Welcoming a canine companion into your home brings immense joy, but for many, the thought of constant shedding and dog hair everywhere can be a major deterrent. Whether you suffer from allergies, live in a compact apartment, or simply prefer a tidier living space, finding a dog that sheds minimally or not at all is a top priority. The good news is that numerous small dog breeds are renowned for their low-shedding coats, making them ideal indoor pets. These breeds offer all the love, companionship, and playful spirit you desire, without leaving a trail of fur across your furniture and floors.
Choosing the right dog involves considering various factors beyond just shedding, such as temperament, exercise needs, and grooming requirements. However, for those specifically seeking the best small inside dogs that don’t shed, this guide will introduce you to a fantastic array of breeds. From alert watchdogs to gentle lap companions, you’re sure to find a perfect match that fits your lifestyle and keeps your home wonderfully fur-free. Get ready to discover your next best friend, designed for cozy indoor living and minimal hair cleanup.
Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher dog sitting attentively with a dark, wiry coat
The Affenpinscher, whose name charmingly translates to “monkey-like terrier,” lives up to its moniker with its intelligent gaze and distinctive appearance. Despite their compact size, these Toy breed dogs possess a fearless demeanor. With an Affenpinscher on guard, you can rest assured about unannounced guests and, more importantly, about finding pesky dog hair in your meals. This breed’s wiry coat sheds very little and is also notable for having almost no “doggy odor,” a significant plus for indoor living. A simple twice-weekly brushing with a slicker brush and comb is typically all that’s required to keep your Affenpinscher looking neatly shaggy. This low-maintenance little canine is celebrated for its engaging sense of humor, making them a delightful and entertaining addition to any household.
Basenji
Basenji dog with a short, sleek coat looking alert
For individuals who appreciate the elegance of hounds but wish to avoid their characteristic odor and shedding tendencies, the Basenji could be the ultimate small dog breed. Basenjis are known for shedding very minimally, and their short, fine coat demands little care beyond an occasional brushing to maintain its pristine condition. These distinctive dogs are also famously quiet, rarely barking, which makes them an exceptional choice for apartment dwellers – provided they receive adequate daily exercise and engaging playtime to satisfy their energetic nature. Their clean habits and quiet disposition truly set them apart as an ideal inside dog.
Bichon Frise
Fluffy white Bichon Frise with a cheerful expression
The Bichon Frise stands out as a genuinely non-shedding small dog breed, often recommended for individuals with allergies due to their hypoallergenic qualities. These playful and affectionate dogs are an ideal choice for many households, but it’s important to note that “non-shedding” doesn’t mean “maintenance-free.” The Bichon Frise’s hair grows continuously, requiring consistent grooming, daily brushing to prevent mats, and regular baths to maintain their iconic powder-puff appearance. This commitment to grooming ensures they remain both charmingly beautiful and comfortable, making the effort worthwhile for a dog that brings so much joy and so little shedding.
Bolognese
Elegant Bolognese dog with a soft, curly white coat
Much like its close relative, the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese possesses a distinctive fluffy coat that is comprised of hair rather than traditional fur. This means the Bolognese does not shed, making them another excellent choice for those seeking a small, inside companion without the hassle of dog hair. However, their luxurious coat does require attentive care. Dead hair must be brushed out regularly, and daily grooming is essential to keep these lovable lap dogs looking their absolute best and to prevent matting. Their gentle and devoted nature, combined with their non-shedding quality, makes the Bolognese a cherished indoor pet.
Brussels Griffon
Charming Brussels Griffon with a wiry, reddish-brown coat
Despite their diminutive stature, the Brussels Griffon is a robust and resilient dog that doesn’t demand excessive pampering. Both the smooth-coated and rough-coated varieties of the Brussels Griffon thrive with regular grooming and are considered minimal shedders, making them suitable for indoor environments. Their small size means that a daily walk combined with indoor play is usually sufficient to meet their exercise needs. This loyal little dog forms strong bonds with its family and generally fares best in homes where companions are frequently present, offering constant affection and companionship without leaving much hair behind.
Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested dog, mostly hairless with tufts of hair on head, tail, and feet
For those looking to entirely sidestep shedding, selecting a small hairless dog breed like the Chinese Crested is an excellent option. Chinese Crested dogs come in two distinct coat types: the hairless and the powderpuff. The Hairless variety boasts soft hair on their heads, tail, and feet, while the Powderpuff is covered with a fine, full coat of hair that sheds very minimally. It’s crucial to remember that hairless dog breeds require specialized care and attention for their skin. Lacking a protective coat, they need diligent protection from sun exposure and cold temperatures, and are more susceptible to various skin irritations, which their owners must diligently manage.
Coton De Tulear
Coton de Tulear with a long, fluffy white coat
The Coton de Tulear is celebrated for its distinctive, long, fluffy coat, which is widely considered hypoallergenic. This makes them an outstanding choice for allergy sufferers and anyone desiring a small dog that doesn’t shed. While the Coton de Tulear requires daily grooming to maintain the beauty and health of their unique coat, their lighthearted, gentle, and charming natures make the grooming effort a truly rewarding part of pet ownership. These “Royal Dogs of Madagascar” are known for their amiable disposition, bringing warmth and joy to any indoor setting with their non-shedding appeal.
Havanese
Havanese dog with long, silky fur and a playful expression
These beloved native Cuban dogs offer their owners a delightful combination of spunky charm and a non-shedding coat. This translates to significantly less time spent lint-rolling furniture and more precious moments romping and playing with the energetic Havanese. While their coat doesn’t shed, it does demand consistent attention, including weekly brushing and regular baths, to keep them clean, healthy, and tangle-free. Their cheerful disposition and adaptability make them wonderful inside companions, perfectly suited for families looking for a lively yet low-shedding addition.
Maltese
Elegant white Maltese dog with long, flowing hair
Maltese dogs have captured human hearts for over three millennia, a testament to their enduring appeal. This ancient dog breed from Malta has remarkably retained its core characteristics over 28 centuries, partly because their long, flowing white coats shed very little, making them a superb lap dog and indoor companion. While shedding is minimal, their luxurious coats do require diligent and regular brushing to prevent unsightly mats from forming. Occasional baths are also essential to remove any dirt and debris, ensuring their long, silky hair remains pristine and healthy. Their gentle temperament and majestic appearance, combined with their low-shedding qualities, solidify their status as a beloved non-shedding small dog.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso dog with long, dense hair covering its eyes
Originating from the snowy peaks of Tibet, the Lhasa Apso is a small dog breed that makes an exceptional companion for indoor living. These dogs strike a delightful balance, being calm yet playful, enjoying brisk walks outdoors as much as they relish resting contentedly in their owner’s lap. Lhasa Apsos are celebrated for not shedding, making them a great choice for those sensitive to dog hair. However, their dense, long coats do require significant maintenance. To simplify daily grooming and brushing, many owners opt to keep their Lhasa Apsos trimmed in a shorter, more manageable “puppy cut,” which still showcases their charming personality without the intense grooming commitment.
Miniature Schnauzer
Alert Miniature Schnauzer with its characteristic beard and eyebrows
The Miniature Schnauzer is a highly intelligent, trainable, and cheerful little dog that bears a strong resemblance to its Standard Schnauzer cousin. As a Terrier breed, the Miniature Schnauzer sheds very little, making them an excellent candidate for homes where shedding is a concern. Their remarkable adaptability allows them to thrive equally well in both bustling city apartments and sprawling country homes, as long as they are close to their human companions. To keep Miniature Schnauzers looking their best, a routine of weekly brushing and regular professional grooming, including clipping or hand-stripping, is essential to maintain their iconic, smart appearance and healthy coat.
Poodle
Graceful Poodle with a curly coat and an intelligent expression
When people think of small dogs that don’t shed, the Poodle is often the first breed that comes to mind, and for very good reason. Poodles are famously non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them one of the most popular choices for allergy sufferers and those seeking a fur-free home. Miniature and Toy Poodles offer these desirable qualities in a petite, intelligent package, differing only in size from their Standard Poodle counterparts. All Poodles are highly intelligent, which makes them remarkably easy to train. They are also an active and proud breed, always carrying themselves with an air of elegance. Their distinctive curly hair does, however, require regular and professional grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best.
Scottish Terrier
Proud Scottish Terrier with a wiry black coat
The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the Scottie, is a Terrier breed revered for its unmistakable boldness, confidence, and formidable personality. Their wiry, weather-resistant double coat sheds very little, which is a significant advantage for indoor living. While they are low-shedders, Scotties do require consistent care, including regular brushing, professional grooming, and occasional hand-stripping to maintain the health of their coat and preserve their distinctive breed outline. Scotties are clever and independent dogs with a strong prey drive, meaning owners should exercise caution when they are around smaller animals. Their unique character and minimal shedding make them a compelling choice for a small inside dog.
Shih Tzu
Long-haired Shih Tzu with a friendly face and a top knot
The Shih Tzu is another breed with a long and illustrious pedigree, holding a special place in history as the favored house pet of the Chinese Tang Dynasty. These “little lion dogs” come in an array of beautiful colors and patterns. Their long, silky hair is notably low-shedding and looks exceptionally regal when meticulously brushed out, perfectly befitting their royal ancestry. Despite their delicate appearance, this Toy breed is surprisingly sturdy and lively, with a carriage often described as arrogant due to their proudly held heads and characteristically curling tails. Shih Tzus were specifically bred to be cherished house pets, and their gentle, trusting, and affectionate nature makes them truly exceptional and devoted companions for any indoor setting.
West Highland White Terrier
Energetic West Highland White Terrier with its iconic white coat
The coarse, brilliant white hair of the West Highland White Terrier, affectionately referred to as Westies by their admirers, sheds very little, contributing to a cleaner indoor environment. This sturdy little dog is known for being intelligent, intensely loyal, perpetually happy, and thoroughly entertaining. Westies are curious dogs with moderate energy levels and possess an independent streak, a common trait among all Terriers, which can sometimes present a pleasant challenge during training sessions. Their robust health, cheerful disposition, and low-shedding coat make them a fantastic choice for those seeking an active yet manageable small inside dog.
Xoloitzcuintli
Hairless Xoloitzcuintli dog with smooth, dark skin
Also known as the Mexican Hairless dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient and relatively rare breed that can be found in both hairless and coated varieties. The Hairless Xolo typically retains a small amount of hair on its head, while the coated variety possesses a very short, fine coat that sheds minimally. As with any hairless breed, the Xolo demands a little extra vigilance regarding their skin health to protect them from environmental elements like sun and cold. Xolos make attentive watchdogs and wonderfully affectionate companions. While they enjoy physical activities such as walks and vigorous play, they are equally well-known for their tranquil and calm personality around the home, making them ideal low-shedding inside dogs.
Yorkshire Terrier
Small, spirited Yorkshire Terrier with long, silky hair
Sprightly, tomboyish, and incredibly affectionate, the Yorkshire Terrier, often simply called a Yorkie, is a Toy breed brimming with personality. These spunky lap dogs are among the most popular breeds, and for compelling reasons. Yorkshire Terriers do not shed, and their long, silky coats are undeniably beautiful when brushed out daily, a task made easy by their small size. Don’t be deceived by their regal carriage – Yorkies have humble, working-class roots. These fearless terriers were originally bred to hunt rats in English clothing mills, though today they are just as content to cuddle on their owner’s lap as they are to chase down a rogue rodent. Their non-shedding coat and spirited nature make them a perfect indoor companion.
Other Low-Shedding Small Inside Dogs: Exploring the Terrier Group
Border Terrier with a scruffy, wiry coat
Beyond the specific breeds highlighted above, the broader Terrier group is a treasure trove of small dogs that either don’t shed or shed minimally. Terriers, particularly those with wiry and coarse coats, are renowned for shedding less than many other breeds. This characteristic makes them ideal small inside dogs for individuals who prioritize a clean home environment and want to avoid excessive shedding. Breeds like the Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, and Norfolk Terrier are just a few more examples within this fantastic group that offer low-shedding benefits. Their spirited personalities, combined with manageable grooming needs, solidify their place as excellent non- or low-shedding options for active indoor lifestyles.
Ultimately, while there are many wonderful breeds of small dogs that don’t shed, it’s crucial to understand that “non-shedding” doesn’t equate to “zero maintenance.” These breeds typically require consistent grooming, regular brushing, and often professional trimming to prevent matting and maintain the health of their unique coats. Taking the time to carefully research non-shedding dog breeds, considering their specific temperament, exercise levels, and grooming demands, is vital to finding a dog that truly matches your lifestyle and personality. To ensure a healthy and happy life for your new companion, always consider purchasing from a reputable breeder, provide a high-quality diet tailored to their needs, and commit to regular veterinary checkups. By making an informed decision, you can welcome a loving, low-shedding small dog into your home, enjoying all the benefits of canine companionship without the constant battle against shedding fur.
