Dog lovers know that hair shedding is a natural part of raising a furry friend, but some breeds take it to another level. Hair shedding can be affected by factors such as the dog’s coat type, the time of year, and even the individual dog’s health. While all dogs shed to some degree, certain breeds are notorious for the amount of hair they leave behind. This article explains 13 dog breeds that shed the most hair, ranked in descending order. If you’re considering bringing a dog of one of these breeds into your home, be prepared for some extra grooming and vacuuming to keep your living space clean.
13. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are huge, gentle dogs known for their role as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps. Their thick, dense double coat is perfect for keeping them warm in cold weather, but it also means they shed a fair amount of hair. Saint Bernards shed moderately throughout the year, but their shedding increases significantly during seasonal changes in the spring and fall. Their large size only increases the amount of fur they shed. Regular brushing is necessary to control their shedding, especially during peak shedding seasons. Saint Bernards are prone to tangling if their coat is not properly cared for, so it’s important to groom them to keep their coat healthy and reduce hair loss around the house.
12. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. However, they also tend to shed a lot due to their dense double coat. German Shepherds shed constantly throughout the year, with a significant increase in their hair growth during the spring and fall when they “blow” their coats. During these times, they shed their undercoat, leaving a significant amount of hair around the house. Regular grooming, which includes brushing several times a week, is important to control shedding and keep their coats healthy. Despite the shedding, German Shepherds are beloved for their work ethic and strong bond with their families.
11. Akita
The Akita is a powerful and dignified breed originating from Japan, where it was traditionally used for hunting and guarding. The Akita has a thick double coat that sheds profusely, especially in the spring and fall seasons. During these times, Akitas “blow” their coats, resulting in large amounts of fur being shed. Even outside of shedding season, Akitas shed moderate amounts throughout the year. Regular grooming is a must to control their shedding and prevent tangling. Akitas require a strong commitment to grooming, but their loyalty and protective nature make them a rewarding breed for the right owner.
10. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are known for their charming appearance and high energy levels, but they are also known for shedding copiously. Huskies have a thick double coat that is designed to protect them from the harsh arctic climate. While this coat is highly effective in cold weather, it also causes significant shedding. Huskies shed moderately throughout the year, but twice a year, they go through a period of heavy shedding known as “blowing their coat.” During this time, Huskies shed their undercoat, resulting in a large amount of hair loss in a short period of time. Regular grooming and brushing is important to control shedding and keep their coat healthy. Despite the hair loss, Huskies are loved for their playful and adventurous personalities.
9. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is another Arctic breed known for its thick, weather-resistant double coat. Malamutes were originally bred to pull heavy sleds over long distances, and their coat is designed to keep them warm in cold temperatures. This dense coat also means that Malamutes shed a lot. Like Huskies, Malamutes shed moderately throughout the year, but their shedding increases significantly during the spring and fall when they blow their coat. If not properly managed, shedding can become excessive, with fur appearing on every surface in the house. Regular grooming, including frequent brushing, is a must to control shedding and prevent matting and other coat problems. Malamutes are known for their strength and stamina, which makes them excellent working dogs, but shedding is something potential owners should be prepared for.
8. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are instantly recognizable for their lion-like hair and furry appearance, but this beautiful coat comes at a price—heavy shedding. Chow Chows have a dense, double coat that sheds year-round, with a significant increase during seasonal changes. Their dense undercoat is the main cause of shedding, and can become matted if not properly cared for. Grooming them regularly is a must to control shedding and keep their hair in good condition. Chow Chows are also known to be somewhat aloof and independent, so they may not be as cooperative during grooming sessions as some other breeds. Despite the shedding, Chow Chows are beloved for their unique appearance and loyal nature.
7. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly and affectionate nature. However, they are also known for shedding copious amounts of hair. Golden Retrievers have a dense double coat that sheds year-round, shedding more during the spring and fall. Their long, flowing hair can quickly cover furniture, clothing, and floors if not properly managed. Regular grooming, which includes brushing several times a week, is essential to control hair loss and keep their coat healthy and shiny. Despite the hair loss, Golden Retrievers are beloved for their gentle nature and strong bond with their families, making them a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
6. Corgi (Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh)
Corgis, both the Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh varieties, are small but powerful dogs that have a surprising amount of hair loss. These herding dogs have a thick double coat that sheds profusely, especially in the spring and fall. Corgis may be small in stature, but they make up for it with the amount of hair they have. Regular grooming is necessary to control hair loss and prevent matting, especially in their dense undercoat. Despite the shedding, Corgis are beloved for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature, making them a popular choice for families and dog enthusiasts.
5. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic and powerful breed known for its protective nature and thick, weather-resistant double coat. Originally bred to guard livestock in the mountains, Great Pyrenees have a coat that is designed to protect them from harsh weather conditions. However, this thick coat also means that Great Pyrenees shed a lot. They shed all year round, increasing significantly during spring and fall when they blow their coat. If not properly managed, shedding can become excessive, with fur covering every surface in the house. Regular grooming, including frequent brushing, is essential to control shedding and keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Despite the shedding, the Great Pyrenees is a loving breed known for its loyalty and protective nature.
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are gentle giants known for their strength, loyalty, and thick, water-resistant double coat. Originally bred to assist fishermen in the cold waters of Newfoundland, these dogs’ coat is perfect for their work, but it also causes a fair amount of hair loss. Newfoundlands shed year-round, with increased shedding during the spring and fall. Their thick undercoat is the main source of hair loss, and it’s important to groom them regularly to control shedding and keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Newfoundlands are known for their gentle and patient nature, which makes them great family dogs, but their shedding is something potential owners should be prepared for.
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranians may be small in size, but they are big on shedding. These adorable little dogs have a thick double coat that sheds a lot, especially in the spring and fall. Pomeranians may be small, but if not properly managed they can shed a lot of hair, which quickly spreads to furniture, clothing and floors. Regular grooming, which includes brushing several times a week, is important to control shedding and keep their coat healthy and tangle-free. Despite the shedding, Pomeranians are beloved for their lively and affectionate nature, making them a popular choice for individuals and families alike.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly and affectionate nature. However, they are also known for shedding copious amounts of hair. Labs have a dense double coat that sheds year-round, shedding more during the spring and fall. Their short, thick fur can quickly cover furniture, clothing, and floors if not properly managed. Regular grooming, which includes brushing several times a week, is essential to control hair loss and keep their coat healthy and shiny. Despite the hair loss, Labrador Retrievers are beloved for their gentle nature and strong bond with their families, making them a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed known for its calm temperament and beautiful tricolor coat. Bred to work as farm dogs in the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick double coat that provides insulation in cold weather. However, this coat also sheds a lot, especially during the spring and fall when they blow their coat. Regular grooming is important to control hair loss and keep the undercoat from becoming matted. Despite their size and hair loss, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, affectionate, and great with children, which makes them excellent family pets. However, prospective owners should be prepared for how much hair these dogs can shed.
These dog breeds are known for their heavy shedding, which can be a challenge for dog owners who prefer a tidy home. While shedding is a natural part of owning a dog, it’s important to be prepared for the amount of hair these breeds shed. Regular grooming, which includes brushing, bathing, and trimming, is necessary to control shedding and keep your dog’s coat healthy and tangle-free. Despite the shedding, these breeds are beloved for their unique personalities, loyalty, and strong bond with their families. If you’re considering bringing one of these breeds into your home, be prepared for some extra grooming and vacuuming, but also know that you’ll be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion.