Heavy Shedding Dog Breeds: Part I

All breeds of dog actually shed. Dogs need fur, just like most other animals, to protect them from the elements. Dogs found in colder regions of the world have more fur on their bodies because they need greater protection. However, when the weather becomes warmer, excessive fur can cause a lot of discomfort to the dog. This is the primary reason that dogs shed.

Secondly, unlike humans who shed dead skin through ever growing nails and hair on their head, the fur on the dogs body can only grow as long is common for their breed. So, they shed dead skin by shedding their coat. The dead skin is removed in the hair that is shed and the new coat appears after the dead skin is discarded. Dogs that have heavier coats are prone to heavy shedding.

Some of the breeds of dogs that shed a lot include:

Alaskan Malamute
Among the North American Spitz dog breeds, the Alaskan Malamute is a big built dog, wide-chested and heavy bodied. The Malamute’s weight can range any where between 75 and 100 lbs. Its expression has a slight resemblance to that of a wolf and it has soft, thick ears. The undercoat of the Alaskan Malamute is soft, dense and fluffy and is shed twice a year during spring and again in summer. While it’s outer coat is of medium length and has a rough water-repellant quality which helps protect it from the wind, snow and rain prevalent in its natural environment. It sheds dust and dirt very easily and does not need regular baths.

Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is often kept on ranches to herd sheep and cattle. It also makes a good family pet. Its build is large and muscular and its weight can be any where between 40 and 60 lbs. The Aussie is a good looking dog and comes in varying shades of merle and tan or white. The length of its overcoat ranges from medium to long and is resistant to water. It requires very little grooming. The unique feature of these dogs lies in the eyes which are multi-colored i.e. each eye is a different color.

English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is known by different names in different regions. Outside the U.S.A and Canada, it is known as the King Charles Spaniel. It is also known as ETS or ‘Charlie’. It is a square little dog, its nose is short and its head is shaped like a dove. Its coat is long and dense, a bit wavy and very soft. It has a great deal of feathering on its feet and legs. And its body, chest and ears are heavily fringed. They come in four colors and are less than a foot tall.

The English Toy Spaniel needs to be brushed at least twice a week. The fringe on its body, chest and ears need to be looked after carefully. A special lotion should be applied on the face every week, especially between the folds.