We own two fantastic, little Boston Terriers. Their low-maintenance characteristics make taking care of them so much easier than many other breeds.
To specifically answer the question, Do Boston Terriers shed? Yes, they do, but at a much lower rate than many other breeds due to having only a single coat.This makes their coats much easier to groom and maintain. Through routine care and grooming, you can further decrease their shedding.
If you’re curious about how much a Boston Terrier sheds and what factors affect this, you should read on. We’ll also discuss the methods you can use to help decrease the amount of fur they regularly shed.
Do Boston Terriers Shed?
Boston Terriers have a single coat, which makes them easier to groom than many other breeds. They are not heavy shedders and their smooth coat is easy to maintain. There are several reasons why your four-legged friend sheds so much less than other breeds.
Boston Terriers Have a Single Coat
Our journey with Bosco and Ruby has taught us that not all dogs are created equal, especially when it comes to shedding. Unlike the heavy shedders with their double coats, Boston Terriers like ours have a single layer of thin fur. This single coat is a blessing for owners who prefer less vacuuming and more cuddling. The simplicity of their coat care became evident during our first spring season together, when I noticed significantly less fur around the house compared to stories I’ve heard from friends with other breeds
Boston Terriers Have Less Fur to Shed
The Boston Terrier breed is a relatively small one, measuring 14 to 17 inches tall and only weighing 10 to 25 pounds. Considering this small size, that’s not a lot of fur to shed.
Because of their small size, they’ll shed less than larger breeds. They may shed with a higher frequency but, at the same time, they’ll produce less fur as they shed.
This characteristic is particularly advantageous for those of us living in smaller spaces, such as apartments or compact houses. With less fur to shed, managing cleanliness and maintaining a fur-free environment becomes significantly easier. This is a major plus for city dwellers who might find cleaning a cumbersome task due to space constraints. Additionally, Boston Terriers’ adaptability to apartment living isn’t just limited to their size and shedding habits. Their relatively low need for space and the ease of keeping their living area clean make them ideal companions for those of us who appreciate the joys of living with pets without the constant need for cleanup. So, for anyone worried about having to constantly vacuum and clean in a small living space, a Boston Terrier’s minimal shedding is a breath of fresh air. It’s one of the many reasons why they’re cherished as the perfect pet for modern, urban living.
Seasonal Shedding
Dogs, including Boston Terriers, experience seasonal shedding as a natural process to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This shedding is primarily related to the light cycle, which influences their hormonal balance and consequently their coat health. Here’s a deeper look into why this happens:
Light Exposure and Hormonal Changes
The amount of daylight affects the production of melatonin and other hormones in dogs, which in turn influences their shedding patterns. During transitions into spring and fall, the noticeable change in daylight hours triggers dogs to either shed their old coat to prepare for the warmer months or grow a thicker one for the colder season. Although Boston Terriers have a single coat and shed less than double-coated breeds, they still undergo this natural cycle, albeit to a lesser extent.
Preparing for Temperature Changes
The primary reason behind seasonal shedding is to adjust to the temperature changes associated with different seasons. In the lead-up to summer, dogs shed their winter coat to stay cool and prevent overheating. Conversely, as the weather cools down in anticipation of winter, dogs shed their lighter summer coat to make way for a denser one that will help them retain body heat.
Boston Terriers and Seasonal Shedding
While Boston Terriers might not have a dense undercoat like some breeds, they still experience seasonal shedding. This breed is known for its adaptability, but even they need to adjust their coat as per the environmental demands. The shedding might be less pronounced than in heavily coated breeds, but Boston Terrier owners can expect a slight increase in shedding during these transitional periods.
Managing Seasonal Shedding
For Boston Terrier owners, managing seasonal shedding involves maintaining a regular grooming routine. Brushing your dog more frequently during these times can help manage the amount of fur shed and distribute natural skin oils throughout their coat, promoting a healthy shine and reducing skin irritation. Additionally, ensuring a balanced diet and keeping your pet hydrated can support a healthy coat year-round.
Seasonal shedding is a natural and healthy process for dogs, including Boston Terriers. It’s their body’s way of ensuring they are as comfortable as possible regardless of the season. Understanding this can help owners better care for their pets and minimize the impact of shedding on their household.

Health Conditions
If you notice extra shedding, there may be cause for concern. Excess stress, for instance, can cause increased shedding. One of the most common causes of stress is changes in emotional behavior with other causes being environmental changes, fear, and aging.
Additionally, allergies can be the culprit, causing irritated and itchy skin. They can result in increased scratching which can lead to more shedding.
Aging
Boston Terrier puppies are born with fuzzy fur that keeps them warm and safe. At approximately four to five months old, they will shed this fir to make way for their adult coat. So expect shedding to occur at this age as it will be completely normal.
Are Boston Terriers Considered Hypoallergenic?
A hypoallergenic dog breed does not shed or only sheds minimally. However, while Boston Terriers do not shed a lot, they are not considered hypoallergenic.
Their shedding may still cause the spread of fur and dander around your home. Despite this, their shedding does not release enough fur or dander to incite an allergic reaction in most humans.
How to Decrease the Shedding
There are several things you can do to help decrease your Boston Terrier’s shedding. Follow these steps to have a positive impact on your dog’s shedding.
Bathe Your Boston Terrier Regularly
Set up a routine schedule to bathe your Boston Terrier once each week. This will help remove any fur that’s about to fall out and, as a bonus, will keep your dog smelling great.
Make sure you don’t pour water directly on their face as this is one of their least favorite things about bath time. Instead, use a washcloth to gently wash the face area.
Offer a treat once the bath is over and have a big, fluffy towel ready to wrap your Boston Terrier in to keep them warm.
Brush Your Boston Terrier’s Hair Regularly
You also want to set up a brushing routine to remove the fallen hairs from your dog’s coat. Brush at least once a week to reduce shedding.
Feed Your Boston Terrier Foods Rich in Omega-3s
A diet rich in Omega-3s will provide your dog with a shiny, beautiful coat but also prevent excess shedding. If you’re not interested in changing your Boston Terrier’s diet, you can decide to opt for supplements.
Increase Your Boston Terrier’s Water Intake
Dehydrated skin can also increase the amount of shedding your Boston Terrier experiences. You’ll want to increase their water intake if you’re noticing a lot of shedding. You always want to make sure they have a fresh supply of water available whether they are shedding or not.
Offer Your Boston Terrier Enough Playtime
Playtime with your Boston Terrier is a great way to ensure they don’t have a buildup of stress. You want to ensure that your dog has a great environment where they can eat, sleep, and play with no stress.
Schedule Regular Veterinary Check-ups for Your Boston Terrier
Maintaining your Boston Terrier’s health is another way to ensure that you don’t experience excessive shedding. Your vet will be able to check for any underlying causes of shedding problems and offer treatments.

How to Groom Your Boston Terrier
Grooming your Boston Terrier will not require much of your time or effort. This is thanks to their short, smooth coat. Brushing once a week will be sufficient in most cases.
During the periods of heavier shedding in the spring and fall, you may find that you need to increase the number of times you brush to more than once a week. However, you will find that it is not a difficult task and will not take much of your time either way.
Rubber and soft-bristled brushes are the two best options for your Boston Terrier. The rubber brush will massage your dog’s skin while removing the dead hair. The bristled brushes have tightly-packed bristles that are ideal for short-haired dogs.
Conclusion
For an easy dog breed to maintain, the Boston Terrier is an excellent choice. They have single coats that are simple to groom and keep looking shiny. They also don’t offer the problems that other breeds with double coats present.
Boston Terriers, because of their single coats, do not shed excessively. There are many options available that will further decrease their minimal shedding, making them a supremely easy breed to groom and maintain.
Supplementing your Boston Terrier’s diet with Omega-3s, bathing them regularly, grooming them regularly, maintaining stress levels, offering enough water, and ensuring they see the vet routinely will ensure that shedding does not become excessive.