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Welcoming a dog into your home is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with certain responsibilities. One of the biggest challenges many dog owners face is shedding. While all dogs shed to some extent, some breeds are notorious for leaving fur everywhere.
This article explores dog breeds that shed heavily and offers tips on managing the shedding process. Understanding which breeds are prone to excessive shedding can help you prepare for extra cleaning and regular grooming. Whether you’re considering a new dog or already have one, knowing about their shedding habits can make all the difference in your home life.
Dog Breeds That Will Shed All Over Your House
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its striking tri-colored coat, which, while beautiful, contributes to significant shedding. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), these dogs possess a thick double coat designed to keep them warm in harsh climates. The outer coat is long and silky, while the dense undercoat offers extra insulation.

However, this dense coat also means that Bernese Mountain Dogs shed year-round, with more noticeable shedding during seasonal transitions, especially in spring and fall. To manage the shedding, they require regular grooming.
Pet parents should brush them at least two to three times a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. During shedding season, you may need to increase grooming sessions to help control the fur that accumulates around the house.
Despite the shedding challenges, these dogs are great companions for families, particularly those who can dedicate time to grooming.
2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is another breed known for shedding heavily. This small but sturdy dog has a thick double fur that sheds year-round, with noticeable increases in spring and fall. Their coat consists of a soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat, both of which contribute to their shedding.

Managing shedding in a Pembroke Welsh Corgi requires regular brushing. As recommended by PetMD, brushing them at least two to three times a week can help minimize the shedding around the house. Additionally, using the right grooming tools, like a slicker brush, can help remove loose fur and keep their coat neat and healthy.
Owners who can commit to the grooming needs of a Corgi will find them to be rewarding pets, as their small size and energetic nature make them ideal for active families.
3. Akita

The Akita is a large, double-coated breed that sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes. This breed was originally developed to protect families in Japan’s harsh winters, and its dense coat helped them withstand cold temperatures. They shed consistently throughout the year, with heavy shedding periods in spring and fall when they “blow” their coats.

According to Britannica, regular grooming is crucial for managing Akita shedding. Brushing them at least twice a week during non-shedding seasons can help reduce the amount of hair they leave behind. However, during shedding seasons, you may need to increase grooming frequency to manage the large amount of fur that comes off. Bathing an Akita can also help remove loose hair and maintain the health of their coat.
While the shedding can be a challenge, the Akita is a loyal and protective breed, making them excellent family pets for experienced dog owners.
4. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Like their Pembroke cousins, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is also a double-coated breed. These dogs shed consistently throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. Their dense undercoat, combined with their outer coat, results in substantial hair loss, particularly in the spring and fall months.
Grooming should be done at least once or twice a week for the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. During shedding seasons, owners should be prepared for more frequent grooming to manage the heavy fur that comes off. Brushing their coat regularly helps to keep it healthy and free from tangles, while also reducing the amount of shedding around the home.
While they shed quite a bit, their playful nature and adaptability to various environments make them worth the extra effort.
5. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly, outgoing nature. They have a dense double coat that sheds consistently year-round, with increased shedding during the spring and fall.

To manage shedding, regular grooming is key. Brushing your Labrador at least once a week can help reduce the amount of loose fur around the house. PetMD recommends using a slicker brush to remove loose hair effectively. While their short coat might seem like it would be low-maintenance, the shedding can still be significant, especially in the warmer months when their undercoat comes off in large quantities.
Their shedding is just part of the deal when it comes to having a Labrador, but the love and companionship they provide make it all worth it.
6. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are large, powerful dogs bred to pull heavy loads in harsh Arctic conditions. They have a thick, double-layered coat that offers insulation against extreme cold but also results in heavy shedding. Malamutes shed year-round, with particularly heavy shedding during seasonal changes when they lose their undercoat in large quantities.

As mentioned in Purina, during shedding seasons, it’s essential to increase the frequency of grooming sessions to handle the large amounts of fur. Their dense coat needs regular attention to keep it healthy and to prevent matting and tangling, which can contribute to more shedding.

With regular grooming, the shedding can be kept under control, and the Malamute will prove to be a loyal and loving pet.
7. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a unique double-coated breed with a distinctive lion-like mane. This coat, while protective against cold temperatures, also results in significant shedding. This shedding requires regular attention to prevent mats from forming in their thick coat.

To manage shedding, Chow Chows need consistent grooming. During shedding seasons, more frequent grooming is necessary to handle the large amount of fur that is shed. Regular bathing can also help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy.
Despite their shedding, they are known for their independent and aloof nature. They are loyal to their families but can be reserved around strangers.
8. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are well-known for their intelligence and loyalty, but they also shed quite a bit due to their thick double coat. Their thick coat, which includes a dense undercoat, helps them withstand harsh weather, but it also means they shed frequently.

To keep shedding under control, German Shepherds need regular grooming. Brushing them at least two to three times a week is recommended to remove loose hair and prevent mats. Bathing your German Shepherd can also help keep their coat healthy and remove excess hair.
For dog owners who can manage their grooming needs, they are an incredible companion that offers unwavering loyalty and protection.
9. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed with a long, thick coat that sheds year-round. Their dense, double-layered coat helps protect them from cold mountain climates, but it also leads to considerable shedding.

Managing the shedding of a Great Pyrenees requires consistent grooming. During shedding seasons, however, owners should expect more frequent grooming to help manage the amount of hair that accumulates around the house.
Though their shedding can be a challenge, the loyalty and calm demeanor of the Great Pyrenees make them a great choice for owners who can commit to their grooming needs.
10. American Eskimo

The American Eskimo is a fluffy, white dog with a thick double coat that sheds heavily throughout the year. Their beautiful coat, which consists of a dense undercoat and a longer outer coat, contributes to significant shedding, particularly during shedding seasons in spring and fall.
To manage shedding, regular grooming is essential for the American Eskimo. Brushing them at least three to four times a week is ideal to prevent matting and remove loose fur. Frequent grooming sessions can help reduce the amount of hair around the house.
American Eskimo’s grooming needs are significant, but with regular maintenance, their beautiful coat can be kept under control.
Conclusion
Owning a dog that sheds heavily requires a commitment to regular grooming and cleaning. While breeds like Poodles and Bichon Frises are known for their minimal shedding, the breeds discussed above will leave a noticeable amount of dog hair around your home.
However, with proper care and maintenance, the companionship and love these dogs provide far outweigh the inconvenience of extra cleaning. Understanding and preparing for a breed’s shedding tendencies can lead to a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend.
