The 10 Dog Breeds That Shed the Most

Nearly all dog owners can agree that cleaning up dog fur is a pain. Unless your dog is one of the few breeds that doesn't shed a lot, your clothes, furniture, and car are probably all covered in dog hair. Larger dogs are typically known to shed the most. This is mainly due to 2 reasons. First is because they have higher metabolisms which means they use a lot of energy to maintain their body temperature. The second reason is simply that they have more fur! Now let's find out the 10 dog breeds that shed the most.

10. Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is the perfect description of a gentle giant. These immense dogs, weighing 120-180 pounds, may appear intimidating, but anyone who knows them can tell you that they wouldn't hurt a fly. The only hurdle a family would need to overcome with having one of these dogs around is the messiness they bring. The Saint Bernard will drool, shed, and track plenty of mud into the house. Given their history in the cold regions of Switzerland, the Saint Bernard thrives in the cold. Their heavy coats and large size make it difficult to cope with the heat, and they can easily succumb to heatstroke. For this reason, they must drink plenty of water during the summer months and stay indoors during the hotter parts of the day.

9. Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky has a very unique appearance. Their often multi-colored eyes, thick coats, and wolf-like features will melt anyone's heart. The Husky is one of the oldest dog breeds and originated among the Chukchi tribe in Siberia. They were used by this nomadic tribe primarily for transportation but were also often used as companion dogs. The children would sleep on their Huskies, using their fur as a warm pillow. Due to the beauty of these dogs, many people desire them. Unfortunately, people do not realize how difficult this dog is to care for, and they often end up in shelters. In addition, the Husky can be mischievous and is notorious for being an escape artist. Always be sure to keep an eye on your fur friend when they are off-leash, as they will wander whenever they get the chance. 

8. Newfoundland

This gentle giant is hard not to love. The Newfoundland is so sweet and friendly towards everyone they meet; they are Canadian, after all. They were initially used for hauling wood from the forest and pulling nets for fishermen. Their work with fishermen turned them into excellent swimmers, and they still display this trait today. However, this dog is probably not for you if you are a clean freak. Their long heavy fur tracks a lot of dirt, and if you combine that with their immense size, your house can get messy quickly.

7. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers were originally used by fishermen in northern Canada, where they helped reel in fishing nets from the sea. Labs were the go-to dog because of their short, weather-resistant coat, unlike long-haired retrievers whose coats would become encrusted with ice after jumping in the frigid waters. These dogs are very intelligent, and training them usually isn't an issue. This breed has one of the best senses of smell and is frequently used in vital roles such as bomb detection in the military, search-and-rescue missions, and many more.

6. Golden Retriever

The dog breed that everyone is familiar with. These pups make wonderful family pets and have a sweet nature. Your Golden will want to be a part of every family activity and thrive in an environment with many people. Not many dogs are as friendly and outgoing as the Golden, making them excellent therapy dogs. The Golden Retriever gets along great with other dogs as well. They are rarely aggressive and just want to have a good time and make new friends. The only difficulty in owning these dogs is that they are heavy shedders. You can expect to have a lot of fur around the house, so make sure you have a vacuum at home. Having some dog fur to clean up is a small price to pay for a dog that will love you unconditionally and always puts everyone in a great mood.

5. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is incredibly intelligent and capable of just about any task you train it to perform. These pups will be as loyal as they come toward their owners and will always be ready to protect them at all costs. While notorious for police/military work, such as searching for drugs, these dogs are also commonly used as guidance/therapy dogs. The German Shepherd especially enjoys the outdoors and will love going on long hikes with their people, making them very well suited for an owner that loves going on adventures with their fur friend. Their unique personalities are why they are among the most popular dog breeds.

4. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a fascinating breed with an extensive history, and they are believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds in existence today. These pups have a distinct look that includes a deep set of eyes, a large head, and a mane of hair. It is difficult to mistake the Chow Chow for any other dog. While these dogs certainly have the appeal of a teddy bear, they do not like being cuddled like one. These are independent, reserved dogs, and many people compare their behavior to that of a cat.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large stunning breed well known for its incredible versatility. The Berner would perform the functions of pulling heavy carts, herding cattle, and serving as a watchdog. In the early 1900s, when new modes of transportation were introduced, and cart pulling was becoming a thing of the past, the Bernese Mountain Dog nearly went extinct. They eventually made a comeback; however, their gene pool became extremely limited in the near extinction, and the Berners of today often experience many health issues. The Berner is a highly affectionate dog that makes an unbelievable companion. One thing to remember before bringing one of these pups home is that they are heavy shedders, make sure to have a vacuum nearby with these big guys around!

2. Akita

The Akita is quite a fantastic breed. Their history began in the 1600s and their main task was guarding royalty and nobility in feudal Japan. They were also known to have been used for hunting wild boar and deer. Very interestingly, the first Akita brought to America was by Helen Keller. The Japanese were very fond of her and gave her an Akita puppy as a parting gift after she visited the country. The Akita does not get frightened easily and does not typically bark without reason, which makes them amazing guard dogs. However, this dog is not best suited for inexperienced dog owners, they are very dominant, and if you do not take charge, they will quickly rule the household - not only with their personality but with the hair they will leave everywhere too!

1. Alaskan Malamute

One of the oldest purebred dogs that still closely resembles its original ancestors. They were developed thousands of years ago by the "Mahlemut" tribe to act as their version of a working dog. The Malamute was an invaluable tool for this tribe as they could pull heavy sleds, hunt seals, and even defend their people from polar bears. These working dogs have very high energy levels and need daily exercise. These are not the type of dogs that can stay indoors all day and especially hate being left alone. Alaskan Malamutes are considered high maintenance due to their seemingly endless shedding.