Do Labrador Retrievers Shed?

The short answer to this question is yes, Labrador Retrievers shed. However, don’t be discouraged. Labs have one of the easiest grooming routines, and there are many ways to avoid a buildup of excessive fur around the house. Labs are one of America’s most beloved dog breeds, and Lab shedding is manageable. Keep reading to understand more about why Labs shed and how to manage it!

Why do Labs shed?

The reason for why Labrador Retrievers shed so much is because they have a double coat. In other words, they have a top water-resistant layer and an undercoat. This allows them to thrive in a lot of different environments.

Although Labs shed year-round, you’ll notice that twice a year they go through a phase of changing or “blowing” their coat. This is also known as molting season for dogs. Coat blowing occurs due to seasonal changes, usually around the spring time, where they lose their winter coat, and during the winter, where they lose their summer coat. Double-coated dogs will shed their old coat to let their new one grow in. This keeps them comfortable.

Grooming

Grooming is the best way to keep Lab shedding under control. Luckily, grooming routines for Labs are relatively simple. If they are done regularly, shedding won’t be as noticeable on clothes or furniture. It will also ensure the health of your Lab’s coat.

Labs require regular brushing, the occasional bath, and a run through with a deshedding tool during molting season. Labs do well if they are brushed with a regular brush at least twice a week. They require a bath no more than once a month. You’ll only have to use a deshedding tool when Labs blow their coat. It will help remove the loose undercoat.

Managing Lab Shedding

The most important thing to understand about managing Lab shedding is that regular grooming is a must. Even though Labs blow their coat only a couple times a year, they are regular shedders so routine grooming should never cease.

One way to manage the appearance of shedding throughout the house is to understand that different fur is more apparent in certain circumstances. There are three variants of coat color in Labs: black, yellow, and chocolate. Regardless of coat color, all Labs shed the same amount. Coat color only matters in the sense of how it will show up on your floors and furniture. If you have dark colored floors and furniture, having a darker coated Lab will prevent the hairs from being so noticeable. Although coat color is not going to affect how much your Lab sheds, it will help keep any fur from being overwhelmingly noticeable.

Managing dog fur on furniture or clothing is something that many dog owners deal with since most breeds do shed. There are a ton of products out there that help make maintaining a clean home easy. Regular vacuuming, especially with vacuums designed to pick up pet hair, will help tremendously. Having a lint roller handy doesn’t hurt either. Grooming your Lab outside is a great way to avoiding having the loose fur line the carpets once it’s removed.

Excessive Labrador Retriever Shedding

Although shedding is a regular thing for Labs, excessive shedding can be a sign of an underlying condition. It’s important to monitor your Lab for anything out of the usual when it comes to their shedding. Excessive shedding can be a result of a myriad of things, including allergies, stress, sensitive skin, parasites, or even poor diet.

Should shedding be a deciding factor in whether a Lab is right for me?

Ultimately, this decision comes down to what type of grooming maintenance you are willing to regularly maintain. If you’re allergic, labs are probably not the best breed. In all other casesit’s important to understand that most dogs require grooming. Even hypoallergenic dogs need regular brushing and being taken to the groomers for trims. A lot of dog breeds shed and will require similar maintenance even if they don’t have a double coat.

Labs do shed more because of their double coat, but this shedding is easily manageable. Labs make great companions and are one of the most popular dog breeds for a reason. If grooming is regular, shedding should not be an issue and maintaining a clean home will not be difficult.  

Are you wondering if a Lab is the right dog breed for you? Barkd (Apple, Android) will help match you with your perfect pup!

Sources:

AKC, “Labrador Retriever.”

Labrador Training HQ, “Do Labs Shed? How Much? A Little? A Lot?”

Love Your Dog, “Do Labrador Retrievers Shed? Yes, and Here’sHow Much.”