If you’re a clean freak who loves dogs, you might want to think twice before bringing certain breeds into your home. Some dogs shed year-round, track in dirt like it’s their job, or drool enough to require a mop. On the other hand, a few breeds will surprise you with their minimal shedding and easy maintenance. Whether you’re looking to avoid a fur-covered couch or searching for a lower-maintenance pup, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into which dogs will keep you on your toes—and which won’t!

1. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are gorgeous, energetic, and incredibly messy. Their thick double coats shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes. Even with regular brushing, you’ll find fur everywhere, on your clothes, couch, and even in your food. Plus, these independent dogs love digging, making muddy paws a regular occurrence. If you’re not a fan of constant vacuuming, this breed might drive you crazy. However, their fun-loving personalities and striking looks make them worth the mess for the right owner.

2. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are lovable giants, but they come with a serious drool factor. These dogs are known for leaving trails of slobber on furniture, floors, and even walls. Their thick coats also shed consistently, adding to the cleanup. Though they’re gentle and great with families, they can be a nightmare for neat freaks. However, if you don’t mind carrying a towel around and dealing with fur-covered everything, their sweet and affectionate nature makes up for the mess.

3. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of America’s favorite breeds, but their shedding is no joke. Their beautiful, thick coats require frequent brushing, yet their fur still finds its way into every corner of the house. Furthermore, these playful dogs love rolling in dirt, water, and whatever else they can find. If you’re a perfectionist when it comes to cleanliness, a Golden might test your patience. However, their friendly and loyal nature makes them hard to resist.

4. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are gentle giants with a lot of love to give but also a lot of fur and drool. Their thick, water-resistant coats shed year-round and require frequent grooming. On top of that, they drool excessively, so expect wet spots on your floor, furniture, and even your clothes. However, their sweet and loyal personality makes many owners look past the mess. If you’re up for the challenge, a Newfoundland’s affectionate nature will win you over.

5. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a stunning, fluffy breed with a major shedding problem. Their thick double coat constantly sheds and blows out seasonally, covering your home in white fur. Plus, these dogs love being outdoors and often bring dirt and debris inside. While they are calm, gentle guardians, their grooming needs and love for rolling in the dirt might frustrate neat freaks. However, if you can tolerate some fur (or a whole lot of it), their unwavering loyalty makes it all worthwhile.

6. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are known for their breathtaking coats, but keeping them clean is a challenge. They shed heavily twice a year and require constant brushing to prevent matting. Also, these adventurous dogs love to dig, so dirt-covered paws are a given. If you enjoy a spotless home, this breed may not be for you. However, if you can handle the hair and dirt, their friendly and playful personalities make them wonderful companions.

7. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels may be small, but they create a big mess. Their long, silky coats require frequent grooming, and they shed consistently. Secondly, their floppy ears tend to collect dirt, water, and even food. If you’re a clean freak, you’ll need to stay on top of their grooming and wipe down their ears often. However, their affectionate and happy nature makes them a favorite for many dog lovers.

8. Dalmatian

Dalmatians have short coats, but don’t be fooled—they shed constantly. Their fine hairs stick to everything, making it hard to keep furniture and clothing fur-free. Since they love being active, they also tend to bring dirt and dust indoors. While they’re undeniably charming and energetic, their shedding can be frustrating for anyone who prefers a spotless home. Lastly, if you can handle the hair, their loyalty and unique spots make them stand out.

9. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are beautiful, affectionate, and a cleaning nightmare. Their thick coats shed year-round, with a big seasonal blowout. They also love being outside, meaning muddy paws and dirty fur are common. However, their sweet and gentle temperament makes them hard to resist. Handling regular brushing and nonstop vacuuming, and a Berner will fill your home with love and affection.

10. Labrador Retriever

Labs are America’s most popular breed, but they shed like crazy. Their short, dense coats leave fur everywhere, and they love playing in water, mud, and sand. Their enthusiasm for outdoor adventures often results in messes. On top of that, their wagging tails can send fur and dirt flying all over your home. However, their friendly and playful nature makes them worth the extra cleaning. If you can handle the fur, a Lab will bring tons of joy to your home. 

11. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are intelligent and loyal, but their shedding is intense. Their thick double coat sheds year-round and even more during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps, but fur will still find its way onto your floors, clothes, and furniture. Moreover, their love for outdoor adventures means dirt and mud often come along for the ride. If you like a spotless home, be prepared for constant vacuuming.

12. Border Collie

Border Collies are high-energy dogs with thick coats that shed consistently. They love running, herding, and exploring, which often results in muddy paws and debris tracked inside. While they are brilliant and trainable, keeping your home spotless with a Border Collie around is no easy task. In addition, their endless energy means they are always on the move, kicking up dust and fur as they go. Expect to find fur in places you never thought possible.

13. English Bulldog

English Bulldogs may have short hair, but they shed more than you’d expect. Their loose skin folds trap dirt and moisture, requiring frequent cleaning to prevent odors and infections. On top of that, Bulldogs tend to drool a lot which leaves wet spots on your floors, furniture, and even on your clothes. Besides that, they are known for being gassy, which can add another challenge to keeping your home fresh.

14. Chow Chow

Chow Chows have thick, fluffy coats that shed heavily. Their fur requires frequent grooming to prevent matting, and their independent nature means they aren’t always eager to stay clean. These regal-looking dogs also have a stubborn streak, making bath time a challenge. Not to mention, their thick fur acts like a magnet for dust and debris, adding to the mess. Even after a good brushing, their fur seems to float through the air and settle on every surface.

15. Beagle

Beagles may be small, but they are surprisingly messy. They shed consistently, and their love for sniffing and exploring means they often come back from walks covered in dirt. Beagles are also notorious for digging and getting into trash, adding another layer of cleanup to your routine. Additionally, their strong sense of smell leads them to sniff out food crumbs and scatter them all over the house. To make things even trickier, their playful nature often results in toys and chewed-up items being left all over the place.

5 Dog Breeds That Rarely Shed

If you love dogs but can’t stand the endless battle with fur on your clothes and furniture, you’re in luck! Some breeds barely shed, making them perfect for allergy sufferers or anyone who wants less vacuuming in their life. While no dog is completely shed-free, these five breeds are known for their minimal shedding and easy coat maintenance. Whether you’re looking for a small companion or a larger pup, there’s a low-shedding breed for you. Let’s check out five dogs that won’t leave hair all over your home!

1. Poodle

Poodles come in all sizes and are perfect for clean freaks. Their curly coats trap loose hair, meaning they don’t shed much. However, regular grooming is a must to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best. Additionally, their intelligence and trainability make them easy to manage in a tidy home. Whether you choose a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle, they make fantastic companions for those who want a low-shedding, well-mannered pet.

2. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs have tight, curly coats that rarely shed. They’re also hypoallergenic, making them great for allergy sufferers. While they need regular grooming, they won’t leave your home covered in fur. Moreover, their energetic and affectionate personality makes them a fun addition to any household. If you’re looking for a playful, intelligent dog that won’t have you constantly vacuuming, this breed is a great option.

3. Basenji

Basenjis are one of the cleanest dog breeds. They have short coats that barely shed and even groom themselves like cats. Plus, they don’t have that typical “doggy” odor, which keeps your home smelling fresh. On top of that, their quiet nature, often called “barkless,” means less noise pollution in your home. Want a low-maintenance pup that stays naturally tidy, a Basenji is a great choice. Moreover, their independent yet affectionate personality makes them a unique and charming companion for any dog lover.

4. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises have soft, curly coats that don’t shed much, making them ideal for those who love a clean home. They do require professional grooming to maintain their fluffy appearance, but they won’t leave fur all over your furniture. Furthermore, their cheerful and affectionate personality makes them a joy to be around. Looking for a small, lovable, and low-shedding dog? The Bichon Frise is a perfect fit, offering a cheerful personality, minimal shedding, and an affectionate nature that makes them an ideal companion for tidy households.

5. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds have sleek, short coats that shed minimally, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a tidy home. Additionally, they don’t have much of a doggy odor, so they stay fresh with minimal effort. Besides that, their love for lounging means they won’t be tracking in dirt from constant outdoor play. Furthermore, their graceful build and affectionate personality make them wonderful lap dogs, always eager to cuddle. They are perfect for those who appreciate both elegance and ease.

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