Do Labradors shed more at certain times of year?

Yes. Alongside a steady, low-level shed all year round, most Labradors go through two heavier bouts a year, typically in spring and autumn, when a larger amount of undercoat comes out at once as the coat adjusts to the season. Extra brushing during these periods makes a real difference.

What is the best brush for a shedding Labrador?

A tool designed to reach the undercoat, such as an undercoat rake or a dedicated deshedding brush, does far more than a standard slicker brush, which mostly works on the top coat. Using one regularly, especially during the heavier seasonal sheds, is the single most effective thing an owner can do.

Does bathing a Labrador reduce shedding?

It can help a little, because loose fur comes away in the wash rather than being left to shed around the house afterwards. It will not stop the shedding altogether, but a suitable shampoo and a regular bathing routine alongside brushing keeps it more manageable.

Should I clip my Labrador's coat short to reduce shedding?

No, this does not reduce shedding and can damage the coat. A Labrador's outer coat and undercoat work together for insulation and weatherproofing, and cutting it short does not stop the undercoat renewing itself — regular brushing is the effective approach instead.

Do Labradors shed?

Yes, Labradors shed, and they shed more than most owners expect before getting one. They carry a dense double coat built for cold water and rough weather, and that coat renews itself constantly rather than on a tidy schedule, with two noticeably heavier bouts a year on top of the everyday background shedding.

Why Labradors shed so much

A Labrador's coat has two layers: a short, coarse, water-resistant outer coat, and a soft, dense undercoat that sits underneath it for insulation. That double-layer structure is what makes the breed's coat so weatherproof, and it is also exactly why they shed heavily — the undercoat is constantly being replaced.

On top of the year-round background shedding, most Labradors go through two more obvious coat changes a year, usually spring and autumn, when a large amount of undercoat is shed at once as the coat adjusts to the change in daylight and temperature. This is often what owners mean when they say their Labrador is "blowing its coat" — it is normal, not a sign of anything wrong.

What actually helps

Regular brushing is the single most effective thing you can do, and it needs to reach the undercoat rather than just tidy the top layer. An undercoat rake or a deshedding tool designed to pull loose fur from the dense layer underneath does far more than a standard slicker brush, especially during the two heavier shedding periods.

Brushing outdoors or over an easily swept floor during a heavy shed saves a lot of vacuuming, and doing it little and often — a few minutes most days rather than one long session at the weekend — keeps loose fur from building up on furniture and clothing in between.

A good quality diet with adequate fat content supports healthy skin and coat generally, and a dog who is regularly bathed with a suitable shampoo tends to shed a little less visibly, simply because loose fur is removed in the wash rather than left to fall out around the house.

What will not stop it

No amount of grooming will make a Labrador stop shedding altogether — it is built into the breed's coat, not a behaviour or a habit. Anyone hoping for a low-shedding Labrador is likely to be disappointed whatever routine they follow.

Clipping or shaving a Labrador's coat short does not reduce shedding and can actually damage the coat's structure, since the outer and undercoat work together for weatherproofing and insulation. Regular brushing, not cutting, is the right tool for the job.

Kit for this breed

Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.

Microfibre Pet Drying Robe

A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe that soaks up the wet fast after baths, swims and walks.

From£10.99

Absorbent Microfibre Dog Drying Robe

A super-absorbent microfibre drying robe with a handy front pocket to dry your dog off fast.

From£13.99

Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles

A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.

£18.99

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Common questions

Do Labradors shed more at certain times of year?: Yes. Alongside a steady, low-level shed all year round, most Labradors go through two heavier bouts a year, typically in spring and autumn, when a larger amount of undercoat comes out at once as the coat adjusts to the season. Extra brushing during these periods makes a real difference.
What is the best brush for a shedding Labrador?: A tool designed to reach the undercoat, such as an undercoat rake or a dedicated deshedding brush, does far more than a standard slicker brush, which mostly works on the top coat. Using one regularly, especially during the heavier seasonal sheds, is the single most effective thing an owner can do.
Does bathing a Labrador reduce shedding?: It can help a little, because loose fur comes away in the wash rather than being left to shed around the house afterwards. It will not stop the shedding altogether, but a suitable shampoo and a regular bathing routine alongside brushing keeps it more manageable.
Should I clip my Labrador's coat short to reduce shedding?: No, this does not reduce shedding and can damage the coat. A Labrador's outer coat and undercoat work together for insulation and weatherproofing, and cutting it short does not stop the undercoat renewing itself — regular brushing is the effective approach instead.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.