Dog lovers know that shedding is a natural part of owning a furry friend, but some breeds take it to another level. Shedding can be influenced by factors such as the dog’s coat type, the time of year, and even the individual dog’s health. While all dogs shed to some extent, certain breeds are notorious for the amount of fur they leave behind. This article explores 13 dog breeds that shed the most fur, ranked in descending order. If you’re considering bringing one of these breeds into your home, be prepared for some extra grooming and vacuuming to keep your living space clean.

13. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are giant, gentle dogs known for their role as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps. Their thick, dense double coat is perfect for keeping them warm in cold climates, but it also means they shed a considerable amount. Saint Bernards shed moderately year-round, but their shedding increases significantly during seasonal changes in spring and fall. Their large size only adds to the volume of fur they shed. Regular brushing is necessary to manage their shedding, especially during peak shedding seasons. Saint Bernards are prone to matting if their coat is not properly cared for, so it’s important to stay on top of grooming to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding around the house.

12. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. However, they are also heavy shedders, thanks to their dense double coat. German Shepherds shed consistently throughout the year, with a noticeable increase during the spring and fall when they “blow” their coats. During these times, they shed their undercoat, leading to a significant amount of fur around the house. Regular grooming, including brushing several times a week, is essential to manage the shedding and keep their coat healthy. Despite the shedding, German Shepherds are beloved for their work ethic and strong bond with their families.

11. Akita

The Akita is a powerful and dignified breed originating from Japan, where it was traditionally used for hunting and guarding. Akitas have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, particularly during the shedding seasons in spring and fall. During these times, Akitas “blow” their coat, resulting in large amounts of fur being shed. Even outside of shedding season, Akitas shed a moderate amount year-round. Regular grooming is essential to manage their shedding and to prevent matting. Akitas require a strong commitment to grooming, but their loyalty and protective nature make them a rewarding breed for the right owner.

10. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance and high energy levels, but they are also known for being prolific shedders. Huskies have a thick double coat designed to protect them from harsh Arctic climates. While this coat is highly effective in cold weather, it also leads to significant shedding. Huskies shed moderately year-round, but twice a year, they undergo a heavy shedding period known as “blowing their coat.” During this time, Huskies shed their undercoat, resulting in a massive amount of fur being shed in a short period. Regular grooming and brushing are crucial to managing the shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Despite the shedding, Huskies are adored for their playful and adventurous personalities.

9. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is another Arctic breed known for its thick, weather-resistant double coat. Malamutes were originally bred for pulling heavy sleds over long distances, and their coat is designed to keep them warm in freezing temperatures. This dense coat also means that Malamutes are heavy shedders. Like Huskies, Malamutes shed moderately throughout the year but experience a significant increase in shedding during the spring and fall when they blow their coat. The shedding can be overwhelming, with fur covering every surface of the house if not properly managed. Regular grooming, including frequent brushing, is essential to control the shedding and to prevent matting and other coat issues. Malamutes are known for their strength and endurance, making them excellent working dogs, but their shedding is something potential owners must be prepared for.

8. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are instantly recognizable by their lion-like mane and fluffy appearance, but this beautiful coat comes with a price—heavy shedding. Chow Chows have a thick double coat that sheds year-round, with a noticeable increase during seasonal changes. Their dense undercoat is the main culprit for shedding, and it can become matted if not properly cared for. Regular grooming is essential to manage the shedding and to keep their coat in good condition. Chow Chows also have a reputation for being somewhat aloof and independent, so they may not be as cooperative during grooming sessions as some other breeds. Despite the shedding, Chow Chows are beloved for their unique appearance and loyal nature.

7. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly and affectionate nature. However, they are also known for being heavy shedders. Golden Retrievers have a dense double coat that sheds year-round, with increased shedding during the spring and fall. Their long, flowing fur can quickly cover furniture, clothing, and floors if not properly managed. Regular grooming, including brushing several times a week, is essential to control the shedding and to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Despite the shedding, Golden Retrievers are beloved for their gentle temperament and strong bond with their families, making them a popular choice for families and individuals alike.

6. Corgi (Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh)

Corgis, both the Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Welsh varieties, are small but mighty dogs with a surprising amount of fur to shed. These herding dogs have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, particularly during the shedding seasons in spring and fall. Corgis may be small in stature, but they more than makeup for it with the volume of fur they shed. Regular grooming is necessary to manage the shedding and to prevent matting, particularly in their dense undercoat. Despite the shedding, Corgis are beloved for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature, making them a popular choice for families and dog enthusiasts.

5. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic and powerful breed known for its protective nature and thick, weather-resistant double coat. Originally bred to guard livestock in the mountains, the Great Pyrenees have a coat that is designed to protect them from harsh weather conditions. However, this thick coat also means that the Great Pyrenees is a heavy shedder. They shed year-round, with a significant increase during the spring and fall when they blow their coat. The shedding can be overwhelming, with fur covering every surface of the house if not properly managed. Regular grooming, including frequent brushing, is essential to control the shedding and to keep their coat healthy and free from matting. Despite the shedding, the Great Pyrenees is a beloved breed known for its loyalty and protective nature.

4. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are gentle giants known for their strength, loyalty, and thick, water-resistant double coat. Originally bred to assist fishermen in the cold waters of Newfoundland, these dogs have a coat that is perfectly suited to their work but also leads to significant shedding. Newfoundlands shed year-round, with increased shedding during the spring and fall. Their thick undercoat is the main source of shedding, and regular grooming is essential to manage the shedding and to keep their coat healthy and free from matting. Newfoundlands are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them excellent family dogs, but their shedding is something potential owners must be prepared for.

3. Pomeranian

Pomeranians may be small in size, but they are big on shedding. These fluffy little dogs have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, particularly during the shedding seasons in spring and fall. Pomeranians may be small, but they can shed a surprising amount of fur, quickly covering furniture, clothing, and floors if not properly managed. Regular grooming, including brushing several times a week, is essential to control the shedding and to keep their coat healthy and free from matting. Despite the shedding, Pomeranians are beloved for their lively and affectionate nature, making them a popular choice for individuals and families alike.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly and affectionate nature. However, they are also known for being heavy shedders. Labs have a dense double coat that sheds year-round, with increased shedding during the spring and fall. Their short, thick fur can quickly cover furniture, clothing, and floors if not properly managed. Regular grooming, including brushing several times a week, is essential to control the shedding and to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Despite the shedding, Labrador Retrievers are beloved for their gentle temperament and strong bond with their families, making them a popular choice for families and individuals alike.

1. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed known for its calm temperament and beautiful tri-colored coat. Bred in the Swiss Alps to work as farm dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick double coat that provides insulation in cold climates. However, this coat also sheds heavily, especially during the spring and fall when they blow their coat. Regular grooming is essential to manage the shedding and to prevent the undercoat from matting. Despite their size and shedding, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, affectionate, and great with children, making them excellent family pets. However, prospective owners should be prepared for the amount of fur these dogs can leave behind.

These dog breeds are known for their heavy shedding, which can be a challenge for dog owners who prefer a tidy home. While shedding is a natural part of owning a dog, it’s important to be prepared for the amount of fur that these breeds can shed. Regular grooming, including brushing, bathing, and trimming, is essential to manage shedding and to keep your dog’s coat healthy and free from matting. Despite the shedding, these breeds are beloved for their unique personalities, loyalty, and strong bond with their families. If you’re considering bringing one of these breeds into your home, be prepared for some extra grooming and vacuuming, but also know that you’ll be rewarded with a loyal and loving companion.

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