You’ve seen the photos. A massive Saint Bernard looking like he’s about to go for a jog in a neon-colored leotard. It’s the kind of image that stops you mid-scroll because it’s both hilarious and oddly practical. When Tyson Walters and his brother Myles walked into the Tank back in Season 10, the Sharks were skeptical. I mean, wouldn't you be? It's a full-body spandex suit for a dog.
The Shed Defender Shark Tank pitch is one of those classic "problem-solution" moments that either makes a million dollars or ends up in a garage sale bin. Tyson’s problem was simple: his Saint Bernard, Harley, was a shedding machine. Hair in the car. Hair in the coffee. Hair everywhere. He didn't want to leave Harley behind, but the mess was becoming a full-time job.
So he made a onesie.
The Shark Tank Showdown: Did They Get a Deal?
Honestly, the pitch was a rollercoaster. Tyson and Myles were asking for $250,000 for 10% of the company. That’s a $2.5 million valuation for what many people (initially) thought was just a gag gift.
But then they dropped the numbers.
In the 18 months leading up to the show, they had already done $1.2 million in sales. That’s not a joke. That’s a business.
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Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec both saw the potential and threw offers on the table: $250k for 33%. They wanted a third of the company. Lori Greiner, ever the queen of retail, jumped in with $250k for 28%. After some back-and-forth haggling—which got pretty tense—they settled on 25% with Lori.
It felt like a win. But as we’ve seen with dozens of these deals, the cameras stop rolling and the real work starts.
The Aftermath: The Lori Greiner Deal That Wasn't
Here is a detail that surprises a lot of people: The deal with Lori Greiner never actually closed. It’s a common story. After the "handshake," companies go through due diligence. Sometimes the numbers don't match, sometimes the visions clash. In the case of Shed Defender, Tyson later confirmed that they "mutually" parted ways with Lori.
Was it a disaster? Not even close.
Basically, the "Shark Tank Effect" did its thing. Within a week of the episode airing, they did about $30,000 in sales. A few months later, they secured a private equity deal with VisioCap. Tyson has gone on record saying it was actually a much better deal for the company’s long-term growth than what was offered on the show.
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Why People Actually Buy This Thing
You might think it’s just for shedding, but that’s only half the story. If it were just about dog hair, the hype probably would have died out by now.
It turns out, the Shed Defender solves three big problems:
- The Medical "Cone of Shame" Alternative: This is huge. If a dog has surgery or a hotspot, a onesie is way more comfortable than a plastic cone. It keeps them from licking without making them bump into every doorway.
- Anxiety Relief: Much like a Thundershirt, the snug fit provides a calming compression. Dogs with firework or storm phobias often settle down when they're "suited up."
- Allergies and Cleanliness: It keeps burrs out of the fur on hikes and prevents dander from flying around the house for owners with mild allergies.
Where is Shed Defender Now in 2026?
They aren't just a one-hit-wonder on Amazon anymore. The company has stayed lean—only a handful of employees—but their revenue remains steady, with estimates still hovering around the $1 million to $2 million mark annually.
They’ve also expanded the product line significantly. You can now get:
- The Sport Version: It’s open underneath so the dog can actually go to the bathroom without you unzipping the whole suit. (This was a major complaint early on.)
- The Mag-Snap Leash: A magnetic, wearable leash that wraps around the dog's neck.
- Vitamin Supplements: Because if you want to stop shedding, you have to start with the skin and coat health.
It’s interesting to see how they’ve evolved. They didn't just stick to the spandex suits; they realized they were in the "dog wellness" business, not just the "funny clothes" business.
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Is It Worth the $40-$60 Price Tag?
Whether the Shed Defender Shark Tank hype lives up to the reality depends on your dog. If you have a Poodle that doesn't shed? Don't bother. If you have a Lab or a Husky? It might save your sanity during a long car ride.
The fabric is a blend of recycled polyester and spandex (called RecoTex). It’s breathable, so the dog doesn't overheat, which was a big concern the Sharks brought up during the pitch.
Actionable Tips for Potential Owners:
- Measure twice: The most common reason for returns is the wrong size. A Saint Bernard needs a "Giant," but a chunky Bulldog might need a "Large" or "Extra Large" depending on the chest width.
- Don't leave it on 24/7: Tyson himself says it’s for situational use. Your dog still needs to be brushed. If you leave it on for days, you'll just have a matted mess under the suit.
- The Potty Break: If you buy the "Original" version, remember you have to unzip it from the chest to the tail for them to pee. If that sounds like a chore, go for the "Sport" version instead.
The journey from a Saint Bernard in a homemade leotard to a multi-million dollar brand is a wild one. Even without a Shark on the cap table, Shed Defender proved that if you solve a real, annoying problem (like dog hair in your upholstery), people will buy it—even if it looks a little bit ridiculous.
Check your dog's measurements against their official size chart before ordering to ensure the compression is helpful rather than restrictive.