16 Heavy-Shedding Dog Breeds That Leave Fur Everywhere (And 8 That Hardly Shed)

Interesting
By Maya Rivera

Dog lovers often encounter the challenge of fur-covered furniture and clothes due to heavy-shedding breeds. While some breeds are notorious for leaving fur everywhere, others are surprisingly low-shedding. Understanding which breeds fall into these categories can help potential pet owners make informed decisions about their future furry companions. In this blog post, we explore two contrasting breeds: one that sheds heavily and another that sheds minimally.

Golden Retriever

© itsatlasthegolden

Golden Retrievers are beloved family pets known for their friendly demeanor. However, their thick, double-layered coat sheds abundantly year-round.

Regular brushing is essential to manage the relentless shedding and keep their coat looking its best. Expect a heavier shed during the spring and fall as they change coats.

This breed’s affable nature makes them a favorite in many households, but be ready to find golden fur on clothes and furniture. Investing in a good vacuum cleaner will help keep your home fur-free.

German Shepherd

© yoethegroomer

German Shepherds are intelligent and loyal, making them excellent companions. Their dense coats shed continuously, with significant increases during seasonal changes.

Frequent grooming sessions, including daily brushing, will help control the shedding and keep their skin healthy.

Known for their versatility, these dogs are popular in police and service work, but they require diligent upkeep to manage the hair they leave behind. If you love this breed, prepare for a bit of extra work to maintain a clean home.

Siberian Husky

© lambert.the.husky

Siberian Huskies are strikingly beautiful with their wolf-like appearance and vibrant blue eyes. They have a thick double coat that sheds profusely, especially during their biannual shedding seasons.

Regular brushing is crucial to reduce the amount of hair left around the house and to prevent matting.

These energetic dogs thrive in cold climates and require plenty of exercise. Keep a vacuum at hand and enjoy their lively spirit despite the extra fur. Their loyalty and charm make the maintenance worthwhile.

Alaskan Malamute

© adventures_of_alpine

Alaskan Malamutes are powerful, large dogs known for their strength and endurance. They possess a dense double coat that sheds year-round, with massive blowouts twice annually.

Regular grooming sessions are necessary to manage their shedding and prevent tangles. It’s advisable to groom them outdoors if possible.

Despite the shedding, Malamutes are affectionate and love companionship. Be prepared for fur everywhere, but their loyal nature makes it a small price to pay.

Labrador Retriever

© sweetandhandsomecody

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, cherished for their friendly nature and intelligence. Their short, dense coat sheds heavily throughout the year.

Routine brushing helps minimize the fur left behind and keeps their coat glossy. Expect heavier shedding during spring and fall.

Labradors are active and love to play, so maintaining a fur-free home can be challenging but worth it for their companionship. Keep lint rollers handy for quick clean-ups.

Bernese Mountain Dog

© berner_bruce_

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle giants known for their tri-colored coats. They have a thick, long fur that sheds consistently, with peak shedding periods twice a year.

Regular grooming helps manage the fur and keeps these dogs looking majestic. They are affectionate and make great family dogs despite the constant shedding.

This breed enjoys outdoor activities and thrives in cooler climates, where their coat provides warmth. Be prepared for a house filled with fur, but their loving nature makes it all worthwhile.

Saint Bernard

© pawfectpoochesgrooming

Saint Bernards are gentle giants known for their rescue work in the Swiss Alps. They have a thick, heavy coat that sheds year-round, with an increase in spring and fall.

Regular grooming helps manage the fur and maintain their skin health. Despite the shedding, their calm and patient demeanor makes them excellent family pets.

These dogs require space and enjoy cooler environments. Their presence is comforting, but be ready for a fair amount of fur around the home. Their loving nature compensates for the extra grooming.

Newfoundland

© hello.im.pearl

Newfoundlands are massive, gentle dogs known for their swimming prowess and lifesaving skills. They have a water-resistant double coat that sheds significantly, especially during seasonal changes.

Regular brushing is essential to manage the shedding and keep their coat healthy. They thrive in water and love to swim, adding to their charm despite the shedding.

These dogs are affectionate and great with children, making the grooming efforts worthwhile. Prepare for a home filled with fur, but their gentle demeanor makes them beloved companions.

Chow Chow

© master_cloud_chow

Chow Chows are known for their distinctive lion-like appearance and aloof nature. Their dense double coats shed heavily, requiring regular grooming to prevent mats and keep them looking regal.

This breed sheds year-round, with two major blowouts annually. Brushing several times a week helps control the fur and maintains their skin health.

Despite their independent nature, they are loyal to their families. Expect fur on furniture and clothes, but their unique charm makes them a fascinating addition to your home.

Great Pyrenees

© threegoldiesonepyr

Great Pyrenees are majestic guardians, known for their protective nature and thick, white coats. They shed continuously, with significant increases twice a year.

Regular grooming is necessary to manage the shedding and prevent tangling. These dogs are gentle yet protective, making them excellent family pets.

They enjoy spacious environments and cooler climates, where their coat provides warmth. Be prepared for fur everywhere, but their loving guardianship is worth the effort. Their presence is reassuring, albeit a bit hairy.

Corgi

© scoutythecorgi

Corgis are small but mighty herding dogs with big personalities. Their double coats shed profusely, requiring regular grooming to manage the fur.

Expect heavier shedding during spring and fall as they change their coats. Brushing several times a week helps maintain their coat and keeps your home cleaner.

Despite their size, Corgis need ample exercise and mental stimulation. Their playful nature and adorable appearance make them popular, but be ready for a bit of extra cleaning due to their shedding.

Pomeranian

© westcoastsmolpaws

Pomeranians are tiny dogs with big personalities and fluffy coats. They shed consistently, with two major blowouts each year.

Regular grooming helps keep their coat in check and prevents mats. Brushing several times a week is recommended.

Despite their size, Pomeranians are confident and lively, often forgetting how small they are. Their cuteness is undeniable, but be prepared to find fur everywhere. Their charming personality and affectionate nature make them beloved companions, despite the extra cleaning involved.

Sheltie

© shopfurchild

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are known for their agility and intelligence. They have a long, dense coat that sheds heavily, particularly during seasonal changes.

Regular brushing is essential to manage the shedding and prevent mats. These dogs are friendly and make great family pets.

Shelties are active and thrive in environments where they can run and play. Despite the fur they leave behind, their loyalty and playful nature make them wonderful companions. Be prepared for a bit of extra grooming to maintain their beautiful coat.

Akita

© akita_life_official

Akitas are large, powerful dogs known for their loyalty and courage. They have a dense double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to manage the fur.

Expect major shedding twice a year, where their undercoat will come loose in clumps. Brushing several times a week is necessary.

Akitas are independent and protective, making them excellent guardians. Be prepared to find fur around your home, but their steadfast loyalty and dignified presence make them an admirable breed to have.

Samoyed

© mikasamoyeddog

Samoyeds are friendly, fluffy dogs known for their bright smiles and thick, white coats. They shed copiously, necessitating regular grooming to keep their coat beautiful and healthy.

These dogs have a dense double coat that requires brushing several times a week, especially during their biannual shedding seasons.

Samoyeds thrive in cold climates and have a playful, gentle nature that makes them great family pets. Expect a lot of fur around the home, but their charming personality and affectionate nature make them worth the effort.

Old English Sheepdog

© youheavenlydog

Old English Sheepdogs are known for their distinctive shaggy coats and friendly demeanor. They have a long, thick coat that sheds significantly, requiring consistent grooming to prevent matting.

Regular brushing helps manage the shedding and keeps their coat in top condition. These dogs are affectionate and great with children, making them wonderful family pets.

Be prepared for a considerable amount of fur in your home, but their playful and gentle nature makes them endearing companions. Their unique look and loving demeanor are worth the extra grooming effort.

Poodle

© winnie_the_pudel

Poodles are known for their hypoallergenic coats that shed very little. Available in various sizes from Toy to Standard, Poodles offer versatility in living situations.

Their curly fur needs regular grooming but doesn’t leave hair around the house. Poodles are also highly intelligent, making training relatively easy.

This breed is perfect for those who want a stylish, low-shedding pet. Their keen sense of understanding human moods adds to their allure. Regular exercise keeps them happy and healthy.

Portuguese Water Dog

© zizotheportie

Portuguese Water Dogs have dense, water-resistant coats that shed minimally. Originally bred to herd fish, their energetic nature requires regular playtime.

Their coat, while low-shedding, needs frequent grooming to prevent matting. These dogs are known for their friendly and adventurous spirit, making them excellent family pets.

They thrive in active households and enjoy aquatic activities. If you love water sports, this breed might just be your perfect match. Their loyalty and intelligence are commendable.

Bichon Frise

© boobale__herzliya

The Bichon Frise is adored for its fluffy, white coat that hardly sheds. With a cheerful disposition, this breed delights anyone they meet.

Regular grooming is essential to maintain their appearance and prevent tangles in their soft curls. These dogs are social butterflies, thriving on human interaction.

Their playful nature makes them great companions for families with children. Despite their small size, they exude confidence and charm, ensuring they capture hearts wherever they go. Perfect for apartment living.

Basenji

© basenjijax

Basenjis, known as the “barkless” dogs, have sleek coats that shed minimally. Originally from Africa, they are independent and intelligent.

Their grooming needs are low, making them perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance pet. These curious dogs need mental stimulation to keep them engaged, as they can be quite clever.

A secure yard is essential, as their inquisitive nature may lead them on unexpected adventures. Their unique yodel-like sound adds to their exotic appeal.

Yorkshire Terrier

© sammy_in_the_city_

Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with big personalities. Their fine, silky coat sheds very little, although regular grooming is needed.

Known for being feisty yet affectionate, Yorkies are loyal companions that adapt well to various living environments. They enjoy being the center of attention and often thrive in bustling households.

Despite their size, they possess a bold temperament, often not realizing how small they actually are. They make excellent watchdogs with their keen senses.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus have a luxurious coat that requires regular grooming but sheds minimally. These affectionate dogs love to be pampered and are great companions.

Known for their cheerful disposition, they enjoy being around their family members and are particularly good with children. Despite their regal appearance, they are quite sturdy.

Shih Tzus adapt well to apartment living and are content with a moderate amount of exercise. Their loyalty and charm are truly enchanting.

Maltese

© maltese.community

Maltese dogs are known for their striking white coats that shed very little. This breed is lively and playful, eager to be your lifelong companion.

Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their pristine appearance. They thrive on human attention and are perfectly suited for indoor living.

Their gentle nature makes them ideal for families and singles alike. Despite their size, Maltese dogs exhibit a courageous spirit. Their loyalty and adorability make them irresistible.

Italian Greyhound

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Italian Greyhounds have short coats that shed minimally, making them a low-maintenance choice for those concerned about fur.

Their gentle nature and affectionate demeanor make them excellent companions. They enjoy lounging but also have bursts of energy requiring playtime.

Perfect for city dwellers, they adapt well to apartment living. Italian Greyhounds have a long history as graceful companions. Their loving personality is matched by their elegant appearance, making them a cherished addition to any home.