Do Mixed Breed Dogs Shed? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

How much time can you dedicate to cleaning up after a dog? That's a question you'll want to ask yourself before bringing a new puppy into the house. As lovable as dogs are, they aren’t always the cleanest, whether you are scooping poop from your yard or mopping up muddy pawprints on the kitchen floor, there is always something to clean up with a pet in the house.

That's especially the case with heavy-shedding dogs. Some breeds shed more than others, but it can be a challenge to determine how much a mixed breed will shed if its parentage is unknown. The amount that a mixed breed sheds will depend heavily on their parents. For example, a dog that is part German Shepherd will likely shed much more than a dog that is part Poodle.

Purebred Dogs and Mixed Breed Dogs: What’s the Difference?

While some dog owners may have strong opinions on the merits of purebred dogs versus mixed-breed dogs, most agree that both can be remarkable companions. However, there are key differences between them.

If a dog’s ancestors are all the same breed, the dog is purebred. Purebred dogs in the U.S. will have been officially registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and have documentation that proves their purebred heritage. They’re the result of careful, selective breeding and are chosen for their genetic traits. These features can include the dog’s size, temperament, coat type, fur color, and more.

On the other hand, mixed breed dogs result from mixing two (or more) different breeds. Sometimes mixed breed dogs are of unknown parentage but they can also be the result of strategic cross-breeding of two different purebred dogs. Often referred to as hybrid or “designer breeds”, these mixed breed dogs have been deliberately bred for certain attributes.

Poodle mixed breeds (also referred to as doodles) are particularly popular. With many of them inheriting the curly coats of the poodle they may be low shedding. Some may inherit more of the coat characteristics of the other parent, so being a poodle cross does not guarantee a low-shedding dog. Examples include the Cockapoo, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle and Maltipoo.

How to Care for Your Mixed Breed’s Coat

Caring for a mixed breed’s coat can be a challenge at first, especially if you don’t know their parentage. Between a handful of mixed-breed dogs, their coat textures and lengths can vary so drastically that their care looks entirely different from dog to dog.

Knowing a dog’s parentage is an easy way to determine how to care for their coat, but that may not be an option for mixed breeds. Without knowing their ancestry to guide you, you will need to rely on your assessment of their coat’s texture and length.

Dogs with hair that grows continuously like the Poodle, tend not to have defined shedding periods and so shed less than other breeds. However, they often require more grooming and clipping as a result to keep their coat in good condition.

Short, smooth-coated dogs typically only need to be brushed and wiped down every few days, whereas long, silky-coated dogs need daily brushing to prevent shedding and tangles.

The dogs that shed the most tend to be double-coated. These dogs have a dense, soft undercoat and then usually a slightly longer top coat. This type of coat helps protect your dog from colder and wet weather but it does require more brushing and grooming. You should never clip a double-coated dog, but brushing at least a few times a week is usually required to prevent mats and remove dead hair. Evaluate your dog’s coat and pay attention to how often they shed–if they shed profusely, it may be a sign that they need more brushing.

If you are uncertain how to best care for your dog’s coat, contact a vet or professional groomer. They can identify the texture and length of your dog’s coat and explain their specific care needs.

Essential Dog Grooming Supplies Checklist

Having essential dog grooming supplies on hand will be crucial to providing the best care possible for your dog. While the necessary supplies vary depending on your dog’s coat type, below are some general accessories you may need.

A Brush

A high-quality dog brush is a valuable investment. Smooth-coated dogs do well with rubber brushes, whereas long-coated dogs do best with slicker brushes.

A Comb

The combination of a brush and a comb is essential for removing tangles from your dog’s fur, especially for dogs with long hair. Using the comb to go over tricky areas where the fur clumps is a great way to prevent matting.

Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Regardless of your dog’s coat type, they’ll need canine-specific shampoo and conditioner. Shampoo and conditioners made for humans are not appropriate for dogs since they can irritate their skin.

Our Favorite Products

Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent. 

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

Frequently Asked Questions

The more you’re familiar with your dog’s coat, the better you can care for them. That is why we’ve featured frequently asked questions regarding canine grooming care and provided the answers below.

What Coat Types Are There?

There are several canine coat types.

Do All Dogs Need to be Brushed Daily?

No, not all dogs need to be brushed daily. Some don’t need to be brushed at all, such as dogs with corded coats. Understanding your dog’s coat texture is essential to ensure you provide the best grooming care possible.

What Other Grooming Care Do Mixed Breeds Need?

Caring for a dog’s coat is not the only type of grooming care they need. Dogs also need to have their ears checked and their nails clipped. Some breeds require extra care, such as frequent bathing or wiping around the eyes. To prevent dental issues, you must brush your dog’s teeth regularly and visit the veterinarian for dental cleaning.

Final Thoughts

How much your mixed breed dog sheds will depend mainly on their heritage, which may be unknown to you. Still, that doesn’t mean you will be completely in the dark about how to care for your dog’s coat to prevent excessive shedding. A professional groomer or veterinarian can help you identify the texture and type of your dog's coat and provide you with valuable tips and tricks to care for their coat.

Featured Image By: Mary Swift, Shutterstock