Owning a dog comes with a lot of joy and fun times, for sure. However, with some breeds, there also comes the “joy and fun” of trying to manage their crazy amounts of hair! Breeds like Chows, Leonbergers, Golden Retrievers, and Malamutes are super well-known for their excessive shedding.
Understanding these breeds, why they shed so much, and the importance of managing their hair can make owning them way easier. Find out more below about these canines, their hair, and how you can make living with them a breeze!
1. Chow Chows
Chow Chows are cat-like dogs with distinctive double coats, consisting of a dense undercoat and a long, fluffy outer coat. The undercoat provides insulation for these pups, while the outer coat gives them protection against the elements. They shed twice a year, usually in spring and fall, called “blowing coat”.
These medium-sized dogs need regular brushing to maintain their coat and prevent any mats that could make them sore or uncomfortable. Usually, it’s a good idea to use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake to reach the thick layers of fur. You can bathe them as much as needed, but don’t bathe them too much because this could dry out their skin. A gentle and moisturizing shampoo is recommended for these pups.
You can invest in professional grooming, vacuum cleaners for pets, and furniture covers to help maintain your pup and your home. All of these things can make a big difference when you have a heavy shedding dog, like a Chow Chow, in your home.
2. Leonbergers
Leonbergers have very thick double coats, ideal for helping them withstand a variety of weather conditions. Like Chows, they blow their coats seasonally, usually shedding in the spring and fall. These dogs need regular brushing, a minimum of once a week, focusing on their undercoat.
You can use a slicker brush or undercoat rake to remove their loose hair and stop tangles and mats from occurring. It’s a good idea to bathe them regularly while making sure you use a nice and gentle shampoo for their coat health.
Lint rollers, air purifiers, and routine cleaning are all great for helping with quick clean-ups, keeping the air free of dander and hair, and keeping the general area where the dog exists clean. While these dogs are relatively clean, the shedding alone can lead to a lot of hair. So, if you want to live with one of these gentle giants, you’ll need a shedding management plan!
3. Golden Retrievers
Like many water-loving dogs, Golden Retrievers have dense double coats. They have a soft undercoat and a long, water-resistant outer coat. This coat can help them adapt to a lot of different climates and weather conditions. They usually experience heavy shedding and coat blowing in the spring and fall as they start to prepare for new seasonal changes.
Golden Retrievers must be brushed often. Usually, this can be as little as two to three times a week, but daily is recommended. A de-shedding tool and a slicker brush come in very handy when it comes to helping these dogs get rid of excess fur and dander. Bathing should be done as needed using a gentle shampoo to avoid stripping any natural oils from the dog’s coat.
Regular vacuuming is super helpful to manage the high volumes of hair that is shed, and furniture protection to protect your couches is also ideal. With these dogs, having a lint roller or hair removal tool on hand is super helpful for quick and effective clean-ups.
4. Alaskan Malamutes
Being bred to live in frigid climates, Alaskan Malamutes have dense double coats to provide much-needed insulation. Their coarse outer coat covers a very soft undercoat. These dogs also blow their coats seasonally, shedding more heavily around spring and fall to coincide with the weather conditions.
Brushing these wolf-like dogs often is really important. Ideally, they need to be brushed at least once per week, with these increasing when they are shedding. A few coarse brushes are helpful to manage their very thick fur. Bathing them regularly with a mild shampoo can help to remove their loose hair and keep their coat clean.
Choose a vacuum cleaner with a strong suction and filter to remove any excess pet hair and dander well. Make sure you pick up some lint rollers to get rid of hair on clothes, couches, and other types of material. An air purifier is also helpful to reduce any airborne dander or hair, which is vital for people who experience allergies.
The Importance of Grooming Your Double-Coated Dog
Regular grooming is super important when it comes to managing heavy-shedding breeds and their crazy coats. It can help you control shedding, maintain coat health, and make sure your canine companion is as comfy as possible!
You should regularly groom your dog because it:
- Minimizes shedding: Regularly brushing your pup can get rid of any loose hair before it falls off and ends up on your favorite pair of pants or your furniture.
- Prevents mats and tangles: Breeds with long hair are prone to mats and tangles. Obviously, this can be super uncomfortable and damaging to their coats.
- Helps with skin health: Grooming is a great way to remove dirt, debris, and dead skin cells, which can lead to skin problems. It also stimulates the skin’s natural oils to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.
Grooming is not only really good for your dog and their health, but it is an awesome opportunity for bonding between you and your dog. It can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity for you both!
