How Much Do Red Fox Labradors shed?
Let me get right to the point on this one. I originally considered including this topic in my recent article, Top 5 Things To Know About Your New Red Fox Lab Puppy, but it felt important enough to deserve its own post.
In our experience, Red Fox Labradors shed noticeably less than other Labrador colors. We have been raising Labradors for nearly 30 years, and our red dogs have consistently been the lightest shedders. While every dog is different, this has been a clear pattern for us over time.
Take a look at the two photos below. My husband took side by side pictures of our Yellow Labrador and our Red Fox Labrador to compare their coats. He placed his hand in each coat so you can clearly see the difference in hair density and overall coat depth between the two dogs
While this is hardly a scientific study, I can tell you what we see every day in our own home. When our Yellow Labrador sits on the couch for even five minutes, he leaves behind a noticeable pile of hair that usually needs to be vacuumed right away. When our Red Fox Labrador sits in the exact same spot, you would never know she had been there.
Yes, Red Fox Labs do shed, but in our experience it is significantly less than our Yellow Lab or any other Labrador color we have owned, and we have had them all. We also know several other families who own multiple Labradors, including one red and one of another color, and they would likely tell you the same thing.
Our Labradors of other colors, including Silver and Chocolate, fell somewhere in the middle when it came to shedding. Not as heavy as our Yellow Labs, but noticeably more than Ginger, our Red Fox Lab. And yes, we know Red Fox Labs are technically considered yellow, but the shedding difference has still been very noticeable for us.
How Can I Reduce My Dog’s Shedding?
Labradors are one of the most lovable, loyal, and versatile breeds you can own. That said, one of the least favorite traits for many owners is the shedding that comes with them.
Shedding is a completely natural process and is important for a dog’s overall health. You may have heard the phrase “blowing their coat,” which refers to the two or three times per year when dogs shed heavily as their coats change with the seasons. This usually happens as they transition into winter or summer, though it can occur at other times as well. Even outside of these periods, most dogs shed some amount of hair every day.
Brush Your Labrador Regularly
Brushing your Labrador two to three times per week can make a noticeable difference in the amount of loose hair around your home. During nicer weather, brushing outside works great, as much of the loose hair will come out in the brush and simply blow away.
In colder months or during bad weather, a garage works well if you have one available. If you live in an apartment or condo, many have covered patios or storage areas that can be used for quick brushing sessions.
Labradors have two coats, an undercoat and a top or outer coat. Using a brush designed to reach the undercoat is especially helpful. We use a deshedding brush on our Yellow Lab two to three times per week, and it does an excellent job removing loose hair closest to the skin before it ends up on furniture or floors.
Use a Specialized De-Shedding Brush
Not all dog brushes are created equal. A true de shedding brush is especially effective at removing loose hair from your Labrador’s coat before it ends up on your floors or furniture. These brushes have very fine teeth, so there is no need to press hard. Gentle passes along your dog’s back and sides work best.
You may be surprised by how much loose hair comes out with just a few minutes of brushing. We are also big fans of this specific style of de shedding brush. Some brushes are labeled as de shedding tools but do not actually work very well. A quality brush makes a noticeable difference, and once you find one that works, you will likely stick with it.
Bathe Your Labrador at Least Once a Month
A good bath does more than keep your dog clean and smelling fresh. It also helps remove loose, excess hair before it ends up on your couch or floors. There are de shedding shampoos available that are designed to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy, which can help reduce shedding over time.
We personally use a professional mobile groomer for our two Labradors, and it truly makes a difference. In our area, the cost is about 80 dollars per month for both dogs. For us, it is well worth it. The dogs enjoy it, the coats look great, and I do not have to clean out the bathtub afterward. In my opinion, it saves time and avoids a lot of mess.
If you plan to bathe your Labrador at home, be sure to use a shampoo made specifically for pets. Human shampoo is not designed for a dog’s skin and can cause irritation or dryness.
The Final Word on Labrador Shedding
All dogs shed, even so called hypo allergenic breeds. Shedding is a natural process and an important part of maintaining a healthy coat. While Labradors can be higher maintenance when it comes to shedding, Red Fox Labs shed less than the other Labrador colors we have owned.
Shedding can also be greatly reduced by following the simple tips outlined above, so do not let a little extra hair discourage you from owning one of the most loyal, loving, and versatile dog breeds out there.
Need more information? You can also visit the American Kennel Club website for additional tips on How To Groom Your Labrador Retriever.
