanding of why they engage in pawing behavior. Keep in mind that individual differences among dogs can lead to variations in behavior, and what holds true for one dog may not necessarily apply to another. Still, there are some common explanations that hold true for most situations when “pawing” is in question.Too Much Food Served:In the wild, dogs might use their paws to cover or bury their food to protect it from other animals or to save it for later. This behavior could be a residual instinct from their ancestors – if they eat a bit and then paw at their bowl before leaving the meal, it means that they are trying to stash the surplus away for later. Try downsizing their portions to see if the behavior goes away. Scent Marking: Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and pawing at the food bowl might be a way for them to mark the area with their scent. This could be a territorial behavior and might be seen in households where there are several dogs present. Excitement or Anticipation: Dogs might get excited about mealtime, and pawing at the bowl could be a way of expressing anticipation or eagerness for their food. This is especially true if they are eagerly pawing the ground even before the food has been served. These dogs can often be voracious eaters as well, so to prevent them from snarfing up their food in seconds, try utilizing a  slow feeder for dogs to promote a more appropriate pace of eating and prevent bloat and other digestive issues due to lack of chewing and fast eating.

Expats May Need to Leave their Pets Behind as Travel Costs Skyrocket

Animal travel has always been expensive, but it’s about to become unaffordable for many pet lovers. Pet owners moving abroad may be forced to leave their pets behind after animal travel costs have gone up by as much as 400 percent!IAG Cargo, a sister company to British Airways, Vueling, and Aer Lingus, has recently announced that it was raising travel prices along some routes beginning March 1. This unexpected move shocked pet owners with relocation plans, particularly those moving to and from Britain and the United States. “To reflect the complexities of this bespoke service and the cost of providing the very best care for pets traveling as cargo, we have made some amendments to our prices,” a spokesperson for IAG Cargo said in a statement. This shipping company is mostly used by military personnel to move their pets abroad while deployed. After three years at their duty station in the UK, Sara and her family are moving back to the U.S. The family’s two dogs, Bentley and Ghost, are booked on a British Airways flight on 1 March.Under the current policy, IAG Cargo only accepts a booking for a pet transfer up to six weeks before the flight. The company then confirms the space has been requested. Two weeks before the flight, once the planes have been scheduled on that route, the IAG Cargo confirms the booking, locking in the price.Initially, Sara’s family was quoted $1,450 for a flight from London to Baltimore for both dogs. However, due to the recent price hike, the travel price for the dogs has jumped to $6,500! And that’s without the administration fees and the cost of the agency the family is using to arrange the cargo shipment. “We are paying out of our own pocket for this, and we just bought a house in our new location,” said Sara to BBC. “Our dogs are like our children, we would do anything for them but that doesn’t mean it’s not devastating for our finances.”The family’s shipping agent found another airline that could ship their dogs at a lower price. The catch - they would have to make a seven-hour round trip to collect the dogs from another airport. Sara explained that her dogs are small in size and that she believes people shipping large-size dogs could face shipping costs over $10,000.“I already know a number of people who did not bring their pets [to the UK] because of the costs to bring them one way… People are going to be shocked,” she added.Details about the new pricing and affected routes are still unclear, but some companies that work with IAG Cargo are already seeing the effects. Kimberly Cirone, a director at Pets Abroad UK, a pet relocation company that assists pet owners with travel arrangements and works with airlines, said that the costs of pet transport between Britain and the United States have increased by 400 percent without warning, consideration, or explanation.The unexpected price hike has left many military families in turmoil as they are unable to gather the necessary funds in time to have their pets shipped back home. “It’s a huge amount to organize, and within days or weeks of arriving one of those family members may be sent on to areas of conflict. The dog or cat is hugely important, it is the family’s companion when one partner is away fighting and this will be hugely distressing for them.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Holiday Gifts for Dogs to Include Them in the Fun

It’s the gift giving season, and you’re thinking about all of the people you’ll buy presents for, but why not also add your canine companion to the list? With so many great products on the market, you can find the ideal gift for your dog so they can participate in the opening of presents with everyone they love. Here are some tips to help you find something that your pooch will get excited over.

Can I Use Human Hair Shampoo to Wash My Dog?

Making sure your pet’s hygiene is up to standards is an important thing, but you have to be careful about how you go about it. There aren’t a lot of important rules to consider when doggo baths are considered, but you should pay special attention to the type of shampoo that you use. If you are all out of pet shampoo, and you are thinking that a little bit of human shampoo won’t make a difference – think again. Using human hair shampoo on your dog is not recommended, and the reasons for this are many, including negative effects on your pet’s overall health and the quality of their skin and coat. Here’s what you should know before you reach for your shampoo when bathing your pooch.Why You Shouldn’t Use Human Shampoo On DogsThe first and foremost thing you have to consider is pH balance. Human shampoos are formulated to match the pH level of human skin. However, that level is totally different for dogs. Because of this, human shampoo can greatly disrupt the natural pH levels of a dog’s skin, ultimately leading to rashes, irritation, and skin diseases. And the same goes for the ingredients in that shampoo.  Dog shampoos have totally different ingredients compared to human shampoos. The latter has many chemicals that are considered too harsh for dogs. Dogs are prone to skin allergies and sensitivities, and some of the ingredients in human shampoos could make these issues much worse. The allergies can also be triggered by the strong fragrances of human-grade shampoos, which dogs can’t really stand. You should also take into account that a dog’s coat and human hair are totally different. While human shampoos are meant to lather well on hair, they’ll be too soapy for dogs. Rinsing out human shampoo from a dog can be a challenge, and a lot of chemicals can stay trapped in the coat and absorbed through the skin. Ultimately, all of this can leave your dog’s coat damaged, their skin irritated, and their health vulnerable to viruses and skin-borne infections. 

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