Dogs are shedding machines. It’s a fact of life that all dog owners have to deal with.
Some breeds shed more than others, and some individual dogs shed more than their brethren.
If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t shed much, you might be out of luck. But if you’re willing to accept a little shedding in exchange for a lot of love, there are plenty of options.
The worst shedding dog breed is the Akita. This breed sheds heavily all year round, and weekly brushing is a must to keep the shedding under control.
Check out 43 other heavy shedders dog breeds in the list, below.
44. Akita
Akitas are ancient Japanese dogs and are symbols of good health, long life, and happiness. They have dense double coats that come in different colors.
Although they shed minimally for most parts of the year, their shedding seasons twice a year is something to prepare for because their undercoats fall off so much it forms clumps around the house. This requires extra work in grooming and especially cleaning!
43. Alaskan Malamute
Like their relatives the Siberians, Alaskan Malamutes were also first discovered as arctic sled dogs. Living in the cold regions for many years before becoming house pets, they are covered in dense, weatherproof double coats.
These dogs shed all the time but more so during the shedding seasons which occur twice a year. So in addition to the daily brushing sessions, raking their undercoats is a must.
42. Old English Sheepdog
Just by looking at the Old English Sheepdog, you can already tell that this breed is going to make you work hard vacuuming their fur around. These shaggy dogs are known for their profuse double coat.
It’d be wise to note that they shed heavily during specific seasons. To minimize the clean-up, these dogs require weekly thorough grooming to maintain the health of their coats.
41. Toy Poodle
Despite being small, Toy Poodles are capable of shedding fur every now and then. Being athletic dogs, you will probably find yourself cleaning many surfaces when they get too energetic.
To lessen the loose hairs, their coat can be clipped in a short trim. But if you want to maintain their curls, you will need to learn how to properly brush their coats daily to avoid matting.
40. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are described by many dog experts as a dog in sheep’s clothing because of its crisp, curly coat. Their double coats are a mix of soft and harsh hair. Regardless of the ratio of soft and harsh hair, these dogs fortunately rarely shed.
However, their coats can grow very quickly and will require 2 to 3 times brushing every week and clipping every two months.
39. Maltese
Maltese have enjoyed fame for being the most favorite lapdogs of aristocrats in Malta since ancient times. Their bodies that are covered in floor-length, straight hair confer them an elegant look.
You’d probably be surprised that despite their long hair, they shed infrequently. To keep it that way, their coats require daily brushing and combing to the skin to prevent the matting and tangling of hair strands.
38. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are another dog breed that is famous for their head-to-foot coat of silky, long hair. Their long locks are said to be more like human hair in texture than animal fur, hence they infrequently shed and are recommended with human hair care.
If you decide to keep their floor-length crown of glory, their coats require daily brushing and bathing every other week to avoid infections.
37. Kuvasz
These large Hungarian dogs became known both as great hunters and as beautiful household pets because of their thick, white coats of fur. The Kuvasz’s double coat consists of guard hair on top and a fine undercoat below.
These dogs are shed regularly regardless of seasons and reproductive stage. But despite that, they are relatively easy to care for needing only weekly brushing and occasional bathing to reduce shedding.
36. Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is the national dog of Israel. These dogs have coats that are made of straight and harsh fur that come in various colors and patterns.
Although they only shed heavily once a year, they are still shedding regularly for most of the year. To help remove loose hairs and keep their coat healthy, frequent brushing is necessary during their annual heavy shedding.
35. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres are farm dogs with muscular bodies covered in weatherproof coats. If you ever decide to get one, take note that these dogs are seasonal shedders that shed a lot when their schedule arrives.
Despite the texture of their coat, they are somewhat easy to maintain. They only need brushing once or twice a week using slicker or pin brushes and large combs.
34. Australian Shepherd
Known for being entertainers and companions of cowboys, the Australian Shepherds have coats that can show off different colors and patterns.
Their waterproof double coat requires weekly brushing sessions as maintenance. They shed seasonally and when the season comes, extra work is done every two to three days with the help of an undercoat rake to remove dead hairs. This is followed by cleanup with a wired brush.
33. Border Collie
Being part of a herding dog group, Border Collies either have a rough or smooth dense, water-resistant double coat. Rough coats have a feathery texture, while smooth coats are shorter and coarser.
The same care is applied to both types of coats which is a twice-a-week brushing with a pin brush. These dogs are seasonal heavy shedders and grooming during their shedding season requires daily brushing.
32. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are robust working dogs that are covered in glistening black double coats with rust markings. The outer coat consists of straight, coarse medium-length fur that lies flat on top of a scarce undercoat.
They are also seasonal shedders that shed profusely twice a year and shed moderately for most of the year. Haircare for these dogs is easy needing only weekly brushing and regular bathing sessions.
31. Norwegian Elkhound
One of Europe’s oldest dogs, the Norwegian Elkhounds are known for two things, as figures in Norse legends and as dogs that have dense silver-gray coats. Their double coats only need weekly brushing when it is not their shedding season.
But during their shedding season, 5 minutes of back-brushing a day is needed for their grooming or else fluffs of silver undercoat hair will roll around your house.
30. Bichon Frise
The charming Bichon Frise is known for its hypoallergenic coats that are soft and velvety to the touch. They are hypoallergenic dogs because they shed infrequently due to their loose hair getting caught up in their undercoats.
The shed hair should be brushed out all the time to prevent matting in the undercoat. To groom these dogs regularly, they need daily brushing and monthly clipping and bathing.
29. Pekingese
These sophisticated dogs from China have a characteristic long coat in their necks and shoulders giving them their famous lion mane appearance. Pekingese dogs have a thick double coat all over that requires two to three times brushing per week as maintenance.
They shed seasonally and when they do, using a slicker brush or metal comb daily on their coat can help remove matted hair and tangles comfortably.
28. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have coats that come in different colors and patterns. During their regular days, these dogs do not require much attention in terms of grooming. They only need to brush once a week to keep their coat healthy.
Keeping their feet hair trimmed is also advised. During their seasonal shedding, daily brushing is recommended to remove loose hairs from forming mats on their coats.
27. Shiba Inu
This famous Japanese dog breed is gaining popularity because of its good-natured demeanor. Besides, the Shiba Inu is also characterized as having coat colors combined with distinct white markings.
These dogs shed a lot, with their two shedding seasons lasting up to 6 months at a time in some dogs. During this time, brushing or combing can reduce the amount of floating hair around the house.
26. Basset Hound
The dog breed with the most remarkable scenting ability, the Basset Hounds are also known for their trademark long head, velvety ears, mournful eyes, and wrinkled brows making them look sad.
But the thing that can make pet owners a little sad is these dogs’ ability to shed profusely occasionally. To control the amount of shed fur, brushing two to three times a week can be enough.
25. Sheltie
Shetland Sheepdogs or Shelties is a herder dog from Scotland. These dogs resemble their close relatives the Collies not just with how they look but their shedding ability as well.
Their profuse double coat that is long, harsh, and straight on the outer but short, furry, and dense under, also sheds considerably a lot of fur seasonally. During their shedding season, it’s recommended to brush their coat daily.
24. Chihuahua
A small dog but with a big personality, the Chihuahua has made it through ancient times successfully. Today, these dogs have earned the reputation as national symbols of Mexico.
Their coats which can either be long or short come in many colors and patterns. Both coat varieties shed occasionally but grooming techniques differ for each. Short coats only need occasional brushing while long coats require daily brushing.
23. Dalmatian
Anyone can easily spot a Dalmatian because of their famous eye-catching coat adorned with black or brown spots against a white background. Their coats are one of the most distinctive ones in the whole dog kingdom.
Unfortunately, these dogs shed frequently albeit in moderate amounts. But worry not because it doesn’t take much work to keep their coat healthy. Occasional baths and weekly brushing can do the trick.
22. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are famous for their elegant beauty and regal appearance owing to their glamorous exterior made of thick, silky, and flowing crown of glory.
They may look like they are a handful in terms of grooming and maintenance but these beautiful dogs shed infrequently. To keep their long silky coat free of mats and tangles, brushing their hair a few hours per day is needed.
21. Keeshond
These smart-looking dogs that look like they have a pair of spectacles possess a foxy face complemented by an abundant double coat. Keeshonds are seasonal shedder dogs and when they do they tend to lose a lot of hair.
To keep the shedding to a minimum, brushing their coat daily during shedding season usually does the job. But on regular days, brushing twice a week can be enough.
20. Alaskan Husky
Alaskan Husky is more of a category of dogs than it is a breed. Dogs belonging to this group are famous for being champion sled racers. The thick coats that help them survive the cold come in any color and any pattern markings.
They are shed heavily once a year and rarely shed lightly during any time. Since their coats are self-cleaning, they don’t need bathing regularly.
19. Tervuren
The Tervuren or aptly named Belgian Tervuren are medium-sized herding dogs. They are characterized by having a straight and abundant coat with conspicuous furnishings around the neck like a scarf.
During their annual shedding season, the regular grooming, which usually only requires a few minutes and simple tools like a pin or slicker brush, expands to 20-minute sessions and with additional tools to help remove all dead hair.
18. Saint Bernard
The gentle giant of the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernard is one of the most famous and beloved dog breeds. These dogs have coats that consist of either short hair or long hair, but regardless of the variety, both types require the same care.
They shed heavily twice a year and during these seasons daily brushing is recommended. But when they aren’t excessively shedding, weekly brushing is fine.
17. Samoyed
Samoyeds are dubbed as happy dogs because of the perpetual smile they wear. These fluffy dogs are covered in thick white coats to protect them from the extreme weather conditions in Siberia.
Their double coat that is long and harsh on the outside and soft and wooly on the inside, sheds a bit all the time. But more so during their shedding season, which occurs twice a year.
16. Pomeranian
The Pomeranians are a popular toy dog breed because of their adorable personality and cute appearance. Their abundant coat that comes in a variety of colors, is fluffier over their chest and shoulders making them look like cotton balls when standing on their short legs.
These dogs are seasonal shedders. Frequent brushing with a pin brush and a slicker brush will prevent their hair from matting and tangling.
15. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
A popular choice as small house dogs, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi are short dogs but surprisingly quick and agile. Their coats can come in black, tan, red, fawn, and many more colors.
Just like their cousins, the Cardigan Welsh Corgis, these dogs also shed regularly. Their thick weatherproof double coats lose a fair amount of hair daily, thus daily brushing is strongly encouraged.
14. Groenendael
The Groenendael or more commonly known as the Belgian Sheepdog features an elegant silhouette thanks to its abundant black coat. It forms a collarette on their necks down to the breeches of their hind legs.
When it’s not their shedding season, their double coats are easy to manage to need only weekly brushing. But when the annual shedding arrives, daily brushing is needed to remove all the shed off hair.
13. American Eskimo Dog
The dog breed with beauty and brains, the American Eskimo Dog boasts of a sparkling white double coat with a lion-like mane over the neck and shoulders.
Even though it looks like it’s a lot of work maintaining their fluffy coat, they only require a thorough brushing two to three times a week. This is also enough during their shedding season to remove the dead hairs.
12. Beagle
Beagles popularized the puppy expression that we know of today. Hence, it’s no wonder that these dogs are the top choice among hound dogs as household pets.
The double coats of these cute dogs get dense and heavy during certain times of the year and will usually be followed by profuse shedding. To reduce the loose hair flying around, brushing their coat 2-3 times a week is necessary.
11. Pug
With a face that can contort into different human-like expressions, Pugs are a popular option among would-be pet owners. Their coats can come in three colors and sometimes, depending on the combination, they have a black face mask.
These little dogs shed regularly but only require minimal maintenance such as weekly brushing using a medium-bristle brush, a rubbing grooming mitt, or a hound glove to help remove loose hair.
10. Newfoundland
These large but sweet dogs are favorites among households with kids because Newfoundlands are known to be patient and watchful substitute nannies. Their thick double coats can come in brown, gray, black, and black and white combinations.
The shedding season for these dogs occurs twice a year and during these times, daily thorough brushing of their heavy coats with a long toothed-combed is strongly encouraged to prevent hair matting.
9. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are viewed as versatile dogs by many dog lovers. They have a smooth body outline due to the fluffiness of their medium-length double coats that is dense and harsh on top but soft under.
This breed is easy to maintain despite shedding regularly, usually only requiring brushing every few days. During their main shedding season twice a year, frequent brushing will control the loose hairs.
8. Golden Retriever
Because of their dense, lustrous coat of golden fur, these all-purpose dogs were named Golden Retrievers. However, their golden coats are shed off excessively once or twice a year and moderately regularly.
To reduce the amount of hair that will fall off, a thorough brushing daily during shedding seasons and weekly on regular days is necessary. Occasional baths also help control their hair fall.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Being mountain dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dogs are covered in tricolored, thick, silky moderately-long double coats to protect them from harsh environmental conditions. One of the breed’s unique features is the distinctive marking on their coats and faces.
These dogs are known to shed a fair amount of fur regularly but they shed profusely twice a year. During their shedding season, daily brushing is advised.
6. Chow Chow
Chow Chows have several traits distinct from their breed. They have a lion’s mane around the head and shoulders and a blue-black tongue. Their coats that can either be smooth or rough in texture are also an identifying feature.
Both types of profuse double coats require regular grooming. They are seasonal shedders so brushing at least twice a week can be enough to keep their coat healthy.
5. Labrador Retriever
Known as America’s most popular dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are a favorite because of their affectionate nature. These dogs’ coats are hard and dense and come in black, yellow, and chocolate brown.
They shed regularly and so regular grooming is needed to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are the standard regimens for these dogs for fur-free clothes and furniture at home.
4. Siberian Husky
Having been discovered in a cold town in Siberia, Siberian Huskies are endowed with thick coats that can help them withstand the freezing temperature. Their double coats consist of guard hair on top of a finer undercoat.
In terms of bathing, these dogs are self-cleaning hence they only need a few baths yearly. Being seasonal shedders twice a year, weekly brushing of the undercoat, especially, is recommended.
3. Great Pyrenees
Another mountain dog on this list, the Great Pyrenees is also covered in an all-white or mostly white thick weatherproof coat with various markings to surviving on snowy mountaintops.
Grooming these dogs can be a little tricky because, despite their abundant fur, they are low maintenance as their coats are tangle and dirt-resistant. But when the shedding season comes, frequent brushing is needed to avoid fur storms.
2. Labradoodle
Labradoodles were the result of crossbreeding the Labrador Retrievers and Poodles by Australian breeders with the hopes that the product breed will inherit the desired qualities of both ancestors.
Fortunately, it turned out that these dogs got both the low-shedding coat trait of the Poodle and the trainability of the Labrador Retrievers. However, owners noted that these dogs still shed a significant amount of fur during certain times.
1. Rough Collie
This popular protagonist in many dog novels by renowned children’s book authors shed heavily during specific seasons. The Rough Collies require weekly brushing down to the skin to avoid matting in certain areas such as behind the ears and elbows, and to remove the loose undercoat.
These dogs need extra time and attention for grooming to eliminate fur problems and keep the coat shiny and skin healthy.
Related Questions
Why Does My Dog Shed So Much After A Bath?
Bad brushing techniques can cause your dog to shed so much after bath time. According to veterinarians, you should brush your pets before and after a bath to avoid matting on their coats that can cause shedding. Waiting for their coats to dry up before brushing thoroughly helps reduce shedding.
What Causes A Dog To Shed Excessively?
Dogs shed excessively depending on their breed, health condition, season, and environment. Certain breeds shed excessively during specific times of the year and this seasonal shedding is normal. In addition, when dogs are stressed, taking medications may lead to shedding as a side effect. Skin issues and allergies may also lead to profusely shedding.
What Will Stop My Dog From Shedding So Much?
Providing your dogs with a healthy diet and grooming them properly and regularly are the simple steps you can do at home that can significantly reduce their shedding. However, if the amount and frequency are starting to alarm you, it is best to book an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
