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13 Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

By: Ejay Camposano
A college graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Ejay has a diverse background that combines technical expertise with a passion for pets and is now one of the content writers at IHD. Read more
| October 1, 2024
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If you’re a dog lover, you’ve probably noticed that some breeds seem to leave a trail of fur wherever they go. While all dogs shed to some extent, some breeds are notorious for shedding more than others. These breeds are known for turning your home into a fur-covered wonderland, Whether due to their thick double coats, seasonal shedding, or just a natural tendency to lose fur. If you’re considering bringing one of these dogs into your life, you’d better invest in a good vacuum and plenty of lint rollers!

Siberian Husky

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Siberian Huskies are among the most beautiful dog breeds, with their striking blue eyes and thick, double-layered coats. However, their stunning appearance comes with a price—shedding and lots of it. Huskies are designed for cold climates, so their double coat is essential for insulation. They “blow” their coats twice a year, which means you’ll deal with large amounts of fur during these seasonal sheds. Even in between shedding seasons, Huskies tend to leave a fair amount of fur behind. Regular grooming can help manage the mess, but if you’re considering a Husky, be prepared for a house full of fluff.

German Shepherd

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German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and work ethic, making them excellent service dogs, police dogs, and family companions. However, they’re also known for being heavy shedders. Like the Husky, German Shepherds have a thick double coat that helps protect them in all weather conditions. While they shed year-round, you’ll notice a significant increase during the spring and fall when they shed their undercoat. Regular brushing and grooming can help minimize the shedding but expect to find plenty of fur around your home if you welcome one of these loyal dogs.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly and gentle nature. But they also come with a significant downside—shedding. Goldens have a thick double coat that sheds year-round, with heavier shedding periods in the spring and fall. Their beautiful golden fur can be found on couches, carpets, and almost everywhere else in the house. Despite the shedding, Golden Retrievers are beloved for their affectionate nature and are worth the extra vacuuming sessions for many families.

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers are another extremely popular breed known for their energy, intelligence, and friendly demeanor. However, they’re also known for their constant shedding. Labs have a short, dense double coat that helps protect them in various weather conditions, but it also means they shed heavily throughout the year. The shedding becomes even more intense when they blow their coats in spring and fall. Regular brushing and baths can help reduce the amount of fur flying around your home, but if you own a Lab, expect to be well-acquainted with your vacuum cleaner.

Alaskan Malamute

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Alaskan Malamutes are closely related to Siberian Huskies, and, like their cousins, they are heavy shedders. Bred for hauling heavy loads in cold climates, Malamutes have a thick, dense double coat that provides insulation. However, this coat also leads to massive shedding, especially during seasonal changes. Malamutes tend to shed large clumps of fur when they blow their coat, and even regular brushing can’t fully stop the fur from spreading around your home. If you’re considering an Alaskan Malamute, be prepared for a lot of grooming and shedding.

Saint Bernard

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Saint Bernards are known for their massive size and gentle, friendly demeanor. These gentle giants are great family dogs but also have a lot of fur. Saint Bernards have a thick, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round, with more intense shedding periods in the spring and fall. Their long, dense fur can quickly cover your furniture, floors, and clothes, so regular brushing is essential to keep the shedding under control. Despite the shedding, Saint Bernards are beloved for their calm and affectionate nature, making them worth the extra cleaning effort for many owners.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, beautiful dogs known for their tri-colored coats and friendly personalities. They were originally bred to work in the Swiss Alps, and their thick double coats helped protect them from the cold. However, this coat also means that they shed—a lot. Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, with increased shedding during seasonal changes. Their long, silky fur can quickly take over your home if not managed with regular brushing. Despite the shedding, Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal, affectionate companions who make great family pets.

Chow Chow

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Chow Chows are known for their distinctive lion-like mane and fluffy coats. While their appearance is undeniably striking, their thick double coat also means that they shed heavily. Chow Chows shed year-round, but the shedding becomes particularly intense during seasonal changes. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat healthy and to minimize the amount of fur they leave behind. Despite their shedding, Chow Chows are loyal and protective dogs who form strong bonds with their families.

Akita

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Akitas are large, powerful dogs known for their loyalty and protective instincts. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes. Akitas shed their undercoat in large clumps, which can quickly cover your home if not managed with regular grooming. Despite the shedding, Akitas are beloved for their strong, independent personalities and unwavering loyalty to their families. An Akita can be a wonderful companion if you’re willing to try to manage the shedding.

Corgi

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Corgis may be small, but they shed like much larger dogs. The Pembroke and Cardigan Corgis have thick double coats that shed heavily throughout the year. Corgis are also known for their playful, energetic personalities, which makes them a popular choice for families. However, their shedding can be intense, especially during the spring and fall when they shed their undercoat. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of fur they leave behind, but if you’re considering a Corgi, be prepared for a lot of shedding in exchange for their loyal companionship.

Newfoundland

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Newfoundlands are massive dogs known for their gentle nature and love of water. However, they also come with a significant amount of fur. Newfoundlands have a thick, water-resistant double coat that sheds heavily year-round. Their shedding becomes particularly intense during seasonal changes, and their large size means there’s a lot of fur to go around. Despite the shedding, Newfoundlands are beloved for their calm, friendly demeanor and ability to form strong bonds with their families.

Great Pyrenees

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Great Pyrenees are large, majestic dogs known for their protective nature and their thick, white coats. Bred to guard livestock in the mountains, their double coat helps protect them from the elements, but it also means that they shed—a lot. Great Pyrenees shed year-round, with increased shedding during the spring and fall. Their long, fluffy fur can quickly take over your home if not managed with regular grooming. Despite the shedding, Great Pyrenees are loyal, gentle dogs who make excellent guardians and companions.

Shetland Sheepdog

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Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, may be small, but they shed like much larger dogs. Their long, thick double coat sheds heavily throughout the year, with increased shedding during seasonal changes. Shelties are known for their intelligence, agility, and loyalty, making them great companions for active families. However, their shedding can be overwhelming without regular brushing and grooming. Despite the shedding, Shelties are beloved for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them well worth the extra grooming effort.

When Your Vacuum Becomes Your Best Friend

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So, if you’re considering one of these fur-filled breeds, be prepared to form a close relationship with your vacuum cleaner! These dogs may shed like no tomorrow, but their loyal, affectionate personalities make them worth every bit of fur you’ll be cleaning up. You’ll quickly find that no matter how much they shed, you wouldn’t trade your furry friend for the world. Just remember—fur-covered everything is a small price to pay for the unconditional love and joy these dogs bring to your life!