10 Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

When and Why Do Dogs Shed

In this review article, you will discover some dog breeds that shed the most. 

Dog fur is essential for their survival. But some dogs shed the most fur compared to others. It usually acts as a temperature regulator, sensory device, and skin protector. Even though shedding hair is normal in dogs, certain factors cause some dogs to shed more. 

For instance, allergies, hormonal imbalance, age, and hotter climate are some significant factors.

Countdown to the 10 Dog Breeds That Shed the Most

When you are searching for a dog, shedding is a critical factor to consider. If you are not aware of what dog sheds the most, this countdown will come in handy. It is also essential to consider the dog’s grooming needs, individual allergies, and the money you are willing to spend on professional grooming services. 

Please read through the entire list to find out which dog breed works best for your situation.

10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Size: Small

Coat: Short

Corgis without tails usually shed more than their cousins with tails. The Corgis were used as cattle drivers; therefore, they needed a thick coat to keep them warm and clean, especially in rainy, cold weather. They are adorable, but you must be ready to handle corgi shedding if you want to own this furry friend.

9. Saint Bernard

Size: Giant

Coat: Medium to long

If you go for a Saint Bernard, you should know that it sheds nearly as much as it drools. This means you will have extra work as you will need to clean your home more times in a week. You will also have to brush it weekly to help maintain its fluffy coat.

Fortunately, pet parents that own a Saint Bernard will enjoy their laid-back nature. This Beethoven dog breed is also an excellent cuddle buddy.

8. Golden Retriever

Size: Large

Coat: Medium

Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds. They are also one of the canine breeds that sheds a lot. Therefore, owners of this dog breed need to brush them regularly to take care of the massive amounts of loose fur.

7. Chow Chow

Size: Medium

Coat: Medium

The Chow Chow is a Chinese dog breed. Their flurry bodies mean that they shed daily. It has its origins in northern China and was mainly used as a guard dog. However, if you love cuddling your pet, the Chow Chow is not the cuddliest buddy.

They tend to be more independent than other downy dog breeds. Still, its medium coat requires regular grooming. They usually shed seasonally. Therefore, they need brushing at least twice every week. During the spring season, you will have to brush them more frequently.

6. Akita

Size: Large

Coat: Puffy double coat

The Akita is a large dog that hails from Japan. Because they come from a region rich in mountains, they have a heavy coat to keep them warm. Even though their coats are generally short, it comprises a bulky double layer that sheds continually.

The Akita is a self-groomer but may require weekly brushing. They usually shed throughout the year, but they shed the thick undercoat twice every year.

5. Labrador Retriever

Size: Large

Coat: Short

The Labrador Retriever is arguably America’s most–loved dog. However, they also shed constantly despite their short coats. Because they are water retrievers, they usually have a thick coat to keep them dry and warm. Even as you go for their charm and looks, remember that they are heavy shedders also.

4. Siberian Husky

Size: Medium

Coat: Thick double coat

The Husky, popularly referred to as “The sled dog,” needs the oversized coat to keep them warm as they track through the cold snow. They are also heavy shedders whose parents have to keep cleaning their fur off surfaces.

Therefore, if you cannot stand dog hair on your clothes, the Siberian Husky might not be your ideal breed. It requires brushing twice a week as it sheds throughout the year. Heavy shedding happens twice every year.

3. German Shepherd

Size: Large

Coat: Short

The German Shepherd is without a doubt the most popular dog breed globally. However, you should also know that this adorable furry friend shed all the time. If you go for this dog, make sure you have your brush on standby always.

It has a medium-length, double coat that has a dense outer coat that is harsh and a softer undercoat. You can easily maintain the coat by brushing after a few days to get rid of loose hair. Brush them more frequently in the seasons when they shed more hair.

2. Alaskan Malamute

Size: Large

Coat: Medium

As the name suggests, this dog breed was bred to pull heavy loads across icy lands in Alaska. Consequently, they need a thick coat to keep them warm during this endeavor. They have a thick double coat that sheds a lot of fur.

The Alaskan Malamute is among the dog breeds that shed the most, mainly due to their fluffiness. You will have to brush your furry friend daily and bathe it occasionally to maintain its coat.

1. Great Pyrenees

Size: Giant

Coat: Medium-long

The winner of the dog shedding contest is none other than the Great Pyrenees shedding. Their origin is the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and France. They were used to guard livestock hence developed thick coats to keep them warm. That’s why they have the cuddly polar bear look.

These giant beautiful dogs are great even in their shedding. They usually shed heavily throughout the year. Its coat is waterproof and tangle-resistant. As a result, it requires minimal grooming. If you brush it once a week, you can keep the dog’s hair from accumulating around the house.

Top Tips on How to Reduce Dog Hair From Shedding

You have already learned that all dogs are bound to shed. In your grooming of them, it is also critical to note when do dogs shed more. However, there are several things pet parents can do to lessen shedding.

• Get rid of the less-nutritious dry foods that have lots of grains. Instead, feed your dog a diet rich in protein and other nutrients. A great secret would be to use foods that you can share with your dogs. If you know nothing about these foods, your friend Google has the answer.
• Brush your furry friend regularly. Brushing helps to remove the hair that would have otherwise fallen out naturally. However, you also need to choose the correct brush depending on your dog’s coat. Here are the brush types you can choose from:
  • Bristle Brush – is ideal for all types of coats. But if your dog has a longer coat, go for a brush with longer bristles that are more widely spaced.
  • Wire –Pin Brush – go for this brush if your dog has a curly, woolly coat.   
  • Slicker brush – you can use this brush to get rid of mats and twists.
  • Combs – use this brush to massage your dog’s skin and remove dead hair from dogs with short hair.
• Introduce Omega-3 into your dog’s diet. You can add olive oil or flaxseed oil to help create more robust hair follicles. This will, in effect, reduce shedding in your dog.
• Increase your dog’s water intake. It might be challenging to keep track of how much water your dog is taking. However, if you notice your furry friend is shedding more than usual, try to increase its water intake. It is a fact that dehydrated skin causes hair loss. The standard rule is that your dog requires an ounce of water for every pound of its body weight every day.
• Bathe your dog regularly using top-quality products. It is critical to note that bathing too often usually makes your dog’s skin dry. Therefore, consider washing your furry friend like two times a month. During their bath, make use of deshedding shampoos and conditioners that contain moisturizers and omega fatty acids. This will help to hydrate your dog’s skin and fur, developing healthier and stronger follicles.
• Grooming your dog is also very important. Give your dog haircuts often, and you wouldn’t have to worry about excessive shedding.

If you try all the above measures and the unusual heavy shedding continues, it is time to visit the vet. Some medical conditions cause excessive shedding. For instance, experts warn that fungal infections, parasites, sunburns, and stress could cause dogs’ shedding. 

Therefore, if you notice your dog is losing hair in patches or inflammation on its skin, please seek veterinary attention.

Summary

Dogs have become an essential companion to humans. If you plan to get a furry friend, you are now aware of one crucial factor you need to consider. This guide has given you a countdown that informs you about the dog breeds that shed the most.

You have also discovered that it is not necessarily dogs with hair that shed a lot. Another critical point to note is not all shedding is normal. Sometimes, there are underlying issues that might cause your dog to shed more than usual.

There are home remedies to excessive dog shedding. Most of these remedies have to do with the dog’s diet and grooming needs. It is essential to diagnose the cause of excessive shedding and deal with it accordingly. Otherwise, if it persists, seek your vet’s advice.