Have you ever come home to a living room that looks like it’s been hit by a furry tornado? Or maybe you’ve found yourself mopping up puddles of drool before your morning coffee. If you’re nodding along, you’re in the right place. Owning a dog is pure joy—but let’s be real, some breeds test the very limits of your patience (and your vacuum cleaner). Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on 13 lovable troublemakers who shed, drool, and destroy with more enthusiasm than you’d ever expect. Grab a lint roller, maybe a towel, and let’s dive in.
Saint Bernard: The Drool Dynamo
Saint Bernards are gentle giants, but their slobber is the stuff of legend. You’ll find drool on the sofa, your pants, and sometimes even the ceiling. Keeping towels handy is a must, especially after meals or playtime.
Despite the mess, these dogs are affectionate and loyal. Their massive size means accidental bumps and knocked-over knickknacks are common. Keep fragile items high up and invest in a few sturdy chew toys to save your shoes and sanity.
Labrador Retriever: The Persistent Shedder
Labradors are family favorites, but their double coats shed year-round—especially during spring and fall. Brushing several times a week helps, but you’ll still find tumbleweeds of hair under your couch.
Labs are notorious for their love of chewing, too. Remote controls, shoes, and even furniture legs are fair game if they’re bored. Keep them engaged with interactive toys and regular exercise to channel that energy.
German Shepherd: The Hair Machine
German Shepherds are brilliant and loyal, but they’re also known as “German Shedders” for good reason. Their thick undercoat explodes twice a year, and daily brushing barely keeps up.
These dogs are also strong chewers, especially when anxious or under-stimulated. A rotation of tough toys and puzzle feeders can help protect your furniture—and your patience.
Newfoundland: The Walking Waterfall
Newfoundlands are sweet and majestic, but their drooling can rival a leaky faucet. You’ll find wet spots on every surface they touch. Keep drool cloths nearby, especially after drinks or excitement.
Their thick, water-resistant fur also sheds heavily, requiring frequent grooming. Regular baths and brushing help, but be prepared for hair on your clothes, floors, and even your food.
Golden Retriever: The Hairy Hurricane
Golden Retrievers are sunshine in dog form, but they leave a trail of fur wherever they go. Their beautiful coats shed constantly, with extra gusto in spring and fall.
Goldens are also notorious for carrying things in their mouths—sometimes your socks, sometimes the TV remote. Teaching “leave it” and providing lots of chew toys helps curb unwanted mischief.
Great Dane: The Gentle Giant (With a Slobbery Secret)
Great Danes may look dignified, but they’re secretly drool factories, especially after eating or drinking. Keep wipes handy, and prepare for the occasional “slime trail” on your walls.
These big dogs don’t shed as much as others, but their sheer size means broken vases and toppled lamps are not unusual. A little dog-proofing goes a long way in a Great Dane household.
Alaskan Malamute: The Fluffy Destroyer
Alaskan Malamutes are breathtakingly beautiful, but their thick coats shed so much that you could knit a sweater every week. Brushing daily is a must to manage the fur avalanche.
Malamutes are powerful chewers with a stubborn streak. Without enough exercise, they’ll dig, chew, or even escape. Secure your yard and give them plenty of activities to keep boredom at bay.
Bernese Mountain Dog: The Shedder in Disguise
Bernese Mountain Dogs have stunning tri-color coats, but don’t be fooled—they shed a surprising amount, especially during seasonal changes. Regular grooming is non-negotiable.
Their calm nature can hide a mischievous side. Left alone too long, Berners may take out their frustration on your favorite chair or a forgotten slipper. Keep them company and provide sturdy toys.
Bulldog: The Compact Drool Machine
Bulldogs may be small, but their drool output is mighty. Expect to wipe their faces—and your floors—multiple times a day, especially after meals or play sessions.
Their stubbornness can lead to destructive chewing if they’re bored or anxious. Short walks and a variety of chew toys can help redirect their energy in a positive way.
Siberian Husky: The Escape Artist Shedder
Siberian Huskies shed a jaw-dropping amount, especially during “blowout” season. Their fur finds its way into every corner, making lint rollers your new best friend.
Huskies are clever and can be destructive if under-stimulated. They’ll chew, dig, or even open doors to entertain themselves. Challenge their minds and bodies with interactive games and regular runs.
Boxer: The Slobber Sprinter
Boxers are bundles of joy, but they drool, especially when excited. You’ll notice wet patches on the floor and sometimes a string of drool hanging from their jowls.
Boxers are also energetic chewers. Without proper outlets, they’ll munch on shoes or furniture. Daily playtime and tough toys can help protect your belongings and keep your pup happy.
Beagle: The Sneaky Shredder
Beagles may be small, but their shedding punches above their weight. If you have dark clothes or furniture, get ready for a constant dusting of hair.
Their curiosity leads them to chew and dig, especially if they catch an interesting scent. Keep their minds busy with scent games and provide safe chew options to prevent household damage.
Dalmatian: The Spotted Shedding Specialist
Dalmatians’ short, stiff hairs weave into everything—carpet, upholstery, even your car seats. Brushing helps, but you’ll still find hair long after they’ve left the room.
Dalmatians are energetic and can get destructive if bored. Without enough activity, they’ll resort to chewing or digging. Long walks and challenging games are key to a happy, healthy Dalmatian.
Chow Chow: The Furry Furniture Re-Arranger
Chow Chows have thick, lion-like coats that shed heavily, especially in warmer months. Their stubborn independence means grooming is a must, not an option.
Chows can be territorial and may chew or rearrange household items if left alone too long. Consistent routines and positive reinforcement help curb unwanted behavior and keep your home intact.
The world of dogs is full of surprises, and sometimes that means a bit more mess, hair, or drool than you’d planned for. But with patience and preparation, even these lovable handfuls can become the best companions you’ve ever had.
Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.
