Becoming a pet parent is exciting, but if you’re an allergy sufferer, you may have other factors to consider, like what dog sheds the most? If so, this article is for you.
We’ve put together a list of 15 dogs who will undoubtedly shower you with love and affection, but also dead hair — and plenty of it.
What Dog Sheds the Most? Contents
Top Shedding Dogs Characteristics
Shedding is a natural part of a dog’s hair growth cycle. Whether your dog has fluffy fur or more human-like hair, they will shed some of their coat. There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic canine. Even hairless breeds release allergens.
However, dogs that shed the most are often problematic for people with allergies. Many people think that dogs with a lot of fluffy fur are the worst for shedding, but this isn’t always true. For instance, the curly-haired Poodle can have big pom poms of fur, but they’re one of the most hypoallergenic dog breeds on the planet.
While the appearance of shedding dog breeds can differ, these canines share certain characteristics. Dog breeds that shed tend to fall into at least one of the following categories:
- Have a double coat — think of a Labrador Retriever or a Siberian Husky. These large breeds have fluffy undercoats and shed all year round.
- ‘Blow their coat’ — most shedding dogs with double coats will also shed their entire coat at the change of seasons, usually in the spring and fall.
- Have a shorter natural hair growth cycle — meaning, it will fall out more frequently.
The Siberian Husky has a thick double coat that’s perfect for running through the snow. However, their coat isn’t so well suited for your family home, especially if you have lots of soft furnishings.
While you can groom your Husky to help minimize the shedding, there is nothing you can do to stop it. These dogs lose a lot of fur and are one of the worst shedding dogs in the canine kingdom.
The Siberian Husky is a loyal companion and enjoys long walks with you. But be warned, they shed heavily all year round when living in a warmer climate.
There is no denying the friendly Labrador makes a wonderful family pet, yet this isn’t the case if someone in your house has dog allergies. Like the Husky, Labradors are double-coated, but their top layer of guard hair is much shorter.
The Lab’s thick undercoat can be managed with deShedding tools and combs. However, it doesn’t stop them from shedding. Labradors are seasonal shedders and leave huge clumps of hair lying around when they ‘blow their coat.’
Everyone enjoys the company of a lovable Labrador, but you may suffer the consequences if you have allergies.
Intelligent working dogs, German Shepherds are confident, agile, and courageous. Although they’re seen as working dogs, they also fit into family life without missing a beat — as long as there are no allergy sufferers in the house.
The German is considered to be one of the highest shedding dogs. This breed has a medium-length double coat, and their undercoat sheds almost constantly. As well as frequent regular shedding, you can also expect your German Shepherd to blow their entire coat twice a year.
While they may be super smart and affectionate, the German Shepherd is far from a perfect match for an allergy sufferer.
4. Chow Chow
Chow Chows look like living and breathing giant teddy bears! These dogs originate from ancient China and have a serene, slightly aloof character. They tend to ignore strangers but they’re devoted to their humans.
Their impressive coat is their standout feature. These dogs have thick fur around their neck and shoulders, which resembles a lion’s mane and makes them appear extra cuddly. This breed can have a rough or smooth double coat and will shed heavily twice a year.
Hence, if you have dog allergies, you’ll have to keep this worst shedding dog at more than arm’s length.
5. Akita
The Akita is another breed that almost looks too fluffy to be real. Akitas are faithful and courageous. Yet, while they may look like the best snuggle buddy around, they don’t tolerate other canines.
With a medium-length, thick, double coat, Akitas are moderate shedders all year round. Like most shedding dogs on this list, they will blow their coat in the spring and fall. Seasonal shedding can be a nuisance for dog owners, but regularly grooming your Akita in the yard can help to reduce the amount of fur inside your home.
Golden Retrievers are truly devoted to their owners. They’re big dogs with big hearts, but they can also be a big problem if you have dog allergies. This breed has a gorgeous, golden, thick coat with feathering on the legs and tail, and they’re one of the worst shedding dog breeds.
Throughout the year, Golden Retrievers are consistent shedders. They frequently lose fur from their undercoat, but most can handle that, it doesn’t make a huge mess — until shedding season arrives. During the spring and fall, Goldens shed severely, thus you’ll be finding their signature golden fur all over the place.
The Alaskan Malamute has a wolf-like appearance and a protective personality. Malamutes form close bonds with their humans and want as much attention as possible. Built for the cold of Alaska, their double coat is dense.
To say this is a dog that sheds a lot is an understatement — avoid them at all costs if you have dog allergies. The Malamute loses fur continually, but it’s the twice-a-year seasonal shedding that causes the most chaos. During shedding seasons, your Mal will release huge handfuls of fur. You can’t escape seasonal shedding, but brushing and the use of undercoat rakes and combs can make it feel more manageable.
8. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a sweet-natured, family-oriented dog. Newfies are huge but they’re the gentle giants of the dog world. This breed is also particularly patient and kind with children.
While they have many positives, the worst thing about living with a Newfoundland is the amount they shed. Newfies have a double coat, made up of a coarse outer layer and a dense, soft undercoat. These dogs shed all year round and also experience excessive seasonal shedding. And, their sheer size means they have a lot of hair to shed.
Great Pyrenees are intelligent and powerful working dogs. This breed’s purpose was to chase wolves away and protect sheep in the mountains. These majestic dogs can grow up to 32 inches, and their white double coat gives them a striking appearance.
There is no denying the beauty of a Pyr’s snow-white fur, but they are one of the worst dogs for shedding. Great Pyrenees dogs lose fur from their double coats all year round and go through a particularly heavy shedding period during the spring. When a Pyr is losing their winter coat, it’s akin to a snowstorm, slight exaggeration, but you get the idea. Don’t be surprised if clumps of fur fall out when you pet them.
10. Rottweiler
Rotties are strong and confident working dogs. They’re robust and powerful but are also good-natured, loyal, and protective. Despite their size, Rottweilers love a cuddle and will happily snuggle up beside their owners. Their appearance may be intimidating to some, but Rotties are friendly and aren’t aggressive when properly socialized.
Short-coated, Rottweilers have a coarse outer layer and an undercoat across their thighs and neck. These dogs shed their coats twice a year during the change of seasons and will lose large amounts of fur. Be warned, some Rotties have been known to experience up to four periods of intense fur loss a year!
11. Pug
Pugs are loving and mischievous little dogs that shed. These cute canines are affectionate with family and are known to be good with children too. However, this isn’t the breed for you if shedding is a concern.
This breed has a short and smooth coat, but they shed all year round. If you have a double-coated pug, they will blow their entire coat twice a year. Although, hair loss can be managed with weekly brushing. That said, shedding can’t be completely avoided.
12. Beagle
The friendly and curious Beagle is a small-sized hound with gorgeous floppy ears and sweet droopy eyes. These dogs have short and smooth fur with a dense double coat. As you now know, double coats are generally a big no-no if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Beagles shed fur daily, but their hair loss can become a big problem during the shedding season — springtime. When a Beagle blows their coat, they shed all of their winter fur in just a matter of weeks.
13. Pekingese
The Pekingese is an affectionate toy dog, originally developed for regal families in China. This tiny breed is totally adorable, as well as having a loyal and confident personality. Long fur drapes over the compact Peke, and while it’s fun to style, it’s not so amusing when it comes to shedding.
Pekes have a double coat, and the thick undercoat sheds throughout the year. They’re also seasonal shedders. Yet despite their small size, they can lose a lot of fur during this time. You should brush your Pekingese for an hour (minimum) per week to remove shed hair from the two layers of their coat.
14. Pomeranian
Spirited and bold, the Pomeranian is a sweet little ball of fluff on four legs. These tiny dogs often have the confidence of breeds triple their size, and they shed like a large breed too. Poms have a double coat, and their fur is particularly fluffy across their chest and shoulders.
The Pomeranian will shed moderately throughout the year and blow their coat during the change of seasons. They aren’t one of the worst dog breeds that shed the most, but they aren’t hypoallergenic and may still trigger allergy symptoms.
15. Schipperke
Schipperke dogs are confident and curious, they’re lively pets and possess a mischievous side. This a truly striking breed, they have a foxy face, and strong, robust body. Plus, their fur is longer and thicker across their legs, shoulders, and neck. The black Schipperke has a unique appearance, but you may be sad to learn that they are among the dogs that shed a lot.
This canine is a moderate shedder throughout the year and goes through two intense periods of seasonal shedding. Regular brushing will help keep this under control, as well as remove any knots and tangles in their double coat.
Conclusion
There are hundreds of different dog breeds on the planet, and some shed much more than others.
Hence, if you have allergies, a hypoallergenic dog will be the best choice for you. These dogs aren’t completely allergy free but shed much less than other breeds. To learn more, check out our lists of small, medium, and large hypoallergenic dogs.
But, as for the worst shedding dogs, we’ve hand-picked 15 genuine contenders for you. While there are ways to manage a dog’s shedding and reduce the amount of hair they lose, there is no way of stopping it altogether.
So, when it comes to what dog sheds the most? As you can see, there are a few front runners to choose from.
Why Is My Dog Excessively Shedding?
Usually, because they’re losing their winter coat. That said, there are several other reasons why a dog will shed more than usual, which include;
- Skin allergies.
- Food allergies.
- Poor diet.
- Illness.
How Can I Get My Dog To Shed Less?
There is no way of stopping a dog from shedding completely. Hair loss is a natural part of their coat’s growth cycle. However, there are steps dog owners can take to reduce the amount of fur their dog loses.
- Regular grooming.
- Include supplements — probiotics, omegas, etc.
- Provide a well-balanced diet.
- Treat skin allergies.
- Use deshedding tools.
Does Brushing Reduce Shedding?
Yes. Certain breeds need to be brushed more frequently than others, and it’s important to use the correct type of brush for your dog’s coat. It’s also essential to establish a good brushing routine during puppyhood.
To learn more, check out our guide on the best dog brushes.
What Dog Breed Sheds the Most?
The worst shedding dog is still up for debate. It’s difficult to pinpoint one breed, but the following are in the top 10 shedders.
Which Dogs Shed the Least?
If you’re looking for a dog that’s a low shedder, the following may be a good choice.
