Popular shedding matchups
Curated guides focused on shed scores, coats, and allergy honesty. For temperament and kids fit, use breed compare.
Golden Retriever
Shed 5/5
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Golden Retriever vs Labrador Retriever
very heavy (5/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Both shed—Goldens usually rate higher on coat blow and year-round hair; Labs shed heavily too but with a shorter coat that’s often easier to manage day to day.
Compare shedding →
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Labrador Retriever vs Poodle (Standard)
heavy (4/5) vs very low (1/5)
Classic shed vs low-shed contrast: Labs leave hair on furniture; Standard Poodles shed little visibly but need regular professional grooming.
Compare shedding →
Golden Retriever
Shed 5/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Golden Retriever vs Poodle (Standard)
very heavy (5/5) vs very low (1/5)
Goldens are heavy shedders; Poodles are often discussed as allergy-friendlier with curly coats that trap hair—grooming cost swaps for vacuuming.
Compare shedding →
German Shepherd
Shed 5/5
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever
very heavy (5/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Both double-coat shedders; GSDs are famous for seasonal “blow coats,” while Labs shed steadily year-round.
Compare shedding →
German Shepherd
Shed 5/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
German Shepherd vs Poodle (Standard)
very heavy (5/5) vs very low (1/5)
GSD undercoat vs Poodle curl: one fills the lint roller, the other fills the groomer’s calendar.
Compare shedding →
Siberian Husky
Shed 3/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Siberian Husky vs Poodle (Standard)
moderate (3/5) vs very low (1/5)
Northern double coats vs curly low-shed coats—Huskies are built for seasonal coat blows; Poodles trade shedding for clipping.
Compare shedding →
More shedding comparisons
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Samoyed
Shed 4/5
Poodle (Standard) vs Samoyed
very low (1/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Fluffy white Samoyeds shed generously; Poodles keep loose hair in the coat until it’s cut—different chores, same commitment.
Compare shedding →
Siberian Husky
Shed 3/5
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Siberian Husky vs Labrador Retriever
moderate (3/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Two active shedders—Huskies punch harder during coat blows; Labs shed more evenly through the year.
Compare shedding →
French Bulldog
Shed 2/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
French Bulldog vs Poodle (Standard)
low (2/5) vs very low (1/5)
Frenchies are moderate-to-low visible shedders for a short coat; Poodles usually shed less still but need curly-coat maintenance.
Compare shedding →
Bulldog
Shed 3/5
French Bulldog
Shed 2/5
Bulldog vs French Bulldog
moderate (3/5) vs low (2/5)
Short coats on both—shedding is usually manageable compared with double-coated breeds; neither is a true hypoallergenic guarantee.
Compare shedding →
Bichon Frise
Shed 1/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Bichon Frise vs Poodle (Standard)
very low (1/5) vs very low (1/5)
Two curly low-shedding companions often named for allergy homes—both need consistent grooming to stay comfortable and tidy.
Compare shedding →
Maltese
Shed 1/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Maltese vs Poodle (Standard)
very low (1/5) vs very low (1/5)
Low visible shed on both; Maltese hair grows long like human hair and mats without brushing, while Poodles need clip maintenance.
Compare shedding →
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Shih Tzu
Shed 1/5
Poodle (Standard) vs Shih Tzu
very low (1/5) vs very low (1/5)
Both appear on hypoallergenic lists—expect grooming appointments more than hair on the couch.
Compare shedding →
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Shed 1/5
Poodle (Standard) vs Yorkshire Terrier
very low (1/5) vs very low (1/5)
Toy-friendly low-shed options; Yorkie coats need regular brushing, Poodles need curls kept clipped.
Compare shedding →
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Shed 1/5
Labrador Retriever vs Miniature Schnauzer
heavy (4/5) vs very low (1/5)
Schnauzers are often lower-shedding; Labs leave more hair behind. Schnauzer furnishings still need trimming.
Compare shedding →
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Shed 1/5
Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog
heavy (4/5) vs very low (1/5)
PWD curly/wavy coats shed little compared with Labs—another “grooming vs vacuum” trade-off.
Compare shedding →
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Shed 1/5
Poodle (Standard) vs Portuguese Water Dog
very low (1/5) vs very low (1/5)
Two water-work coats often rated low-shed; both need professional or skilled home grooming.
Compare shedding →
Bichon Frise
Shed 1/5
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Bichon Frise vs Labrador Retriever
very low (1/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Bichons are classic low-shed companions; Labs are high-shed sporting dogs—night-and-day on furniture hair.
Compare shedding →
Golden Retriever
Shed 5/5
Maltese
Shed 1/5
Golden Retriever vs Maltese
very heavy (5/5) vs very low (1/5)
Maltese keep loose hair in a growing coat; Goldens broadcast undercoat across the house.
Compare shedding →
Golden Retriever
Shed 5/5
Shih Tzu
Shed 1/5
Golden Retriever vs Shih Tzu
very heavy (5/5) vs very low (1/5)
Long companion coat vs heavy double coat—Shih Tzus need brushing/clips; Goldens need deshedding tools.
Compare shedding →
Labradoodle
Shed 1/5
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Labradoodle vs Labrador Retriever
very low (1/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Labradoodles vary by coat generation—some shed less than Labs, many still shed. Don’t assume “doodle = hypoallergenic.”
Compare shedding →
Labradoodle
Shed 1/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Labradoodle vs Poodle (Standard)
very low (1/5) vs very low (1/5)
Poodles are more predictably low-shed; Labradoodle coats range from Lab-like to curly—meet the individual dog.
Compare shedding →
Cockapoo
Shed 1/5
Cocker Spaniel
Shed 3/5
Cockapoo vs Cocker Spaniel
very low (1/5) vs moderate (3/5)
Cockapoos may shed less than many Cockers depending on the Poodle influence—coat type varies litter to litter.
Compare shedding →
Cockapoo
Shed 1/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Cockapoo vs Poodle (Standard)
very low (1/5) vs very low (1/5)
Poodles are the more consistent low-shed parent; Cockapoos inherit a mix—verify the actual coat before you buy.
Compare shedding →
Bernese Mountain Dog
Shed 4/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Poodle (Standard)
heavy (4/5) vs very low (1/5)
Bernese blow thick double coats; Poodles barely leave hair—different size class and different chore list.
Compare shedding →
Newfoundland
Shed 4/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Newfoundland vs Poodle (Standard)
heavy (4/5) vs very low (1/5)
Newfies shed water-dog double coats in volume; Poodles stay low-shed with high grooming needs.
Compare shedding →
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Samoyed
Shed 4/5
Labrador Retriever vs Samoyed
heavy (4/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Both shed a lot—Samoyed white undercoat is especially visible; Labs shed dark or yellow hair year-round.
Compare shedding →
Chow Chow
Shed 4/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Chow Chow vs Poodle (Standard)
heavy (4/5) vs very low (1/5)
Dense Chow manes shed heavily in season; Poodles trade that for clip-and-comb maintenance.
Compare shedding →
Akita
Shed 3/5
Shiba Inu
Shed 3/5
Akita vs Shiba Inu
moderate (3/5) vs moderate (3/5)
Both northern coats shed; Akitas leave more volume simply because they’re larger—brushing seasons still apply to both.
Compare shedding →
Border Collie
Shed 4/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Border Collie vs Poodle (Standard)
heavy (4/5) vs very low (1/5)
Border Collies shed a working double coat; Poodles shed little—energy needs may matter more than hair for many homes.
Compare shedding →
Australian Shepherd
Shed 3/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Australian Shepherd vs Poodle (Standard)
moderate (3/5) vs very low (1/5)
Aussies shed medium-to-heavy with seasonal blows; Poodles are the lower-shed alternative in a similar trainability conversation.
Compare shedding →
Beagle
Shed 3/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Beagle vs Poodle (Standard)
moderate (3/5) vs very low (1/5)
Beagles shed a short coat moderately; Poodles usually win on visible hair but lose on grooming appointments.
Compare shedding →
Boxer
Shed 3/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Boxer vs Poodle (Standard)
moderate (3/5) vs very low (1/5)
Short Boxer coats shed less dramatically than double coats but still leave hair; Poodles stay near the bottom of shed scales.
Compare shedding →
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Rottweiler
Shed 3/5
Poodle (Standard) vs Rottweiler
very low (1/5) vs moderate (3/5)
Rottweilers shed a short dense coat; Poodles are typically much lower-shed with higher grooming overhead.
Compare shedding →
Doberman Pinscher
Shed 3/5
German Shepherd
Shed 5/5
Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd
moderate (3/5) vs very heavy (5/5)
Dobermans have short coats with moderate shed; GSDs dump undercoat in impressive seasonal waves.
Compare shedding →
French Bulldog
Shed 2/5
Pug
Shed 3/5
French Bulldog vs Pug
low (2/5) vs moderate (3/5)
Short brachycephalic coats—manageable shed for many apartments, still not allergen-free.
Compare shedding →
Chihuahua
Shed 2/5
Pomeranian
Shed 4/5
Chihuahua vs Pomeranian
low (2/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Smooth Chihuahuas shed lightly; Pomeranian double coats can surprise owners with fluffy tumbleweeds.
Compare shedding →
Bichon Frise
Shed 1/5
Havanese
Shed 4/5
Bichon Frise vs Havanese
very low (1/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Small fluffy companions—Bichons are more often flagged low-shed; Havanese coats vary and still need brushing.
Compare shedding →
Basenji
Shed 1/5
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Basenji vs Labrador Retriever
very low (1/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Basenjis are often cited as lower-shed, catlike groomers; Labs leave far more hair on soft surfaces.
Compare shedding →
Chinese Crested
Shed 3/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Chinese Crested vs Poodle (Standard)
moderate (3/5) vs very low (1/5)
Hairless Cresteds shed little fur (skin care replaces brushing); coated varieties and Poodles still need coat work.
Compare shedding →
Golden Retriever
Shed 5/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Shed 3/5
Golden Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
very heavy (5/5) vs moderate (3/5)
Wheatens are often lower-shed than Goldens but need regular grooming to prevent mats—not a zero-maintenance coat.
Compare shedding →
Airedale Terrier
Shed 3/5
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Airedale Terrier vs Labrador Retriever
moderate (3/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Airedales’ wiry coats shed less than many Labs when properly stripped or clipped; neglected wire coats still leave debris.
Compare shedding →
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Poodle (Miniature)
Shed 1/5
Labrador Retriever vs Poodle (Miniature)
heavy (4/5) vs very low (1/5)
Mini Poodles bring low visible shed in a smaller package; Labs remain the heavier shedder of the pair.
Compare shedding →
Chihuahua
Shed 2/5
Poodle
Shed 1/5
Chihuahua vs Poodle
low (2/5) vs very low (1/5)
Toy Poodles usually shed less; Chihuahuas shed a short coat lightly—both fit apartments, with different grooming rhythms.
Compare shedding →
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Poodle (Miniature)
Shed 1/5
Poodle (Standard) vs Poodle (Miniature)
very low (1/5) vs very low (1/5)
Same low-shed curly family—size differs more than shedding. Grooming frequency stays high for both.
Compare shedding →
Pomeranian
Shed 4/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Shed 1/5
Pomeranian vs Yorkshire Terrier
heavy (4/5) vs very low (1/5)
Yorkies are often lower-shed; Pomeranians blow fluffy undercoat—pick based on grooming style you can sustain.
Compare shedding →
Maltese
Shed 1/5
Shih Tzu
Shed 1/5
Maltese vs Shih Tzu
very low (1/5) vs very low (1/5)
Two long-coated, often low-shed companions—daily brushing or a puppy cut keeps either livable.
Compare shedding →
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Shed 3/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Poodle (Standard)
moderate (3/5) vs very low (1/5)
Cavaliers shed a silky medium coat; Poodles usually leave less hair but need more formal grooming.
Compare shedding →
Cocker Spaniel
Shed 3/5
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Cocker Spaniel vs Poodle (Standard)
moderate (3/5) vs very low (1/5)
Cockers shed and need ear/coat care; Poodles typically win on shed score and lose on clipper time.
Compare shedding →
Bernese Mountain Dog
Shed 4/5
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever
heavy (4/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Both shed heavily—Bernese coats are thicker and longer, so hair volume and floor coverage can feel larger.
Compare shedding →
Siberian Husky
Shed 3/5
Samoyed
Shed 4/5
Siberian Husky vs Samoyed
moderate (3/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Northern double-coat cousins—both blow coat; Samoyed white hair shows everywhere, Husky hair embeds in everything.
Compare shedding →
Chow Chow
Shed 4/5
Samoyed
Shed 4/5
Chow Chow vs Samoyed
heavy (4/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Two dense northern-style coats with serious seasonal shed—plan vacuuming and coat care either way.
Compare shedding →
French Bulldog
Shed 2/5
Golden Retriever
Shed 5/5
French Bulldog vs Golden Retriever
low (2/5) vs very heavy (5/5)
Frenchies leave far less hair than Goldens—popular apartment pick when shedding is the deal-breaker.
Compare shedding →
Beagle
Shed 3/5
Miniature Schnauzer
Shed 1/5
Beagle vs Miniature Schnauzer
moderate (3/5) vs very low (1/5)
Schnauzers usually shed less; Beagles leave short hair on sofas. Schnauzer beards need wiping and trims.
Compare shedding →
Bichon Frise
Shed 1/5
Pomeranian
Shed 4/5
Bichon Frise vs Pomeranian
very low (1/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Bichons are low-shed fluffballs; Pomeranians shed undercoat—similar “cute cloud” look, different hair reality.
Compare shedding →
Golden Retriever
Shed 5/5
Portuguese Water Dog
Shed 1/5
Golden Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog
very heavy (5/5) vs very low (1/5)
PWD coats are often lower-shed than Golden double coats—grooming replaces deshedding sessions.
Compare shedding →
Basenji
Shed 1/5
Beagle
Shed 3/5
Basenji vs Beagle
very low (1/5) vs moderate (3/5)
Both small-to-medium hounds—Basenjis typically shed less and need less bathing; Beagles leave more short hair.
Compare shedding →
Pomeranian
Shed 4/5
Shih Tzu
Shed 1/5
Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu
heavy (4/5) vs very low (1/5)
Shih Tzus often rate lower on shed scales; Pomeranians surprise with fluffy tumbleweeds during coat blows.
Compare shedding →
Havanese
Shed 4/5
Labrador Retriever
Shed 4/5
Havanese vs Labrador Retriever
heavy (4/5) vs heavy (4/5)
Havanese are small and often easier on furniture hair than Labs—still brush regularly to prevent mats.
Compare shedding →
Poodle (Standard)
Shed 1/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Shed 3/5
Poodle (Standard) vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
very low (1/5) vs moderate (3/5)
Both appear in lower-shed conversations; Poodles are usually more predictable, Wheatens need silky-coat upkeep.
Compare shedding →
Airedale Terrier
Shed 3/5
German Shepherd
Shed 5/5
Airedale Terrier vs German Shepherd
moderate (3/5) vs very heavy (5/5)
Airedale wire coats generally shed less than GSD undercoats—hand-stripping or clipping still required.
Compare shedding →
Custom shedding comparison
Pick any two breeds. Selection syncs to the URL. Curated pairs unlock a deeper shedding guide.
How to read shedding scores
Scores run from 1 (very low visible shed) to 5 (very heavy). They’re typical leanings from coat type and breed data—not a promise for every dog or every season.
“Hypoallergenic” on the internet usually means lower shedding or coats that hold loose hair. Allergies still react to dander and saliva. Spend time with adult dogs before you buy or adopt.
Related: hypoallergenic dog breeds, fluffy dog breeds, size compare, lifespan compare, puppy price compare, energy compare.
Shedding FAQs
- Which dog breeds shed the least?
- Curly-coated and many “hypoallergenic-listed” breeds (Poodles, Bichons, some terriers) often rate lower on visible shed. Low shed usually means more brushing or professional grooming—not zero work.
- Are hypoallergenic dogs real?
- No dog is completely allergen-free. Allergies react to proteins in dander, saliva, and urine. Some breeds shed less hair, which can help some people—test exposure before you commit. See our hypoallergenic breeds guide.
- How does the shedding comparison tool work?
- Pick any two breeds to see shedding scores (1–5), coat type, and allergy-friendly leanings. Curated pairs unlock a deeper shedding guide. Open full breed compare for temperament and lifestyle.
- Do doodles shed less than Labs or Goldens?
- Sometimes—coat type varies by generation and individual. Don’t assume Labradoodle or Cockapoo equals Poodle-level low shed. Meet the dog and ask about the parents’ coats.
References
- Are There Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds? — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Pet Allergy — American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
- Pet Allergies — Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
- How to Choose the Right Dog Breed — American Kennel Club (AKC)
- General Dog Care — ASPCA