If you don’t mind a bit of shedding, these dogs could be perfect for you. These gorgeous dogs might be big shedders, but with their personalities we reckon they can get away with it.
This list of great shedders includes some of the most popular breeds in the US so they certainly don’t need to be avoided – unless, perhaps, you’re allergic to dogs. Just invest in one of the best dog brushes and best pet vacuums before you bring them home…
What dogs shed the most?
American Eskimos
If you're looking for a dog with style and substance, you've found it in the American Eskimo Dog. Their dense, almost aggressively beautiful white coat culminates in a royal-looking ruff around the chest and shoulders.
The double coat results in year round shedding, so you’ll need to brush them three times a week to help avoid matting. They come in three sizes including standard, miniature and toys, each as social and keen to be a part of the family as the next.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
One of the biggest and most powerful dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog is the epitome of a gentle giant. These sweet natured dogs are typically laidback and love to play with their family. One of the best dog breeds for cold weather, Berners are hardy dogs too, and love playing outside.
Their resplendent tricoloured coat is a thing of beauty, but beware: it sheds! Black, white and rust hair are likely to end up everywhere. But the distinctive colour combination is a hallmark of the breed, meaning you'll barely notice, right?
Alaskan Malamutes
One look at an Alaskan Malamute, and it's no surprise this breed was bred as an arctic sled dog. Their sturdy body, powerful chest and broad shoulders give them strength, and lots of it. Plus their thick, weatherproof double coat comes in handy pulling sleds.
A thing of beauty, it also sheds like you wouldn't believe. You'll need to brush daily with a pin brush and metal comb, and pay close attention to any mats.
The Alaskan Malamute is not all work and no play, though. They are a pack animal through and through and they make a delightful hairy addition to the family.
Siberian Husky
Bred as sled dogs, the Siberian Husky is born to work as part of a team and has a natural affinity for the outdoors, especially if it's cold. As a pack animal, Husky loves family life and usually gets on well with other dogs and young children too, making them a great family pet.
There are lots of colour variations including both brown or blue eyes, occasionally one of each. And their coat varies from a mix of black, grey, white and red. Speaking of the coat, it's a double which sheds twice a year. As such, you'll need to use a pin brush and metal comb to rake out the old coat.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Named for the medieval kingdom of Cardiganshire in Wales, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was originally used as a farm dog to drive and herd. It's low to the ground body, short legs and deep chest give these pups more power than you might originally think, and they can move with speed and elegance to boot.
They also have a bark more befitting of a larger dog! They are highly trainable, excellent guard dogs and loyal to their family.
Their coat comes in several colours including red, sable and brindle. You'll want to brush it weekly and keep the hair trimmed around the bottom of their feet. This breed coat blows out twice a year, when you'll want to increase your brushing.
Golden Retriever
One of the most popular breeds, it seems a lot of people are willing to put up with the goldie's notorious shedding in exchange for their upbeat, enthusiastic zest for life. Bred as a gundog for the punishing Scottish weather and terrain, golden retrievers love an outside romp just as much as playtime with their family.
Outgoing, highly trainable and relentlessly joyful, golden retrievers are one of the best dogs for families. Just upgrade your vacuum before you bring one home.
Their thick, water-repellant double coat is shed big time twice a year, and moderately the rest of the year round. You'll want a slicker brush for weekly brushing, then up the game to daily during shedding season.
German Shepherd
One of the very best canine workers you could find, the German Shepherd was originally bred as a herding dog and today is used in police and military forces. But outside of work, a German Shepherd makes for an excellent pet; they are loyal to a fault, endlessly courageous and full of confidence.
A proud looking dog, the double black and tan coat sheds profusely twice a year and requires a quick brush down every other day or so to keep the shedding under control.
Chow chow
A squat little dog originating from Northern China, the chow chow is a powerful dog with a trademark ruff of lion's mane around its head and shoulders. With a history spanning some 2000 years Chow Chows were originally bred as a hunting dog and guard dog.
The coats can be either rough or smooth and come in red, black, blue or cream. Said to be as clean as cats, these dogs are easy to house train and have barely any doggy smell.
Yet despite that, they need brushing at least twice a week thanks to their profuse double coat. Neglected, the ruff can become badly matted so it pays to stay on top.
Why do some dogs shed?
Barring hairless dog breeds, like the Peruvian Inca Orchid or the American Hairless Terrier, all dogs shed at least a little. However while some dogs barely shed at all, others seem to leave a trail of hair wherever they go.
Most dogs have a double coat of hair that sheds in big cycles twice a year, but may also shed throughout the year, too. This will often come down to genetics and may vary between dogs even of the same breed.
Benefits of shedding
If you’ve fallen in love with a breed that sheds like crazy or are you looking for ways to justify bringing this mega shedder into your home, here are some benefits of having a dog that sheds might that just surprise and enable you…
1. Body temperature control
A dog's coat helps them to regulate their temperature, which is why they often lose their winter coat in spring. It's like you downgrading from your padded coat to a light spring jacket. Their ability to adapt to the weather makes them better able to handle temperature fluctuations, making them great companions for walks in colder weather.
2. Less odour
One of the big bonuses of a dog that sheds is that their coat doesn't get as smelly as a dog that doesn't shed. When a dog keeps its coat for a long time, it can be a reason that your dog smells thanks to the trapped dirt and oil, so they require regular bathing.
3. Clean floors
We might be scraping the barrel here, but you’ll inevitably end up hoovering or sweeping a lot more once you bring home a dog that sheds! The upshot? Your floors will never be cleaner! (Until you let your beloved hairy dog back in the room, that is).
Read next: Dog coat types and how to care for them
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated in April 2025 by Abby Driver.
