Choosing the right dog breed for your home involves considering many factors, and one of the most important is shedding.
Some dogs shed heavily, leaving fur all over your furniture and clothes (like those black pair of pants), while others shed minimally, making them more suitable for allergy sufferers or those who prefer a cleaner living environment.
Whether you're looking for a furry friend who won't leave a trail of hair behind or a breed whose shedding you can manage with a bit of effort, this guide will help you find the perfect canine companion for you and your family.
Choosing a High Shedding Dog Breed vs Low Shedding Dog Breed
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the differences between high-shedding and low-shedding dog breeds, detailing their grooming needs, characteristics, and tips for managing their coats.
High Shedding Dog Breeds
High-Shedding Dogs
Labrador Retriever
Origin: Newfoundland, Canada.
Characteristics: Friendly, outgoing, and high-energy.
Coat Type: Double coat with a dense undercoat.
Shedding Pattern: Sheds year-round, with increased shedding during spring and fall.
Grooming Needs: Regular brushing, particularly during shedding seasons, to manage loose fur. Use a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake during peak shedding times to manage loose fur effectively. Regular baths with a high-quality dog shampoo can also help control shedding.
German Shepherd
Origin: Germany.
Characteristics: Loyal, courageous, and versatile.
Coat Type: Double coat, can be short or long.
Shedding Pattern: Heavy shedding year-round, especially during seasonal changes.
Grooming Needs: Frequent brushing, at least a few times a week, and more during heavy shedding periods. Regular brushing with a slicker brush and an undercoat rake can help manage shedding. German Shepherds benefit from routine baths, but not too frequently, to avoid skin irritation.
Golden Retriever
Origin: Scotland.
Characteristics: Intelligent, friendly, and devoted.
Coat Type: Thick double coat with a water-repellent outer layer.
Shedding Pattern: Moderate to heavy shedding throughout the year.
Grooming Needs: Regular grooming, including brushing several times a week and occasional baths. Use a combination of slicker brushes and grooming combs to remove loose hair. Professional grooming every few months can help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.
Siberian Husky
Origin: Siberia, Russia.
Characteristics: Energetic, independent, and friendly.
Coat Type: Dense double coat.
Shedding Pattern: Sheds heavily, especially during "blowing coat" periods in spring and fall.
Grooming Needs: Daily brushing during heavy shedding times and regular grooming during shedding seasons is crucial. Using a blower designed for dogs can help blow out loose fur from their dense undercoat.
Beagle
Origin: England.
Characteristics: Curious, friendly, and merry.
Coat Type: Short, dense coat.
Shedding Pattern: Moderate shedding year-round.
Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing to remove loose hairs and keep the coat healthy. A regular grooming mitt or a soft bristle brush can help manage their shedding. Beagles also benefit from occasional baths to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Corgi (Pembroke and Cardigan)
Origin: Wales.
Characteristics: Intelligent, loyal, and affectionate.
Coat Type: Thick double coat.
Shedding Pattern: Heavy shedding, particularly during spring and fall.
Grooming Needs: Regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons. Use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake to manage shedding. Regular grooming and occasional baths help keep their double coat in good condition.
Dalmatian
Origin: Croatia.
Characteristics: Energetic, playful, and loyal.
Coat Type: Short, fine coat.
Shedding Pattern: Sheds consistently throughout the year.
Grooming Needs: Frequent brushing to manage shedding. Regular brushing with a grooming mitt or bristle brush can help manage shedding. Bathing every few months keeps their short coat clean.
Shiba Inu
Origin: Japan.
Characteristics: Alert, bold, and independent.
Coat Type: Double coat with a soft undercoat.
Shedding Pattern: Sheds moderately to heavily, with two major shedding periods.
Grooming Needs: Frequent brushing with a slicker brush and undercoat rake during shedding seasons. Shiba Inus are generally clean dogs and require occasional baths.
Low Shedding Dog Breeds or Hypoallergenic Dogs
Low-Shedding Breed of dogs
Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard)
Origin: Germany and France.
Characteristics: Intelligent, active, and proud.
Coat Type: Curly, dense coat.
Shedding Pattern: Minimal shedding, hair gets trapped in curls.
Grooming Needs: Regular grooming and professional clipping every 6-8 weeks is essential. Many Poodle owners prefer a professional groomer to maintain their coat. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting.
Bichon Frise
Origin: Mediterranean region.
Characteristics: Cheerful, playful, and affectionate.
Coat Type: Double coat with a soft undercoat.
Shedding Pattern: Minimal shedding, loose hairs caught in the undercoat.
Grooming Needs: Frequent grooming and regular professional grooming. Daily brushing to prevent matting and regular visits to the groomer every 4-6 weeks to maintain coat health. Use a comb and slicker brush for best results.
Portuguese Water Dog
Origin: Portugal.
Characteristics: Energetic, intelligent, and loyal.
Coat Type: Wavy or curly, water-resistant coat.
Shedding Pattern: Very minimal shedding.
Grooming Needs: Regular grooming and clipping to prevent matting every 6-8 weeks. Use a slicker brush and comb to keep the coat tangle-free.
Shih Tzu
Origin: Tibet/China.
Characteristics: Affectionate, outgoing, and playful.
Coat Type: Long, flowing hair.
Shedding Pattern: Minimal shedding.
Grooming Needs: Daily brushing and regular grooming to keep the coat from tangling or matting. Regular grooming appointments to maintain the coat. Some owners opt for a short "puppy cut" for easier maintenance.
Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: England.
Characteristics: Feisty, affectionate, and sprightly.
Coat Type: Fine, silky hair.
Shedding Pattern: Very minimal shedding.
Grooming Needs: Regular brushing and trimming to maintain their silky coat. Regular trims and grooming sessions are necessary to keep their coat manageable.
Maltese
Origin: Mediterranean region.
Characteristics: Gentle, playful, and charming.
Coat Type: Long, silky hair.
Shedding Pattern: Very minimal shedding.
Grooming Needs: Daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent matting. Regular grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks to maintain their long, silky hair.
Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, Giant)
Origin: Germany.
Characteristics: Intelligent, spirited, and friendly.
Coat Type: Wiry, dense coat.
Shedding Pattern: Low shedding.
Grooming Needs: Regular brushing and grooming, including hand-stripping or clipping to maintain their wiry coat. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is recommended.
Havanese
Origin: Cuba.
Characteristics: Affectionate, playful, and friendly.
Coat Type: Long, silky hair.
Shedding Pattern: Very minimal shedding.
Grooming Needs: Regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat in good condition.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Origin: Italy.
Characteristics: Energetic, affectionate, and intelligent.
Coat Type: Curly, woolly coat.
Shedding Pattern: Very minimal shedding.
Grooming Needs: Regular grooming and trimming to prevent matting. Use a slicker brush and comb for best results.
Basenji
Origin: Central Africa.
Characteristics: Independent, alert, and curious.
Coat Type: Short, fine coat.
Shedding Pattern: Minimal shedding.
Grooming Needs: Occasional brushing. Minimal grooming needs. Regular brushing to keep their coat clean and healthy. They benefit from occasional baths.
Considerations for Dog Allergy Sufferers
While no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, low-shedding breeds tend to produce fewer allergens, which can help reduce allergy symptoms. Allergens are not only found in hair but also in dander (skin flakes), saliva, and urine.
Managing Dog Shedding and Allergies
For individuals with allergies, selecting a low-shedding breed can help minimise exposure to allergens. However, it’s important to note that no breed is completely hypoallergenic. Here are some additional tips to manage shedding and allergens:
- Regular Cleaning: Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where your dog spends a lot of time. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture allergens.
- Air Purifiers: Using air purifiers with HEPA filters can help reduce airborne allergens.
- Bedding and Furniture: Wash your dog's bedding regularly. Consider using furniture covers that can be easily washed.
- Personal Hygiene: Wash your hands after petting or handling your dog and avoid touching your face.
- Designated Areas: Create pet-free zones in your home, such as bedrooms, to reduce allergen exposure.
Grooming and Shedding Tips
Brushing: Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and reduces shedding. It also prevents matting in long-haired breeds.
Bathing: Bathing your dog can help control shedding by removing loose hairs. Use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
Diet: A healthy diet can improve your dog's coat health, potentially reducing shedding.
Professional Grooming: Regular visits to a professional groomer can help maintain your dog’s coat and reduce shedding.
While this is not an exhaustive list of both dogs that are high shedders and low shedders. It gives an idea of what is involved in the maintenance and upkeep of both.
Conclusion
When choosing a dog breed, consider not only the level of shedding and grooming requirement but also your willingness to commit to grooming and maintenance, especially if you have allergies or prefer a cleaner home environment.
High-shedding breeds often need regular brushing and can require more cleaning around the house, while low-shedding breeds typically require more frequent professional grooming and maintenance to keep their coats in good condition.
For allergy sufferers, breeds that shed less and produce fewer allergens can make a significant difference in comfort levels. Regardless of the breed, regular care and proper grooming can help manage shedding and maintain your dog's coat health.
