List of the Worst Shedding Dogs

Shedding is a natural occurrence that all dog breeds do to rid old, dead hair follicles in order to grow new, healthy coats. While all dogs shed to some degree, some breeds are prone to more excessive shedding. Shedding can cause a nuisance in housekeeping, as the hair sticks to virtually every surface in your home, and it can also cause discomfort for owners with pet allergies.

  1. Siberian Husky

    • Known for their bright blue eyes and soft gray and white coats, Siberian huskies are among some of the worst shedding dogs. Huskies were bred to live in cold, arctic climates, so their coat consists of two layers: a dense outer coat and an insulating undercoat. The undercoat sheds excessively in the spring and summer months, resulting in large clumps of white hair shedding from beneath the outer coat. While daily brushing and regular baths can help control their shedding, Siberian huskies are not recommended for people with severe animal allergies.

    Retriever

    • Both the Golden retriever and the Labrador retriever are prone to excessive fur shedding. Retrievers were initially bred as duck hunting dogs, so they have two layers of fur. The outer coat of the lab is water repellent, as the dog was bred for wading through water, and the undercoat is downy and meant to keep the dog warm in colder months. When the seasons begin to warm up, retrievers will shed the downy undercoat, resulting in hair that sticks to virtually every fabric surface from rugs and clothes to couches. Regular grooming will help keep their shedding to a minimum.

    German Shepherd

    • Like huskies and retrievers, German shepherds have a double coat with a downy under layer of fur. However, German shepherds shed year round, with the entire undercoat shedding two times a year. In addition to excessive shedding, the undercoat of the German shepherd has the tendency to become matted, requiring daily grooming to prevent bald spots and hair loss.

    Pug

    • Although the pug is a short-haired dog, the breed is infamous for excessive shedding. Pugs have a top coat and an undercoat, and the undercoat sheds year round. These dogs are not outdoor dogs and cannot be left outside for long periods of time. If you are deciding whether or not a pug is right for you, keep in mind that its excessively shedding fur will constantly be all over your home.