Bringing a dog into your home is a joyous experience, but for many, the reality of constant shedding can be a significant deterrent, especially for individuals with allergies. The dream of a furry companion often clashes with concerns about pet dander, loose hair on furniture, and frequent cleaning. Fortunately, there’s a fantastic selection of dog breeds that are known for their minimal shedding, offering a cleaner home environment and a better fit for allergy sufferers.
While it’s important to understand that no dog is 100% allergen-free—as allergens are also found in their saliva and urine—certain breeds are specifically recognized for producing less dander and shedding significantly less hair. This makes them ideal candidates for households seeking a low-maintenance coat and a more allergy-friendly pet. Discovering the best dog breeds that don’t shed can truly transform the pet ownership experience, allowing more people to enjoy the unconditional love and companionship that dogs provide without the constant battle against shedding.
Understanding Low-Shedding and Hypoallergenic Dogs
The terms “low-shedding” and “hypoallergenic” are often used interchangeably, but it’s helpful to clarify their meaning in the context of pet allergies. All dogs produce dander, which are tiny flakes of skin that shed along with hair. These dander particles, along with proteins in a dog’s saliva and urine, are the primary triggers for pet allergies in humans. Hypoallergenic dogs are those that are bred to produce less dander and shed less hair, thereby releasing fewer allergens into their environment. This reduction in allergen dispersal makes them a more suitable choice for individuals prone to allergic reactions, such as coughing, itching, or wheezing.
However, it’s crucial to reiterate that no dog is completely hypoallergenic or allergen-free. Even hairless breeds still produce dander and have allergenic proteins in their bodily fluids. The key advantage of breeds of dog that don’t shed much is that they significantly minimize the amount of hair and dander distributed throughout your home, which is often the biggest contributor to airborne allergens. This characteristic requires consistent grooming practices to maintain their coats and manage any residual allergens effectively.
Popular Breeds of Dog That Don’t Shed
If you’re looking for a canine companion that keeps shedding to a minimum, you’re in luck! There’s a diverse array of breeds, ranging in size and temperament, known for their low-shedding coats. Here are some of the most popular and beloved breeds of dog that don’t shed.
Poodle
Poodles are perhaps the most famous example of low-shedding dogs. Available in three distinct sizes—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—they all share a reputation for their curly, dense coats that trap shed hair, preventing it from spreading around your home. Poodles are renowned for their exceptional intelligence and trainability. The Standard Poodle was historically a water retriever, while Miniature and Toy Poodles were bred as smaller companions. Regardless of size, regular grooming, including brushing and professional clipping, is essential to prevent their curls from matting.
White Poodle gracefully walking through a lush green field
Yorkshire Terrier
These small, charming dogs are known for their spunky yet affectionate personalities and their distinctive long, silky coats that resemble human hair. Yorkies are one of the excellent breeds of dog that don’t shed much, making them a popular choice for city dwellers or those in apartments. They adapt well to various living situations, provided they receive ample attention and mental stimulation from their families. Their fine hair requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and maintain its beautiful appearance.
Shih Tzu
Another delightful small breed, the Shih Tzu, is an ancient companion dog celebrated for its thick, flowing coat and friendly disposition. These dogs are among the best breeds of dog that don’t shed, making them suitable for many allergy sufferers. However, their brachycephalic (flat) faces can make them prone to certain health issues, including overheating and breathing difficulties, as well as common tear stains around their eyes. Consistent grooming, including daily brushing and eye-area cleaning, is crucial to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting.
Brown and white Shih Tzu lying peacefully on a living room floor
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, typically standing no more than 14 inches tall and weighing between 10–20 pounds. These intelligent and robust dogs boast a wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat that sheds minimally. They are highly adaptable to various living environments, from urban apartments to larger homes, as long as they receive at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily to satisfy their energetic nature. Regular stripping or clipping helps maintain their distinctive appearance and coat health. Many considering medium dog breeds that don’t shed a lot often find the Miniature Schnauzer to be an excellent fit, bridging the gap between small and truly medium-sized companions.
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer shares many admirable traits with its miniature counterpart but in a slightly larger package, weighing up to 45 pounds. They also feature the characteristic wiry coat that sheds very little, making them another excellent choice among breeds of dog that don’t shed. Standard Schnauzers are known for being intelligent, loyal, and energetic, thriving on long walks, engaging games of fetch, and interactive puzzle toys that challenge their minds. Their dignified appearance and robust build make them a striking and active family member.
Gray Standard Schnauzer standing alertly in a green field
Giant Schnauzer
As the largest of the Schnauzer family, Giant Schnauzers can stand over 27 inches tall and weigh up to 85 pounds. These imposing yet magnificent dogs are also known for their low-shedding, wiry coats. They are highly intelligent and require substantial exercise to remain happy and well-behaved. Activities such as long walks, neighborhood runs, weekend hikes, and vigorous games of fetch are essential to meet their high energy demands and prevent boredom-induced destructive behaviors. Their strong protective instincts also make them excellent guard dogs.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful, and affectionate companion with a distinctive curly, powder-puff coat that sheds minimally. These charming pups are renowned for their playful spirit and high intelligence, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Bichons can quickly master basic commands and enjoy learning fun tricks, making them delightful entertainers for the family. Their hypoallergenic coat, however, requires diligent daily brushing to prevent matting and maintain its pristine white appearance.
White Bichon Frise dog looking up curiously while sitting in green grass
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a unique small breed known for its striking appearance and loving nature. This breed comes in two varieties: the Hairless, which has smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on its head, tail, and paws, and the Powderpuff, which is covered in a long, silky coat. Both varieties are considered among the breeds of dog that don’t shed much, making them a great option for allergy sufferers. They are playful, affectionate, and thrive on companionship, making them wonderful lapdogs and loyal family members. The Powderpuff requires regular brushing, while the Hairless needs skin care to prevent sunburn and dryness. These dog breeds that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed demonstrate that a unique look can also come with allergy-friendly benefits.
Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog is a robust, medium-sized breed with a thick, curly, waterproof coat that sheds minimally. This intelligent, highly trainable, and friendly breed is a popular choice for active families. Portuguese Water Dogs are high-energy pups that require regular and vigorous exercise, including activities like swimming, which they naturally excel at and thoroughly enjoy. Their strong swimming abilities and joyful nature make them fantastic companions for outdoor enthusiasts.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a popular crossbreed resulting from a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Originally bred to be hypoallergenic service dogs, they have gained immense popularity as family pets due to their intelligent, friendly, and gentle demeanor. Labradoodles typically inherit the Poodle’s low-shedding coat, making them an excellent choice among breeds of dog that don’t shed. They are highly trainable and generally do well with children and other pets, especially when properly exercised and socialized from an early age.
Brown Standard Labradoodle walking happily through a park
Goldendoodle
Another beloved “doodle” breed, Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Like Labradoodles, they are known for their friendly nature, high intelligence, and low-shedding coats. While many Goldendoodles are famous for their golden hues inherited from their Golden Retriever parent, they can come in a wide range of colors and coat textures. Regular grooming with a slicker brush is essential to prevent their curly or wavy coats from matting and to keep them looking their best. These affectionate dogs thrive on human interaction and make wonderful family companions.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Hailing from Italy, Lagotto Romagnolo dogs were originally bred as water retrievers, and their distinctive curly, woolly coats protected them from cold waters. While less common than some other low-shedding breeds, Lagotti Romagnoli (the plural form) are known for being good with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. Their charming personalities and moderate energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their unique coat necessitates specific grooming to prevent matting, often involving hand-stripping or careful clipping.
Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are small, spirited dogs recognized for their unique, monkey-like facial expressions. Their dense, wiry coats produce fewer allergens compared to many other breeds, placing them on the list of breeds of dog that don’t shed significantly. However, their coat demands considerable care, including regular at-home brushing and a specialized grooming technique called stripping, which involves removing dead hair by the root rather than trimming. These playful and confident little dogs form strong bonds with their families.
Irish Water Spaniel
Friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable, Irish Water Spaniels are another water-loving breed, originally bred for retrieving game from water. Their thick, tightly curled coats are always a rich liver (brown) color and shed minimally, though they require consistent grooming to stay healthy and free of mats. With high energy levels, these dogs require ample exercise to remain content and well-behaved, making them ideal for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Aussiedoodle
An Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. This hypoallergenic dog combines the intelligence and high energy of both parent breeds. Aussiedoodles are incredibly smart and active, meaning they require substantial exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviors. Enrichment toys and consistent training are key to keeping an Aussiedoodle happy and well-adjusted. Their wavy or curly coats are low-shedding but need regular brushing.
Bolognese
Originating in Italy, Bolognese are charming small dogs with a long, fluffy white coat that sheds minimally. Despite their characteristically messy appearance, their coat requires diligent grooming to prevent matting. These playful and easygoing pups are known for their gentle temperament, getting along well with children and other pets. Bolognese are highly adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, making them excellent companions for many types of households.
Maltese
The Maltese is a small, elegant breed known for its luxurious, long white coat that sheds very little. These affectionate and playful companions thrive on human interaction and make devoted family members. While their flowing coats are beautiful, they demand significant grooming to prevent tangles and mats, especially if kept long. Many Maltese owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to simplify daily grooming and maintain a neat appearance.
Woman gently holding a fluffy white Maltese dog on a bed
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
As its name suggests, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized Irish breed known for its silky, incredibly soft wheat-colored coat that sheds minimally. These terriers maintain a high energy level throughout their lives and require ample exercise and mental stimulation to channel their exuberance into positive behaviors. Wheatens are cheerful, affectionate, and can make wonderful family pets, though their spirited nature means they thrive with consistent training and an active lifestyle. For those exploring medium dogs breeds that don’t shed, the Wheaten Terrier stands out as a charming and active choice.
Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a small, easygoing breed with a soft, cotton-like coat that is low-shedding. Their good-natured temperament makes them well-suited for families with children and other pets, particularly when introductions are handled properly. Cotons are affectionate, playful, and thrive on companionship, making them delightful lapdogs and adaptable family members for various living situations. Their distinctive coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles.
Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a designer breed that combines two low-shedding breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. This unique mix results in a dog whose coat can vary from curly to wavy, depending on which parent’s genetics are more dominant, but it is consistently low-shedding. Schnoodles are known for their intelligence, playful nature, and affectionate personalities, making them adaptable and loving companions for a wide range of families.
Bedlington Terrier
Often likened to a lamb in a dog’s clothing due to its distinctive curly coat, the Bedlington Terrier is a small, elegant breed with a unique topknot and pom-pom ear tufts. Their minimal-shedding coat makes them a great option for allergy sufferers. Bedlington Terriers are deeply devoted to their human companions and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They are active dogs that enjoy playful activities and require regular exercise.
Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is one of the world’s oldest and rarest dog breeds. This breed comes in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and can be either hairless or covered in a short, smooth coat. Both varieties are considered hypoallergenic and are among the top breeds of dog that don’t shed. Xolos are known for being calm, attentive, and loyal companions, forming strong bonds with their families.
Whoodle
A Whoodle is a charming cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. These friendly dogs inherit the low-shedding characteristic from both parent breeds, resulting in a coat that minimizes allergens. Whoodles are intelligent, affectionate, and playful, making them wonderful family pets. They thrive on attention and activity, benefiting from regular exercise and engaging playtime to keep them happy and well-adjusted.
Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are a crossbreed of the Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. These large, gentle, and affectionate dogs are growing in popularity, especially among families with children and other pets, thanks to their friendly nature and low-shedding coats. Bernedoodles require plenty of exercise to stay active and healthy, making them ideal companions for active households that can meet their energy demands. Their soft, wavy or curly coats need regular grooming to prevent matting.
Shorkie
The Shorkie is a delightful mixed breed combining two low-shedding breeds: the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. These small, playful, and friendly dogs embody the best traits of both parent breeds. Shorkies are affectionate companions that thrive on close human interaction. Like most breeds on this list, their beautiful coats require a dedicated and regular grooming routine to keep them healthy and tangle-free.
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are striking dogs known for their elegant, long, flowing coats and slender, athletic builds. While their lavish coats might suggest otherwise, they are considered among the breeds of dog that don’t shed a lot, as their hair continuously grows rather than sheds seasonally. These sighthounds are built for speed and are one of the fastest dog breeds globally. Afghan Hounds are loving towards their families but can be aloof with strangers, so early and consistent socialization is crucial for their development.
Barbet
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful and active dog with a shaggy, woolly coat that sheds minimally. The breed’s name comes from the French word “barbe,” meaning beard, a nod to their characteristic hairy chin. These large, low-shedding dogs love to swim, thanks to their protective curly coats. To keep a Barbet’s coat in good condition, especially after water activities, regular brushing with a slicker or pin brush two to three times a week is necessary.
Shih-Poo
The Shih-Poo is a charming mixed breed resulting from a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, most commonly a Toy Poodle. This small pup is highly adaptable and can thrive in almost any living situation, provided they receive about 30 minutes of daily exercise and a good brushing session. Shih-Poos are known for being affectionate, playful, and intelligent, making them wonderful companions for individuals or families seeking a low-shedding, easy-to-manage dog.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchids are a rare and ancient dog breed, recognized for their unique, nearly hairless bodies, which makes them inherently hypoallergenic. They come in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and are the national dog of Peru. These elegant dogs are known for their loyal and protective nature, forming strong bonds with their families. Their hairless skin requires protection from sun exposure and cold weather.
Malshi
The Malshi is a joyful small mixed breed, a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu. These delightful dogs are known for their happy disposition and minimal shedding. Malshis thrive on close companionship and are happiest when their favorite humans are near. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful lapdogs and loyal family members, though their soft coats require consistent grooming to prevent tangles and mats.
Essential Tips for Living with a Low-Shedding Dog
Even when you choose one of the breeds of dog that don’t shed, there are still important considerations to ensure a clean home and manage potential allergens effectively. Living with a low-shedding dog requires dedication to certain practices to maintain an optimal environment for both you and your furry friend.
Keep Up With Grooming
Low-shedding dogs, while reducing hair around the house, often require more dedicated grooming to keep their coats healthy and minimize dander. Regular brushing is crucial for most non-shedding breeds to prevent matting and remove loose hair that gets trapped in their coats. Ideally, dogs should be groomed thoroughly every week and bathed every four to six weeks. Using a specialized shampoo, such as an anti-dander formula, can further help reduce pet dander. Many low-shedding breeds also necessitate regular trimming or hand-stripping by a professional groomer, or you can learn to perform these tasks at home if you have the time and tools. Budgeting for professional grooming or investing in home grooming supplies is an important part of owning these particular breeds.
Maintain a Clean House
Even with a low-shedding dog, maintaining a clean home environment is paramount to minimizing allergens. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter, dusting surfaces, and washing bedding (both yours and your dog’s) frequently will help control any lingering pet dander. Using air purifiers with HEPA filters and ensuring good ventilation throughout your home can also significantly reduce airborne allergens. Establishing a consistent cleaning routine can make a big difference in the comfort of allergy sufferers in the household.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you or a family member has dog allergies, managing these conditions is crucial, even when living with breeds of dog that don’t shed. Consulting with a healthcare provider or allergist is the best way to develop a comprehensive allergy management plan. They can recommend various treatments, including over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays, or allergy injections, tailored to your specific needs. It’s also wise to avoid close contact with a dog’s saliva or urine, as these can still trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, regardless of the breed’s shedding habits. Choosing from the best dog breeds that don’t shed a lot is a great first step, but a holistic approach to allergy management is key for long-term success.
Bringing a low-shedding dog into your life can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with allergies, allowing them to experience the profound joy and companionship of pet parenthood without the constant struggle of allergic reactions. By understanding the unique needs of these breeds and implementing proper grooming and home care, you can create a harmonious and allergen-managed environment for everyone.
