7 dog breeds that shed the most (and how to reduce it)
Are you considering adopting a pup? If so, browse this list to learn about the top seven dog breeds that shed the most hair.
We recommend adopting any of these breeds if you can provide them with the care they need and use the strategies we recommend to keep your home clean.
That’s because heavy shedding cannot outweigh these breeds’ capability in learning, loyalty, and love.
Although they require some extra care with hair management, they are some of the best pups to add to your family.
7 dog breeds that shed the most
Great Pyrenees
Generally, the Great Pyrenees have a dense double coat and lie between average and heavy shedders.
If you experience extremely harsh winters, the coat of the Great Pyrenees will become thicker than that of the Pyrenees living in mild winter conditions.
This means that when summer arrives, there will be heavier shedding.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes experience two cycles of intensive shedding that occur when the seasons change. An underlying medical condition can also increase shedding during the stable months.
Chow Chow
Several dog keepers and enthusiasts have rated the Chow Chow among the top five heaviest shedders in the world.
Chows may shed even more hair if you do not provide proper diet and health care.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies also have a double coat and shed heavily year-round.
However, the shedding intensifies twice a year when the season changes.
So, you have to deal with a lot of loose hair.
Akita
Like Siberian Huskies, Akitas are furry to touch.
Their short- to medium-haired coat freshens up every once in a while. This process brings the soft coat underneath the coarse hair to the top. However, they shed a lot of hair in this process.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards shed the heaviest during spring or autumn.
Their thick, protective coat falls off frequently throughout the year but falls off heaviest during those seasons.
Golden Retriever
Similar to other breeds, Golden Retrievers have seasonal shedding too.
However, they also are more vulnerable to shedding due to health issues.
Improve your dog’s diet to reduce shedding
Improving your dog’s diet can play a significant role in reducing shedding.
A well-balanced and nutritious diet is essential for your dog’s overall health, including the health of their coat. Here are a few ways in which a better diet can help minimize shedding:
Healthy skin and coat
Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, are crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and coat. These nutrients can help reduce dryness and irritation, which can reduce shedding. Foods rich in these fatty acids include fish (like salmon), flaxseed, and certain plant oils.
Optimal nutrition
A diet that meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs — based on size, age, and activity level — can promote overall health. A balanced diet that includes vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential nutrients supports skin and fur health and helps reduce excessive shedding.
Hydration
Adequate hydration is vital for maintaining the health of your dog’s skin. Dehydration can lead to dry skin, which can result in increased shedding. Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water, and consider occasionally incorporating wet dog food into their diet for additional moisture.
Quality ingredients
Lower-quality dog foods often contain fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality proteins that may not provide the nutrients needed for skin and coat health. Opting for high-quality, whole-food ingredients helps to ensure your dog is getting the best possible nutrition.
Weight management
Obesity can lead to numerous health issues, including skin problems that can increase shedding. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and daily exercise can support overall well-being and contribute to a healthier coat.
Allergy management
Some dogs may shed excessively due to food allergies or sensitivities. Identifying and eliminating problematic ingredients from your dog’s diet can help alleviate skin issues that lead to shedding.
Before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet, consult with your veterinarian to ensure the changes are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
If you decide to change your dog’s food, do so gradually to avoid digestive issues — mix the new food with the old food over a week or so.
If your dog’s diet lacks certain nutrients, consider high-quality supplements. Before you add supplements, talk with your vet to ensure you’re giving safe and beneficial products.
By providing a balanced and nutritious diet, you not only enhance your dog’s coat health and reduce shedding but also improve their overall well-being and quality of life.
Reduce shedding
Brushing and grooming your dog is the best way to tackle and reduce hair shedding.
But if you see that shedding prolongs even after proper care, you must take your dog to the vet. An underlying medical problem is likely responsible for excessive hair loss.
This is an alarming sign if your double-coated dog develops patches and loses chunks of hair as you pet it.
Rush your dog to the vet.
Use the best grooming tools
Proper grooming tools can help you manage dog shedding and prevent problems like matting and tangling.
Here are some tools to reduce shedding and keep your dog looking great.
Slicker brush
This brush is perfect for removing loose hair and debris from your dog’s undercoat. The fine, bent bristles help detangle knots while effectively collecting loose hair. It’s beneficial for breeds with longer fur.
De-shedding tools
Tools like the Furminator are specifically engineered to reduce shedding by removing the loose undercoat without cutting the top coat. This tool is effective for double-coated breeds and can dramatically lessen the hair left around your home.
Undercoat rake
This tool is ideal for removing dead hair from your dog’s undercoat. It features wide teeth that can glide through thick fur, making it easier to tackle heavy shedders. Regular use can help maintain a healthy coat and reduce overall shedding.
Rubber grooming mitt
Designed for a gentle brushing experience, rubber grooming mitts remove loose hair and stimulate your dog’s skin. They are especially great for short-haired breeds and can be a fun bonding experience for you and your pup.
Bristle brush
This tool smoothes out the top coat and removes surface hair. It can also be used as a finishing brush after de-shedding to give your dog’s coat a nice shine and help distribute natural oils, promoting a healthy coat.
Grooming gloves
Like grooming mitts, these gloves allow you to pet your dog while removing loose hair. They work well for nervous or anxious dogs who fear traditional grooming tools.
To make the most of grooming, create a routine. Regular brushing sessions (at least once a week and more frequently during shedding seasons) will help to keep shedding under control.
Always be gentle when brushing, especially around sensitive areas like the ears and belly.
Offer treats and praise during and after each grooming session to make it a positive experience.
Clean up dog hair
The best way to get rid of dog hair is to groom your dog regularly. The more you brush your dog, the less hair you will have.
You can also use a sample cloth or sticky tape to clean surfaces immediately. It works best for hard surfaces.
You can use a lint roller to clean clothes from dog hair. For the house in general, we recommend two ways:
- Vacuum your house regularly.
- Use an air purifier.
Vacuuming your house every other day from every nook and corner can be time-consuming and effort-demanding. If you think you’re too busy for that, you should use an air purifier for dog hair.
Air purifiers, particularly those with HEPA filters and other advanced features, clean the air in your house from all sorts of pollutants. So, if you place an air purifier and dust surfaces (such as sofas and tables) now and then, the purifier will help eliminate dog hair around the house.
Premium-quality air purifiers will even trap mites, mold, fungi, and bacteria nanoparticles. Cleaning an air purifier is 10 times easier than vacuuming. You must clean it with gentle brushing every two to four weeks.
Other than that, we recommend covering your beds and sofas with fabric. If you keep them open and exposed to pet hair 24/7, your house will need a deep clean almost weekly.
Plus, the amount of hair that sticks to your clothes and makes it to the laundry may clog your washing machine and dryers.
Use the right tools to clean up dog hair
Managing dog hair in your home can be a challenge, especially with breeds that shed heavily.
Thankfully, several effective products are designed to help you maintain a clean and fur-free environment.
Here are some must-have items to consider for tackling dog hair around your home:
High-efficiency vacuum cleaners
Investing in a vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pet hair can make a significant difference. Look for models with powerful suction and specialized attachments for carpets and upholstery.
Brands like Dyson and Bissell offer vacuums with features such as tangle-free brush rolls that prevent hair from wrapping around the brush.
Lint rollers
Lint rollers are a classic but effective tool for quick fixes. Keep them in your car, purse, and around the house to quickly remove hair from clothes, furniture, and even your pet’s bedding.
They come in various sizes, making them versatile for different surfaces.
Pet hair remover gloves
These gloves allow you to groom your dog while collecting loose hair as you pet them. The rubber bristles grab the fur and make it easy to remove. You can also use them on furniture and clothing to quickly lift hair without needing to vacuum.
Washable pet hair remover brushes
These brushes are designed for use on carpets and upholstery. They pick up pet hair effectively and can be easily cleaned.
Run the brush over the surface, and the hair clumps together for easy disposal.
Furniture covers
Washable covers on your sofas and chairs can protect them from dog hair and make clean-up a breeze. Toss the covers in the wash when they get dirty.
Various materials are available, some even designed specifically to repel pet hair.
Dog-safe cleaning wipes
Cleaning wipes that are safe for pets can be a quick solution for wiping down surfaces where hair accumulates. These wipes often come with pet-friendly formulations, ensuring a clean home while being gentle on your dog.
Rubber broom
A rubber broom attracts pet hair from hard surfaces like tile or wood floors. Its design gathers dog hair into piles so you can quickly sweep it up for disposal.
Using these products and regular grooming, you can significantly reduce the amount of dog hair in your home and maintain a clean living environment.
Remember, investing in the right tools can save you time and effort.
Final thoughts on dog breeds that shed
The best things in life demand effort and attention.
You can’t expect to keep the best dog breed if you’re unwilling to dedicate time and money to keep them well. And most dogs shed, so dealing with dog hair is a simple fact of life when you’re a pet parent.
Whether adopting a dog from one of the top seven dog breeds that shed or another breed, ensure you care for it properly.
Shawn Mack is a content writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. His educational background in the business and technical fields has given him a broad base to approach many topics. He is also fond of writing engaging articles on technology & digital marketing-related topics.