For many dog lovers, the dream of pet ownership can be overshadowed by the reality of allergies. Dog dander, saliva, and urine can trigger uncomfortable reactions, making life with a furry friend challenging. This is where the concept of low-shedding or “hypoallergenic” dogs becomes incredibly appealing. These breeds are often sought after for their potential to reduce allergic responses, allowing more individuals to experience the joy and companionship that dogs bring into our homes. If you’re looking for a canine companion that won’t leave a trail of hair, understanding which breeds are best for minimal shedding is key. good dogs that dont shed a lot often come with unique characteristics that make them ideal for sensitive households.
It’s important to understand from the outset that no dog is entirely allergen-free. While some breeds produce significantly less dander and shed minimally, all dogs still possess proteins in their skin, saliva, and urine that can potentially cause an allergic reaction. The term “hypoallergenic” refers to a reduced likelihood of causing an allergic response, rather than a complete absence of allergens. For those with dog allergies, selecting a breed known for its low shedding properties can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and enjoying life with a pet.
Understanding Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
The term “hypoallergenic dog” is widely used, but it’s often misunderstood. While all dogs produce allergens, “hypoallergenic” breeds are specifically chosen or bred because they tend to produce fewer allergens or shed less hair, which can make them a better fit for some people with allergies. The primary allergen associated with dogs is often dander, which consists of tiny flakes of skin that dogs shed. Breeds that shed less also tend to release less dander into the environment.
However, the reality is that no dog is 100% allergen-free. Even hairless dogs or those that don’t produce a lot of dander still have allergens present in their skin, saliva, and urine. These substances can trigger allergic responses such as coughing, itching, or wheezing in sensitive individuals. Therefore, while choosing a low-shedding breed is an excellent first step, it’s crucial to combine this with other allergy management strategies to create a comfortable living environment. Many dogs that don t shed a lot of hair are celebrated for their unique coats and temperaments, offering a wide array of choices for potential owners.
Top Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
While a truly 100% hypoallergenic dog remains a myth, numerous breeds are known for their minimal shedding and are generally better tolerated by individuals with allergies. These breeds often have hair that grows continuously, similar to human hair, or a dense, curly coat that traps shed hair and dander rather than releasing it into the environment. This characteristic makes them excellent candidates for households seeking a cleaner, less allergen-prone living space. Here are some of the best dogs for people who need a low-shedding companion.
1. Poodle
Poodles are perhaps the most famous of all low-shedding breeds, and for good reason. There are three distinct types—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—each renowned for their hypoallergenic reputation. These dogs shed minimally and are highly intelligent, making them easy to train. The Standard Poodle, originally bred for hunting, is the largest, while the Miniature and Toy Poodles were developed as smaller versions. Regardless of size, Poodles require consistent grooming, including regular brushing, to prevent their curly coats from tangling and matting. Their playful and dignified nature makes them wonderful family pets, adapting well to various lifestyles as long as they receive adequate mental and physical stimulation.
white poodle walking through grass
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Known affectionately as Yorkies, these small dogs are popular for their spunky yet affectionate personalities and their hypoallergenic, silky coats. Yorkshire Terriers are remarkably adaptable, thriving in diverse living situations, from spacious homes to cozy studio apartments, provided they receive ample attention and love from their families. Their long, fine hair requires daily brushing to prevent mats and keep it looking its best. Despite their small stature, Yorkies possess a confident and adventurous spirit, often acting as diligent watchdogs and loyal companions.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, an ancient companion breed, is another excellent choice for those seeking a small, low-shedding dog. They are celebrated for their thick, luxurious coats and wonderfully friendly temperaments. However, their distinctive flat faces can predispose them to certain health issues, such as overheating and breathing difficulties, as well as tear stains around their eyes. Regular grooming and eye cleaning are essential for their well-being. Shih Tzus are bred to be lap dogs and thrive on companionship, making them ideal pets for individuals or families who can offer them plenty of cuddles and indoor playtime.
brown and white shih tzu lying on a living room floor
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Among the three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer stands out as the smallest and a fantastic low-shedding option. Typically standing no more than 14 inches tall and weighing between 10–20 pounds, these intelligent dogs can fit comfortably into various living environments. They are known for their distinctive bearded snout and expressive eyebrows, along with a spirited yet friendly disposition. Miniature Schnauzers need at least an hour of exercise daily to stay happy and healthy, enjoying activities like brisk walks and playtime. Their wiry coat requires regular stripping or clipping to maintain its characteristic texture and minimize shedding.
5. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer shares many admirable qualities with its miniature counterpart but in a larger package, weighing up to 45 pounds. These robust dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and spirited nature. They thrive on activity and love to spend their days engaging in long walks, games of fetch, and solving dog puzzle toys that challenge their keen minds. Like all Schnauzers, their dense, wiry coat is low-shedding but requires consistent grooming to prevent matting and keep it in top condition. Standard Schnauzers are versatile and make excellent companions for active families who can provide them with consistent training and plenty of outdoor adventures.
gray standard schnauzer standing in a field
6. Giant Schnauzer
As the largest of the Schnauzer breeds, the Giant Schnauzer can reach impressive heights of over 27 inches and weigh up to 85 pounds. These powerful yet noble dogs are among the biggest low-shedding breeds available. They possess a strong work drive and an abundance of energy, requiring extensive exercise to remain content. Activities such as long walks, neighborhood runs, weekend hikes, and vigorous games of fetch are crucial for their well-being. Proper socialization and consistent training are also vital for these intelligent and protective dogs. Their coarse, low-shedding coat needs regular grooming, including brushing and professional stripping, to prevent matting.
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a charming, small pup known for its playful spirit, affectionate nature, and distinctive curly, “powder puff” coat, which is a hallmark of low-shedding breeds. Highly intelligent and trainable, Bichons quickly master basic commands with positive reinforcement and delight in learning fun tricks. They are joyful and outgoing, making them wonderful companions for families. Due to their continuously growing hair, regular grooming, including daily brushing and professional trims, is essential to keep their coat clean, soft, and free of mats.
white bichon frise dog looking up in the grass
8. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a small breed celebrated for its unique appearance, offering two distinct varieties: the hairless and the powderpuff. The hairless version features smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on its head, tail, and paws, while the powderpuff is covered in a long, silky coat. Both varieties are considered low-shedding. This breed is known for being playful, affectionate, and a devoted companion. Despite their delicate appearance, Chinese Cresteds are hardy and enjoy spending time with their families. They require specific grooming based on their variety, with the hairless needing skin care and the powderpuff needing regular brushing.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, high-energy breed with a thick, curly coat that sheds minimally, making them a popular choice among allergy sufferers. These dogs are highly intelligent, easily trainable, and possess a friendly disposition. Their love for water is legendary, and regular exercise, especially swimming, is crucial to keep them happy and healthy. Interactive water toys can be a great way to tire out these energetic pups. Their coat requires frequent brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting and maintain its distinctive appearance.
black and white portuguese water dog wearing a red maple leaf bandana in front of water
10. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a popular crossbreed, resulting from the intelligent Poodle and the friendly Labrador Retriever. Initially bred to be a hypoallergenic service dog, they have quickly become cherished family pets. Labradoodles are known for their intelligence, gentle nature, and minimal shedding, making them an excellent choice for many households. They are highly trainable and form strong bonds with their families, especially when well-exercised and socialized from a young age. Their coat types can vary, but most require regular brushing to prevent tangles and maintain their soft texture.
11. Goldendoodle
Another beloved “doodle” breed, Goldendoodles are a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Like Labradoodles, they are celebrated for their low-shedding coats, friendly temperaments, and high intelligence. While many are famous for their golden coats inherited from their Golden Retriever parent, Goldendoodles come in a wide array of colors and textures. They are adaptable, affectionate, and make wonderful family companions. Frequent grooming with a slicker brush is essential to prevent their curly or wavy coats from matting, ensuring they remain comfortable and beautiful.
goldendoodle lying on a couch with a person sitting in the background
12. Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs were originally bred as water retrievers, with their curly, woolly coats providing protection from chilly waters. While less common than some other low-shedding breeds, Lagotti Romagnoli (the proper plural) are known for being good with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. They are intelligent, affectionate, and possess a strong desire to please. Their unique coat, which is more hair-like than fur, requires regular grooming and trimming to prevent matting and maintain its protective qualities.
13. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are small, charming dogs known for their distinctive monkey-like appearance. Their dense, wiry coat produces fewer allergens compared to many other breeds, making them a good option for allergy sufferers. However, their coat requires diligent care through at-home brushing and a specialized grooming process called “stripping,” where hair is removed from the root rather than simply trimmed. These little dogs are curious, mischievous, and loyal, bringing a lot of personality to a household.
14. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable water dog breed originally developed for retrieving game. Their thick, curly coat, always a liver (brown) color, requires regular grooming but sheds minimally. These dogs have a high energy level and require substantial exercise to stay happy and healthy, enjoying activities like swimming, retrieving, and long walks. Irish Water Spaniels are known for their clownish demeanor and make devoted companions for active families.
brown irish water spaniel profile
15. Aussiedoodle
An Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle, inheriting intelligence and high energy from both parent breeds. This low-shedding dog is incredibly smart and active. If not sufficiently stimulated, Aussiedoodles can become destructive due to boredom, underscoring the importance of ample exercise and mental engagement with enrichment toys like dog treat dispensers. They thrive in active homes where their intelligence and energy can be channeled productively, and their wavy or curly coats need regular brushing.
16. Bolognese
Hailing from Italy, the Bolognese is a cute, low-shedding dog with a long, fluffy white coat. Despite its characteristic messy appearance, this coat requires dedicated grooming to prevent tangles. These playful and easygoing pups are known for getting along well with children and other pets, making them adaptable to various living situations, from apartments to larger homes. Bolognese dogs thrive on companionship and are happiest when they are close to their human family members, offering endless affection and charm.
17. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, elegant, low-shedding dog renowned for its luxurious, long white coat. They make affectionate and playful companions for pet parents who are committed to keeping up with their significant grooming needs. While their long hair can be stunning, many Maltese owners opt for a shorter “puppy” cut to simplify grooming, which can be easily maintained with regular brushing and occasional trims using dog hair grooming clippers. These gentle dogs thrive on human companionship and are well-suited for indoor living.
woman holding a white maltese dog on a bed
18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
As its name suggests, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier possesses an incredibly soft, silky coat that sheds minimally. This medium-sized Irish breed is known for maintaining a high energy level throughout its life, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation to ensure good behavior. Wheatens are joyful, friendly, and deeply devoted to their families, often greeting them with an enthusiastic “Wheaten Greetin’.” Their beautiful coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and keep it in its characteristic wavy form.
19. Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a small, easygoing, low-shedding breed. Their good nature makes them a wonderful fit for families with children and other pets, especially when proper introductions are facilitated. Cotons are known for their soft, cotton-like coats, which require regular grooming to keep them free of tangles and mats. These cheerful dogs thrive on companionship and adapt well to various home environments, bringing joy and laughter with their playful antics.
white coton de tulear sitting in grass with hair blowing in the wind
20. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a unique “doodle” breed that combines two low-shedding parents: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals seeking a truly minimal-shedding companion. Their coat can range from curly to wavy, depending on the genes inherited from their parents, but it is consistently low-shedding. Schnoodles are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, adapting well to various lifestyles. They are eager to please and generally easy to train, making them delightful family pets that require regular grooming to maintain their distinctive coat.
21. Bedlington Terrier
Often described as “a lamb in dog’s clothing,” the Bedlington Terrier is a small, curly-haired breed recognized by its distinctive topknot hairdo and pom-pom ear tufts. This dog loves being close to its people and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Monitoring their activity with a dog camera can help track and manage such anxieties. Bedlington Terriers are charming, graceful, and athletic, requiring regular exercise and a dedicated grooming routine for their unique, low-shedding coat. most calm dog breeds that dont shed might also be a good read for those seeking a tranquil companion.
22. Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as Mexican Hairless Dogs, Xoloitzcuintli are among the oldest and rarest dog breeds. They come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and can be either hairless or covered in a short, fine coat. Both varieties are considered low-shedding, making them suitable for allergy sufferers. Xolos are known for their calm, vigilant, and loyal nature, forming strong bonds with their families. The hairless variety requires skin care, such as moisturizing and sun protection, while the coated Xolos need minimal grooming.
black mexican hairless dog standing in grass
23. Whoodle
The Whoodle is a delightful cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle, resulting in a friendly dog that sheds very little. These dogs inherit intelligence and an affectionate nature from both parent breeds, making them highly trainable and wonderful companions. Whoodles are energetic and playful, thriving in homes where they receive plenty of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. Their soft, wavy to curly coats require regular brushing to prevent matting and keep them looking their best.
24. Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are a charming crossbreed of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Their friendly, affectionate nature and gentle demeanor make these large, low-shedding dogs a popular choice for families, especially those with children and other pets. Bernedoodles require plenty of exercise to stay active and happy, enjoying outdoor adventures and playtime. Their coat can vary in type and requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and maintain its soft, appealing texture. Many consider them among the best house dogs that don t shed due to their gentle disposition and minimal hair loss.
25. Shorkie
The Shorkie is a mixed breed created from two low-shedding parents: the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. This combination results in a small, playful, and friendly dog that embodies the best qualities of both breeds. Shorkies are affectionate lap dogs that thrive on companionship and can adapt well to various living situations. Like most dogs on this list, they require a dedicated and regular grooming routine to maintain their long, silky coats and prevent matting. They are known for their lively personalities and make loyal, loving companions.
26. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are striking dogs known for their long, flowing coats and slender, elegant builds. Despite their voluminous hair, they are considered low-shedding. These pups are built for speed and are among the fastest dog breeds in the world, requiring ample exercise to satisfy their athletic nature. Afghan Hounds are loving toward their families but can be aloof with strangers, making early and consistent socialization vital for this breed. Their magnificent coats demand significant grooming to prevent tangles and maintain their iconic appearance.
27. Barbet
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful pup with a shaggy, woolly coat derived from the French word barbe, meaning beard, which perfectly describes their hairy chin. This large, low-shedding dog loves to swim, thanks to its protective curly coat. To keep a Barbet’s coat in good condition, especially after water activities, it’s essential to brush them with a slicker or pin brush two to three times a week. Barbets are intelligent, friendly, and eager to please, making them wonderful family companions that thrive on activity and interaction.
close-up of a curly red barbet dog face
28. Shih-Poo
The Shih-Poo mixed breed is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle (most commonly the Toy Poodle). This small, low-shedding pup is highly adaptable and can thrive in almost any living situation, provided they receive about 30 minutes of exercise and a good brushing session every day. Shih-Poos are known for their affectionate and playful personalities, making them delightful companions. Their coats can vary from wavy to curly, and consistent grooming is necessary to prevent tangles and keep them comfortable.
29. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchids are a rare and ancient dog breed, native to Peru, where they are recognized as the national dog. They come in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and are primarily hairless, though a coated variety exists. Both hairless and short-coated versions are considered low-shedding. These elegant dogs are known for their alert, calm, and protective nature, forming strong bonds with their families. The hairless variety requires specific skin care to protect them from sun and cold, while the coated variety has minimal grooming needs.
30. Malshi
The Malshi, a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu, is a happy, small, low-shedding dog. They thrive on close companionship and are happiest when their favorite humans are near. Malshis are known for their affectionate, playful, and gentle natures, making them wonderful additions to families. Like their parent breeds, Malshis require dedication to a regular grooming routine to keep their soft, flowing coats free of mats and looking their best. Their eagerness to please and adaptability make them charming household pets.
Living Happily with a Low-Shedding Dog
Bringing a low-shedding dog into your home can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with allergies. However, even with these breeds, proactive measures are essential to minimize allergens and ensure a comfortable environment for everyone. Managing allergies and preventing reactions involves a combination of consistent pet care and household maintenance.
Keep Up With Grooming
Low-shedding dogs often require more dedicated grooming to prevent matting and manage dander. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair and dander before it can disperse into your home. Bathing your dog every four to six weeks with a specialized shampoo, such as an allergen-reducing formula, can further help to reduce pet dander. Many low-shedding breeds also need regular trimming, hand-stripping, or other professional grooming upkeep. Factor in the budget for regular groomer visits or commit to learning how to groom your pup at home to maintain their coat and minimize allergens. This consistent care is vital for their health and for reducing allergy triggers.
Maintain a Clean House
Minimizing allergens extends beyond just your dog’s grooming. Regular household cleaning is crucial. Vacuuming frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner, dusting surfaces, and washing bedding (both yours and your dog’s) regularly will help reduce the accumulation of pet dander. Using air purifiers with HEPA filters can also help remove airborne allergens, and ensuring your home is well-ventilated can further reduce allergen concentrations. Creating “allergy-free zones” in your home, such as bedrooms, where your dog is not allowed, can provide a sanctuary for allergy sufferers.
Consult Your Doctor
If you live with dog allergies, the most effective way to manage your symptoms and prevent allergic reactions is to consult with your healthcare provider. There are many ways to treat allergies, including over-the-counter or prescription medications, nasal sprays, and allergy injections (immunotherapy). Your doctor can help you develop a personalized allergy management plan. Additionally, it’s important to avoid close contact with your dog’s saliva or urine, as these fluids also contain allergens that can trigger reactions.
Bringing home a low-shedding dog can be a transformative experience, allowing individuals with allergies to experience the profound joy and companionship of pet parenthood without the constant struggle of allergic reactions. With proper grooming, a clean home environment, and medical guidance, you can create a harmonious and healthy life with your beloved canine companion. These easy going dog breeds that dont shed offer a fantastic opportunity for a fulfilling pet-owner relationship.
