Beware of the Hair: The Dogs That Shed the Most

Often grouped together as Arctic breeds, there are a few distinct breeds that fall into this group. Whether you're looking at a Siberian husky, an Alaskan husky, a malamute, or any similar breed, they're all big shedders. Their coats are designed to handle both frigid winter temperatures and warm, humid summers with ease, so these dogs have a heavy coat that they shed completely with the seasons.

Chow chows are often affectionately referred to as bear dogs due to their heavy build and notoriously long fur. Unfortunately, that fur tends to shed often and stick around. Regular grooming can help reduce their shedding, but if you get a chow, expect to have to deal with plenty of hair.

German shepherds are known for their alertness, their noble stature, and their fur. These multipurpose working dogs have a thick double coat designed to keep them warm and comfortable in a variety of weather conditions, but it also means that they've got plenty of fur to leave all over your house. It's particularly bad twice a year during seasonal coat changes.

These notoriously cute little critters have taken the internet by storm, but they require a little more upkeep than many people realize. In addition to their need to herd and high-energy personalities, they have a thick coat that sheds often. If you need a dog with a low-maintenance coat, a corgi may not be for you.

This traditional livestock guardian breed used to live almost exclusively outside with the flock, but they've become increasingly common pets. Their fluffy white coats and low-key, stoic personalities are certainly charming, but those coats require plenty of work to maintain. In the past, they'd naturally be groomed as they passed through plants and rubbed against trees, but inside they tend to shed quite a bit.

Another classic working dog that has been gaining popularity as a pet in recent years, these gorgeous dogs are known for their tricolored coats and long, beautiful fur. Unfortunately, that fur tends to stick around on your furniture and clothes. They tend to be mostly brown and black, so at least you can plan your wardrobe accordingly.

Often considered the quintessential family dog, golden retrievers are known for their friendly attitude and distinctive coat. That coat can come with some downsides, however, as it tends to include a lot of shedding. Brushing helps significantly, but their coat helps provide important insulation while they do their traditional retrieving work in cold waters, so they need their fur.

Another classic family pet, the Labrador retriever, is closely related to the golden retriever. While Labradors tend to have a shorter coat, they still have the thick double coat for insulation and manage to shed quite a bit. They do come in three main color varieties, so you can choose black, golden, or chocolate to minimize how obvious their fur is in your home.

Famous for their size and their slobber, these giant dogs leave their mark wherever they go. That can include their fur. Their thick coats keep them warm when they're doing their historic jobs of tending livestock and rescuing lost hikers, but they can be a bit of a struggle to keep up with at home.

This formerly rare Japanese breed has been gaining popularity due to its prevalence on the internet, but it comes with some drawbacks. One of their main draws is their adorably fluffy coat, but that can cause a lot more shedding than most people realize. Their hair length is fairly short, but they have plenty of it to leave around your house and on your clothing.