I have purchased of these rugs..two sizes in red and one in cream.  They do not shed and are very, very soft.  One was actually too large for the space I wanted to place it, so I ordered another smaller version, intending to return the larger one.  The packaging was destroyed opening it, so I just decided to keep it and either we will use it or our son will.  The bigger red rug had a very bad alcohol smell and dampness in the packaging, but dissipated once opened up.