For people who view fur cleanup as a serious problem, and for those prone to allergies triggered by dander, dog shedding is a grave concern. Double-coated breeds are among the most copious shedders. Throughout the spring and fall they usually “blow coat,” or shed out their undercoats. The following dog breeds are heavy shedders, especially during shedding season:
10. Siberian Husky
It’s no surprise that this dog breed is an extremely heavy shedder, given that it originated in Siberia. These dogs were bred to lug hefty loads across one of the coldest places on earth! To minimize shedding, groom your husky every day, using a shedding rake to systematically comb through the hair from nose to tail. This heavy-duty comb reaches deep into your dog’s undercoat, pulling out loose hair.
9. Beagle
Beagles shed much more than you might think, for such a shorthaired dog. Like all scent hounds, beagles also have distinct doggie odor. It’s important to brush your beagle’s coat frequently to eliminate shed hairs from the base and remove loose hairs. A de-shedding mitt is also a good choice, since it allows you to reach all areas of the dog’s body, and to pull trapped hairs from the coat’s inner layers.
8. Chow Chow
Like most heavy shedders, the chow chow blows its coat twice a year. During the shedding cycle, this breed sheds its hair in clumps that can fill a trashcan. Chows that are neutered or spayed have a more distinct undercoat, and they won’t “blow” to the degree that an unaltered dog will. To remove mats and eliminate extra fur, groom your chow chow at least weekly when he blows coat.
7. Collie
Both smooth and rough collies shed a lot. In fact, a rough collie will turn into a tangled mess without frequent brushing. Even a smooth collie will require frequent brushing due to shedding. Think about it this way: when you groom your collie often, the excess hairs will wind up in the brush or shedding rake, and not on your furniture and in your clothes.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
This breed will leave tumbleweeds of fur throughout your home. If you don’t get on top of the shedding, it will get on top of you when your Berner blows his undercoat twice a year. Use a rake as a measure to control where the shed hair ends up. You should also use a metal pin brush to eliminate dead and loose hair from your Berner’s outer coat, regardless of whether or not it’s shedding season.
5. Pekingese
When a Pekingese blows coat, it’s hair, hair everywhere! Males shed once a year, and females twice. It’s essential to comb and brush the long double coat every day, and dry shampoo often. You might end up spending more time on your Peke’s hair than yours, especially if you want to maintain a long, flowing appearance.
4. German Shepherd
This breed blows its undercoat twice a year, but it also sheds heavily year-round. German shepherds are hardy dogs that require little formal grooming, but you’ll need to brush the coat at least twice weekly, and rake it during shedding season to prevent skin problems from developing and to keep your pet comfortable. Diet and hydration can also influence shedding, so ensure that your German shepherd eats nutrient rich food and has lots to drink.
3. Pug
This breed may be small, but it certainly experiences a lot of shedding throughout its life. Pugs shed every day and at the same rate all year long. The little spiky hairs stick to clothing and furniture and are hard to remove, even with a lint roller. You can use a soft bristle brush or a mitt to groom your pug and control shedding.
2. St. Bernard
Saint Bernards shed A LOT. Upholstery, carpets, clothes, furniture, countertops, and even your food will be coated with fur and dog hair. Everyday vacuuming will become a new lifestyle. This breed is certainly not the best choice for a fastidious housekeeper! Like the Siberian husky, they blow their coats twice a year, and you can also use a shedding rake on them during shedding season.
1. Akita
Make sure you purchase a good vacuum cleaner if you plan on adding an Akita to your life. Akitas blow their undercoats twice a year, like other double-coated breeds. Groom your Akita several times a week with a metal brush, and use a rake for his undercoat. Resist the temptation to trim the topcoat to reduce the shedding, as there is a possibility that it wouldn’t grow back.
Many people have the misconception that longhaired dogs shed more than their shorthaired counterparts. This could be because the longer hair strands give the impression that these dogs shed more. As this article shows, this is not the case.