23 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (Much): Low-Shedding Companions for Every Home
Canine companions that trap loose hair in their coats help keep your home fur-free.
23 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (Much)
If you love dogs but don’t want to spend your days cleaning up fur, you’ll be glad to know many breeds shed very little. While no dog is entirely non-shedding, some breeds are famous for leaving almost no hair behind. Many of these breeds are also considered hypoallergenic, making them ideal for households with allergy sufferers or those who value a tidy home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most popular low-shedding dog breeds, along with insights on their personalities and grooming needs.
Understanding Low-Shedding and Hypoallergenic Dogs
Before jumping into the breed list, it’s important to note that the term non-shedding is a bit of a misnomer. All dogs shed at least a little; however, some breeds lose far less hair and tend to produce less dander, reducing allergic reactions.
- Low-shedding breeds typically have hair that gets trapped in their coat or falls out less frequently.
- Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds that tend to produce less dander, hair, and saliva proteins that may trigger allergies.
- Regular grooming is often necessary to maintain the health and appearance of these breeds’ unique coats.
Popular Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
Below are 23 breeds famous for their low-shedding coats and their suitability for families and allergy sufferers alike.
1. Poodle (Toy, Miniature, and Standard)
Poodles are perhaps the most iconic low-shed dogs. With their curly, hypoallergenic coats, Poodles trap their loose hair. Available in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), they are intelligent, trainable, and excel in family settings.
- Coat Type: Curly, dense, non-shedding
- Grooming: Requires regular brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
- Temperament: Smart, energetic, eager to please
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise boasts a soft, powder-puff coat that barely sheds. Small, charming, and cheerful, Bichons are often a favorite for allergy-prone homes but require daily brushing to avoid mats.
- Coat Type: Curly, double-layered
- Grooming: Daily brushing, monthly trims
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, sociable
3. Maltese
Maltese dogs have long, silky hair that doesn’t shed much, often earning them a hypoallergenic reputation. They are gentle, lively, and ideal for smaller living spaces.
- Coat Type: Silky, single-layer
- Grooming: Daily brushing, professional grooming recommended
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, playful
4. Miniature Schnauzer
With a wiry coat that resists shedding, the Miniature Schnauzer is alert, friendly, and an excellent choice for families. Beard and leg furnishings need regular combing.
- Coat Type: Wiry outer coat, soft undercoat
- Grooming: Regular brushing, periodic trims
- Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, friendly
5. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred for water work, the Portuguese Water Dog is robust, friendly, and has curly or wavy hair that sheds very little. Regular grooming is a must for their thick coat.
- Coat Type: Curly or wavy
- Grooming: Regular trimming and brushing
- Temperament: Loyal, energetic, adventurous
6. Shih Tzu
Though their long, flowing coats suggest otherwise, Shih Tzus are a low-shedding breed. You can keep their coat short for easier maintenance or let it flow with more dedicated care.
- Coat Type: Silky, double-layered
- Grooming: Daily brushing if long, or every other day if trimmed
- Temperament: Loving, cheerful, friendly
7. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier has a fine, human-like hair coat and sheds very little. Their small size and affectionate nature make them a popular choice for city dwellers and allergy sufferers.
- Coat Type: Long, silky
- Grooming: Daily brushing, regular trims
- Temperament: Feisty, affectionate, energetic
8. Basenji
The Basenji is famed for being a “barkless dog” with a short, fine coat that sheds minimally. Self-grooming habits mean they’re easy to keep clean as well.
- Coat Type: Short, fine
- Grooming: Occasional brushing
- Temperament: Intelligent, alert, independent
9. West Highland White Terrier
Westies feature a dense, wiry outer coat and soft undercoat, resulting in minimal shedding. Their cheerful, resilient personality makes them a family favorite.
- Coat Type: Double coat, wiry outer
- Grooming: Frequent brushing and trimming
- Temperament: Friendly, spirited, confident
10. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers, or “Scotties,” sport harsh, wiry coats that shed very little but do require hand-stripping or clipping every couple of months.
- Coat Type: Wiry, dense
- Grooming: Regular trims and brushing
- Temperament: Dignified, loyal, independent
11. Havanese
The sturdy Havanese has a silky coat that’s easy on people with allergies when brushed regularly. These lively lap dogs adore companionship and adapt well to different living situations.
- Coat Type: Silky, lightweight
- Grooming: Daily brushing, routine trims
- Temperament: Friendly, social, energetic
12. Bedlington Terrier
With their unique curly coat and lamb-like appearance, Bedlington Terriers are a low-shedding breed requiring routine grooming.
- Coat Type: Curly, lint-like
- Grooming: Frequent clipping and brushing
- Temperament: Gentle, alert, lovable
13. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier boasts a wavy, silky coat that doesn’t shed much but needs ongoing brushing and combing.
- Coat Type: Silky, wavy
- Grooming: Daily brushing, regular trims
- Temperament: Happy, friendly, spirited
14. Lagotto Romagnolo
A rare breed, the Lagotto Romagnolo is prized for its curly coat and truffle-hunting skills. Their dense, woolly hair rarely sheds but needs regular maintenance.
- Coat Type: Dense, curly
- Grooming: Routine brushing and professional grooming
- Temperament: Loyal, lively, affectionate
15. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested comes in hairless and powderpuff varieties. The hairless has almost no hair to shed, while the powderpuff sheds very little.
- Coat Type: Fine, sparse or soft (powderpuff)
- Grooming: Regular skin care for hairless, brushing for powderpuff
- Temperament: Playful, alert, sweet-natured
16. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds have luxurious, silky coats that, if brushed regularly, drop little hair. They are elegant and calm yet have a streak of independence.
- Coat Type: Long, fine, silky
- Grooming: Intensive grooming, several times weekly
- Temperament: Aloof, dignified, loyal
17. Irish Water Spaniel
The unique, curly-coated Irish Water Spaniel hardly sheds and enjoys splashing in the water. Frequent grooming prevents matting.
- Coat Type: Curly, water-resistant
- Grooming: Frequent brushing, trimming
- Temperament: Energetic, clownish, enthusiastic
18. Kerry Blue Terrier
This terrier boasts a soft, non-shedding coat, but it grows continuously and requires careful maintenance to avoid matting.
- Coat Type: Soft, dense, wavy
- Grooming: Regular clipping and brushing
- Temperament: Spirited, loyal, intelligent
19. American Hairless Terrier
American Hairless Terriers are exactly as named—hairless! They are hypoallergenic, with little to no shedding, making them a great allergy-friendly choice.
- Coat Type: Hairless or very short (coated variety)
- Grooming: Mild skin care routine
- Temperament: Playful, inquisitive, energetic
20. Coton de Tulear
Known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” the Coton de Tulear features a fluffy, cottony coat that’s gentle on allergy sufferers.
- Coat Type: Cottony, soft
- Grooming: Brushing several times a week
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, playful
21. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons come in rough- and smooth-coated varieties, both of which are light shedders. These small, expressive dogs are known for their big personalities.
- Coat Type: Rough or smooth
- Grooming: Regular brushing, occasional trims
- Temperament: Alert, sociable, charming
22. Labradoodle
Not all Labradoodles are low-shedding, but those with more of the Poodle’s curly coat tend to drop very little hair. Always research the lineage if you’re seeking a hypoallergenic Doodle.
- Coat Type: Wavy or curly
- Grooming: Frequent brushing, professional grooming
- Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, social
23. Whippet
The Whippet’s short, fine coat means this breed hardly sheds. They’re gentle and affectionate companions and require minimal coat care.
- Coat Type: Short, smooth
- Grooming: Weekly brushing
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, calm
Grooming and Care Tips for Low-Shedding Dogs
- Regular grooming removes loose hair and prevents matting, especially in curly- or long-haired breeds.
- Professional grooming may be needed every few weeks for certain breeds.
- Regular bathing helps keep dander low and coats healthy.
- Use appropriate brushes and grooming tools suited for your dog’s coat type.
Important Considerations Before Choosing a Low-Shedding Dog
- No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Even breeds that don’t shed may still produce dander, saliva, or urine allergens.
- Grooming time and costs: Some low-shedding dogs need considerable care—and professional grooming can be expensive.
- Temperament and energy level: Find a breed that matches your family’s lifestyle and space.
| Breed | Shedding Level | Grooming Needs | Suitable for Allergies? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poodle | Very low | High | Yes |
| Bichon Frise | Very low | High | Yes |
| Maltese | Very low | Moderate | Yes |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Low | Moderate | Yes |
| Portuguese Water Dog | Low | High | Yes |
| Shih Tzu | Low | Moderate to high | Yes |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Very low | High | Yes |
| Basenji | Very low | Low | Yes |
| Westie | Low | High | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do “hypoallergenic” dogs guarantee no allergic reactions?
A: No breed is entirely hypoallergenic. Low-shedding breeds reduce allergen exposure but may still cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
Q: Will I never see fur on my furniture with these breeds?
A: While shedding is minimal with these breeds, some hair may still be found, especially during seasonal coat changes or if grooming lapses.
Q: Are low-shedding breeds easier to maintain?
A: Not necessarily. Many require more intensive grooming (brushing, trimming, bath schedules) to keep their coats healthy and mat-free.
Q: What is the best low-shedding breed for families?
A: Poodles, Bichon Frise, and Labradoodles (with curly coats) are popular family choices due to their gentle natures and low-shedding hair.
Q: Can I reduce dander and allergens further?
A: Yes, by bathing your dog regularly, using air filters in your home, and keeping your dog’s living environment clean.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Low-Shedding Dog
For dog lovers who want a clean home and fewer allergy issues, these low-shedding breeds can make wonderful companions. Just remember, every dog requires care, commitment, and regular grooming for a healthy, happy life together. Consult breeders or shelters to find the right fit for your lifestyle, and enjoy the rewards of a loyal, low-shedding friend for years to come.
References
- https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/general/dog-breeds-that-dont-shed
- https://supertails.com/blogs/posts/top-10-low-shedding-dog-breeds-and-their-grooming-requirements
- https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/dogs/dogs-breeds/non-shedding-dog-breeds/
- https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/19-dogs-dont-shed.htm
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hypoallergenic-dogs/
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