29 dogs that shed a lot

The following dog breeds are known to shed a lot of fur. Some people are well advised to familiarize themselves with the amount of fur sheds before buying or adopting a dog.

  • #1 Akita
  • #2 Alaskan Malamute
  • #3 American Eskimo Dog
  • #4 Australian Shepherd
  • #5 Beagles
  • #6 Belgian Shepherd
  • #7 Bernese Mountain Dog
  • #8 Saint Bernard
  • #9 Border Collie
  • #10 Chihuahuas
  • #11 Chow Chow
  • #12 Dalmatians
  • #13 German Shepherd
  • #14 English Shepherd
  • #15 Golden Retrievers
  • #16 Kuvasz
  • #17 Labrador Retrievers
  • #18 Pug
  • #19 Newfoundland
  • #20 Norwegian Elkhound
  • #21 Pomeranian
  • #22 Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog
  • #23 Rottweiler
  • #24 Samoyed
  • #25 Shetland Sheepdog
  • #26 Shiba Inu
  • #27 Siberian Husky
  • #28 Welsh Corgi Pembroke
  • #29 Wolfspitz

To clarify: There are no dogs that don't shed. This is a biological fact. Just like every human and every cat loses hair. [1]

However, the above dog breeds are known to shed a lot.

The amount of fur or hair a dog carries helps with sensory perception of its surroundings, protects the skin, and helps regulate heat.

While only one hair grows from human hair follicles, dogs grow several hairs from one follicle.

Basically, the amount of hair loss depends on 3 factors away:

  • Dog breed
  • General health
  • heritage [2]

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#1 Akita

Akitas have a thick, double-layered coat that should not be shaved. Akitas typically shed heavily twice a year and should be brushed regularly throughout the year. [3]

During the shedding period, entire holes can appear in the fur. However, the loss of fur usually ends after 3 weeks at the latest.

Fun fact: Akitas hold a special place in Japanese culture. When a child is born, the parents receive an Akita figurine, which symbolizes happiness and long life. [4]

#2 Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute sheds a lot twice a year. At this point, frequent brushing with a slicker brush or an undercoat brush will help. [5]

A plus point: the undercoat is odorless.

Fun fact: The Alaskan Malamute was named the “Alaska State Dog” in 2010 after being nominated by children through a school project.

#3 American Eskimo Dog

Eskies shed heavily and require frequent brushing to reduce the amount of fur in the house and prevent mats (especially behind the ears).

It is recommended to brush American Eskimo Dogs thoroughly two or three times a week.

Fun fact: Eskies don't even come from America. They originally come from Germany and are descended from the German Spitz. [6]

#4 Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds shed heavily twice a year for up to 6 months at a time. These exuberant, smart and hard-working companions require a lot of grooming. [7]

With its medium-length top coat and dense undercoat, the Australian Shepherd is well protected from sunlight in summer and from cold in winter.

Fun fact: Native Americans considered Australian Shepherds sacred. They were also called “ghost eyes” because of their blue eyes. [8]

#5 Beagles

Despite their relatively short coats, Beagles shed more than expected. Beagles shed particularly in spring and autumn.

As with all dog breeds, it is important to give dogs quality food, as nutrient deficiencies can contribute to increased hair loss.

Fun fact: The beagle's long ears help with smelling! The ears catch odor particles and then fan them towards the nose. [9]

#6 Belgian Shepherd

Belgian Shepherd Dogs shed a lot all year round. The coat of these dogs should be brushed well 1-2 times a week.

The dense black fur gives the Belgian Shepherd Dog protection from cold and wet conditions. [10]

Fun fact: Belgian Shepherds are used as working dogs and helped catch Osama Bin Laden!

#7 Bernese Mountain Dog

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed? Yes, daily. And a lot. This breed of dog has a dense undercoat and also loses its undercoat in large sizes twice a year. [11]

Bernese Mountain Dogs should therefore be brushed at least once a week. This keeps the coat healthy and reduces fur in the house.

Fun fact: Bernese Mountain Dogs love to make their owners laugh. Things that make the owner laugh are demonstrated by the dog again and again – also called “Bernese chuckle”.

#8 Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards also shed heavily. In addition to their hair loss, these strong companions are also known to drool – not for the picky soul!

Saint Bernards are either long-haired or short-haired. However, this has no effect on fur loss.

Fun fact: The St. Bernard “Barry” became a legend when he found a little boy after an avalanche and carried him back to the valley on his back. [12]

#9 Border Collie

Border Collies are medium-sized dogs with a thick coat that requires a lot of work.

If this breed of dog begins to shed twice a year, daily brushing is necessary. Because they lose a lot of fur at once. [13]

Fun fact: Famous people love Border Collies! Queen Victoria, James Dean, Anna Paquin, Bon Jovi, Ethan Hawke, James Franco and Tiger Woods are among the Border Collie owners. [14]

#10 Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas shed all year round. When more fur is shed in spring and autumn, additional brushing and a vacuum cleaner are required.

A plus point for Chihuahuas is their small stature. This means that the amount of hair in the house is limited compared to larger dogs.

Fun fact: Chihuahuas tend to be wary of strangers, making them the world's smallest guard dog! [15]

#11 Chow Chow

Chow Chows shed their fur primarily in spring and fall, which requires more care. But even in the off-season, these dogs shed a lot.

Three types of brushes are recommended for Chow Chows: a medium-sized brush for larger body parts, a slicker brush for smaller areas & a pin brush for longer hair strands. [16]

Fun fact: Mature Chow Chows have blue-black tongues, similar to those of a lizard.

#12 Dalmatians

A Dalmatian's coat is usually short, fine and dense. These dogs shed a lot of hair throughout the year. The short, stiff hairs often weave into carpets, clothing and upholstery. [17]

Weekly grooming with a dog mitt or brush can significantly reduce the amount of hair. [18]

Fun fact: Dalmatians do not have spots at birth. You heard right! Dalmatian puppies are white at birth and only get spots as they get older.

#13 German Shepherd

With the double-layered coat of German Shepherds, you can hardly avoid daily brushing. Because heavy shedding is part of everyday life here. [19]

Like most dogs, the German Shepherd sheds her coat twice a year. During this time, increased brushing is required. [20]

Fun fact: The German Shepherd was the very first companion for the blind!

#14 English Shepherd

With medium-length wavy, straight or curly fur, the English Shepherd is well equipped for any weather.

This breed of dog changes its coat twice a year and sheds a lot. [21]

Fun fact: English Shepherds are often incorrectly referred to as Australian Shepherds or Border Collies because all three breeds exhibit farm dog characteristics.

#15 Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers' coats are slightly wavy and shed in small amounts throughout the year. The undercoat is soft and keeps the retriever cool in summer and warm in winter.

This breed of dog loses more hair, especially at the change of season. [22]

Fun fact: This type of retriever is the 4th most intelligent dog breed (after border collies, poodles and German shepherds).

#16 Kuvasz

Kuvasz shed particularly heavily in spring and autumn. It is recommended to brush them at least once a week and preferably every two to three days.

Fun fact: The name Kuvasz is probably historically incorrect and contains a spelling error. This breed would be correctly called “kawasz” (Turkish for “armed guard of the nobility”). [23]

#17 Labrador Retrievers

This breed of dog tends to shed hair twice a year in temperate climates or regularly throughout the year.

Labrador hair is usually short and straight, but the hair on the tail is thicker and longer. [24]

Fun fact: The gold medal for bravery went to the Labrador “Endal” in 2002. He pulled his owner into a recovery position when he was unconscious, covered him and organized help with his cell phone.

#18 Pug

Depending on their genetic makeup, pugs shed differently. However, they generally lose a lot of hair all year round.

Light brown species are known to shed the most. [25]

Fun fact: The Emperor of China kept pugs as lap dogs and pampered them with the luxuries of royal life. Some pooches were given their own mini palaces and guards.

#19 Newfoundland

These dogs love the water. Their fur is rough and has an oily, water-resistant texture, ideal for swimming!

These dogs require daily grooming with appropriate brushes. Because the animals tend to shed a lot of hair at once. [26]

Fun fact: As the most loyal of all dog breeds, the Newfoundland is also often referred to as a “nanny” because they are extremely gentle with children. [27]

#20 Norwegian Elkhound

Elkhound breeders are warning potential puppy buyers of the inevitable: these dogs turn into “tumbleweeds” of silver undercoat during the seasonal coat change. [28]

Specifically, this means: Over a few weeks, the dogs shed a lot and then look visibly different.

Fun fact: Records show that the Norwegian Elkhound was around as early as 5,000 BC. was in use. Archaeologists found their skeletons along with Viking tracks and weapons. [29]

#21 Pomeranian

The Pomeranian or Pomeranian has a very dense, two-layered coat. Breeders recommend brushing this breed of dog daily to keep the coat in good condition. [30]

A Pomeranian's coat should also be trimmed every 1-2 months. This also significantly reduces the amount of visible hair. [31]

Fun fact: The Pomeranian is known to like to take on large dogs despite its small size. Small but mighty!

#22 Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog

The Pyrenean mountain dog has a two-layer coat and sheds more in spring and autumn. But even between seasons they shed quite a lot. [32]

The fur of this…