The DOGtor is in… The FAQ’s of Dog Shedding

Is Shedding Normal for All Dogs?

Shedding for dogs is the natural process of losing old or damaged fur (or hair). All dogs shed, to some degree, with the exception of hairless breeds like the Chinese crested. There are differences in shedding depending on the breed of dog.

Certain breeds have longer, continuously growing coats, that have more of a hair-like texture rather than fur. These breeds are also what most people know of as “hypoallergenic”. Although they shed very little, they still do shed. These dogs include the Poodle, Yorkshire terrier, Bichon Frise, Havanese, and Maltese.

What is a Double Coat?

Many dogs are double-coated, which means they have an undercoat and a top coat. The top coat is what you see and feel, while the undercoat is made up of shorter and softer hairs. These breeds tend to shed large amounts, especially seasonally (in the spring and fall). In the spring, these dogs shed their undercoats to make a lighter coat in preparation for warmer weather. In the fall, the undercoat is shed to grow a thicker top coat to stay warmer in the winter. These dogs include the Labrador retriever, Siberian husky, Bernese mountain dog, Newfoundland, Pomeranian, Collie, Corgi, German Shepherd, Malamute, and Australian Shepherd.

Do Short Coat Dogs Shed?

Yup! There are dogs that have a shorter coat and shed year-round. These dogs include the Beagle, Pug, German shorthaired pointer, French bulldog, Dachshund, Boxer, and Chihuahua.

Are Dogs that Shed More Likely to Cause an Allergic Reaction for their Human Friends?

There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog; not even the low shedding breeds. This is because humans typically have allergies to the dander, saliva, and urine of a dog, not to their fur. Dander is released with fur, so as shedding occurs the dander can become airborne, causing common allergy symptoms in people. 

Can we Help Stop the Shedding?

There is no way to completely stop shedding. Contrary to popular belief, shaving your dogs long or fluffy coat is not a good idea, because it can interfere with your dog’s natural self-cooling and self-warming mechanisms. It will actually not make shedding occur less, and sometimes the hair in shaved areas will grow back abnormally.

What are the Best Brushes for that Mane?

Routine brushing is important for all dogs, and grooming for the longer-haired breeds that have continuously growing hair. For any dog that sheds often, it is important to brush them regularly (daily to weekly), which can reduce their shedding.

My #1 recommendation for best brushes!

The FURminator is my #1 favorite company for dog brushes. They have different types of brushes and deshedding tools for every kind of coat. They are also the safest for your dog’s skin, and most effective for your dog’s coat.

Get yours from Amazon Here