Dogs are cherished companions in countless homes, but for many, the joy of pet ownership can be overshadowed by allergies. While no dog is entirely free of allergens, certain breeds are known as the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot, making them a more suitable choice for individuals sensitive to pet dander. These low-shedding dogs can significantly reduce the amount of hair and dander released into the environment, offering a better quality of life for allergy sufferers who still desire a canine friend. Understanding which breeds fall into this category and what makes them unique can help prospective owners make an informed decision. This guide aims to provide comprehensive information on these wonderful breeds and practical tips for living harmoniously with a low-shedding dog.
Understanding Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
The term “hypoallergenic” is often used to describe dogs that don’t shed much, implying they produce fewer allergens. However, it’s crucial to understand that all dogs produce allergens in their skin, saliva, and urine, not just their hair. The primary allergen is a protein called Can f 1, found in dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. Dogs that shed less also distribute less dander into the home environment, which is why they are often considered better for people with allergies. These breeds typically have coats that are more like human hair, which grows continuously and sheds minimally, or they are hairless altogether. Even with these breeds, some individuals may still experience allergic reactions, so it’s always advisable to spend time with a specific breed before committing. These breeds truly represent the dog breeds that don t shed a lot.
Top Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed a Lot
If you’re looking for a canine companion that won’t leave a trail of fur behind, consider these breeds known for their low-shedding qualities. Each offers unique characteristics and grooming requirements, making them suitable for various lifestyles.
1. Poodle
Poodles are renowned for their elegant appearance and exceptional intelligence, but they are equally famous for being one of the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. Available in Standard, Miniature, and Toy sizes, there’s a Poodle for almost every living situation. Their curly, dense coats shed minimally, which helps trap dander and prevents it from spreading throughout your home. This makes them a fantastic choice for allergy sufferers. Despite their low-shedding nature, Poodles require consistent grooming to prevent their curls from matting. Regular brushing and professional clipping every 4-6 weeks are essential to maintain their coat health and prevent skin issues. Originally bred for hunting, particularly water retrieval, Standard Poodles are active and intelligent dogs that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. All Poodle varieties are known for their trainability and eagerness to please.
White Poodle walking through lush green grass
These intelligent dogs are highly adaptable and form strong bonds with their families. Poodles excel in various dog sports and activities, from obedience to agility, showcasing their versatile nature. Their affectionate demeanor combined with their low-shedding coat makes them a consistently popular choice for families and individuals alike who are seeking a clean and clever companion.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The spirited and affectionate Yorkshire Terrier, often affectionately called a “Yorkie,” is another excellent choice among the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. These tiny pups boast a long, silky coat that is more akin to human hair than typical dog fur, which means they shed very little. Yorkies are known for their spunky personalities, often acting much larger than their small stature suggests. They adapt remarkably well to various living environments, whether it’s a spacious house or a cozy studio apartment, provided they receive ample attention and playtime from their human companions.
Blue and tan Yorkie lounging comfortably on an armchair
While their shedding is minimal, their beautiful coats do demand regular care. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and mats, and many owners opt for professional grooming to keep their Yorkie’s coat in top condition, often choosing a shorter “puppy cut” for easier maintenance. Despite their small size, Yorkies are full of energy and love to be involved in family activities. They are fiercely loyal and make wonderful, lively companions for those seeking a small dog with a big personality that also keeps shedding to a minimum.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, an ancient companion breed originating from Tibet, is a charming small dog known for its luscious coat and friendly disposition, making it another excellent candidate for those seeking dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. Their thick, flowing double coat, while requiring significant grooming, sheds minimally, primarily trapping loose hairs within its layers. Shih Tzus are celebrated for their affectionate and outgoing nature, often thriving on close companionship with their families. They are well-suited for apartment living due to their relatively low exercise needs.
Their distinctive flat face, however, means they can be prone to certain health concerns, including respiratory issues, overheating in warm weather, and tear staining around the eyes. Regular cleaning with specialized eye wipes can help manage tear stains. Despite these considerations, the Shih Tzu’s gentle temperament and low-shedding coat make them a beloved choice for many pet parents. They form deep bonds with their owners and bring an abundance of joy and playful spirit into the home, making them ideal lap dogs.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a robust and intelligent small dog, distinguished by its iconic beard and bushy eyebrows. This breed is part of the Schnauzer family, all of which are considered low-shedding. Miniature Schnauzers stand no more than 14 inches tall and typically weigh between 10-20 pounds, making them an adaptable fit for various living situations, including urban apartments. Their wiry, coarse double coat sheds very little, making them a favored choice among those looking for dog breeds that don’t shed a lot.
Despite their low-shedding coat, Miniature Schnauzers require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. This includes frequent brushing, as well as professional clipping or hand-stripping every few months to maintain the texture and appearance of their coat. These smart dogs possess a lively and inquisitive nature, requiring at least an hour of exercise daily to stay happy and well-behaved. Their intelligence and eagerness to learn make them highly trainable, excelling in obedience and various dog sports. Miniature Schnauzers are loyal, alert, and make excellent watchdogs, all while contributing very little to the household’s fur-ball count.
Salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer wearing a pink harness in a park
These dogs are known for their spirited personality and unwavering devotion to their families. They enjoy being an active part of the household and can be quite vocal, making them great communicators. Their adaptability and minimal shedding ensure they fit seamlessly into many different lifestyles, providing companionship without the constant cleanup associated with heavier shedding breeds.
5. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred as an aid to fishermen along the coast of Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog is a highly intelligent, energetic, and affectionate medium size dog that doesn t shed significantly. Their distinctive thick, curly, waterproof coat is well-suited for their aquatic tasks and is a primary reason they are considered one of the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. Instead of shedding, their hair grows continuously, similar to human hair, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their keen minds and boundless energy. They thrive on activity and mental stimulation, making them ideal companions for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor adventures, especially those involving water. Regular exercise, such as swimming, long walks, or vigorous games of fetch, is crucial to keep them happy and healthy. Their highly trainable nature makes them excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. With their playful demeanor and loyal companionship, the Portuguese Water Dog offers a fantastic low-shedding option for those seeking an active and intelligent medium-sized breed.
Black and white Portuguese Water Dog wearing a red maple leaf bandana by a lake
These dogs are not just workers; they are also incredibly loving and form strong bonds with their families. Their desire to be involved in family activities, combined with their non-shedding coat, makes them a wonderful addition to homes where allergies are a concern. Proper socialization from a young age is important to ensure they grow into well-adjusted and friendly adults.
6. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a delightful crossbreed, a combination of the intelligent Poodle and the friendly Labrador Retriever, originally conceived to be a low-shedding service dog. This breed has quickly gained popularity due to its amiable temperament and its reputation as one of the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. While shedding levels can vary depending on which parent’s coat genes are dominant, most Labradoodles inherit the Poodle’s low-shedding qualities, making them suitable for many allergy sufferers.
Labradoodles are highly intelligent, friendly, and possess a gentle nature, which makes them excellent family pets. They are known for their trainability and eagerness to please, especially when properly exercised and socialized from an early age. Their coats come in various textures, from wavy to curly, and require regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Despite the grooming needs, the Labradoodle offers a wonderful balance of an active, affectionate companion with significantly reduced shedding. Their playful spirit and adaptable personality make them a joy to live with.
7. Goldendoodle
Much like the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle is another popular “doodle” breed that has emerged as a fantastic option for those seeking dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. A cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, Goldendoodles inherit the best qualities of both parents: a friendly, outgoing nature, high intelligence, and a low-shedding coat. Their coat types can range from wavy to curly, and while they might shed a tiny bit, it’s considerably less than most breeds, making them a preferred choice for individuals with allergies.
Goldendoodles are known for their charming personalities, often described as affectionate, gentle, and playful. They are highly intelligent and trainable, thriving on positive reinforcement and enjoying activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Regular grooming, including frequent brushing with a slicker brush, is necessary to keep their coats free of mats and looking their best. While many Goldendoodles are famous for their golden coats, they can come in a variety of colors and textures. These wonderful companions offer the joy of a family-friendly dog with the added benefit of minimal shedding, making them a popular choice for homes seeking a cheerful and low-allergen pet.
Goldendoodle resting comfortably on a couch with a person in the background
Their sociable nature means they typically get along well with children and other pets, fitting seamlessly into busy household environments. The Goldendoodle’s combination of intelligence, affectionate disposition, and low-shedding coat has cemented its place as one of the most sought-after designer breeds for families and allergy sufferers alike.
8. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful, and affectionate dog known for its fluffy, curly white coat that doesn’t shed much. This breed’s unique coat traps loose hair and dander, preventing it from spreading, which makes them an ideal choice among the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. Bichons are incredibly playful and charming, always ready to entertain their families with their lively antics.
Highly intelligent and eager to please, Bichons are remarkably trainable and can quickly master basic commands and fun tricks with positive reinforcement. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being the center of attention, making them excellent lap dogs. Despite their small size, they have a good amount of energy and benefit from daily walks and playtime. Regular grooming, including daily brushing and professional clipping every few weeks, is essential to maintain their coat’s pristine condition and prevent matting. With their joyous personality and low-shedding nature, Bichons bring immense happiness to any home.
9. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a truly unique breed, offered in two distinct varieties: hairless and “powderpuff.” Both types are considered low-shedding, making them a fascinating option for those seeking dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. The hairless variety has smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on its head, tail, and paws, while the powderpuff is covered in a full coat of long, silky hair. Even the powderpuff’s coat sheds minimally, primarily holding onto loose hairs until brushed.
Chinese Cresteds are known for being playful, affectionate, and deeply loyal companions. Their small size makes them highly adaptable to various living situations, including apartment life. While the hairless variety requires skin care to protect from sun and cold, and the powderpuff needs regular grooming to prevent matting, both types offer a charming presence without the burden of excessive shedding. These dogs thrive on human interaction and often bond closely with one person in the family.
10. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian breed originally trained as water retrievers and more famously, as truffle hunters. Their dense, woolly, curly coat is not only waterproof and protective in chilly waters but also remarkably low-shedding, placing them firmly on the list of best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. The coat grows continuously and has a texture similar to wool, which means it traps any loose hairs rather than releasing them into the environment.
Lagotto Romagnolos are highly intelligent, energetic, and possess a strong work ethic. They require significant mental and physical exercise to be truly content, thriving on activities that engage their keen sense of smell and desire to work. They are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized, making them excellent family dogs for active households. Regular grooming, including brushing and occasional clipping, is necessary to keep their unique coat from matting. Their charming personality and minimal shedding make them a delightful yet less common choice for those with allergies.
11. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small, charismatic dog known for its monkey-like expression and dense, wiry coat. This unique coat type is one of the reasons Affenpinschers are considered among the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. Their coarse hair sheds minimally, reducing the amount of dander released into the home. These little dogs are full of personality—playful, curious, and often quite comical.
Despite their low-shedding coat, Affenpinschers require dedicated grooming. Their wiry fur needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats, and many owners opt for hand-stripping, a technique where old hair is pulled out by the root, rather than trimming, to maintain the coat’s proper texture. Affenpinschers are sturdy, confident, and affectionate companions, making them suitable for apartment living as long as they receive daily exercise and mental stimulation. They form strong bonds with their families and are known for their devoted nature.
12. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a distinctive and athletic breed, easily recognized by its unique “rat tail” and dense, crisply curled coat. This water dog was originally bred for retrieving game and possesses a waterproof coat that sheds very little, making it an excellent choice for those seeking dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. Their liver (brown) colored coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition and free from mats.
Known for being friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable, Irish Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs that thrive on activity. They need ample exercise to stay happy and healthy, enjoying long walks, runs, and, true to their name, especially love swimming. Their playful and inquisitive nature makes them wonderful companions for active families who can meet their needs for physical and mental engagement. These loyal dogs bond closely with their owners and bring a lively spirit to the home without excessive shedding.
13. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a charming medium-sized Irish breed celebrated for its incredibly soft, silky coat that gives the breed its name. As a low-shedding breed, Wheatens are a popular choice for individuals sensitive to dander. Their luxurious coat, which comes in various shades of wheaten, grows continuously and sheds minimally, primarily capturing loose hairs within its wavy strands.
True to their terrier heritage, Wheatens possess a high energy level throughout their lives and require ample exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and ensure good behavior. They are known for their joyful and affectionate personalities, often greeting their families with an enthusiastic “Wheaten Greetin'”—a playful jump and lick. Regular grooming, including daily brushing, is essential to keep their single coat free of tangles and mats. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers make delightful, playful, and devoted companions for active families who appreciate a loving, low-shedding dog.
14. Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a small, charming, and easygoing breed known for its long, cotton-like coat. This unique coat texture is what makes the Coton de Tulear one of the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. Their soft, fluffy hair sheds minimally, trapping loose hairs, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers. Cotons are celebrated for their cheerful disposition and adaptable nature, making them a good fit for various living situations and families.
These affectionate pups generally get along well with children and other pets, especially when properly introduced and socialized. Cotons thrive on companionship and enjoy being involved in family activities, whether it’s a stroll in the park or cuddling on the couch. While their coat is low-shedding, it does require regular grooming to prevent matting, including daily brushing. The Coton de Tulear is an endearing companion that brings a sense of joy and calm to the home, with the added benefit of minimal allergen distribution.
15. Bedlington Terrier
Often described as “a lamb in dog’s clothing,” the Bedlington Terrier is a distinctive small, curly-haired breed known for its unique topknot hairdo and pom-pom ear tufts. Their characteristic woolly coat is another example of a dog breed that doesn’t shed a lot, making them an excellent option for those with allergies. This soft, linty coat sheds minimally, requiring regular grooming to maintain its unique appearance and prevent matting.
Bedlington Terriers are affectionate and loyal dogs who thrive on being close to their people. They are intelligent and possess a playful spirit, but they also have a sensitive side and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Monitoring their activity with a dog camera can help pet parents track and address such behaviors. Despite their gentle appearance, Bedlingtons are active and require daily exercise to satisfy their terrier instincts. They are adaptable to various living environments and make devoted companions for families able to provide them with plenty of attention and activity.
16. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the world’s oldest and rarest dog breeds, and it’s also a definitive choice for those seeking dog breeds that don’t shed a lot. The breed comes in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and two coat varieties: hairless and coated. Both are considered low-shedding. The hairless variety, as its name suggests, has little to no hair, making it virtually dander-free and highly suitable for severe allergy sufferers. The coated variety has a short, smooth coat that also sheds minimally.
Xolos are known for their calm demeanor, intelligence, and strong loyalty to their families. They can be aloof with strangers but form deep, affectionate bonds with their owners. The hairless variety requires skin care, including moisturizing and sun protection, while the coated variety needs minimal grooming. Xolos are active dogs that benefit from regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their unique appearance and ancient lineage, combined with their low-shedding quality, make them a fascinating and practical choice for allergy-sensitive households.
Living With a Low-Shedding Dog
Even with the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot, managing allergens requires a holistic approach. Here are some essential tips for living harmoniously with your low-shedding companion while minimizing allergy triggers.
Maintain Consistent Grooming
While these breeds shed minimally, their coats still require consistent care. Regular grooming is crucial to keep their coats healthy and to remove any loose hairs and dander that might accumulate.
- Brushing: Brush your dog several times a week, or even daily for some breeds, to remove dead skin cells and prevent tangles. This also helps distribute natural oils, keeping their coat healthy.
- Bathing: Regular bathing, typically every four to six weeks, can significantly reduce allergens. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo. Some special shampoos or dander removers can further help reduce pet dander for those with allergies.
- Professional Grooming: Many low-shedding breeds benefit from regular professional grooming, including trimming or hand-stripping, to maintain their coat’s unique texture and prevent matting. Factor this into your budget or learn proper at-home grooming techniques.
Keep Your Home Clean
Minimizing allergens in your living environment is just as important as grooming your dog.
- Vacuuming: Regularly vacuum floors, rugs, and upholstery with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to trap pet dander effectively.
- Dusting: Dust surfaces frequently using a damp cloth to capture allergens rather than just spreading them around.
- Laundry: Wash your bedding, dog beds, and any fabrics your dog frequently interacts with on a regular basis.
- Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters in main living areas and bedrooms to reduce airborne allergens.
- Ventilation: Keep your home well-ventilated by opening windows when appropriate to circulate fresh air.
Consult Your Doctor
For individuals with dog allergies, managing symptoms and preventing reactions is paramount.
- Healthcare Provider: Consult with your doctor or an allergist to discuss your specific allergies and the best course of action. They can recommend various treatments, including antihistamines, nasal sprays, or allergy shots.
- Avoid Contact: Even with low-shedding dogs, it’s wise to avoid close contact with their saliva and urine, as these also contain allergens. Wash your hands thoroughly after petting your dog.
- Designated Areas: Consider creating “allergen-free” zones in your home, such as bedrooms, where your dog is not allowed.
Bringing home one of the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot can be a truly rewarding experience for individuals and families dealing with allergies. These wonderful companions allow many to enjoy the profound joy and companionship that only a dog can provide, without the constant struggle of severe allergic reactions. With proper research, grooming, and household maintenance, you can create a happy and healthy environment for both yourself and your beloved low-shedding canine friend. For more insights on selecting the perfect non-shedding companion, explore our guide on dogs that don t shed a lot.
