Shedding isn’t a small detail when choosing a dog—it’s a lifestyle factor. Some breeds quietly coexist with your furniture, while others leave a visible trail everywhere they go. Understanding which dogs are high shedders and which barely shed at all can save you years of frustration. Here’s the honest breakdown every future dog owner needs before committing.
1. Bichon Frise — Low Shedder
The Bichon Frise looks like a walking cotton ball, but surprisingly sheds very little. Their hair grows continuously instead of falling out, which dramatically reduces loose fur. This makes them a popular choice for allergy-sensitive households. However, low shedding doesn’t mean zero upkeep.
Bichons require regular grooming to prevent matting and discomfort. Their coats must be brushed and trimmed consistently to stay healthy. The tradeoff is less hair on your furniture and clothing. For people who prefer grooming appointments over vacuum marathons, this breed is ideal.
2. Siberian Husky — Extreme Shedder
Siberian Huskies are breathtaking, athletic, and famously dramatic, but their shedding is no joke. Built for Arctic conditions, their dense double coat releases fur year-round. Twice a year, they “blow” their coat in dramatic bursts that can overwhelm even diligent owners. If you value spotless floors, a Husky will challenge that deeply.
Owning a Husky means brushing constantly and vacuuming like it’s a competitive sport. Fur will cling to clothing, couches, and car seats without mercy. Huskies are worth it for the right owner, but low-maintenance they are not. This breed demands tolerance for mess along with exercise and patience.
3. Labrador Retriever — Heavy Shedder
Labrador Retrievers are famously friendly, loyal, and energetic, but they shed constantly. Their short, dense coat drops hair year-round, not just seasonally. Many owners underestimate just how much fur a Lab produces daily. The shedding often surprises first-time dog parents.
Labs are manageable shedders with regular brushing, but they’ll never be fur-free. Their hair embeds into upholstery and fabric easily. Owning a Lab means accepting fur as part of daily life. For many, the personality is worth the cleanup.
4. German Shepherd — Heavy Shedder
German Shepherds are intelligent, protective, and deeply loyal companions. Unfortunately, they also shed relentlessly throughout the year. Their double coat releases hair continuously, with intense shedding seasons layered on top. This breed is not subtle about it.
Shepherd owners often joke that fur becomes a permanent household accessory. Regular brushing helps, but it never eliminates the issue. These dogs thrive with structure, training, and consistent grooming. If you can manage the hair, you’ll gain a devoted lifelong protector.
5. Poodle — Low Shedder
Poodles are often misunderstood as high-maintenance, but shedding is not their problem. Their tightly curled coats trap loose hair instead of releasing it into your home. This makes them one of the lowest-shedding breeds available. It’s why they’re often recommended for allergy sufferers.
The tradeoff is grooming, which is non-negotiable with Poodles. Without regular trims, their coats can mat painfully. Still, many owners prefer scheduled grooming over constant cleaning. Poodles offer elegance, intelligence, and minimal shedding in one package.
6. Alaskan Malamute — Extreme Shedder
Alaskan Malamutes look like majestic snow wolves, and their coats reflect that heritage. Designed for hauling sleds in freezing temperatures, their fur is thick and unforgiving. They shed heavily year-round and explosively during seasonal coat blows. This is not a casual shedding situation.
Malamutes require serious grooming commitment and high-powered vacuums. Hair accumulates quickly and visibly in living spaces. These dogs are affectionate and playful but come with major cleanup responsibilities. If fur triggers stress, this breed may overwhelm you.
7. Chihuahua — Low Shedder
Chihuahuas may be tiny, but their shedding impact is minimal. Short-haired varieties especially leave very little fur behind. Even long-haired Chihuahuas shed far less than most larger breeds. Their size naturally limits hair volume.
Shedding is easy to manage with occasional brushing. Their coats don’t cling heavily to furniture or clothing. Chihuahuas are ideal for apartment dwellers who value cleanliness. Just be prepared for a big personality in a small body.
8. Golden Retriever — Heavy Shedder
Golden Retrievers are beloved for their sweet nature and family-friendly demeanor. Unfortunately, their luxurious coats shed constantly and generously. Golden hair shows up everywhere, especially during seasonal shedding periods. Many owners underestimate the commitment.
Regular brushing helps but doesn’t eliminate the issue. Goldens thrive in active homes that accept fur as part of the experience. Their shedding is the price of that iconic golden fluff. If you can handle the hair, you’ll be rewarded with unwavering affection.
9. Shih Tzu — Low Shedder
Shih Tzus shed very little despite their long, flowing coats. Their hair grows continuously rather than falling out. This significantly reduces loose fur around the home. It’s one reason they’re popular with allergy-conscious owners.
They do require frequent grooming to stay comfortable. Without care, their coats tangle easily. Still, shedding itself is minimal and manageable. Shih Tzus offer elegance without fur chaos.
10. Border Collie — Moderate to High Shedder
Border Collies are brilliant, energetic, and intensely driven dogs. Their medium-length coats shed steadily throughout the year. During seasonal changes, shedding increases noticeably. Active lifestyles often amplify the mess.
Daily brushing helps manage hair buildup. Border Collies are best suited for owners who don’t mind maintenance. Their intelligence and energy outweigh grooming demands for many. But shedding is part of the deal.
11. Dachshund — Low Shedder
Short-haired Dachshunds shed very little and are easy to maintain. Their compact size further reduces visible hair buildup. Even long-haired versions shed modestly compared to other breeds. This makes them deceptively low maintenance.
Occasional brushing keeps shedding under control. Their coats don’t cling aggressively to furniture. Dachshunds are ideal for people who want minimal mess. Their stubborn charm comes fur-light.
12. Saint Bernard — Heavy Shedder
Saint Bernards are gentle giants with enormous shedding capacity. Their thick coats release hair continuously. Shedding increases dramatically during warmer months. Size alone amplifies the cleanup challenge.
Brushing helps but doesn’t fully control the volume. Their fur collects quickly in large spaces. Saint Bernards are affectionate and patient dogs. Just be ready to clean constantly.
13. Portuguese Water Dog — Low Shedder
Portuguese Water Dogs have curly coats similar to Poodles. Their hair traps loose strands instead of shedding freely. This makes them a low-shedding breed overall. They’re popular among allergy-sensitive families.
Regular grooming is essential to avoid matting. Their active nature pairs well with structured care routines. Shedding remains minimal with proper upkeep. This breed balances energy with cleanliness.
14. Akita — Heavy Shedder
Akitas have dense double coats that shed heavily year-round. Seasonal shedding periods are especially intense. Their fur releases in thick clumps rather than gradual strands. Owners often underestimate the impact.
Akitas require consistent brushing and vacuuming. Their shedding reflects their cold-weather heritage. These dogs are loyal and dignified. But they demand grooming discipline.
15. Greyhound — Low Shedder
Greyhounds have short, fine coats that shed very little. Their sleek bodies don’t trap hair. This makes them surprisingly low-maintenance pets. Shedding is minimal compared to most breeds.
Occasional brushing keeps coats healthy. Greyhounds are ideal for tidy households. Their calm nature matches their clean profile. They prove big dogs don’t have to mean big messes.Shedding can make or break your relationship with a new dog. Some pups leave a trail of fur everywhere, while others barely shed a hair. If you’re thinking about getting a dog and wondering what kind of mess you’re signing up for, check out this list of high and low shedders to find the furry (or not-so-furry) companion that’s right for you.