Heavy Shedding Dog Breeds: Part II

There are some breeds of dogs that shed more than the others. Heavy Shedding is most common in dogs that are found in colder climatic conditions as they are more likely to have a heavy double coat, which is essential during the winter months, but becomes a source of discomfort as the temperature rises in the summer. Some such breeds of dogs that are heavy shedders include:

Belgian Sheepdog
There are four breeds of Belgian Shepherds and the Groenendael (Belgian Sheepdog) is the most popular among them. They are muscular and really solid. And yet, they are also very agile. This is a hyperactive breed and very enthusiastic about playing, to the extent that it can continue to do so until it collapses, exhausted.

All four breeds have similar bodies but have different kinds of coats. The Belgian Sheepdog or Groenendaels coat is long, silky and smooth. It has a double coat which is black. It sheds heavily in the spring and fall. The loose hair sheds all year round. On the other hand, the Belgian Malinois has a double coat that is dense and quite short. Its color normally ranges between red and light brown and it has a black face mask. The Belgian Tervueren also has a double coat that is long and smooth. Its colors range from beige to mahogany or a black mask on grey. While the Laekenois has a light brown coat that is medium in length. The texture varies from rough to curly.

Collies
Among the more popular of the breed of herding dogs, the Collie comes in two varieties. There is one with a rough coat and one with a smooth coat. The rough coated variety has a long, straight, rough and thick outer coat. Its mane is dense and its hindquarters are feathered. Its undercoat is soft and fluffy. It needs to be brushed at least once a week, using a pin brush in order to reach it’s under coat. It needs to be brushed more often when it’s shedding because it shed profusely. The smooth coated variety has a shorter outer coat which is also harsh in texture. But it sheds less than the rough coated variety and requires less grooming.
The Collie’s head is flat, eyes are almond in shape, its ears are small and its muzzle is tapering. Its coat can be in different shades of merle, sable, white or tricolor.

Akita
The Akita Inu is a Japanese breed and is among the largest of the Spitz dog breeds found there. The Akita is a powerful dog with heavy bones and muscles. It has a large head and its muzzle is short and powerful. It has small eyes and triangular upright ears which give it a hooded look. And also has a curly tail set high on its back. The Akita’s outer coat is coarse and straight and is water-proof in nature to protect it from the extreme temperatures in Japan. Its undercoat is thick and soft. And it sheds twice every year.