When I decided to get my first dog as an adult, I knew the breed would be Boston Terrier. My family had a BT named Smidgen when I was a kid, and we all loved that little dog. I still did my homework, though, before picking up my new pup.
I remember reading that Boston Terriers “shed minimally.” Which leads me to the question, 10 years and two BTs later, in comparison to which breeds? Great Pyrenees? Newfies? Sheepdogs? Then, sure, they don’t, but I can tell you that black, white, and brown hair from Dolly and Spot coats just about every surface in my home unless I put an industrial-size sticky roller and a pet-specific vacuum cleaner to work at least once a week.
That said, I don’t mind the frequent housework — yes, once a week qualifies as frequent in my world — because these pups fill my life with happiness and humor. With that in mind, here are 10 dogs that also shed like crazy and why we love them.
1. American Eskimo
These dogs live to play, making them wonderful companions for active types, and they also guard house and human well without being overly aggressive. They have a beautiful coat, straight and thick, with a mane and heavily plumed tail. American Eskimos require brushing several times a week, and even then the tufts of hair left behind threaten to hide the baseboards in a home.
2. Corgi
Dogster member Anita M. captures perfectly why we adore these super shedders: “They are wonderful, sturdy big dogs with little leggies. They provide hours of fun just watching them play with each other…To live with Corgis means that you live with fur, tons of fur. The running joke is they shed twice a year, January to June and July to December. If you don’t like having fur on you 24/7/365, then don’t get a Corgi.” Their soft, straight coat, which needs brushing weekly, resists wet weather.
3. Dalmatian
This breed suits runners well, as it comes from a long line of “coach dogs” bred to follow and guard horse-drawn carriages. The short, dense coat of a Dalmatian benefits from daily brushing, which also reduces the amount of hair left behind on surfaces. And as anyone with a short-haired dog can attest, brushing daily proves far easier than picking hairs off certain textures that just don’t want to let them go.
4. Great Pyrenees
So handsome, so huggable, Great Pyrenees make friends with just about everyone they meet. Dogster member Rick L. says, though, “You need a leaf blower for the hair. They shed year-round.” Their snowy fur and well-plumed tails need regular grooming, but even then clumps of hair appear around the house.
5. Labrador Retriever
The high shed factor of this breed does not keep it from regularly ranking No. 1 on the American Kennel Club’s most-registered dogs list. Brushing a Lab’s short, thick coat weekly helps cut down on the amount of left-behind hair. Also, a Labrador Retriever has a water-resistant outer coat and webbed feet.
6. Newfoundland
These gentle giants save lives and get along famously with kids and adults alike. Their thick, long coats require daily brushing, though, to avoid Newfie drool from combining with shed fur to form a sticky mess on your favorite furniture.
7. Pekingese
With their long and flowing hair, it’s easy to picture these pups walking the halls of imperial palaces. Dogster member LJ has this to say about the Pekingese shed factor: “They shed, shed, and shed, and even though I have allergies I haven’t had too many problems. Grooming is a must!” Recommended grooming includes brushing several times a week and regular visits to the doggie salon.
8. Pug
Pugs love to have their smooth, soft coat scratched, particularly just above their cute, curled tail. Giving such affection, as well as simply letting the pup into your home, results in hair everywhere. Frequent brushing, though, does help to minimize shedding.
9. Shetland Sheepdog
These intelligent and intuitive dogs devote themselves to their humans, who likely don’t stress about the fur found just about everywhere. Dogster member Ellen W-P has this to say about the Sheltie’s rough, long coat, complete with mane and bushy tail: “People are a bit afraid that the lovely coat is hard to maintain, but it just needs regular brushing. I take mine for a haircut grooming every six weeks or so.”
10. Mixed Breed
Last but certainly not least, dogs with the DNA of any of the above also can qualify as super shedders, and it doesn’t make them any less lovable.
We only had room for 10 dogs that shed like crazy on this list. Please share any others in the comments, as well as any grooming and housecleaning tips that help you keep your home less hairy!
Sponsored by Dyson
6 thoughts on “10 Dogs Who Shed Like Crazy, and Why We Love Them”
Agreed Deb! What type (s) of brush (s) do you use on your Golden? We use a slicker, and sometimes a Furminator, but we want a different brush.
Great article but I’d put Golden Retrievers at the top of the shedding list
Pingback: Dogs That Don’t Shed: Separating Fact from Fiction | COZY DOGs | Dog Toys, Clothing, Harness, Beds, Health, Smart & More
Pingback: FURminator deShedding Brush Review
no Samoyed? Love them but i could create a whole other dog when i vacumnned
Pingback: Dogs That Don’t Shed: Separating Fact from Fiction