If you're a dog lover, you know that some breeds are more high-maintenance than others, and shedding is a big part of that.
The Akita is one of the heaviest shedders, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. Their fur is so thick that it can mat and tangle easily if not brushed regularly.
Some breeds, like the Alaskan Malamute, shed year-round due to their thick coat that's designed to keep them warm in freezing temperatures. They shed so much that they need to be brushed daily to prevent matting.
The Chow Chow has a unique coat that sheds heavily, with a thick undercoat that sheds heavily in spring and fall. They also have a harsh outer coat that sheds constantly.
The Siberian Husky sheds heavily due to their thick double coat, which sheds heavily twice a year.
Dogs That Shed the Most
The Siberian Husky is known for its significant shedding, especially during its spring "blowout" period when it sheds its winter coat.
Some breeds, like the Akita, have a relatively low shedding rate year-round, but they do have two heavy sheds per year.
If you're prepared to deal with regular grooming, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a double-coated breed that sheds year-round, despite its small size.
A different take: Boxer Dogs and Shedding
The 10 Breeds
Siberian Huskies are bred to thrive in colder regions and have a heavy coat that sheds constantly, especially in warm climates.
Their heavy coat is a double-edged sword - it keeps them warm in the cold but causes them to shed more in warmer temperatures.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are another top shedding breed, shedding year-round despite their small size.
Their double coat is the culprit behind their excessive shedding, making them a high-maintenance pet for those who don't like to vacuum.
Take a look at this: Breeds of Dogs That Shed the Least
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a dog breed that sheds daily due to its thick coat. It's no surprise, given its origins in northern China, where it was bred as a security dog.
This breed is known for its unique appearance, with a combination of bear and lion-like features. They're often groomed to accentuate these characteristics.
If you're considering adopting a Chow Chow, be prepared to brush them often, as their shedding can be quite extensive. This is especially true if you live in a warm climate, where their shedding becomes more pronounced as their body tries to cool down.
In fact, the Chow Chow sheds so much that it's often listed among the shedding dogs who love human companionship.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Pug Dog Shedding
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a heavy shedder, with a thick double coat that helps them thrive in cold climates. They shed constantly, and their shedding becomes more pronounced in warm climates.
Their heavy coat is a result of their origins from Siberia, where they were bred to drag heavy items across the earth's coldest place. This means they shed all year round, but their shedding peaks in the fall and spring.
Siberian Huskies are known to "blow out" their winter coats in the spring, leading to a significant increase in hair around the house. This is a normal part of their shedding cycle, but it can be a challenge for owners.
Regular brushings are essential to manage their shedding, especially if you don't want to walk on fur-balls scattered around your home. They need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
Despite their heavy shedding, Siberian Huskies are wonderful companions and make great family pets. If you're considering bringing one home, be prepared to commit to regular grooming and vacuuming to keep up with their shedding.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a big dog, with a lot of fur. And that fur often falls off, almost in clumps. Bred in Newfoundland, the dog's coat evolved to withstand the harsh winters of the great north. In warmer climes, that fur falls off by the bushel.
They tend to drool as well, but the dog's giant body is accompanied by a giant, friendly personality. They are great family dogs, great companions, and hard workers. If you don't mind a little bit of shedding, you'll have a great companion in a Newfoundland.
Here's a rough idea of what you can expect in terms of shedding from a Newfoundland:
As a bonus, regular grooming can help manage the shedding, but keep in mind that they are a heavy shedder.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a high-energy breed with a curly tail and small, pricked ears. They're known for their playful nature and are relatively easy to train.
Shiba Inus have a thick coat that sheds frequently, with two heavy sheds per year. Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling.
They require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful fur, which can be a challenge for some owners. Using a blowdryer can help keep their coat looking its best.
Shiba Inus are a popular breed, but their high maintenance grooming needs may not be suitable for every family.
Discover more: Dog Grooming Shed Ideas
Bernese Mountain
The Bernese Mountain Dog is always shedding, but their heavier shedding season occurs in the Spring. They're a popular family dog breed, known for being very affectionate and loving playtime. Their energy levels are high, making them perfect companions for younger children. They have a lot of love to give, but also need regular brushing to stay happy and looking good. Their grooming needs increase significantly during Spring, so be prepared to give them extra attention.
Health and Grooming
If you're considering a dog breed that sheds a lot, you'll want to be prepared for regular grooming sessions. The Afghan Hound, for example, sheds heavily due to its thick, fine coat.
The Komondor's corded coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting, and it sheds heavily throughout the year. Regular grooming is essential to prevent skin problems and keep the coat looking its best.
The Old English Sheepdog's shaggy coat sheds heavily, especially during shedding season, and needs to be brushed several times a week.
Healthiest Foods
Healthy eating is essential for your furry friend's overall well-being, and it's especially crucial for maintaining a shiny and healthy coat. A diet rich in high-quality proteins can make all the difference.
Some dog foods prioritize essential fatty acids, which help nourish the skin and keep the coat looking its best. These fatty acids, like EPA and DHA, are found in some of the top dog food options.
For dogs aged 1-7 years old, a medium adult dry dog food specifically formulated for their needs can be a great choice. This type of food supports natural defenses and promotes digestive health.
A balanced supply of fiber in dog food can also support healthy digestion, making it easier for your furry friend to absorb all the nutrients they need. Some dog foods even have a special fiber blend to help with this.
If you're looking for a dog food that's made with wholesome ingredients, consider one that's proudly made in the USA with no artificial preservatives or flavors. These foods often use natural sources for colors and added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Here are some key characteristics to look for in a healthy dog food:
- High-quality proteins as the number one ingredient
- Essential fatty acids like EPA and DHA for skin and coat health
- A balanced supply of fiber for digestive health
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
- Made with wholesome ingredients and natural sources
By choosing a dog food that meets these criteria, you can help your furry friend maintain a healthy and shiny coat.
Best Supplements for Healthier Fur
If you're looking for supplements to support your dog's healthier fur, consider options rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, which promotes skin and coat health.
Cosequin is a top choice, as it's the #1 veterinarian recommended retail joint health supplement and contains omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
This natural fish oil additive supplement is a great alternative, as it's rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids from EPA and DHA to promote soft skin and a shiny coat.
Some supplements, like PetAlive, use a therapeutic blend of organic ingredients to maintain hair shafts and follicles, promoting healthy skin and hair.
Here are some top supplements for healthier fur:
- Cosequin: joint health support and omega-3 fatty acids
- Natural fish oil additive supplement: promotes soft skin and shiny coat
- PetAlive: therapeutic blend of organic ingredients for healthy skin and hair
Sources
- The 10 Dog Breeds That Shed The Most (allaboutthedoodles.com)
- Dogs That Shed the Most | Top 9 Dog Breeds ... (cuddleclones.com)
- What Dog Breeds Shed the Most? (plushpawsproducts.com)
- Share on LinkedIn (linkedin.com)
- Pin it (pinterest.com)
- Top 10 Worst Shedding Dog Breeds To Own (alphapaw.com)
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