The positive impact dogs have on their owners simply can’t be underestimated — despite how much hard work they can be. Yes, dogs can help people through some of the toughest times in life, but they can create a lot of mess in the home.
While this is a tiny price to pay for the love a dog brings into a home, it can make vacuuming, cleaning upholstery and removing odours very tricky. If you’re thinking about bringing a new pooch into your home, it might be worth considering how much hair you’ll be cleaning up every day.
Yes, having the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair should make life easier, but it’s always good to know how much hair and dander you’ll need to deal with. With that in mind, here are the common dog breeds that shed a lot of hair.
| Rank | Breed |
|---|---|
| 1 | Akita |
| 2 | Alaskan Malamute |
| 3 | American Eskimo |
| 4 | Bernese Mountain Dog |
| 5 | Cardigan Welsh Corgi |
| 6 | Chow Chow |
| 7 | German Shepherd |
| 8 | Great Pyrenees |
| 9 | Labrador Retriever |
| 10 | Pembroke Welsh Corgi |
Akita
As one of the dog breeds that shed the most hair, Akitas have a very thick double coat that sheds constantly to keep them warm due to their mountainous regions of origin. The Akita is a large hunting dog from Japan, originally bred to hunt large prey such as elk, bears and wild boars. Their dense coat helps protect them from sub-zero temperatures in the Japanese countryside. Used widely as guard dogs today, Akitas have two coats — meaning twice the amount of shedding compared with single-coated breeds.
Alaskan Malamute
Like the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamutes have a thick double coat designed to protect them from the cold Alaskan climate, which results in heavy shedding. Often mistaken for a husky, the Alaskan Malamute was originally bred to drag heavy loads across icy plains. During the colder months their coat becomes even thicker, but when spring arrives and temperatures rise, shedding increases dramatically.
American Eskimo
Despite the name, American Eskimos actually originated from northern Europe. They are known for their cloud-like, fluffy coat, which sheds frequently throughout the year. Their thick coat requires regular grooming and cleaning around the home to manage the loose hair they produce.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have thick, double coats. They blow their coat twice annually, but shed steadily throughout the year regardless of how often they are brushed.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
This breed has straight, medium length coats with dense undercoats. Brushing at least once a week should help maintain their coat, but it won't necessarily reduce shedding, especially during spring and autumn.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a Chinese breed known for its distinctive chubby face and extremely thick coat. In fact, this breed has a mane-like coat that resembles that of a lion. Originally bred as a guard dog, Chow Chows shed hair consistently throughout the year. If you bring one of these dogs into your home, regular cleaning and a strong vacuum for pet hair can make managing the shedding easier.
German Shepherd
Originally bred in Europe to herd farm animals, the German Shepherd — sometimes referred to as an Alsatian — is a hardy working dog that was expected to operate in cold and challenging climates. Because of this, they developed a thick and durable coat. German Shepherds shed consistently throughout the year and are often known for heavy seasonal shedding periods as well.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees breed is known for being able to weather harsh, cold mountain climates thanks to their two-layer coat that even goes as far as cleaning itself by shedding dirt. Like most on this list, they blow their coat twice a year, but shed regularly outside of this heavy shedding season.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and is well known for shedding throughout the year. Originally bred to retrieve game for hunters, Labradors developed thick undercoats to protect them in wet and cold environments. As a result, they shed hair frequently and consistently, requiring regular grooming and cleaning.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
As with the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a thick double coat and needs to shed twice a year to regulate their temperature. Outside of these high shedding seasons, they remain heavy shedders.
Other Breeds to Look Out For
Other dogs that shed lots — and continually throughout the year — include:
- Beagle
- Saint Bernard
- Rottweilers: These are short-haired dogs, but they shed hair continuously throughout the year. Generally, however, the rate of shedding picks up during the warmer months of the year — so be prepared.
Top ten dog breeds that shed the least hair
If you’re looking for a lower-maintenance dog that keeps more of its hair, breeds to consider include:
| Rank | Breed |
|---|---|
| 1 | Poodle |
| 2 | Bichon Frise |
| 3 | Bedlington Terrier |
| 4 | Miniature Schnauzer |
| 5 | Shih Tzu |
| 6 | Yorkshire Terrier |
| 7 | Scottish Terrier |
| 8 | Maltese |
| 9 | Basenji |
| 10 | Cockapoo |
Popular across the UK and available in standard, miniature and toy, Poodles are notorious for their glamorous and stylish coats. However, their curly fur actually helps trap any loose hairs, resulting in minimal shedding across the home.
Crossed with a cocker spaniel, Cockapoos are notorious for their low shedding rates and hypoallergenic coach making them great pets for those with minor pet allergies. However, they do need regular grooming to prevent matting. Shih Tzus are also hypoallergenic and shed very little which is great news for those looking for a pet but don’t want to have to vacuum every day.
Maltese dogs have long silky hair that despite needing constant grooming to avoid tangles, shed a small amount. Basenjis, however, have a very short coat and require only a little grooming, whilst shedding minimally.
Managing Dog Hair Around the Home
If you own one of these hairy breeds, don’t worry, managing pet hair doesn’t have to be a constant battle. Here are some top tips from Shark’s experts on how to keep your home pet hair-free, even with a top shedder.
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Invest in a Quality Vacuum Cleaner
A powerful vacuum cleaner designed to handle pet hair can make a world of difference. Look for models with strong suction and pet hair attachments. -
Regular Grooming
Keeping up with a regular grooming schedule reduces the amount of loose hair. Brush your dog frequently to catch shedding hair before it hits the floor and furniture. -
Wash Pet Bedding Frequently
Clean your pet’s bedding regularly to prevent hair build-up. This may not only reduce hair around the house but also keep your pet’s sleeping area clean and comfortable. -
Use Pet-Friendly Fabrics
Opt for furniture and fabrics that are easy to clean and don’t attract hair. Microfiber and leather are good choices, as they are less likely to trap hair. -
Implement a Cleaning Routine
Establish a regular cleaning routine to stay on top of hair before it accumulates. This includes vacuuming floors and furniture, dusting surfaces, and washing fabrics prone to collecting pet hair.