The 20 Worst Dog Breeds For Shedding
Everyone loves having a dog in the home, whether it is because of their fun loving spirit, their energetic and playful behavior, or their affectionate personalities. Honestly, there really is little to complain about when it comes to man’s best friend and their tendencies.
The only thing that really comes to mind that can often drive people a little insane is the shedding. Yes, almost every dog breed out in the world today sheds some sort of amount of fur or dander throughout the year, and at different extents as well.
This can be particularly troublesome for those that tend to suffer from pet allergies or other allergies that can arise from dander. If this sounds pretty relatable to you or someone you know that is a dog lover, then it might be handy to figure out exactly which dogs would be could to steer clear from when it comes to shedding, and that is why we are here.
We are going to count down the top twenty dogs that have the worst shedding problems and what types of shedding you could possibly face. so, with that said, let’s get started!
The Two Different Types Of Shedding:
That’s right, there are, in fact, different types of shedding that can occur throughout the various breeds of dogs, and it all comes down to one major factor — The thickness of their coat.
There are many breeds that have, over the years, adapted and evolved, leading them to have double coats to help them in their environments and for protection, in a sense.
These coats include a regular fur coat on top with varying hair lengths along with a very thick coat that lies underneath. If your breed of dog has this type of fur double coat, the amount that they shed is way more intense, causing them to lose their entire coat at two or three separate times of the year.
We will get into more detail about this differentiation between shedding as we count down the breeds of dogs on our list, but it is good to know the differences that can occur when it comes to shedding their fur and dander.
Now that we have had our lesson in shedding, let’s begin our countdown of the breeds with the biggest shedding problems.
20. Siberian Husky
Beginning our list of the dog breeds that have the worst shedding problems is the Siberian Husky. First originating in Siberia (hence the name), the breed adapted to the cold temperatures of the environment by developing their thick double coats that you will see today.
They will shed their double coats completely twice a year, which is also known as blowing their coat; However, regardless of this complete shedding, the Siberian Husky will still continue to shed their medium length coats throughout the year as well, leaving hair and dander all throughout your home. It is important to remember to brush and groom them frequently to minimize the amount of loose hair that covers your home.
19. Rottweiler
Rottweilers tend to get a bad reputation because of their demeanor as well as rumors that they are aggressive in behavior. In any case, this breed of dog is an amazing guard dog for their owners and families alike, and were even once used on police forces and military forces as well.
As many are aware, Rottweilers also have short haired coats that tend to shed average amounts all throughout the year.
However, shedding can get quite heavy during the fall and spring seasons as well, as the temperatures are changing in the air. Keeping them groomed and brushed will help to alleviate some of the shedding issues in the home.
18. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
These fun loving and playful dogs are often well known for their stout stature and amazing personalities. Originating from the British Isles (more specifically, Wales), these dogs also have a thick double coat of hair, which some can’t believe since they are not as fluffy as you would imagine.
The Corgi will also shed this coat twice a year, which consists of medium length hair that can cause quite a mess. The best thing that you can do to protect your home from all of the loose fur and dander is to brush them frequently outside to remove as much of their coat as possible.
17. Old English Sheepdog
This dog breed is a very large and quite recognizable breed due to its long haired coat and bountiful energy. The Old English Sheepdog originates in England where it was primarily bred for herding sheep and protecting farmers all the same.
For adapting to the cooler temperatures across the pond, the Old English Sheepdog has acquired their long haired coats that tend to cover their eyes and can also attract huge amounts of dirt and other things if not groomed properly.
This dog breed also is known to shed quite heavily all throughout the year, and require intense grooming and brushing frequently in order to keep that shedding at bay, as well as to keep their coats healthy and strong.
16. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a breed of dog that originates in the Pyrenees Mountains that lie in Spain and France. The cold temperatures up in the mountains led to the breed developing their thick double coats to help keep them warm.
Because of their thick double coats, they will typically have a complete shedding twice a year; However, it depends on which climate you live in with the Great Pyrenees that can dictate how much shedding they have aside from those massive sheddings as well.
Regardless, those thick, long haired coats will leave loose and dead hairs all over your home, unless you take the time to groom and brush you pet regularly.
15. Akita
The Akita is a dog breed that originates in the mountainous areas of Japan. This region of the world, of course, involves quite cool temperatures, which the Akita can brave with their thick, short haired, double coats.
These double coats, as we have mentioned before, are shed completely two times during each year, typically in the fall and spring seasons; Regardless of these complete sheddings that take place, the Akita also continually will shed throughout the entire year as well. Take about a ton of fur to clean up!
14. Norwegian Elkhound
This dog has a similar look to that of a German Shepherd, and is also best known for its ability to be an amazing guard dog for their families. First originating in Norway, as mentioned in their name, the Norwegian Elkhound was bred to be the ultimate hunting companion, while also helping to herd and protect as well.
This breed is not known to shed quite so extensively, but they will blow their short haired coats twice a year for sure. Other than that, the typical brushing and grooming regularly will help to maintain the shedding that can occur in your home.
13. Chow Chow
Chow Chow’s are known for their distinctive and fluffy look to them, as well as their independent sense of personality that can make them a particularly stubborn at times. First originating in Northern China to serve as guard dogs, these dogs have also developed a thick double coat that helps to keep them warm during cooler temperatures.
The Chow Chow will shed this double coat about twice a year, but many owners will tend to keep their fur well groomed with regular grooming to keep them fluffy.
12. Shetland Sheepdog
Also known as “Shelties”, the Shetland Sheepdog was first bred in the Shetland Islands (hence their name), and were kept for protecting their farmers as well as herding their flocks on the countryside.
The dogs have a playful and energetic spirit, along with a thick and coarse, long haired coat that is prone to shedding quite heavily all throughout the year. Their long hairs can be found all throughout the house, and it can be difficult to maintain. Keeping your Shetland Sheepdog groomed and brushed will help to keep snarls out of their fur as well as to keep the shedding more managed.
11. Labrador Retriever
This is more than likely the most popular breed of dog that you see in family homes across the nation and the world today. The Labrador Retriever has an affectionate, friendly, and playful personality that is difficult to pass up when you meet them.
These dogs, unfortunately, are also known for shedding constantly, as they have short haired, sleek coats that leave fur and dander all over the home. However, compared to other breeds that are making our list today, the Labrador Retriever is on the average end of the spectrum.
10. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is another dog breed that has a thick double coat of fur that can make quite a mess. Originally from Alaska, as obvious from their name, the Alaskan Malamute evolved in those cold temperatures with their odorless, double coats to protect them from the cooler months.
As with other double coated breeds, the Alaskan Malamute will shed their entire coats twice a year, in which the best thing you can do for them is to help them brush it out. This shedding can typically last for up to a month each time it occurs.
9. Border Collie
This is the breed of dog that the majority of the population will recognize from the hit show and films, “Lassie”. Border Collies originated on the Anglo-Scottish border in Europe, and are known for their loyalty and affection toward many people.
They are also quite obedient, as they were bred originally as herding dogs back many years ago. Because they were bred to work in the cooler temperatures herding in sheep back in the day, these dogs developed thick double coats, with a coat of long length fur as their top coat.
As with the other double coat breeds that we have seen today, the Border Collie also sheds its double coat twice a year completely, but can also shed their long hairs all throughout the year as well. Continually brushing and grooming should do the trick when it comes to maintaining your home while they shed.
8. Belgian Sheepdog
This alert and playful pooch is often quite recognizable for its long haired coat. The Belgian Sheepdog originated in Belgium and was bred as a herding dog.
These dogs today also make excellent family dogs, and will be great guard dogs and protective figures for families, especially those with children in the mix. Because of their long coats, they often shed continually throughout the year, covering every square inch of your home in long, loose, dead hairs.
The best solution to the shedding problem with the Belgian Sheepdog is to brush them regularly as well as while you are bathing them to help remove the majority of the dead hairs from their coats.
7. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are well known for their fluffy outward appearance, making them the envy of many all around the world. This dog breed originated in Poland and Germany many years ago, and also belong to the Spitz family of dogs as well.
While this toy breed is typically loyal and loving to their families, they are also well known for being problem shedders. The Pomeranian will shed its undercoat to make way for a new, soft and fluffy coat to make its way through.
This causes the dog to shed continually all throughout the year, leaving long hairs all over your home. To take it a step further, Pomeranians actually have three different types of shedding that they go through during their lifetime, which includes puppy shedding, adult shedding, and for the females, a certain shedding that takes place after they have weaned.
Making sure to regularly brush and groom your Pomeranian’s coat will ensure that their fur stays soft and fluffy while also helping to maintain the shedding.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Similarly to the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is known for shedding beyond belief. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is also a dog of short and stout stature, and you will often see these dogs have their tails clipped.
They were originally bred to be herding dogs, and developed their thick double coats to keep them warm during the cooler months when they were out.
Once again, their double coats will shed completely twice throughout the year, just as with many of the other dogs on this list. Keeping your Corgi brushed and groomed will keep their coats healthy and strong, as well as making the shedding not as big of an issue in the home.
5. American Eskimo
The American Eskimo dog breed originally came from different parts of Northern Europe, also belonging to the German Spitz breed as well. These friendly and loyal dogs also have that dense, double coat of fur that keeps them warm during cold temperatures, and which they also shed in entirety twice a year.
The difference from other breeds that we see is that the American Eskimo develops a longer haired outer coat that covers their thick under coat, whereas many other breeds tend to have shorter haired outer coats in most cases.
The best thing to do when you dog is shedding their double coat is to help them brush out the hair to help to keep it out of the house and to keep it from matting as well.
4. Beagle
Beagles are also known for their loving spirits, which make them excellent dogs for families with young kids in the mix. They are playful and energetic as well, making them fun to have all around. In terms of shedding, they are actually on the lighter end of the spectrum, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t an issue.
Beagles have short haired and sleek coats that have moderate to light amount of shedding throughout the year; However, these coats tend to get a bit thicker during the cold winter months, which can make shedding during the spring a bit more extensive.
Just remember to brush your dog’s coat regularly, and you shouldn’t see too much of a problem with the loose hairs that are around in your home.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are well known for their intelligence and their stamina, which is why you will see many of these dogs used as K9 reinforcements with police departments all across the globe.
Along with their loyalty and their companionship that they bring to the table, German Shepherds also tend to continually shed their coats throughout the year.
The best way to help keep as much fur out of your house as possible is to regularly groom and brush your pooch with a typical pet brush or even with the vacuum cleaner, to such up all of the loose and dead fur that you can.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
This is one of the larger dogs that is making our list today, and their size is not at all an indicator of their shedding capability.
This dog breed will typically shed its medium length coat all throughout the year, but you will see the shedding increase slightly during the fall and spring season as the temperatures begin to fluctuate and change, obviously.
It is good to remember to brush their coats frequently during the week to keep their hair free of tangles and also to eliminate some of the mess that comes from shedding.
1. Bracco Italiano
Originating in Italy, as you can tell from their name, the Bracco Italiano is an affectionate and loving dog for families, especially those with kids. These dogs are also known to be great hunting companions for their owners, particularly keen at catching water foul and other game as such.
The Bracco Italiano has a short haired, rough, and sleek coat which will continually shed throughout the entire year. The best thing that you can do to keep up with their shedding is to brush them continually to remove any excess dead hair that is loose.
Grooming
As we have stated time and time again throughout this article, it is so important to keep your dog, regardless of the breed, groomed regularly. Keeping their fur brushed and bathed helps to keep their coats healthy and strong, and depending on how long of hair they have in their coat, it can also help to keep tangles, snarls, and matting at bay.
Letting their fur get matted down and dirty too often can lead to poor health, and can also make them smell immensely. It also, as the most important factor, can create shedding that is almost unbearable as they are trying to relieve themselves of their dead and yucky hairs.
Just remember to keep your pooch groomed frequently, and you should see any issues with shedding become less and less over time.
Let’s be really honest, it is hard not to gravitate toward the fluffy and fuzzy puppies when looking for a pet to buy or adopt. They are soft, and can make the best, most affectionate cuddlers.
However, many don’t piece together the fact that fluffy and fuzzy coats of fur can equal endless amounts of shedding of fur and dander all throughout the home.
It can also be quite detrimental to those who suffer from even the slightest of pet allergies of any sort. Nonetheless, there is indeed a breed of dog out there for everyone, no matter what types of coats or how much shedding they have.
Conclusion
We have officially concluded our list of the top twenty dogs that are not the best breeds when it comes to shedding. We hope that our list will help you to make the choices that are best for your family and your home in regard to shedding and allergens that come along with it, and that you will find the pooch that is just right for you.
Of course, to some degree, all dogs tend to shed a little bit of fur and dander here and there; It is just part of nature. But, no matter the circumstance, we can all agree that a dog is one of the best pets that you can have in your home.
You can also read:
- 20 of The Worst Dog Breeds If You Have Allergies
- The 20 Worst Dog Breeds for First Time Owners
- The 20 Worst Dog Breeds for Seniors
- The Best and Worst Dog Breeds for College Students