Shedders?

Question
I've heard that many types of terriers don't shed. Is this true? Which types of terriers don't shed?

And in your profile you mentioned that terriers are different from other types of dogs and they aren't meant for some people.. More info please

Answer
Vanessa -

Well, first off, despite everything you may have read every single breed of dog sheds, including the other ones you may have heard don't shed - like poodles and bichons. And if the issues is allergies, please understand that it is not the shedding that causes the allergies, but the dander that dogs have.

There are some breeds that shed less than others.  If properly groomed, the hard or wire coated breeds shed less. For instance cairns, borders, wire haired fox shed less than jack russells or smooth coated fox terriers.  Both kinds of coat require some routine care though.

Temperaments - Terrier are interesting and quite different than other kinds of small dogs.  Poodles are smart as heck, and bichons are funny, but neither of them are dogs who will really test your wits and patience.  Yorkies are the most easy going of the terriers, and jack russells are probably the feistiest.  Cairns are very strong willed too.  I'm leaving rat terriers or bull terriers out because I am not that familiar with them.  

You need to understand that they have been bred for hundreds of years to hunt vermin and kill. They had to be tough, smart and tenacious.  And that's how they are now.

People seem to either love terriers or really dislike them.  I happen to find great pleasure and amusement in their antics and joy in the bond they give.

Here's a link to a writeup about cairns.... but the vast majority of it pertains to all kinds of cairns except Yorkies (bred to primarily be lap dogs)

http://cairnrescue.com/general/index.htm#toto

They are fun, smart and challenging.... and the best dog you ever had, or the worst....

Yell if there's anything more I can tell you.

-Beth