As dog lovers, we select our canine companions based on several things–looks (yes, it’s true!), personality, breed, lifestyle, and more. While some allergy sufferers opt for low-shedding dog breeds, others do not need to be as selective.
Double-coated dogs are a paw-some option for people with no pet allergies. They come with double the fluff during the spring, and the fall, and some could say double the fun! Just ensure you know which breed is right for you and your lifestyle!
We have a few tips for keeping your dog’s coat tip-top shape. But first, let’s look at the dog breeds that are most prone to shedding, plus a look into their general temperaments and the qualities that set them apart. In alphabetical order, here are some top dog breeds that tend to shed the most and why we love them so much:
1. Akita
What we love about the Akita
As a Japanese breed, Akitas are intelligent, independent, and protective of those they love.
Behavior
Akitas are intelligent dogs known for their bravery, loyalty, and protective spirit.
Coat
Akitas have a double-coat of coarse, short hair and a soft, dense undercoat. They may have red, white, or streaked coats that shed twice yearly – once in the spring and once in the fall. Brushing them once a week will keep them fresh and fly. When bathing Akitas, be sure to use a mild shampoo for their sensitive skin. Their hair and nails may require an occasional trimming as well. Find an Akita puppy!
2. Alaskan Malamute
What we love about the Alaskan Malamute
As a friendly and affectionate breed, Alaskan Malamutes’ hearts are bigger than their bite.
Behavior
Alaskan Malamutes love meeting people and making friends. They’re smart, have a strong prey drive, and learn quickly.
Coat
Malamutes have a double coat of thick, coarse hair on the outside and greasy, dense hair underneath. They’re usually pure white or a mix of white, grey, black, red, or sable. Malamutes grow their coat in winter and shed frequently, especially when the weather warms up in spring. They “blow” their coat completely twice a year, so have a good brush and vacuum handy. Other than that, Malamutes are low maintenance and don’t need much grooming to stay clean and healthy. Find an Alaskan Malamute puppy!
3. American Eskimo
What we love about the American Eskimo
With their beautiful coats and spunky personalities, the American Eskimo will surely keep your family happy and always on the go.
Behavior
American Eskimos are intelligent, alert, curious, and playful. Their fun-loving and outgoing attitudes make them eager to meet and befriend everyone they meet.
Coat
The American Eskimo Dog has a two-layered coat of beautiful white or biscuit cream fur. The undercoat is short and dense, and the outer coat has long, straight hair. Their fur is thicker and longer around the dog’s chest and neck, which makes it look like a mane. Eskies must be brushed a few times each week to keep their long hair tangle-free and more often during shedding season, which typically happens twice yearly. Find an American Eskimo puppy!
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
What we love about the Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog may look big and powerful from the outside, but they’re softies on the inside.
Behavior
They love being active, but at the end of the day, they only want your love and attention
Coat
You can recognize Bernese Mountain Dogs by their tri-color pattern. They’re known for having solid black bodies, legs, heads, and ears; rust-colored or tan cheeks and calves; and a white chest, muzzle, toes, and tail tip. Almost all Bernese Mountain Dogs look similar, although the white in their coat may vary. Their undercoat is dense, with a medium-length straight or curly outer coat that sheds frequently. The breed’s hair is weather-resistant and may feel rough but not too harsh to pet. Find a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy!
5. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
What we love about the Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have all the intelligence and affection of other Corgi breeds, but they’re more active and feisty.
Behavior
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is an innovative, brave, and calm breed. They grow attached to their families and often form a special bond with one person.
Coat
Cardigan Welsh Corgis have a short, weather-resistant outer coat and soft undercoat. They come in various shades of red, sable, brindle, black, and blue merle, and many have white markings on their chest, legs, muzzle, tail tip, or blaze. Cardigan Welsh Corgis shed their coats twice a year, with minimal grooming needs. They only need occasional brushing and bath to keep them looking good. Find a Welsh Corgi puppy!
6. Chow Chow
What we love about the Chow Chow
Just like a lion, the Chow Chow has a large mane and a courageous, fierce attitude. They bond with their owners but don’t have as good of a track record with other dogs or strangers.
Behavior
The Chow Chow is an independent dog that’s calm and vigilant. They’re known as huge, puffy, lovable friends with lots of personality.
Coat
Chow Chow coats have two varieties: those with long, straight, and rough hair and those with short, smooth hair. Both coats are very dense and are thicker around the neck, making them look like they have a mane. The Chow Chow can be any solid color, including red, black, blue, and cream. Their hair should be thoroughly brushed often to keep it clean and tangle-free. Find a Chow Chow puppy!
7. German Shepherd
What we love about the German Shepherd
These pups possess the perfect blend of gentle love and fierce watchfulness. As long as you’re safe and content, they will be too.
Behavior
The German Shepherd is a brilliant dog and unconditionally loyal, obedient, brave, and protective.
Coat
There are three varieties of German Shepherds: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. The most common dogs are tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherds come in various colors, including solid black, grey, brown, yellow, tricolor, or sable. They also have several kinds of markings, such as “penciling” (black lines on the toes) and “tar heels” (black on the back of the leg). No matter what kind of coat the German Shepherd has, they will shed regularly and need weekly brushing. Find a German Shepherd puppy!
8. Great Pyrenees
What we love about the Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees are loving, large, and in charge. They’re mostly gentle, family-oriented dogs, but they will step in to protect their “flock” if danger is near.
Behavior
The Great Pyrenees are friendly, good-humored, and gentle dogs.
Coat
The Great Pyrenees have a double coat of weather-resistant hair. Their outer coat is long, flat, and thick, with coarse hairs that are straight or slightly wavy. The undercoat is dense, delicate, and wooly. Most Great Pyrenees are white, and some dogs have tan, gray, or light yellow markings on their faces or bodies. As these dogs grow older, their coats get thicker and lighter. Great Pyrenees need weekly grooming with a brush and comb regardless of age. When they’re shedding a lot, brush them daily to remove as much hair as possible. Find a Great Pyrenees puppy!
9. Labrador Retriever
What we love about the Laborador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are multi-talented dogs that love people and being active.
Behavior
Labrador Retrievers are people-loving dogs who just want to hang out with you. They love hunting, swimming, and jogging and have been proven to be excellent service dogs, athletes, and therapy dogs.
Coat
Labrador Retrievers come in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. They have a short-medium length coat requiring brushing once or twice a week. There’s no way around it: Labrador Retrievers shed a lot. The more you brush them, the less they’ll shed around your house, but there’s no way to get it all. Labrador Retrievers love playing in the water and the mud, so you should expect to give them a freshwater rinse after every dip. Find a Labrador Retriever puppy!
What we love about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke may be small, but it has personality for days. These dogs like being in charge, keeping an eye on the house, and, most of all, enjoy having fun.
Behavior
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an energetic dog that bonds quickly with their family.
Coat
Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a long, thick, water-resistant outer coat of stiff, straight hair and a short undercoat. They can be red, sable, fawn, black, and tan, all with white markings on the legs, chest, muzzle, or blaze (vertical line between the eyes). Pembrokes also may have a “fairy saddle” of hair on their shoulders pointing in a different direction than the rest of the coat. These dogs don’t need much grooming; brush them once in a while to remove dead hair, and bathe them only when needed. Find a Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy!
11. Pomeranian
Why we love the Pomeranian
Pomeranians enjoy being doted on but will show you love in return.
Behavior
Pomeranians are lively balls of fur. Cheery, amusing, and curious, there is never a dull day with one of these pups around. Poms are bright yet strong-willed.
Coat
Being this pretty doesn’t come easy. Pomeranians require some upkeep to maintain their good looks. Poms have a thick double coat that requires daily brushing. These dogs shed, and daily maintenance will reduce the amount of fur left behind on the couch. These dogs should see a professional groomer for perfectly coiffed hair every 4-6 weeks. Find a Pomeranian puppy!
12. Siberian Husky
Why we love the Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies have an insatiable curiosity and energy for days. The Siberian Husky is a dog that loves their family yet can’t wait to explore.
Behavior
The Siberian Husky is adventurous, clever, and stubborn. They want to be everyone’s friend, which makes them less-than-ideal as a watch dog.
Coat
Siberian Huskies have a dense, smooth undercoat and coarse outer coat of short, straight hair. You can find them in many color combinations, but the most common are pure white or white with black, grey, or copper-red, all with blond markings. Siberian Huskies “blow” their long hair twice a year. During those times, have a big brush and hefty vacuum on hand to control all the fur that will be flying. Find a Siberian Husky puppy!
13. Saint Bernard
Why we love the Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard may be one of the largest and heaviest breeds, but all these family-friendly dogs want is to love and be loved in return.
Behavior
Saint Bernards are sweet, lovable, and good-natured, but they will defend their owners and territories if threatened. This loyalty (along with their mammoth size) makes them common choices for family watchdogs.
Coat
The Saint Bernard’s coat is typically white with black, red, brindle, and tan markings. Most dogs have black ears, and show dogs may have white hair on their legs, chest, collar, tail tip, and blaze (the vertical line between their eyes). Saint Bernards shed twice a year to remove their summer and winter coats. During that time, keep a brush and a vacuum handy because their sheer size lends itself to a lot of fur. Find a Saint Bernard puppy!
14. Golden Retriever
What we love about the Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are friendly, happy-go-lucky dogs who love their people. They always have a happy, excited look and are never at a loss for energy.
Behavior
Golden Retrievers are happy dogs who love and need attention from people. They have a powerful desire to make their owners happy.
Coat
Golden Retrievers have long hair that does require regular brushing, which will help control the amount of hair you find around your house. Even with regular brushing, you should know that Golden Retrievers shed quite a bit. Other than brushing, it’s pretty simple: Give your Golden Retriever a bath after they play in the mud, in salt water, or in a pool, and you won’t have a smelly dog on your hands. Find a Golden Retriever puppy!
Check out our tips for controlling shedding in your dog this spring!
From double-coated darlings to hypoallergenic heroes, we adore them all! Because when it comes to finding your furry soulmate, there’s a perfect match for everyone!
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