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When adding a new dog to the family, it’s easy to quickly be enamored by a cute puppy and forget everything else. But in addition to behavioral traits, trainability, and energy levels (all essential factors to consider), grooming requirements vary from breed to breed.
It’s a good idea to know what grooming commitments are required when expanding your family to include a new canine friend. Some dog breeds shed very little or not at all (but may require more bathing or haircut appointments) while other dog breeds shed profusely. With so much shedding comes the expectation of fur-covered clothes, furniture, and regular combing and brushing. (Plus, your relationship with your vacuum will thrive!)
Akita – This strong-willed and loyal dog breed has a thick double coat that sheds year-round but especially more during shedding seasons.
Alaskan Malamute – With a thick and dense double coat, Alaskan Mals produce lots of shedded fur. You’ll find especially larger clumps twice a year when they blow their coats.
American Eskimo dog – Their fluffy, white coat is certainly beautiful, but these notorious shedders will require a regular grooming schedule to keep up with that extra floof.
Cardigan Welsh corgi – They may be small, but their coat is mighty when it comes to shedding. Expect to find their short hair strewn across everything you own.
Chow chow – The strong personality isn’t the only thing that makes this breed a challenge; they also have a dense and fluffy double coat that requires lots of grooming.
German shepherd Dog – GSDs are known for being extremely smart and trainable, which is why they are commonly used for police and military work. Unfortunately, their thick double coat constantly sheds, even with regular brushing.
Golden retriever – This family-friendly, loving dog gets high marks for their smarts and trainability, but their soft coats shed quite heavily, and you’ll find fine hairs in every corner of your home, even with regular brushing.
Great Pyrenees – This (gentle) giant dog breed is very loving and playful but has a double coat that needs regular brushing.
Labrador retriever – Like goldens, Labradors are another popular, family-friendly companion who love to be involved in all of your activities. Though the short hair is easy to comb, it does shed profusely.
Pembroke Welsh corgi – Though their hair sheds regularly, the short hair on these small dogs is pretty easy to brush. Diligently follow a brushing routine to keep shedding under control.
Saint Bernard – This sweet-natured giant makes a good pet and companion, but its owner must be diligent about grooming and cleaning. In addition to regular shedding, they are also big droolers due to their loose jowls.
Siberian husky – This goofy and loving dog breed makes a great companion but be prepared for lots of coat grooming. Your Husky will blow her coat twice a year, creating a fur flurry in your home that is a challenge to keep up with.
How to manage dog shedding
Even if your dog’s breed isn’t on this list, many pet parents are quite familiar with shedding dogs and must learn how to manage it.
- Invest in a good vacuum – Be sure to empty the canister or change the bag regularly to keep it in good working condition.
- Adopt a regular brushing schedule – Here’s how to choose the right brush for your dog’s coat.
- Bathe your dog to keep their fur clean – How frequently you bathe your dog will depend on their coat type and other factors.
- Maintain regular veterinary checkups – Excess shedding beyond what is normal for your dog can be a sign of a health condition.
