When you’re owned by a Newfie or a Siberian Husky, you quickly learn that not only do these dog breeds have a lot of hair but they’re also shed monsters at certain times of the year when they blow their coat.
Not only do they lose enough dog hair to create an entirely new dog but even after they blow their coat in the spring and fall, they still shed!
Dogs with double coats are heavy shedders, no matter how big or small they are so when you’re pondering what dog you’re going to add to your family next, make sure you know where they fall on the shedding scale so you’re not caught off guard.
If you’re wondering what dog breeds shed the most, we put together a small list of some of the heaviest shedders out there.
This list includes small dogs and big dogs!
This list includes small dogs and big dogs that have heavy coats, fluffy coats and lots of loose hairs flying around 24/7!
Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- American Eskimo
- Bernese Moutain Dog
- Chow Chow
- Corgi
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Great Pyrenees
- Labrador Retriever
- Leonberger
- Newfoundland
- Saint Bernard
- Siberian Husky
Some of the breeds that received the “most dog hair shed award” won’t come as a shock to you—we all know that Golden Retrievers are shedding machines but some of the dogs on this list might surprise you!
Keep in mind that not every dog that sheds a lot is included in this list because there are currently 197 dog breeds registered with the American Kennel Club and all of them shed to some degree.
There are also thousands of mixed-breed dogs that have a thick coat and shed just as much if not more than some purebred dogs.
Akita
The Akita has a dense double coat that helps to keep him warm in cooler climates.
When an Atika’s coat is cared for properly and regularly, its fur has little odor and sheds dirt easily.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a massive dog in size and in the amount of hair they carry.
His thick, coarse double coat helps to keep him warm and protected during the harsh winter months.
American Eskimo
This gorgeous breed with a fluffy, white double coat has a short, dense undercoat and loner outer coat.
Eskies are known to shed almost constantly and it’s recommended to give them a good brushing at least two to three times a week.
Also, it’s not recommended to wear dark clothes or have dark furniture when you own an Eskie.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Berner is a strikingly beautiful working breed.
Not only are they strong, loyal and affectionate and they also shed a fair amount of dog hair at least twice a year and every other day.
Their double coat requires regular brushing to help keep their skin and hair in good condition and to avoid mats or tangles from forming.
Chow Chow
Owners of chows say that they are the cleanest of dogs but like most dogs with a thick double coat, Chows will shed their coat heavily twice a year.
Regular brushing of their coat is recommended
Corgi (Pembroke & Cardigan)
While the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are two different breeds, both have double coats and shed.
They blow coat twice a year but shed Corgi glitter all year round!
I was actually surprised how much our Cardigan Welsh Corgi sheds!
German Shepherd
Is it a German Shepherd or a German Shedder?
This magnificent breed is a top shedder and like most of the other double-coated breeds on our list, the German Shepherd Dog will shed the most during fall and spring but don’t worry, they’ll sprinkle dog hair all over your clothes and furniture throughout the day too!
They’re great family dogs and are also a loyal guard dog.
Golden Retriever
Quite possibly the best family dog around, the loyal and happy Golden Retriever actually comes in 3 different shades of gold!
According to the AKC, golden, dark golden and light golden are the shades and there are also 3 different types of Golden Retrievers that include English, Canadian and American.
All the shades will shed the same but the thickness of coat might vary depending on what region they live in.
A good brushing slicker brush or rake a few times a week will remove the loose hair but during fall and spring, when they blow their coat, daily brushing is required.
Great Pyrenees
These strong mountain dogs have a lush weather-resistant white coat that is all white, or white with markings of beautiful shades of gray, tan, reddish-brown, or badger.
While they do have a massive amount of hair, their coat is dirt- and tangle-resistant.
The very thick double coat on Great Pyrenees should be brushed at least once a week to help remove loose undercoat and keep your couch only slightly covered in dog hair.
Labrador Retriever
The most papular purebred dog in the world is also one of the top shedders!
The Lab has a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds all year round.
While their topcoat might be shorter than some breeds on our list, that doesn’t stop them from sprinkling dog hair all over the house, every hour of the day.
Leonberger
A dog breed that is on my bucket list to have one day, the Leonberger is a massive and powerful dog that also possesses elegance and grace.
Leos shed a lot.
A lot!
And their double coat should be brushed at least twice a day to remove loose hair and keep mats and tangles from forming.
Newfoundland
The Newfie!
My personal favorite breed!
The Newfoundland makes a great companion and family dog.
They are a powerful giant breed but their sweet temper and kind nature are what make them THE best breed.
Newfies have a double water-resistant coat that requires regular grooming.
They heavily blow their thick undercoat twice a year, in the fall and spring, but they shed year-round.
My favorite grooming tools to use on an everyday basis with the Newfoundland are a pin brush, rake and comb.
Newfies are best known for the water rescue work, pulling heavy loads and for being wonderful family members.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard actually comes in two coat types: short and long and they both shed and require the same amount of care.
Saints with short hair have thick, smooth coats and the long-haired Saints have wavy, medium-length hair.
Weekly brushing is recommended with these large dogs unless they’re blowing their coat, then you should plan on picking up the brush daily.
Siberian Husky
Last but certainly not least is most likely the heaviest shedder of them all, Siberian Huskies.
This medium-sized sled dog that loves the snow has a dense double coat and a top layer of guard hair.
When they’re blowing coat it’s important for pet parents to remove as much loose coat as they can.
This usually requires daily grooming sessions!
Shed Happens
We would never say that shedding is bad, heck, we own 2 of the heaviest shedding breeds around!
But you should definitely do your research when searching for a dog breed to add to your family, especially if you have allergies or if like to keep your house clean and sparkling with dog hair all year long.
Some of these beautiful dogs have actual shedding seasons where they do most of their heavy shedding in the fall and spring.
Even if you have a breed of dog that sheds a lot, there are many ways that you can reduce the shedding and keep the hair and dander manageable.
Proper grooming, nutrition, maintenance and a good vacuum cleaner are a must for dogs with double coats.