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Hypoallergenic Dogs Are Soaring In Popularity, But Here Are 10 Beautiful Breeds That Shed A Lot –and We Think They're Worth Considering!
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Credit: Getty Images
If you don't mind a bit of shedding, these dogs could be perfect for you. These gorgeous dogs might be big shedders, but with their personalities we reckon they can get away with it.
This list of great shedders includes some of the most popular breeds in the US so they certainly don't need to be avoided – unless, perhaps, you're allergic to dogs. Just invest in one of the best dog brushes and best pet vacuums before you bring them home…
What dogs shed the most? American EskimosCredit: Alamy
If you're looking for a dog with style and substance, you've found it in the American Eskimo Dog. Their dense, almost aggressively beautiful white coat culminates in a royal-looking ruff around the chest and shoulders.
The double coat results in year round shedding, so you'll need to brush them three times a week to help avoid matting. They come in three sizes including standard, miniature and toys, each as social and keen to be a part of the family as the next.
Bernese Mountain DogsCredit: Alamy
One of the biggest and most powerful dogs, the Bernese Mountain Dog is the epitome of a gentle giant. These sweet natured dogs are typically laidback and love to play with their family. One of the best dog breeds for cold weather, Berners are hardy dogs too, and love playing outside.
Their resplendent tricoloured coat is a thing of beauty, but beware: it sheds! Black, white and rust hair are likely to end up everywhere. But the distinctive colour combination is a hallmark of the breed, meaning you'll barely notice, right?
Alaskan MalamutesCredit: Alamy
One look at an Alaskan Malamute, and it's no surprise this breed was bred as an arctic sled dog. Their sturdy body, powerful chest and broad shoulders give them strength, and lots of it. Plus their thick, weatherproof double coat comes in handy pulling sleds.
A thing of beauty, it also sheds like you wouldn't believe. You'll need to brush daily with a pin brush and metal comb, and pay close attention to any mats.
The Alaskan Malamute is not all work and no play, though. They are a pack animal through and through and they make a delightful hairy addition to the family.
Siberian HuskyCredit: Alamy
Bred as sled dogs, the Siberian Husky is born to work as part of a team and has a natural affinity for the outdoors, especially if it's cold. As a pack animal, Husky loves family life and usually gets on well with other dogs and young children too, making them a great family pet.
There are lots of colour variations including both brown or blue eyes, occasionally one of each. And their coat varies from a mix of black, grey, white and red. Speaking of the coat, it's a double which sheds twice a year. As such, you'll need to use a pin brush and metal comb to rake out the old coat.
Cardigan Welsh CorgiCredit: Alamy
Named for the medieval kingdom of Cardiganshire in Wales, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi was originally used as a farm dog to drive and herd. It's low to the ground body, short legs and deep chest give these pups more power than you might originally think, and they can move with speed and elegance to boot.
They also have a bark more befitting of a larger dog! They are highly trainable, excellent guard dogs and loyal to their family.
Their coat comes in several colours including red, sable and brindle. You'll want to brush it weekly and keep the hair trimmed around the bottom of their feet. This breed coat blows out twice a year, when you'll want to increase your brushing.
Golden RetrieverCredit: Alamy
One of the most popular breeds, it seems a lot of people are willing to put up with the goldie's notorious shedding in exchange for their upbeat, enthusiastic zest for life. Bred as a gundog for the punishing Scottish weather and terrain, golden retrievers love an outside romp just as much as playtime with their family.
Outgoing, highly trainable and relentlessly joyful, golden retrievers are one of the best dogs for families. Just upgrade your vacuum before you bring one home.
Their thick, water-repellant double coat is shed big time twice a year, and moderately the rest of the year round. You'll want a slicker brush for weekly brushing, then up the game to daily during shedding season.
German ShepherdOne of the very best canine workers you could find, the German Shepherd was originally bred as a herding dog and today is used in police and military forces. But outside of work, a German Shepherd makes for an excellent pet; they are loyal to a fault, endlessly courageous and full of confidence.
A proud looking dog, the double black and tan coat sheds profusely twice a year and requires a quick brush down every other day or so to keep the shedding under control.
Chow chowA squat little dog originating from Northern China, the chow chow is a powerful dog with a trademark ruff of lion's mane around its head and shoulders. With a history spanning some 2000 years Chow Chows were originally bred as a hunting dog and guard dog.
The coats can be either rough or smooth and come in red, black, blue or cream. Said to be as clean as cats, these dogs are easy to house train and have barely any doggy smell.
Yet despite that, they need brushing at least twice a week thanks to their profuse double coat. Neglected, the ruff can become badly matted so it pays to stay on top.
Why do some dogs shed?Barring hairless dog breeds, like the Peruvian Inca Orchid or the American Hairless Terrier, all dogs shed at least a little. However while some dogs barely shed at all, others seem to leave a trail of hair wherever they go.
Most dogs have a double coat of hair that sheds in big cycles twice a year, but may also shed throughout the year, too. This will often come down to genetics and may vary between dogs even of the same breed.
Benefits of sheddingIf you've fallen in love with a breed that sheds like crazy or are you looking for ways to justify bringing this mega shedder into your home, here are some benefits of having a dog that sheds might that just surprise and enable you…
1. Body temperature controlA dog's coat helps them to regulate their temperature, which is why they often lose their winter coat in spring. It's like you downgrading from your padded coat to a light spring jacket. Their ability to adapt to the weather makes them better able to handle temperature fluctuations, making them great companions for walks in colder weather.
2. Less odour One of the big bonuses of a dog that sheds is that their coat doesn't get as smelly as a dog that doesn't shed. When a dog keeps its coat for a long time, it can be a reason that your dog smells thanks to the trapped dirt and oil, so they require regular bathing.
3. Clean floors We might be scraping the barrel here, but you'll inevitably end up hoovering or sweeping a lot more once you bring home a dog that sheds! The upshot? Your floors will never be cleaner! (Until you let your beloved hairy dog back in the room, that is).
Read next: Dog coat types and how to care for them
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
'These Are My Real Bugbears': 6 Things I Wish People Would Consider Before Choosing A Dog Breed That Will Save You Money, Time And Stress
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Credit: Masterclass Dog Training
I've been working with dogs for more than 20 years as a breeder and a qualified dog behaviorist, rehabilitator and trainer. I have seen all the mistakes that new dog owners make time and time again, and some of these stem from choosing the wrong breed.
There are so many dog breeds – some are high-energy, while others are cited as the smartest breeds – but one thing that's clear is that not every breed is for every owner, and there's a little work needed to find the right match.
Here are six things I wish people would consider before choosing they settle on a dog breed – they could save you time, money and stress, and help you find a dog that you can offer a good life to.
1. There is no such thing as a non-shedding hypoallergenic dogCredit: Getty Images
No matter what you've heard, there's no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic dog breed. While they may not go through heavy moults like most dogs, they still shed, and they still release dander and other allergens from their skin and coats.
If you're allergic to dogs, this is something you must consider.
Credit: Alamy
2. Designer breeds do not existWhile some breeders have taken it upon themselves to cross breeds and give them daft names (just look at the poodle crossbreeds), it's important to know that these are not Kennel Club registered.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with crossbreeds, but there are plenty that need homes in animal shelters.
If you're looking at a crossbreed that is an unusual colour – for example, purple or dappled – the chances are you will encounter significant health problems. Sadly, this occurs all to often and results in problems, such as deafness or limb deformities that usually need amputation.
Little thought is given to the health implications of crossing breeds, never mind the behavioural traits from each breed they are likely to inherit. For me, the icing on the cake is that these breeders then charge you an awful lot of money for a dog that is probably going to cost you thousands more in vet fees.
It's an injustice to breeders who health test, check for temperament and make sure their lines are the best they can be generation upon generation. And in most cases, these breeders do not charge as much for a purebred, despite the amount of money it costs to health test and raise a litter.
Credit: Alamy
3. Just because you've seen a breed on the TV doesn't mean that is what you will getEvery time there is a movie with a dog in it, the inevitable wave of breeding occurs as the popularity increases and becomes a trend.
We have had it with French Bulldogs that have been on TV and in celebrity culture – and it is now the most popular breed in the US. Frenchies suffer serious problems with their breathing, as do bulldogs that have had other breeds added to them to produce non-standard colours and with no necks. These dogs are not usually able to birth naturally either.
Another example is the Belgian Malinois – as magnificent as they are, are not good family dogs. They are highly intelligent with a huge prey drive. They are not to be kept in a two-bedroom apartment and walked for 40 minutes a day – they need working properly!
Dogs in movies have spent hours upon hours in a structured environment and training with highly qualified and experienced people.
4. Research your breedMeet breeders and the breeds at the Discover Dogs area at CruftsCredit: Getty Images
This is a real bug bear of mine. Being a breeder of a giant breed, not to mention a vulnerable native breed, I test and interview all prospective owners of one of my puppies.
I find that people see a dog, like the look of it and then buy one with no forethought to the personality, their breed traits, their inherent genetic needs, the costs that may be incurred.
Before buying a dog, you should take the time to research the breed, spend time at some shows and talk to breeders and owners who have vast experience. This is why I manned a stand in the Discover Dogs area at Crufts for so many years – I wanted to educate people on English Mastiffs.
It is ideal for people to get lots of information from breeders and owners that you won't find on Google.
Do not get a working cocker spaniel if you cannot walk it for two to three hours per day. Do not get a giant breed if you're older and in poor health just because you have always had them.
5. The naughty puppy in the litter is not the high ranking oneCredit: Alamy
This is a common mistake to make. When viewing a litter most assume that the dog that is the most robust and social is the higher ranking, but this is wrong!
These are usually the clowns of a litter who are very sociable and biddable. The puppies that seem more aloof, completely confident and knowledgeable stand tall but have a relaxed assertive posture. These ones may also control access to toys, food and resting spots from other puppies. These puppies are the decision makers – they are hard work and need a knowledgeable handler.
There are variety of test that can be done to ascertain the type of puppy you are getting – I use the Volhard puppy aptitude test, which tests for social attraction, following, restraint, social dominance, elevation dominance, retrieving, touch sensitivity, sound sensitivity, sight sensitivity, and stability. A good breeder will help you choose the right dog for you and your family.
6. Don't get a dog if you're at work all dayCredit: Alamy
This is irresponsible and unfair on your dog unless, of course, you have the financial ability to send it to a reputable daycare provider.
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