With some dog breeds in your home, you always feel like you’re drowning in dog hair. No matter how much you sweep, vacuum, or lint-roll, it just keeps coming! Some dogs shed so much that their fur practically becomes a second carpet. If you’re a dog lover constantly battling fur tumbleweeds, you’re not alone.
Shedding isn’t just about a little extra cleanup—it can take over your life if you’re unprepared. Certain breeds lose fur excessively due to their coat type, seasonal changes, or even genetics. And let’s be real: finding dog hair in your food, clothes, and coffee isn’t fun.
But why do some dogs shed like crazy while others barely lose a strand? Understanding what makes these furry companions shed so much can help you manage the mess and decide if you’re ready for the commitment. So, let’s dive into the fluff-filled world of excessive shedders!
Excessive Fur Loss Dog Breeds
1. American Eskimo Dog
If you think a little dog hair here and there is no big deal, wait until you meet the American Eskimo Dog! These fluffy, cloud-like pups don’t just shed—they unleash a full-blown fur storm. With a thick double coat designed for harsh winters, Eskies lose fur all year round, and when shedding season hits, it’s like a snowstorm inside your house.
Their dense undercoat makes them shed so much. It acts like insulation, keeping them warm in the cold but also causing massive fur fallout when the seasons change. Twice a year, they “blow their coat,” which means they lose their undercoat in chunks.
Brushing? Oh, it’s not optional—it’s mandatory. If you don’t brush them multiple times a week (or daily during shedding season), be prepared for fur clumps to take over your home. Mats and tangles form quickly, trapping even more loose fur.
Regular baths with a de-shedding shampoo can help loosen dead fur before it lands on your couch. But here’s the trick—you need to blow-dry them properly. If you let them air-dry, all that loose hair stays stuck and will keep falling out for days. Groomers often use high-velocity dryers to blast out dead fur.
Now, let’s talk about the fur tumbleweeds. If you’re a clean freak, an American Eskimo Dog will seriously test your patience. According to PetMD, their white coat is beautiful but high-maintenance—it attracts dirt, and fallen fur gets everywhere. Ever found dog hair in your morning coffee? If you own an Eskie, that’s just another normal day.
Fun Fact: The American Eskimo Dog isn’t actually from Alaska! Their ancestors were German Spitz dogs brought to the U.S., but due to anti-German sentiment during World War I, they were rebranded as “American Eskimos.”
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog, a gentle giant with a stunning, tri-colored coat, and a serious shedding problem. These lovable goofballs lose fur constantly, and when shedding season kicks in, it’s a full-on fur explosion. If you’re not ready to find tufts of fluff on your floors, furniture, and probably in your food, buckle up—owning a Berner is a hairy adventure!
Without regular grooming, their thick coat turns into a fur-trapping disaster. Loose hair clumps together, forming mats, and those mats can lead to skin problems. A solid de-shedding brush, combined with a metal comb to reach the undercoat, is your best defense.
Their coat has natural oils that keep it healthy, and too many baths can strip those away, making their skin dry and irritated. Instead, stick to occasional deep-clean baths with a good deshedding shampoo and conditioner.
Wondering if a Berner’s shedding gets better with age? Sorry to disappoint, but it doesn’t. Puppies start off fluffy but manageable. Then, as they grow into their full coat, the shedding gets out of control. And since they’re giant dogs, they naturally have more fur to lose than smaller breeds.
Shedding aside, these dogs are big-hearted, furry, and friendly, says PetMD. They adore their families, crave companionship, and thrive on attention. But if you’re a clean freak, their constant shedding might drive you up the wall.
3. German Shepherd
These loyal, intelligent, and hardworking dogs are one of the most popular breeds in the world. But they also shed like crazy. If you bring one home, get ready for fur on your floors, your furniture, your clothes—honestly, everywhere. Ever heard them called “German Shedders”? Yeah, that nickname exists for a reason!
So, what makes them fur factories? Their double coat is the culprit. AKC states that German Shepherds have a dense undercoat and a slightly longer topcoat, both of which shed constantly. But twice a year—usually in spring and fall—they go through a full coat blowout, dropping massive amounts of fur. You’ll see hair coming off in clumps, and unless you’re brushing daily, it’ll pile up faster than you can clean it.
Think you can skip a few brushing sessions? Big mistake! Without regular grooming, loose fur builds up, leading to tangles and mats. A high-quality de-shedding brush is your best friend, and trust me, you’ll use it a lot. And if you want to keep your sanity, invest in a vacuum designed specifically for pet hair.
Ever wonder if diet affects shedding? Absolutely! A poor diet can lead to excessive shedding, dull fur, and even skin problems. High-quality food rich in omega fatty acids helps keep their coat strong and healthy. Check their diet if your German Shepherd is shedding more than usual.
Despite their shedding, these dogs are worth every fur-covered moment. They’re incredibly smart, protective, and loyal, making them fantastic family pets and working dogs. But if you’re not ready for constant vacuuming and daily brushing, be prepared for a serious challenge!
4. Great Pyrenees
These white-coated, majestic giants were built for the harsh mountain climate, but in a home? Their thick double coat means you’ll swim in fur all year. If you’re not ready to find white fluff in your coffee, clothes, and bed, you might want to reconsider!
According to Purina, Great Pyrenees have a dense, weatherproof coat to protect them from freezing temperatures in the Pyrenees Mountains. But when they live in warmer climates or indoor spaces, their body reacts by constantly shedding to regulate temperature. And just when you think it can’t get worse, spring and fall arrive, and they blow their coat, meaning fur everywhere.
If you don’t brush them several times a week, loose fur builds up, mats form, and suddenly, you have a tangled mess on your hands. A solid de-shedding rake and a slicker brush are your best friends. And if you think skipping a few days won’t matter? You’ll soon find out when your dog looks like a walking furball explosion.
Their coat actually insulates them from heat and cold. But if you live somewhere warm, you’ll need to provide constant shade and cool resting spots because they overheat fast. And never shave them—it doesn’t reduce shedding; it just messes up their natural temperature control.
But for those who can handle the fluff, these dogs are gentle giants with hearts of gold. They’re independent, protective, and incredibly loyal. Yes, their shedding is next-level, but their affectionate nature makes it all worth it. After all, what’s a little (or a lot of) fur compared to unconditional love?
5. Akita
Love big, bold, and seriously fluffy dogs? Then you’ll love the Akita—until you realize how much fur they leave behind! These regal, muscular, and powerful dogs may look sleek and sturdy, but their thick double coat means fur everywhere, all the time. If you thought a little shedding was no big deal, think again.
Akita were originally bred in Japan’s icy mountains, which means their coat had to be ultra-thick and weatherproof. But here’s the problem—when they live in warmer climates or indoors, their coat never stops shedding to adjust to temperature changes.
What about baths? They help, but don’t overdo it! A thick, soft undercoat makes the Akita well-suited to colder climates, says Hill’s Pet. Too many baths can cause dryness and irritation to this breed. When you do bathe them, a deshedding shampoo and a powerful blow-dryer are essential. Ever tried air-drying an Akita? Bad idea. Their thick fur traps moisture, leading to skin infections if not properly dried.
A poor diet can lead to excessive fur loss, brittle hair, and even itchy skin. High-quality food with omega fatty acids and protein keeps their coat strong and reduces unnecessary shedding. If your Akita is shedding more than usual, check their diet first!
Now, let’s address the biggest mistake owners make—shaving them. Some people think shaving their Akita will reduce shedding, but it does the opposite. Their coat protects them from both heat and cold, and once it’s shaved, it may never grow back the same way. So, unless a vet tells you otherwise, put the clippers away.
6. Alaskan Malamute
These wolf-like giants are built for freezing Arctic conditions, and their thick, double-layered coat ensures they stay toasty even in the coldest climates. But here’s the problem—if you live anywhere that’s not the Arctic, that fur has nowhere to go except all over your house.
Why do Malamutes shed so much? Blame their history. Bred to pull heavy sleds in extreme conditions, they developed a dense undercoat and a coarse outer layer for insulation. But when they’re in warmer environments or heated indoor spaces, their bodies adjust by shedding constantly.
Think brushing them once a week is enough? Not even close. Malamutes need daily brushing with a de-shedding rake and an undercoat comb to prevent fur buildup. If you slack off, their loose hair mats together, and before you know it, your dog looks like a walking tumbleweed. This breed is highly intelligent but also independent and willful, says the AKC.
Malamutes have self-cleaning fur that repels dirt. They don’t need frequent baths, but when they do, a deshedding shampoo and high-velocity blow dryer will help remove the dead undercoat. And trust me, air-drying isn’t an option unless you want a damp, musty-smelling dog hanging around for days.
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Malamute owners joke that they don’t clean their house and fight fur daily. But if you’re willing to work, you’ll have a dog that’s not just a shedding machine but also loyal, loving, and full of personality. Just stock up on lint rollers and vacuums—you’re going to need them.
7. Chow Chow
Ever seen a walking, shedding teddy bear? That’s the Chow Chow for you! These fluffy, lion-like dogs are royalty in the canine world, but they come with one major downside—fur, fur, and more fur! If you’re thinking of bringing one home, get ready for a lifetime supply of dog hair on your furniture, clothes, and even your coffee.
Their luxurious fur was designed to protect them from China’s harsh winters, but in modern homes, it just means constant shedding. Twice a year, during seasonal coat-blowing, things go from bad to fur-pocalypse level.
According to Purina, there is thicker hair around the neck and the backs of the thighs, and this rough coat needs grooming daily. A slicker brush and undercoat rake are must-haves unless you want your dog to resemble a walking mop. Miss a few days, and you’ll be dealing with matting, knots, and trapped dirt, which can lead to skin issues.
And here’s something many people don’t realize—Chow Chows are not fans of grooming. Unlike other breeds that enjoy a good brush-out, these independent dogs can be a bit, well, stubborn. Start grooming early so they get used to it, or you’ll have a fluffy rebel on your hands when they decide they’ve had enough.
Now, let’s clear up a common myth—shaving a Chow Chow is NOT the answer. Their coat helps regulate their temperature in both hot and cold weather. Shaving damages their fur, and in some cases, it may never grow back the same way. Instead, keep them cool with proper shade, plenty of water, and regular grooming.
Fun Fact: Chow Chows are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, dating back over 2,000 years! They were once royal palace guards in ancient China.
Conclusion
Excessive shedding is a natural process in many dog breeds, especially those with a dense double coat, such as Golden Retrievers, Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers. These dogs shed heavily due to seasonal changes, typically in spring and fall, as their coat adjusts to regulate body temperature. Certain breeds that shed have longer guard hairs and a dense undercoat, increasing loose fur in homes.
Managing excessive shedding in dog breeds requires a combination of regular grooming, regular brushing, and proper treatment to prevent matting and promote new growth. Some non-shedding breeds, like Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, and Yorkshire Terriers, produce less dander, making them ideal for pet allergy sufferers. However, double-coated breeds, such as Chow Chows and German Shepherds, need more maintenance due to their thick double coat and constant fur renewal. A healthy diet, along with veterinarian-recommended supplements, can minimize damaged hair and promote a healthy dog coat.
While most dogs experience some level of shedding, excessive fur loss can be influenced by genetics, temperature changes, and many variables. Proper grooming, veterinary care, and an optimized diet can significantly minimize shedding and maintain a healthy coat. Understanding the common causes of excessive fur loss can help pet owners implement preventive measures to stay comfortable and healthy year-round.
