When Do Terriers Go Through Coat Changes?

Terriers go through many stages of their life where a dog owner will notice a difference in the texture, color or thickness in their dog's coat. Age, maturity, diet and health all play a factor in these changes. Many times they take the average dog owner by surprise, but that does not have to be the case. Terrier coat changes usually are quite predictable.

  1. Seasonal Changes

    • Twice a year almost all dog breeds, including terriers, go through coat changes when the seasons change. In winter, your dog will grow in a thicker coat or undercoat, which she will shed in the spring when gets warmer. Your dog's coat might feel more wiry or silky than normal during these times. During the summer many dog owners often notice their dog's coat is more sleek than in the colder months.

    Puppy Coat Shedding

    • Puppies usually shed their coats between 6 to 12 months old.

      When you have the pleasure of owning a dog from puppyhood, don't be surprised when they lose their down-like fur and it gets replaced with their coat that will last them through adulthood. In most terrier breeds, this happens sometime between the age of 6 and 12 months old. After the shedding process has finished, the texture that is left will stay fairly consistent for the remainder of her life. Thankfully many terrier breeds have thin coats and undercoats so you won't have nearly as much mess when your terrier puppy sheds her coat.

    Hair Growth Cycles

    • Approximately every six weeks your terrier will grow a new coat. As a general rule, most terriers do not shed as much as other breeds so you might not notice a big difference during a growth cycle. If your terrier does shed noticeably during these cycles, regular brushing and bathing will help keep your dog's coat healthy.

    Health Issues

    • During times of extreme stress or health issues, the consistency of your dog's coat may change. Stress makes your dog much more likely to shed, and health issues can make it more likely that the texture and consistency of your dog's coat will change temporarily. Parasites or mites can make your dog's skin itchy, causing him to scratch more than usual and pull out his hair. Various medications also can cause coat thinning. Other changes in health such as a female dog being pregnant and nursing can make coats grow in thicker, become softer and shed more. Often, a pregnant dog will shed a great deal; after her puppies are born she will shed even more.

    Diet Changes or Insufficient Nutrition

    • Make sure your dog has an appropriate and balanced diet.

      As your terrier changes activity levels, matures and ages her dietary needs will change. If you notice her hair is growing more coarse and she is shedding more, look into the food she is eating and make sure it fits all her nutritional needs for her life stage, energy level and breed. There are supplements for a healthy coat that are available over the counter and can be added to your dog's food. Many are available through pet stores, ask your vet which one is best in your situation. Always check your dog's diet first, if you are not meeting your pup's nutritional needs, the supplements will mask the effects of the problem instead of fixing it.