12 Dog Breeds That Shed the Most (With Info & Pictures)

Every dog breed has its own unique appearance, and the fluffiest tend to shed the most. All seasoned dog parents know that grooming is a major consideration when you’re thinking of welcoming a new dog into your family. Some folks don’t mind the upkeep, but others may suffer from allergies and not want to deal with frequent grooming, or just would rather not have dog hair all over the place.

Some breeds shed so little they’re almost hypoallergenic, but we’re not here to talk about them. In this article, we’ll be talking about the heavy shedders that set off allergies and clog up vacuums. We love them, but these are some of the heaviest shedders in the canine world. Read on for the breeds and details.

The 12 Dog Breeds That Shed the Most

1. Siberian Husky

One of the most gorgeous breeds out there, the Siberian Husky has a distinctly wolf-like appearance, with either a short, plush, or thick wooly coat. All three are equally thick, but the length and texture of their fur differ.  These lively, zany free spirits are horrible shedders, blowing their coats twice a year in the spring and fall. Huskies are generally clean dogs if you can deal with hair in every conceivable place across your house.

2. Akita

The fierce, loyal Akita has a thick plush double coat, with short hair on top of a dense undercoat. Unfortunately, that comes with the cost of heavy shedding throughout the year, with big spikes in the spring and fall. Akitas are one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world, with a long ancestry as working and guard dogs in Japan.

3. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees was bred as a livestock guardian in France, with a large muscular size that makes them formidable guard dogs. Their long, furry coat is just as difficult to care for as you’d think, shedding an immense amount of dander and fur throughout the year. Like other heavy shedders, the Great Pyrenees sheds significantly more during the spring and fall seasons.

4. Chow Chow

The reserved, intensely loyal Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, used as protectors, hunting dogs, and even sled dogs. They can have either a rough or smooth, thick double coat that sheds moderately through the year. Chow Chows blow their coats twice a year—in the spring to prepare for the summer, and in the fall to prepare for the winter.

5. Golden Retriever

The family-friendly Golden Retriever gets along famously with everyone, but your vacuum might not like them very much after vacuuming up their hair every day. Goldens require regular brushing to prevent mats, and a good de-shedding brush is a must to get out loose fur tufts and pick apart tangles.

6. American Eskimo Dog

Belonging to the same Spitz family as the Akita and Pomeranian, the American Eskimo Dog shares the Pom’s fluffy tail, foxy visage, and bright, exuberant personality. As you probably expect, they also shed quite a bit on a regular basis. We recommend giving them a good brush two or even three times a week, depending on how their coat looks.

7. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are known for shedding moderately, with a little more fur lost every day. They’re not as grooming intensive as the fluffier breeds above, though, which means you don’t need to brush them as frequently. They blow their short, dense double coats twice a year as other heavy shedders do, so watch out for extra fur in spring and fall.

8. Labrador Retriever

The Lab was the most popular dog in the world for 31 years, so lots of people out there are familiar with how much they shed. Shaggier Labs tend to shed worse on a regular basis, while Labs with shorter coats aren’t that bad by comparison. Like other big dogs that shed a lot, Labs should be regularly brushed to preemptively remove dead fur before it falls all over your furniture and carpets.

9. Alaskan Malamute

The wolfy Alaskan Malamute has a lot in common with the Husky, from their sled dog heritage to their profuse shedding. Malamutes with thicker, woolier fur may shed more, but they all need weekly baths and periodic brushing to keep their fur free of tangles and mats. A firm slicker brush should be just the thing, but make sure the pins are sturdy.

10. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Affectionately called Cardis by their many fans, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is distinguished from the Pembroke Corgi by their slightly bigger size and a docked tail. However, both types of Corgis shed much more than you’d think. Their coats are short, thick double coats that sheds a bit every day, which makes them moderate shedders. The sheer volume of fur with a Corgi will be a lot less than furrier canines, if it’s any consolation.

11. Saint Bernard

This furry gentle giant is one of the biggest shedders, as their huge frame and shaggy fur might imply. Saint Bernards are more like German Shepherds in that they shed moderately on a regular basis, but a weekly session with a durable slicker brush helps smooth things along a lot. Long-haired Saint Bernards shed even more, to up the ante.

12. Bernese Mountain Dog

Another hairy goliath of a dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog sheds like the sheep they were bred to guide. They’re especially bad as far as dander goes, making them poor companions for allergy sufferers. Bernese Mountain Dogs can get unkempt without not only regular grooming but a nice haircut once in a while.

In Conclusion

Unfortunately, some of the cuddliest dogs are the worst shedders out there, but that’s just the price we pay. The silver lining is that regular baths and brushing sessions can keep even the most unruly pooch’s coat in beautiful shape.

See Also:

• 10 Best Dog Brushes for Shedding – Reviews & Guide
• How to Stop Dogs from Shedding Excessively in 10 Simple Steps

Featured Image Credit: Helen Sushitskaya, Shutterstock