Anyone who shares a home with a shedding dog knows the endless battle against fur on every surface. I have lived this with two Labradors for the better part of a decade, and I have tested more vacuums than I care to admit. Our team spent three months comparing 10 of the most popular models on the market to bring you this list of the best vacuum cleaners for dog hair in 2026.
We focused on real-world pet messes across carpet, hardwood, upholstery, stairs, and car interiors. We measured how each model handles long hair and short hair, how often the brush roll tangles, how loud the motor gets, and how easy the dustbin is to empty. We also paid close attention to HEPA filtration because pet dander is a genuine concern for allergy sufferers in my family.
Every pick on this list earned its spot by delivering strong suction, reliable pet hair pickup, and durability that holds up to daily fur cleanup. Below you will find our top three at a glance, full reviews of all 10 models, a buying guide, and answers to the questions dog owners ask us most often.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in 2026
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off
- Tangle-free brush roll
- HEPA sealed allergen system
- Lift-off detachable canister
- 1L easy empty tank
Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E
- Lift-away functionality
- HEPA anti-allergen seal
- Swivel steering
- Brushroll shutoff
Bissell CleanView Swivel 3836
- Triple Action Brush Roll
- Swivel steering
- Active extension wand
- Scatter-free technology
Best Vacuum Cleaners for Dog Hair in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off |
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| Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E |
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| Bissell CleanView Swivel 3836 |
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 Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright |
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 Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet |
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 Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322 |
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 Shark Navigator ZU503AMZ |
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 Levoit Cordless LVAC-200 |
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 Shark Pet Cordless Stick IX141 |
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 Bissell CleanView Compact 3508 |
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1. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off (39883) – Editor’s Choice for Heavy Shedders
- Tangle-free brush roll stops hair wrap
- HEPA sealed system traps allergens
- Lift-off pod reaches stairs and furniture
- Powerful suction for embedded fur
- Lightweight at 15.7 lbs
- Short power cord
- Smaller dust tank than some rivals
- No headlight on nozzle
After three months of daily use, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off is the vacuum I keep coming back to. The tangle-free brush roll lived up to its name. With two shedding Labradors in the house, my old vacuums needed scissors every two weeks to cut hair off the roller. The Bissell has not required a single cut, and I have run it almost every day since it arrived.
The lift-off detachable canister is the feature I use most. I pop the pod off the base to clean stairs, couch cushions, and the car interior without dragging the full vacuum around. The quick-release extension wand extends my reach under furniture and across ceiling corners where my dogs love to rub against the walls.
Suction is the strongest I have tested in this price range. It pulls embedded fur out of medium-pile carpet in a single pass, and scatter-free technology keeps debris from blowing sideways on hardwood. The 1L easy empty dirt tank releases with one touch and drops straight into the trash without a cloud of dust.
HEPA sealed allergen system is a quiet standout. My partner has mild dog dander allergies, and we noticed fewer symptoms within a week of switching. The filter traps fine particles inside the vacuum instead of blowing them back into the room.
How it handles long dog hair
Long-haired breeds are the real torture test for any vacuum. I borrowed a Golden Retriever for a weekend while my sister traveled, and the Bissell cleared tumbleweeds of fur from both carpet and tile without slowing down. The brush roll stays clean and the suction does not fade as the bin fills up.
The lift-off canister makes above-floor pet hair pickup much faster. I cleaned the dog’s bed, two throw pillows, and the back of the couch in under five minutes. Cord length is the only real downside in my testing. Plan to switch outlets in larger rooms.
Who should skip this vacuum
If you have a very large home with multiple long stretches between outlets, the shorter cord will frustrate you. If you want a headlight to spot fur in dim corners, this model does not include one. For most dog owners in apartments, townhomes, and mid-size houses, those trade-offs are easy to accept for the price.
2. Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E – Best Value Pick With a Proven Track Record
- Proven durability over 9+ years of use
- HEPA filter traps 99.9 percent of allergens
- Lift-away pod for stairs and furniture
- Swivel steering in tight spaces
- Brushroll shuts off for hard floor pickup
- Cord can run short in large rooms
- Top-heavy and can tip when detached
- Hair can wrap on brush roller over time
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E has more than 42,000 reviews for a reason. I bought one in 2015, used it daily for nine years, and it is still running in my garage as a backup. When I tested the current version for this guide, the experience was familiar: powerful suction, easy maneuverability, and a washable HEPA filter that keeps the cost of ownership low.
The lift-away pod design makes it simple to clean above-floor areas. Detach the canister, carry it up the stairs, and the brush keeps spinning inside the floor head when you press the trigger. Suction on carpet and hard floor is consistent, and the swivel steering helped me navigate around a kitchen island full of dog toys without bumping into the legs.
The washable HEPA filter is the quiet hero of this vacuum. Rinse it under the tap, let it dry for 24 hours, and it is good as new. No replacement filter purchases for years. The brushroll shutoff is also a practical touch for hardwood floors where you do not want to scatter kibble and fur.
Over a month of daily use, the NV356E consistently cleared both short Labrador fur and longer Golden Retriever coat without bogging down. The 0.87L dust cup is smaller than some competitors, but it empties with one hand and the clear window lets you see when it is full.
Why it has staying power
Few vacuums in this price range can match the NV356E for long-term durability. Owners report 7 to 10 years of regular use with only minor consumable replacements. The plastic body feels sturdy, the wand locks solidly into place, and the hose has not cracked despite heavy weekly stair work.
For households with two or more shedding dogs, the cost per year of ownership drops sharply because you will not be replacing the machine every few years. That value is what earned it our Best Value badge over more expensive rivals.
Where it falls short
The power cord is not the longest in this category, and I had to switch outlets midway through vacuuming my open-plan living room. The canister can also feel top-heavy when detached, especially if you reach high to clean curtains or ceiling fan blades. Neither issue is a deal-breaker, but they are worth knowing.
3. Bissell CleanView Swivel 3836 – Budget Pick for Smaller Spaces
- Strong suction for the price
- Swivel steering around furniture
- Triple Action Brush Roll lifts embedded fur
- Active extension wand reaches high spots
- Easy empty dirt tank
- Brush roller can wear out with heavy use
- No suction adjustment for delicate rugs
- Small 1L canister
The Bissell CleanView Swivel 3836 is the budget pick for dog owners who want real pet hair pickup without paying premium prices. The triple action brush roll loosens, lifts, and removes embedded fur in a single pass. In my testing on a low-pile rug covered in Labrador undercoat, it cleared about 90 percent of the hair on the first pass and the rest on the second.
Swivel steering is the feature that surprised me most at this price. I twisted and turned around a narrow hallway, a dining table with six chairs, and my dog’s crate without any of the fighting and dragging I expected from a budget upright. The active extension wand stretches to clean cobwebs and ceiling corners where fur drifts.
Scatter-free technology on hard floors is a genuine help. Older budget vacuums tend to blow kibble, fur, and dust sideways before the suction can grab them. The 3836 keeps debris moving toward the nozzle where it belongs.
What makes it a budget standout
The 17.2 lb weight is heavier than some competitors, but the trade-off is build quality. The plastic body feels solid, the wheels roll smoothly, and the dust tank release button is easy to operate with one hand. Bissell also donates to the Bissell Pet Foundation with every purchase, which is a nice bonus if that matters to you.
For renters, first-time pet owners, and anyone furnishing a smaller home on a budget, this vacuum handles daily dog hair cleanup without compromise.
Who needs to spend more
If you have a thick-pile carpet or a home over 2,000 square feet, the smaller 1L canister and shorter hose mean more trips to the trash and more repositioning. For a household with three or more shedding pets, step up to the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser or a Shark Rotator.
4. Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright – Best for Multi-Pet Households
- PowerFins HairPro actively prevents hair wrap
- Odor neutralizer technology
- Massive 3XL 2.9L dust cup
- HEPA seal traps 99.99 percent of allergens
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- No lift-away functionality for stairs
- Cord shorter than some competitors
- Can catch rug edges on high setting
Multi-pet households generate more fur, more dander, and more odor than single-pet homes. The Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright was built for that reality. The PowerFins HairPro brushroll uses flexible fins instead of stiff bristles, so long hair slides off instead of wrapping around the roller. I tested it with a friend’s three-cat household and never had to stop and clean the brush.
The odor neutralizer technology was the surprise feature for me. Pet owners know that vacuum dustbins can develop a smell over time. The ZU102 has a built-in cartridge that neutralizes odors as air passes through the system. After two weeks of daily use, the dustbin still smelled neutral.
The 3XL 2.9L dust cup is enormous. I vacuumed an entire 1,800 square foot home twice without emptying it. For pet owners who hate stopping mid-clean to dump a tiny bin, this alone justifies the upgrade from a standard upright.
Why the PowerFins brush matters
Traditional brushrolls use bristles that act like a comb for pet hair. Long hair catches in the bristles, wraps around the axle, and eventually slows the roller to a stop. PowerFins use rubbery fins in a continuous helix pattern that hair cannot grip. The roller keeps spinning at full speed even when the bin is half full of fur.
If you have ever cut hair off a vacuum roller with scissors, you already understand why this matters. PowerFins eliminate that maintenance chore.
Who should choose a different model
If you regularly clean a flight of stairs, the ZU102 lacks lift-away functionality. You would have to carry the full upright up and down. The cord is also a bit short for large open-plan rooms. For townhomes and apartments with fewer outlets to navigate, this is a strong premium choice.
5. Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet – Best Premium Pick
- Powered Lift-Away keeps brush spinning when detached
- LED headlights on nozzle and wand
- Excellent suction on carpet and hard floor
- Self-cleaning Pet Power Brush included
- 5-year warranty
- Hose can crack in older units
- Smaller 0.88 quart dust cup
- 15.4 lb weight may strain some users
The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet is the most complete pet vacuum Shark makes in this price range. The Powered Lift-Away feature is the differentiator: detach the canister and the brushroll keeps spinning, so you get the same deep cleaning action on stairs, furniture, and car interiors that you get on the floor.
LED headlights on both the floor nozzle and the wand changed how I vacuum. I could see hidden fur under couch cushions, in dim corners, and along baseboards where my old vacuum left streaks of hair behind. It feels like a small thing until you use it once.
The Pet Power Brush is the best pet tool I tested. It is a self-cleaning motorized brush that mounts on the wand and pulls embedded fur off upholstery, curtains, and car seats without tangling. I cleaned my dog’s bed in three minutes flat.
Real-world durability
Across more than 17,000 reviews, owners consistently report 5 to 8 years of daily use. The 5-year warranty is one of the longest in the upright category. For pet owners who want to buy once and not think about it for a long time, that reliability is a major factor.
Who needs a lighter option
At 15.4 pounds, the NV752 is heavier than most competitors. If you have arthritis, a bad back, or a multi-story home with frequent stair trips, look at the Levoit LVAC-200 cordless or the Shark Rocket HV322 stick vacuum instead.
6. Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322 – Best Lightweight Corded Stick
- Under 10 pounds total weight
- Converts to handheld for stairs and car
- LED headlights reveal hidden fur
- XL 0.9 gallon dust cup
- Swivel steering
- Cord can feel cumbersome
- Does not stand upright on its own when stored
- Louder than canister vacuums
The Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322 weighs under 10 pounds and converts from a stick vacuum to a handheld in seconds. For quick cleanups after a brushing session or muddy paw prints, it is the vacuum I reach for first. The corded design means I never wait on a battery, and the suction matches many full-size uprights I have tested.
The handheld conversion is the selling point. Pop the wand off and the unit becomes a pet hair pickup tool for the couch, the car, the dog’s bed, or stairs. The crevice tool and upholstery tool snap into place without adapters.
LED headlights are a Shark signature on the Rocket line, and they work just as well here as on the bigger uprights. Hidden fur under the bed, behind the TV stand, and along baseboards all showed up clearly in the beam.
Best uses around a shedding dog
The HV322 shines as a daily driver for fur tumbleweeds, kibble scatter near the food bowl, and post-walk paw prints. For deep carpet cleaning once a week, pair it with a full-size upright.
Limitations to know
The HV322 does not stand upright on its own when stored. You need to lean it against a wall or mount a holder. The cord is also relatively short at 25 feet. For larger homes, plan to unplug and move more often.
7. Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ – Best Self-Cleaning Brushroll
- Self-cleaning brushroll removes hair wrap
- Lift-Away pod for portable cleaning
- HEPA anti-allergen seal
- Powerful 1200W motor
- Swivel steering for tight spaces
- Power cord shorter than some competitors
- Difficult to push on thick carpet
- 15 lb weight
- Smaller dust cup than older models
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ brings the self-cleaning brushroll technology from the Rotator line into the more affordable Navigator line. For dog owners who hate cutting hair off a brush roller, this is one of the most accessible ways to get that convenience.
The lift-away pod separates from the floor head for portable cleaning. I used it on the stairs, on the couch, and inside the car without dragging the full upright around. Suction stayed strong even with the pod detached.
At 1200 watts, the motor is on the higher end for a Navigator. It pulled embedded Golden Retriever fur out of a medium-pile rug in a single pass. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal kept the air clear during use.
How it differs from the NV356E
The ZU503AMZ adds the self-cleaning brushroll, which the older NV356E does not have. If hair wrap has been your main frustration with previous vacuums, this upgrade alone is worth the price step. The cord is a bit shorter than the NV356E, which is the main trade-off.
Where it struggles
On thick, plush carpet, the ZU503AMZ required more effort to push than lighter competitors. If your home is mostly plush carpet, consider the NV752 instead. For low to medium pile, it glides easily.
8. Levoit Cordless Vacuum LVAC-200 – Best Cordless Stick for Quick Cleanups
- 50 minutes of cordless runtime
- Lightweight at 6.2 lbs
- Anti-tangle brush design
- 180 degree lay-flat reaches under furniture
- 5-stage filtration system
- LED headlights
- Suction weaker than corded uprights
- Battery life shorter on turbo mode
- Attachments can be stiff to remove
- Some concerns about long-term durability
Cordless vacuums have a reputation problem with pet owners. Most lose suction quickly, run out of battery, and tangle on long hair. The Levoit LVAC-200 surprised me by solving all three problems. The anti-tangle brush kept the roller clean during two weeks of daily dog hair pickup. The 50-minute runtime covered my entire apartment in a single charge. The 5-stage filtration trapped dander effectively.
At 6.2 pounds, the LVAC-200 is one of the lightest vacuums on this list. I carried it up and down stairs one-handed without fatigue. The 180 degree lay-flat design lets the wand slide under beds and couches without me kneeling on the floor.
LED headlights on the floor nozzle lit up dust bunnies and fur tumbleweeds I would have missed with my older cordless vacuum. It is a small touch that makes a real difference.
Best uses
The LVAC-200 shines in apartments, condos, and second-floor homes where corded uprights are awkward to drag around. It is also great as a daily-driver supplement to a deep-cleaning corded upright used weekly.
Where it does not compete
Suction is meaningfully weaker than corded uprights like the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser or Shark NV752. Deep carpet cleaning takes more passes. Turbo mode drains the battery in about 15 minutes. For households with multiple shedding pets and thick carpet, use a corded model as the primary vacuum.
9. Shark Pet Cordless Stick IX141 – Best Budget Cordless Option
Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum, Grey, IX141
- HyperVelocity accelerated suction
- 40 minutes of runtime
- LED headlights on nozzle
- Removable handheld mode
- Lightweight 6.9 lbs design
- Freestanding storage
- Battery not swappable
- Small 0.34 qt dust cup fills quickly
- 4-hour charge time
- Some quality control concerns
The Shark Pet Cordless Stick IX141 is the budget entry into Shark’s cordless pet line. It delivers HyperVelocity suction that holds its own against older corded models, and the 40-minute runtime covers most apartments and small homes in a single charge.
The removable handheld mode detaches in seconds for pet hair pickup on the couch, in the car, or on stairs. LED headlights on the floor nozzle reveal hidden fur, and the freestanding storage means it parks upright between uses.
At 6.9 pounds, it is light enough for most adults to use overhead without shoulder strain. The XL dust cup is a misnomer in this category since the absolute capacity is only 0.34 quarts, but it does empty with one hand and never needs replacement bags.
What you give up for the price
The battery is sealed and not user-swappable. Once it degrades in a few years, you need a new vacuum rather than a new battery. Charge time is 4 hours, so heavy users need to plan around charging cycles.
For a single-pet household or a secondary vacuum to supplement a deep-cleaning upright, the IX141 delivers genuine value.
Best for quick pickups
Post-brushing tumbleweeds, kibble scatter, and muddy paw prints are exactly the messes this vacuum was built for. For whole-home weekly deep cleans, pair it with a corded upright.
10. Bissell CleanView Compact 3508 – Best Compact Vacuum for Apartments
- Powerful suction for the price
- Compact under 8 lbs
- Removable extension wand
- Scatter-free technology
- Easy empty dirt container
- Great for apartments and dorms
- No height adjustment for carpet
- Short hose for stairs
- Filter requires regular cleaning
The Bissell CleanView Compact 3508 is the smallest, lightest vacuum on this list, and it punches well above its weight class. Under 8 pounds total, it stores in a narrow closet, slides under most furniture, and handles daily dog hair pickup in apartments and dorm rooms without complaint.
The removable extension wand stretches for above-floor cleaning. I used it on ceiling corners, window sills, and couch cushions without swapping tools. Scatter-free technology on hard floors is genuinely useful in tight spaces where debris can fly into adjacent rooms.
At under 60 dollars for many configurations, the CleanView Compact is also the most affordable vacuum on this list. Every purchase supports the Bissell Pet Foundation, which helps shelter animals.
Who should buy this
Apartment dwellers, dorm residents, and first-time pet owners in smaller spaces will get the most from the CleanView Compact. It is also a strong secondary vacuum for quick pickups if you already own a deep-cleaning upright.
What to watch for
The hose is short for stair cleaning, and there is no height adjustment knob. Thick carpet requires multiple passes. The filter needs regular rinsing to keep suction strong. None of these are deal-breakers at this price, but they are worth knowing.
How We Picked and Tested?
Our team started with 10 models that consistently rank at the top of pet owner surveys and Amazon best-seller lists. We narrowed the list to vacuums with proven pet hair performance, HEPA or sealed filtration, and solid warranty coverage. Every model on this list passed at least 2,000 owner reviews with an average rating of 4.1 or higher.
For testing, we ran each vacuum through a standardized routine across carpet, hardwood, tile, and upholstery. We measured how long it took to clear a fixed patch of Labrador undercoat, how often the brush roller tangled, and how the dustbin performed at full capacity. We also ran noise level checks at ear height with a decibel meter, and we tracked how many trips to the trash each model required to clean a 1,500 square foot home.
Long-term durability came from real owner reports. We weighted reviews that documented 2+ years of daily use more heavily than first-impression reviews. Vacuums that consistently fail or lose suction within the first year were cut from the list regardless of their initial performance.
What to Look for in a Pet Hair Vacuum
Choosing the right pet hair vacuum comes down to four key factors. Match the vacuum to your home, your dog, and your cleaning habits, and you will get years of reliable service.
Suction power and brush design
Suction power matters, but brush design matters more for pet hair. Tangle-free brush rolls, PowerFins, and self-cleaning brushrolls prevent the hair-wrap problem that ruins cheaper vacuums over time. Look for these features explicitly in the spec sheet.
For multi-pet households with long-haired breeds, the Shark PowerFins and Bissell tangle-free brush designs are the most reliable in our testing. They actively shed hair before it can wrap.
HEPA filtration for allergy sufferers
If anyone in your home has pet dander allergies, HEPA filtration is non-negotiable. A true HEPA filter traps 99.9 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns. Sealed systems that prevent air leaks around the filter are even better because unfiltered bypass air re-releases allergens back into the room.
All vacuums on this list either include HEPA filters or sealed allergen systems. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off and Shark ZU102 are the strongest choices for allergy households.
Corded vs cordless
Corded uprights and sticks deliver stronger, more consistent suction and never run out of battery mid-clean. Cordless vacuums offer unmatched convenience and reach under furniture more easily but trade suction for portability.
Our testing found that the strongest cordless models match mid-tier corded vacuums on hard floor but lag behind on deep carpet cleaning. If you have one shedding dog and mostly hard floor, a quality cordless like the Levoit LVAC-200 works well. For two or more dogs and mixed flooring, choose a corded upright as your primary.
Dustbin capacity and emptying
Pet hair fills dustbins fast. Small 0.34 quart bins need emptying every 10 minutes in a heavy-shed home. Look for at least 0.75 liters of capacity, and prefer bagless designs with one-touch emptying. The Shark ZU102 has the largest dustbin in this list at 2.9 liters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best vacuum cleaner for dog hair?
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off is our top pick for most dog owners because of its tangle-free brush roll, HEPA sealed allergen system, lift-off detachable canister, and strong suction at a reasonable price.
Is Shark or Dyson better for pet hair?
Shark offers stronger value in the pet hair category, with multiple models that include self-cleaning brushrolls, HEPA filtration, and lift-away functionality at lower prices than comparable Dyson units. Dyson vacuums deliver excellent suction and engineering, but the price-to-performance ratio favors Shark for budget-conscious pet owners.
Which vacuum is best for removing pet hair?
The best vacuums for pet hair removal combine strong suction with tangle-free brush designs. Our top three picks are the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off, Shark Navigator NV356E, and Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet.
What is the number one rated pet vacuum?
Based on owner reviews and our testing, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E has the highest review count with more than 42,000 reviews and a 4.3 average rating. It consistently earns recognition as a top-rated pet vacuum for its durability, suction, and value.
Why does my vacuum clog with dog hair?
Vacuum clogs happen when hair wraps around the brush roller and blocks airflow. Choose a vacuum with a tangle-free or self-cleaning brushroll like the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, Shark PowerFins models, or Shark NV752 to prevent this problem. Empty the dustbin regularly and check the roller for tangles every few uses.
Final Verdict
The best vacuum cleaners for dog hair in 2026 come down to matching the right tool to your home and your dog. For most dog owners with mixed flooring and daily shedding, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off is the strongest all-around choice. It pairs tangle-free brush technology with HEPA filtration and a versatile lift-off canister at a price that fits most budgets.
If you want proven long-term durability and the lowest cost of ownership, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E remains our best value pick after more than 40,000 owner reviews and almost a decade of personal use. For multi-pet households that generate mountains of fur and odor, the Shark ZU102 Rotator with PowerFins HairPro and odor neutralizer is worth every penny.
Whatever you choose, focus on tangle-free brush technology, sealed HEPA filtration, and a dustbin size that matches your shedding load. Your vacuum should make life with a shedding dog easier, not harder, and any of the 10 models on this list will do exactly that.