The jug is a loving, playful and friendly cross breed dog combining the companionship qualities of the pug and the energy and character of the Jack Russell terrier but do Jug Dogs shed a lot of hair? Well the answer I'm afraid is yes, both parents are high shedding but there are things you can do to reduce the amount of shedding your Jug will and the effect that has on your home.
It is also worth bearing in mind that with shedding comes the release of dander sweat and urine which can be attached to the shedding hair. These attachments can affect people with allergies and this will make the shedding a very big problem.
Having dog allergies may not be a complete end to owning a pet. In fact some people become almost acclimatized to a dog after a short while and even though they were showing signs of a reaction when they first met a particular dog, these allergic reactions decreased over time and even went away altogether. I want to stress, this is not always the case and some people have very bad reactions to pets, to the point they can't be around pets at all.
There is no way to prevent shedding in Jug completely, they are going to shed old hair and replace it with new growth on a fairly regular basis but there are ways you can reduce the shedding and its effects.
How to reduce your jug dog shedding?
Regular brushing is a good way to keep your Jug from shedding in places in your home which are going to be hard to clear up, by removing the hair which is going to fall out anyway in a location where it is easier to deal with. It is a good idea to brush the Jug outdoors or on a smooth floor where the hair can be easily gathered up afterwards. Maybe use waterproofs over your clothes to stop the hairs becoming part of your outfit as well.
There is a good chance your Jug will have smooth hair as the pug is smooth short and a lot of Jack Russels are the same so a good brush for short haired dogs is the rubber curry comb, which is not a brush obviously but does a good job on this type of coat and give the dogs shin a massage which will also help reduce shedding, plus most dogs love it.
A good diet is essential for good hair quality in Jugs. A balanced diet containing the right amount of proteins and minerals is one of the most important factors in keeping dogs healthy and looking good, especially their coats.
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for a healthy coat and skin, Olive oil is a good source of omega 3. This can be added to your jugs food in liquid or capsule form. Oily fish is also a good way of getting Omega 3 into your Jugs diet You will also need to make sure your Jug is properly hydrated by ensuring they are drinking enough clean fresh water.
Bathing is another way to reduce the shedding in Jugs. When you give them a bath you remove hair and dead skin as well and dirt and debris and give the skin coat a fresh new look. When you are giving your Jug a bath tray to use good quality natural shampoos and conditioners that will not dry out their skin.
Try to train your Jug puppy to use their own little semi enclosed cushion on the floor and not just plonk themselves down on whatever chair or sofa they take a fancy to, this will help to keep the discarded dog hair more contained.
Do Long Haired Jugs shed more?
The long haired Jugs is not as common as the short haired version because there is a lot more short hair in the parent breeds.If a long or rough haired Jack Russell is crossed with a Pugs, there is a good chance you will end up with long haired Jugs.
They are very attractive and unique little dogs, but do they shed more than the short haired variety? The answer is, no they will in most cases shed less hair and dander. You would think the long hair would fall out easier but the long haired Jack Russell shed less in general than the short and it is safe to assume in most cases the same will ring true with the Jug offspring.
This is just from a genetic point of view all the other factors which can cause hair loss in dogs, such as bad diet, lack of fatty acids, dehydration and allergies can affect the long haired variety Jug just the same as the short.
How often Should You Wash Your Jug Dog?
Washing your dog is a good way to have their coats looking their best. It is always nice to see your pug clean and shiny and a bath helps to remove some dead skin and hair, but It is not recommended bathing a dog more frequently than every six weeks because too much washing can dry out the shin, remove some of the skin oils and make the shedding problem worse. When you are giving your Jug a bath try to use good quality natural shampoos and conditioners that will not dry out their skin.
A good Hypoallergenic shampoo may also be needed if your pug is suffering from any allergies and even if they are not, also some dog moisturizers may also be helpful to keep the skin hydrated.
Consult Your veterinarian.
The skin is very important when it comes to your Jugs health, The skin does not usually provide large health problems for you and your dog but it can provide a lot of small problems which are very irritating for both you and your Jug.
Your veterinarian is the best person to consult when it comes to the treatment of your Jugs skin and coat. Remember a lot of this treatment is preventative, such as using the right grooming products and diet before problems arise.
To Conclude
The Jug is a dog which sheds quite a bit of hair and dander and may cause a problem for allergy sufferers. There are things you can do to reduce shedding such regular brushing, a good diet, and the right grooming products.
The Jug is a loving, loyal and active pet and shedding, unfortunately, is one thing that needs a little bit of management, but the rewards are well worth it
The Jug as a cross breed dog is not eligible for registration with American Kennel Club but you can register with the International Designer Canine Registry and they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, The Designer Breed Registry and The Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America.
