12 Dog Breeds That Shed The Most (With Pictures)

There’s so much joy to being a dog owner. The companionship, playfulness, and protector elements a dog can bring are just so special.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any struggles.

One of the hardest parts of properly raising a dog is keeping up with its grooming. And while there are some dogs that don’t shed at all, there are plenty that do nothing but. As a matter of fact, some of the dogs on this list shed so much, you could probably sculpt a whole new puppy with just a single week’s worth of shedding.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve our love. You’ll just have to be extra vigilant when it comes to grooming and coat care. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest shedders out there.

The 12 Dog Breeds That Shed the Most

1. Saint Bernard

These gentle giants are some of the most affectionate dogs around! They are a wonderful family dog and great with children of all ages. However, be prepared. For as big as they are, they’re world-class shedders — and droolers. You’ll need to develop a stringent grooming routine in order to keep these big ole goofballs under control. We recommend brushing at least three times a week minimum.

2. American Eskimo

These gorgeous dogs are a member of the Spitz family and stand out due to their beautiful fluffy white coat. However, that great coat is definitely going to require a lot of maintenance. They’re notorious shedders and are going to mandate a heavy grooming schedule. You should fully brush your Eskie at least three times a week, taking care to pay close attention to the areas behind their ears.

3. Great Pyrenees

This is another thick-coated giant dog breed. However, unlike the Saint Bernard, these puppies don’t calm down when they’re older. They’re extremely active, playful, and loving. But they are huge shedders! They have a double coat which requires two to three brushings a week. And we understand if you’d just like to clip his coat, especially in hot weather — but we advise against it. Their coat actually helps to keep them cool in warmer weather.

4. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

These little pooches aren’t just absolutely adorbs, but they’re extremely smart and effective working dogs. Despite their short stature, they were originally used to help herd cattle! Cardigans are also blessed with a double coat which means they’re going to be big-time shedders too. Fortunately, they’re much easier to brush than some of the larger breeds.

5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

This lovable Corgi breed is thought to have originated by crossbreeding the older Cardigan with Spitz dogs from the Vikings. And since both the Cardi and Spitz-variety dogs are known for their shedding, so is the Pembroke Welsh. However, although they require constant grooming, these little guys are pretty simple to brush.

6. Chow Chow

These dogs aren’t necessarily the friendliest around, but for the right person, they’re exceedingly loyal companions. However, they have a very dense and fluffy double coat which will require heavy maintenance, especially during a warmer shedding season. When brushing a Chow Chow, be sure to utilize a misting solution as their hair will break if brushed dry.

7. Akita

This large dog breed was originally used for guarding rulers and royalty in feudal Japan due to their ability to stand up to any challenge put before them. They are intensely loyal to their masters and wonderful guardians for their families. However, they tend to shed rather heavily. A good weekly brushing should maintain their coat groomed and your house relatively fur-free.

8. Golden Retriever

Goldens are quite possibly the most loving dog breed around. They’re just so comfortable with everyone! And they’re smart, easy to train, and super shedders. You need to go ahead and just learn to live with dog hair if you own a Golden Retriever as no amount of brushing will keep you and your house dog hair-free. Daily brushing is recommended with these pups, and it will likely become one of their favorite parts of the day.

9. Labrador Retriever

Like their Golden cousins, Labradors are just super sweet, caring dogs. They’re often used for therapy dogs or companions due to their mild-mannered nature. There’s nothing more they love than snuggling up with you on the couch — aside from eating everything in sight or carrying around a favorite toy. But expect your couch to get absolutely covered in dog hair. Their short hair makes grooming a cinch, but their double coat will ensure they’ll need daily brushing.

10. German Shepherd

Don’t be fooled by their intimidating nature. While they are one of the ultimate working dogs, they’re also extremely friendly and protective of their families. And they make excellent watchdogs for families with children. However, they are known for their insane amount of shedding. You should brush them daily to minimize the amount of loose hair floating around.

Related Read: Should You Cut or Shave Your German Shepherd’s Hair?

11. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are amazing working dogs, and even better for families — that is if you can keep these escape artists stimulated and entertained. And generally speaking, they don’t shed too much on a regular basis. However, when they blow their coats twice a year, it’s almost as if they walked through a little tornado which sent all their hair flying.

12. Alaskan Malamute

If you are an Alaskan Malamute owner, we’ve got one extra piece of advice. Invest in a good vacuum cleaner. These dogs require a lot of brushing. Daily brushing doesn’t even seem to be enough. That’s because they have a very thick dense double coat. And twice a year, they’ll go through a shedding season that’ll produce large handfuls of clumped hair.

Conclusion

We owe it to these wonderful animals to care for them properly. And that includes grooming considerations. Many of the dogs on this list have great, beautiful coats. But they’ll only truly shine with appropriate care.

So, if you’re up for the added challenge of having one of these high-shedding dogs, you’re sure to find a wonderful friend. However, if you don’t have the time to dedicate to a high-maintenance dog or have severe allergies to pet hair and dander, you may want to consider a pooch that doesn’t shed as often.

• Related Read: 10 Simple Steps to Stop Excessive Dog Shedding

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