Learn Me Clean Houses with Shedding Dogs

I've never had a dog. My fiance has always had a dog. SWMBO now wants a little barking mutt, which is at least marginally better than her wanting a little crying mutt, but I digress.

Anywho, I know that some dogs are "hypoallergenic" and don't shed, like Yorkies and Poodles. But I don't want a dog that's completely foofoo. I've always liked Corgis and think they're freaking adorable, but apparently they shed enough fur in a day to make coats for an entire Eskimo tribe.

So my question is this: is it possible to have a dog that sheds without having dog hair everywhere? Does brushing the dog daily help at all? Vacuuming religiously? Getting it groomed on a regular basis? Anything?

TL;DR: Me want Corgi. Me no want dog fur everywhere.

Brushing every day or two will help alot, but other than that, sweeping will help. Also, I scoff at the pathetic little yippy dog.....

Sky_Render wrote: So my question is this: is it possible to have a dog that sheds without having dog hair **everywhere**?

No.

Lots of other choices.
We have the Cairn Terrier. Similar to West Highland White

hardwood floors make it easier to clean up and brushing does help. It's really not that bad.

Coat it in Elastiwrap?

You want a dog that sheds? Get a Shark or a Dyson, use it 3-4 times a week. For about 30 minutes of investment, it cuts down 90% of the issues. Brush the dog outside at least twice a week, preferably daily.

FWIW, we have a Golden, and have had a Golden since 1998. The hair is honestly not even an issue if you do vacuum and brush the dog. If we're lazy, yeah we'll notice it. Otherwise it is fine unless you're wearing black slacks.

Otherwise, get a poodle. Not a girly dog at all, they are actually a hunting dog. Just don't cut the hair like it is a princess. Other options are Portugese water dog, various terriors (Irish, Welsh, Schnauzer, Bull, Lakeland)...

Possibly invest in a robotic floor cleaning device. Of course, for this to work you need to keep a relatively uncluttered living area. Which, um, we don't. And we have a dog.

On the plus side, studies have shown that after the initial period of hurt, having the furry creature around strengthens your immune system by, basically, constantly exercising it.

In reply to JohnRW1621:

Oh, thank you for the website! That gives many other options.

As for the "not a real dog" thing, I'm not a dog person. I do not want some huge slobbering beast in my home.

1) A raw egg with breakfast
2) A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar once per day over their dry dog food
3) A Rhoomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot

Get a great pyrenees. Get a shark vacuum. Dysons are not worth the money which usually adds up to 3 times what the shark costs. And the shark is a better product imo.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: 1) A raw egg with breakfast 2) A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar once per day over their dry dog food

I'm very curious about these first two. Do they keep the dog from shedding as much?

ryanty22 wrote: Get a great pyrenees. Get a shark vacuum. Dysons are not worth the money which usually adds up to 3 times what the shark costs. And the shark is a better product imo.

Not to turn this into a vacuum thread, but yeah. Back when my mom got her Dyson, it was the best on the market. She compared it to everything. Fast forward 6 or 8 years, and she got me a Shark for 1/4 the price, and it by far outperforms her dyson.

Sky_Render wrote:

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: 1) A raw egg with breakfast 2) A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar once per day over their dry dog food

I'm very curious about these first two. Do they keep the dog from shedding as much?

Can't speak to the vinegar, but yes with the egg. doesn't need to be raw, but egg is great for their coats.

I have a bunch of littler dogs. I'll never own a big dog again.

Some of them may even be for sale for fairly cheap, but I digress.

Keep up on brushing and vacuuming and you should be alright. Or stop caring and let the hair show others that you are a happy person.

Back about 8 months ago I researched all of them out there. The dyson has normally subpar reviews. The shark had almost universally great reviews. I wanted an old kirby but finding one in good repair that was reasonably priced was impossible. Got the shark and am completely happy with it

Sky_Render wrote:

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: 1) A raw egg with breakfast 2) A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar once per day over their dry dog food

I'm very curious about these first two. Do they keep the dog from shedding as much?

OK, well... lets discuss this in terms of "not as much" because nothing will stop it. It will be horrific in spring time no matter what you do.

The vet 'splained the vinegar as acidic help for PH challenged dogs because the dry dog food does not have enough of a balance. My dogs (both long legged ratties) were getting dry patches on their bellies almost like eczema. The vet said it would help their skin and as a bonus it would lessen shedding.

The egg is extra protein, again, because dry dog food (even the high end Blue Buffalo stuff I squander money buying) does not have enough fresh animal proteins.

I am not a vet so I cannot say whether he is correct on the reasoning but as someone who has two white terriers and wears a lot of black - the observed difference is pretty profound except spring time when the winter coats fall out. For that, all you can do is brush them and keep some rolls o tape handy for de-furring your clothes as you walk to the car.

These guys have short hair that does shed, but it's not as bad to deal with as a Collie or Shepard.

If your SO wanted a Yorkie, I think this will be pretty close.

I'd heard that eggs were good for dogs' coats, but never the ACV thing. Will have to try that.

Lots of good info here; I knew the GRM Hivemind would not disappoint.

She's not mine BTW, but he is: You can find this same basic dog at any local shelter and it will be the best dog you ever own. Just call it a Lab mix.

Ancient proverb say "where there is clean house, there is no dog".

We had three cats and a black lab, and all wood floors (zero carpet). The Roomba kept it barefoot clean. Sure you had to clean the Roomba every day, but it was great.

Whoa, whoa, I just said I'm not a dog person and you're trying to talk me into a dog the size of a small horse!

pinchvalve wrote: She's not mine BTW, but he is: You can find this same basic dog at any local shelter and it will be the best dog you ever own. Just call it a Lab mix.

That aint no lab mix. In my experience hair from dogs with a little length is easier to clean up than short haired dogs.

We call our dog "Brown Dog". She's a mix of God-knows-what saved from the pound (neighbors' un-fixed dog had puppies). Dumb as a box of rocks, lazy as anything, but loyal and friendly and forgiving. She's a good dang dog. When she dies, I'm going to take her down to the animal shelter, throw her up on the counter, and say, "Give me another one of those!"