Many dog lovers are aware of the fact that when you own a dog, a little bit of fur here and there is always expected. But for others, especially those with allergies and low tolerance for mess, constant or excessive shedding can be a turn-off when choosing a dog.
All dogs shed to some extent, even the hypoallergenic ones, but some are notorious for leaving behind a trail of hair everywhere. Your furniture, clothes, the floor, everywhere!
In this article, we will highlight breeds that are well known for their non–stop shedding and how to manage them. Whether you already own a heavy-shedding breed or are about to get one, understanding their unique care needs will help you prepare and adapt accordingly.
Constant Shedding Dog Breeds
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It holds all the qualities of an ideal family dog: gentle, playful, and loyal. They also work great as service dogs, therapy companions, and hunting partners. Highly trainable and eager to please, they are truly a man’s best friend.
However, despite their short coats, they shed constantly all year round. It is heavier in shedding seasons, i.e, spring and fall. Regular brushing is essential to keep the coat healthy and take out loose hair before it falls off.
Labradors are active dogs and thrive on daily exercise and mental stimulation. Their favorite activities include swimming, retrieving, and being part of family fun. If given the right environment, they are the most loving dogs ever!
2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is a small herding breed known for its short legs and lively personality. They are affectionate dogs who were personal favorites of Queen Elizabeth 2.
Pembroke Corgis are heavy shedders. Their thick, weather-resistant coat protects them while herding livestock in wet conditions. The outer layer helps repel dirt and moisture, but it also means that they shed to maintain coat quality and regulate body temperature. Stress and changes in the environment can also trigger shedding.
As per AKC, daily brushing with a slicker brush is recommended to take the hair out. Bathing during shedding seasons helps to loosen the dead hair.
They are highly energetic dogs and excel in dog sports like agility or herding trials, and would need regular exercise to stay happy and stay away from bad habits.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are loved worldwide for their friendly and eager-to-please nature. They are incredibly social, thrive best on human interaction, and get along well with strangers, other pets, and children.
They have a luxuriously thick double coat that not only sheds, it also traps dirt and debris due to its feathered texture. Their undercoat thickness can vary depending on the climate. The Goldens living in colder regions have a thicker undercoat.
As per AKC, regular grooming helps in preventing mats, especially behind ears, on the chest, and under the legs, where longer feather-like hair can tangle easily. Skipping grooming sessions can lead to irritation of the skin and even hot spots hidden beneath the coat.
4. Siberian Husky
Bred to endure frigid Siberian winters, the Siberian Husky’s thick double coat insulates against both cold and heat. The coat undergoes an intense blowout twice a year, where large clumps of undercoat are shed over several weeks.
Apart from that, they shed year-round in a moderate amount. Interestingly, they do not need frequent baths as their coats are naturally dirt repellent and odor-free.
Neglecting to groom them during the shedding episodes can impact the undercoat, causing skin issues or overheating in warmer weather. Regular brushing with an undercoat rake is essential to maintain coat health and comfort.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese mountain dogs are double-coated breeds with long and silky hair. Historically, these large dogs were bred to work in the cold, mountainous regions of Switzerland, their thick coat is perfect to protect them in extreme conditions.
Their beautiful coat sheds moderately all year round, but shedding is heavier during seasonal changes, especially in spring. The thick fur is prone to tangling and matting due to trapped moisture and debris. It also increases the likelihood of irritation and infection.
Regular brushing several times a week is important to keep shedding in control as well as to reduce the risk of skin problems. It also helps with the blood flow in the skin, which helps improve coat health.
6. Borzoi
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian wolfhound, has a calm yet reserved personality. Their long, flowy coats shed moderately but appear more intense due to the length and texture of the hair.
Borzois shed continuously all through the year, their hair usually clings to clothing and furniture. Their coat can be flat, wavy, or curly and requires regular brushing to prevent tangling. WebMD states that you can stay on top of the grooming game by taking them to a professional groomer for occasional baths and maintenance.
They are true sighthounds, bred for speed. Sudden bursts of energy and strong prey drive are natural to this dog breed. While they do not need intense exercise, they need some off-leash running in fenced areas to stay physically and mentally fit.
7. German Shepherd
German Shepherds? More like ‘German Shedders’! Famously nicknamed for their thick double coat that sheds consistently all year round.
Their undercoat is soft and insulating, while the outer coat is coarse and water resistant, which is ideal for their role as rugged working dogs. Dog owners in this Reddit thread confirm that German Shepherds shed a lot! You can expect to find hair everywhere, on your clothes, under and on the furniture, and even in your food.
You have to brush them several times weekly or else the loose fur can form tangles and matts that are hard to remove. While bathing helps in upkeep, too much of it can strip the coat of natural oils and dry out skin. So, brushing and vacuuming are really the best maintenance tools.
8. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo dog flaunts a strikingly beautiful and fluffy double coat. These dog breeds shed all year round, with the shedding being more intense in spring and fall. Apart from looking good, the coat has a functional importance too. It provides insulation against cold and even hot temperatures.
The dense undercoat traps loose hair, so unless brushed regularly, the shedding can get overwhelming. Areas around the ears, under the arms, and the tail need more frequent brushing.
While the coat repels moisture and is naturally clean and odor-free, consistent grooming ensures that it keeps looking great and prevents skin problems.
9. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan malamutes are strong-willed, playful, and full of personality. They have one of the most rugged and insulating coats among the Arctic breeds. The coat is built perfectly to withstand extreme cold and heavy workloads.
The double coat consists of a coarse outer layer and an incredibly dense underlayer, which can be up to two inches thick. Malamutes are seasonal shedders, but once they start losing their fur, it can get really dramatic. Expect to find fur balls and thick clumps of dog hair everywhere.
Warmer climates can intensify shedding periods because they shed more frequently to avoid overheating.
Conclusion
If you are planning to add a furry friend to your family, it is important to understand the grooming commitment that comes with it. While many dogs shed, we have discussed the dog breeds that shed constantly all through the year, and even more during the shedding seasons of fall and spring.
Some other breeds like the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, chow chows, and the Great Pyrenees are known for their thick coats that trap and shed dog hair almost daily.
A dog’s fur can be managed by brushing frequently and keeping a vacuum handy at all times. But remember, heavy shedders can be great companions when you take good care of them. Most of them are hardy yet loyal dogs who stay by your side for the years to come.
