Having a dog that sheds a lot means you may end up seeing huge clumps of fur on your couch every morning! It also means driving all the way to a professional groomer and getting the doggo trimmed! You will also find yourself vacuuming your carpets and rugs a lot more.
But, trust me, it’s all worth it!
Keeping heavy-shedding dog breeds comes with some minor inconveniences and some extra upkeep, but it’s totally rewarding. You get a tail-wagging friend that loves to follow you around the house and give you good company (of course, while it sheds some fur along the way).
With a little care, you can completely manage these dogs during peak shed season. Let’s dive into the article and check out the 9 best heavy shedding dog breeds you will not regret petting!
Heavy Shedding Dog Breeds
1. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is known for its thick double coat that protects it during the harsh winter of the coldest places on Earth! This dense coat covers the dog and keeps it insulated.
Yes, this coat is as functional as it gets, but at the same time, it’s a nightmare for dog owners, thanks to its heavy shedding feature. The dog’s coat sheds heavily, especially when the season shifts. And this leads to switching on the panic mode for the owners who need to vacuum the carpets twice a day (or maybe even more)
These dogs shed twice a year, mostly during fall and spring. As these dogs are more adapted to the colder season, the shift of weather from cold to warm leads to this shedding.
Bad diet and hormonal changes are also some reasons these dogs may shed more hair than usual. Dog lovers who have these pets in their homes need to take special care and serve them food filled with nutrition. This will help in maintaining coat health.
A slicker brush is your best friend! Use it and remove loose fur from the dog’s body at least once a day. Also, avoid giving it daily showers. A bath once every 4–6 weeks is enough for your Eskimo.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
This majestic dog comes with a stunning tri-colored coat! It would be apt to say that the Bernese Mountain Dog is considered to be one of the most gorgeous dogs out there!
But, it sheds!
This dog comes with a double coat! It wears a soft undercoat that helps in its insulation during the harshest possible weather conditions. Bred in the Swiss Alps, known for their low temperature, this outer coat works like magic in keeping them warm. The outer coat is a bit coarse and helps in its protection.
This is naturally a high-shedding dog. But, to control shedding, you can take some measures that will really be helpful. For instance, regular grooming that includes clipping and cutting long dog hair and removing loose hair helps in giving it a tidy appearance.
Using a deshedding comb will help in removing the fur and throwing it in the dustbin before it turns into a mountain of hair on your favourite rug.
Also, give your dog plenty of water to keep its skin hydrated. This will aid in dealing with dry skin and reducing the chances of excessive shedding.
3. Chow Chow
Chow Chows look like lions and act like them, too!
Having an appearance like a lion means they have a thick mane. Unfortunately, this mane sheds heavily!
These dogs have a double-thick coat that is known to shed hair everywhere, especially during the twice-yearly peak shedding seasons.
Pet Plan mentions their shedding increases when they move from colder to warmer regions. As they are bred and grown in cold areas, they are naturally suited for areas with low temperatures. When the temperature goes up, the amount of hair they shed also rises.
This double-coated breed is one of the best protectors and guardians out there, thanks to its massive build that is enough to deter an intruder. If you can deal with its shedding, it’s surely a great pick.
Keeping the long-haired breeds clean at all times is in itself a tough task. To make sure you have a clean dog 24/7, keep taking it to the professional groomer every 4–8 weeks. Yes, it will cost you some bucks, but the experience and outcome will surely be rewarding.
Oh, and if you are giving a bath to the doggo, make sure the hair gets completely dry before you brush it, or it will break off immediately!
4. German Shepherd
If you think all the dogs shed just twice a year, you’re wrong!
The German Shepherd sheds year-round, and you don’t get a break to catch your breath.
These dogs, too, come with a double coat that has lots of fur on it. As the new hair grows, the old hair falls off, leaving its traces everywhere, from your staircase to even your coffee mugs!
Also, as these dogs are high on energy and are always moving, the loose hair tends to fall off more frequently.
Well, you can definitely help your furry friend by managing its shedding situation and annoying you less. Start off by regularly brushing its coat. All the loose fur that gets trapped on the skin falls off, and you can throw it in the trash, keeping the floor clean.
If you can afford it, go for a deshedding shampoo. In case your dog is shedding due to some tropical issues, this shampoo will resolve the issue in a few washes.
5. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are loved worldwide as pet dogs. Thanks to their chilled-out behaviour and their love for outdoor activities, they are preferred by pet lovers over other dogs.
The only downside of having them is that they are genetically heavy shedders. As working dogs, they are supposed to have coats that not only protect them but also aid them in functioning efficiently.
Resultantly, they end up shedding a lot!
It’s true that these dogs shed year-round. PetMD vouches for this!
However, don’t panic as this is light shedding and not the heavy one. Thanks to their coat type, which is somewhat different from other dogs.
These working dogs are great at performing their jobs with utmost enthusiasm. However, at the same time, a change in routine or separation anxiety can lead them to get stressed. Resultantly, they end up shedding more than usual. It has also been reported that loud noise can also stress them out, making more hair fall off!
Frequent brushing helps avoid matting of loose hair, making it easier for you to deal with the shedding!
6. Samoyed
A lot of people say Samoyeds shed a lot, and this is why it’s not suitable as a pet!
Well, I disagree.
These are adorable dogs, and keeping them means having a lifelong friend that would make your house turn into a home filled with love and humour.
The only reason they shed a lot is that they were bred in the Arctic temperatures and are suitable for colder areas. Hence, whenever an attempt is made to move them to a warmer climate, they end up losing their fur!
Also, these dogs are emotionally intuitive! With a small change in their daily routine, they easily go into panic mode, which triggers fur shedding.
Another reason for their heavy shedding is hormonal signals. Being close to the female dogs can trigger some hormones in them, leading them to shed more than usual.
7. Great Pyrenees
Can you believe that there is a dog out there that gets paranoid when it has to stay indoors and sheds heavily as a result?
Well, that’s true!
The great Pyrenees were developed in the European region and were supposed to roam freely. When they are placed inside homes with thermostats and air conditioners, they get overwhelmed and tend to shed.
Dry weather and low humidity can make the coat get dehydrated, leading to the fur falling off. If you feel your dog is having extensive hair being tossed on the floor unintentionally, simply take measures to moisturise it.
Increasing the water intake and giving nutritious food to the dog can aid in bringing the skin pH back to normal and reducing hair shedding!
8. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog has a pretty heavy coat. AKC distinguishes them from others solely due to their weighty fluff!
If you ever get a chance to feel the coat of this dog, you would be amazed at how thick the fur is.
The weight of the coat and heavy fur is a reason in itself for the dog to shed so much. The strands tend to split and fall out by the influence of their own weight.
These dogs also shed more when they are in a warm environment. One main reason behind it is that their body heat doesn’t get a chance to move out and cool off. Shedding helps them feel lighter and less warmer. Hence, this is also a way of bringing their body temperature back to normal.
Stress-based shedding is also pretty normal in these dogs, just like it is in most others! A change in regular routine, chaos, and loud voices can overwhelm them and make them shed more.
Detangle and brush the coat regularly, and you will see a great improvement in its appearance and the mess on your floor!
9. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is yet another dog that was bred originally in colder regions, but moving to warmer areas triggers excessive shedding in them.
However, this is not the only reason it sheds.
This dog has wrinkly skin that is loose around the neck. It has several folds, and they tend to trap moisture. A lot of time, dander and dirt also accumulate in these folds, which leads to microbial buildup. In these places, there is a patchy loss of fur that is aggravated when proper medication is not used to manage the situation on time.
Another reason why this dog sheds is its tendency to produce excessive amounts of natural oils. Although its main task is to protect the coat, it sometimes ends up trapping dead fur and clogging the pores. This leads to excessive shedding and loss of fur.
To avoid such situations, it’s necessary to focus on the grooming of this dog and take it to the professional groomer every once in a while.
Conclusion
Heavy shedding dogs are not a hassle! Every dog sheds for a different reason, and you can always manage their high-shed seasons by taking proactive measures. Stock up on moisturising and de-shedding shampoos, and you will never regret this investment.
Also, have your dog brushes handy and regularly brush your pet at least once a week. This way, you would be able to remove the loose fur, and it will save you from vacuuming your carpets excessively.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose your pet and get on track with its grooming sessions!
