I think this is a beautiful rug. It's 100% New Zealand wool pile according to the tag. The back is the same material just woven, and is so pretty the rug could very possibly be used reversibly with a rug pad. I'm using the "hairy" side up for now, and it seems to work just fine without a pad underneath. It is a nice ivory color that is true to the photos on this site. Since I just put it down, I can't comment on shedding, but if it does, that's what I'd expect wool to do naturally, so I won't blame it on the rug! My beagle also likes it.