Dogs shed… that’s the truth. There are no dogs that don’t shed – only those that shed less and those that shed more.
But, there are some dogs that shed the most! They don’t know what shedding season means. These dogs shed throughout the year.
And, if you think only long-haired or medium-haired dogs shed a lot – you are wrong.
There are many short-haired dogs that are far in front of the dogs with long fur lengths when it comes to shedding.
Size doesn’t matter… coat color or coat type doesn’t matter either. These dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and from all around the world.
From giants to small ones.
Let’s find out what dog breeds shed the most!
Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
First of all, let’s see what shedding is: it refers to the loss of old hair for the purpose of making room for new hair to grow. In most dog breeds, purebred and mixed dogs, shedding happens during shedding seasons:
- Autumn
- Spring
The first one is to prepare the dog for the winter season by removing the old, thin fur and replacing it with new, healthier, and thicker fur. This way, the dog is ready for the winter and cold weather.
The second shedding season happens in the spring, and it prepares the dog for the summer season by removing old and thick fur and replacing it with thinner fur.
Almost all mammals shed in some way, seasonally preparing their body for winter or summer.
However, there are dog breeds that shed throughout the year, regularly leaving their owner with dog brushes in their hands all the time.
Let’s see the shedders!
1. German Shepherd
We’ll start with one of the most famous dog breeds in the world – the German Shedder, I mean… German Shepherd!
These dogs come in two coat types: medium-length, and long-haired German Shepherds. Don’t think the shorter fur makes them less prone to shedding. No, they shed equally – a lot!
This means you will have to brush your dog at least twice a week all year round in order to keep the fur away from everything you own. It is not a joke… they are called German Shedders for a reason.
2. Golden Retriever
Another famous dog. I guess people love dog fur since not only are the first and the second dog on our list very popular, but the third and fourth ones are, too.
So, the Golden boy and shedding go hand in hand. But, a lot of people have been asking the question of whether they are hypoallergenic or not.
I guess they think this because of how popular these dogs are. But, the sad truth is that they are not hypoallergenic – they shed a lot.
3. Labrador Retriever
Do Labradors shed? Yes, they do shed. How much do they shed? Quite a lot, according to Labrador Retriever owners and the American Kennel Club.
If you were wondering whether to get a Lab puppy or not, take a look at the 5+ reasons why they are the worst dogs first, and then decide.
If you think you can easily overcome all the obstacles when it comes to this dog breed, then the Lab truly is the dog for you!
4. Doberman Pinscher
This is our next extremely popular dog breed that keeps shedding all year round, no matter the season. You will need to get used to brushing your dog at least twice a week, but even once a day is appropriate if you keep your dog inside all the time.
You will need good dog brushes to keep the fur away, and keep the fur shiny, healthy, and your dog happy.
5. Siberian Husky
This one doesn’t come as a surprise considering they have a double and thick coat type. Siberian Huskies were originally bred in Siberia planes where there are technically no real seasons – it’s quite cold all the time.
So, they don’t need to shed according to the time changes. They can shed all year long, and they surely do that.
A good brush and an occasional bath keep the fur clean and healthy.
6. Alaskan Malamute/*
Another double-coated dog breed that comes from the cold part of the planet. For similar reasons as the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute is also on our list – dog breeds that shed the most.
If you are one of the people who always mix these two dog breeds, follow this link for the complete comparison of these two dogs: Husky vs Malamute.
You will find the info on temperament, size, and health issues.
7. Samoyed
Have you seen a Samoyed? It’s like a fluffy cloud on Earth. They are gorgeous-looking and quite maintenance-demanding dogs that will need regular brushing to keep their hair from tangling, matting, and from your furniture and clothes.
The ultimate Samoyed vs Husky vs Malamute charts are ready for you to take a look at if you can’t decide which one is the right dog for you.
8. Japanese Akita
This is a dog from a Spitz group, together with the Samoyed, Malamute, and Husky, among others.
They have a double coat type as well that comes in many coat colors. There are also American and Japanese Akitas. We are talking about Japanese Akita Inu dogs that shed immensely.
American Akitas shed as well; however, they shed seasonally… not all year round.
9. Corgi
Both types of Corgis – Pembroke and Welsh Corgis – shed throughout the year. So, you won’t get away from the truth: they require brushing! A lot of it.
It was easy for the Queen, she had help.
That’s why she had so many of them. But, you will have to take the brush and do it yourself. At least, you will have a lot of bonding time with your dog.
10. Pug
This is another popular dog breed that sheds the most. The good thing with Pugs is their size. But, apart from a lot of shedding, your Pug can also have breathing problems and skin problems.
They will need a lot of care, so think carefully before bringing one of them to your home.
But, if you do – here are the best Pug brushes to help you with the grooming.
11. Bernese Mountain Dog
Straight from the little ones to the big ones. You see how size doesn’t matter? When it comes to the amount of shedding, both big and small dogs can shed a lot.
One of the big dogs is a Bernese Mountain dog.
They are big, and will need a lot of space to stretch, so having a big yard would be the best. Also, these dogs are prone to drooling.
12. Dogue De Bordeaux
This is another big dog on our list of dog breeds that shed the most. It is the Dogue de Bordeaux and its imposing appearance.
These dogs have short and smooth coat types, but nonetheless, they shed a lot.
Also, the drooling problem is bigger in these dogs, and if you really want one, it would be best to take a look at some home remedies for dog drooling to know what to do when it happens.
13. Dogo Argentino
We are moving on to another dog that fits the group of big guard dogs perfectly! The Dogo Argentino, both males and females, are excellent guards and watchdogs that will keep you safe from intruders.
However, safety comes with one drawback. Yes, you guessed it – they shed a lot.
But, just like with other short-coated dog breeds, they don’t require special grooming… just frequent.
14. Tibetan Mastiff
These giant dogs are famous for their incredible guarding skills, and their fluffy and long fur! There is another thing they are famous for – they are quite expensive.
But, it is normal that they are more expensive than most breeds on our list today because they can eat a lot!
This means breeding these fluffy giants requires a lot of money.
And, a lot of brushing!
15. Leonberger
This is a beautiful large dog from Germany. They were originally bred as farm working dogs, and because of their strength and size, they were even used for pulling carts.
But, their beauty and hard-working traits come with year-round shedding.
These dogs should be brushed every day.
If you are interested in these amazing dogs, check out these breeders from the States: Leonberger US breeders.
16. Beauceron
This dog is a medium-sized to large dog that has a double and smooth coat type of short length.
The Beauceron’s coat is quite dense, and will need regular daily brushing to keep their fur from matting and tangling.
Just like other dogs from the list, they shed all year round, but the shedding increases during the shedding seasons. Then, they will definitely need daily brushing.
17. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are big dogs that have a smooth and short coat type. But, there are long-haired Rottweilers as well. The problem is, the long-haired Rotties are not accepted by the American Kennel Club.
However, no matter the length of their fur, both types of Rottweilers, and both bloodlines – American and German – shed a lot.
They will require brushing at least twice a week.
18. Dalmatian
The beautiful and unique-looking Dalmatian dogs actually come in more than one coat color. But, their coat sheds the same no matter their pattern – spots or no spots.
Just joking… all Dalmatians have spots when they grow up.
As for their shedding, they will need daily brushing to get rid of the hair and keep their fur in good shape.
19. Border Collie
The last on our list is a hard-working, and one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world – the incredible Border Collie.
We are all used to seeing black and white Border Collies, but there are more than 10 different coat colors, including the merle coat pattern.
They are smart, energetic, and they do bark a lot.
On top of that, these dogs are big shedders, so it takes a very experienced dog owner, and one who has time to keep this dog happy and healthy.
The Conclusion
We have 19 dog breeds that shed the most on our list, but you can find a lot of other dog breeds that will require regular grooming. We just stuck to the real shedders – those that shed all year round, and not just during shedding seasons.
If you want to get one of the mentioned dog breeds, their brushing and general grooming requirements are something you have to take into consideration.
A dog needs to be brushed and kept clean.
They need much more than food and a place to sleep. So, before getting one of these shedders, do thorough research if that dog is actually the one for you and your lifestyle.