Finding the right dog breed can be a challenge, especially if you’re looking for a small companion that doesn’t leave a trail of fur throughout your home. Fortunately, many small dog breeds are known for shedding very little, making them ideal choices for allergy sufferers or those who simply dislike the hassle of constant cleanup. This guide explores various small dog breeds that shed minimally, helping you decide which might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher, whose name translates to “monkey-like terrier,” is a small breed known for its intelligence and distinctive appearance. Despite its compact size, this breed is fearless and makes an alert watchdog. The Affenpinscher’s wiry coat sheds very little and is also known for its lack of strong “doggy” odor. Maintaining their shaggy yet neat look requires only twice-weekly brushing with a slicker brush and comb. This low-maintenance canine is also recognized for its humorous personality.
Basenji
For those who appreciate hound dogs but are deterred by their typical odor and shedding, the Basenji might be an excellent choice. This small dog breed sheds minimally, and its short, fine coat requires little grooming beyond occasional brushing. Basenjis are also famously quiet, making them well-suited for apartment living, provided they receive sufficient daily exercise and playtime.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a truly non-shedding small dog breed. These playful and affectionate dogs are a great option for individuals with allergies. However, they do require consistent grooming. The Bichon Frise’s hair grows continuously and needs frequent professional grooming and regular brushing to maintain its characteristic fluffy appearance.
Bolognese
Similar to the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese boasts a distinctive fluffy coat. This coat is composed of hair rather than fur, and the Bolognese does not shed. However, dead hair needs to be brushed out regularly, and the coat requires daily grooming to keep these charming lap dogs looking their best.
Brussels Griffon
Despite its small stature, the Brussels Griffon is a robust dog that doesn’t require excessive pampering. Both the smooth-coated and rough-coated varieties of this breed shed minimally and benefit from regular grooming. Their small size means that daily walks and indoor play are generally sufficient to meet their exercise needs. This loyal breed thrives with families who spend a good amount of time at home.
Chinese Crested
One effective way to avoid shedding is to opt for a small, hairless dog breed. The Chinese Crested comes in two coat types: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless variety has hair only on its head, tail, and feet, while the powderpuff type is covered in fine hair that sheds very minimally. Hairless Chinese Crested dogs require special skin care, including protection from the sun and cold, as they are more susceptible to skin irritations.
Coton De Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is known for its distinctive, long, fluffy coat, often considered hypoallergenic. This makes it a suitable choice for allergy sufferers and those seeking a small dog with minimal shedding. While Coton de Tulears require daily grooming to maintain their coats, their lighthearted and gentle nature makes the grooming effort a rewarding experience.
Havanese
These charming dogs, originating from Cuba, offer owners their unique spunky personality along with a coat that doesn’t shed, reducing the need for constant lint rolling. The Havanese coat requires weekly brushing and regular baths to keep it clean and healthy, allowing for more time for play with these lively dogs.
Maltese
Maltese dogs have captivated people for millennia. This ancient breed from Malta has maintained its characteristics, partly due to its long, white coat, which sheds very little, making it an ideal lap dog. Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting, and occasional baths help keep their long, silky hair clean.
Lhasa Apso
This small dog breed from Tibet makes an excellent companion, known for being calm yet playful. The Lhasa Apso enjoys brisk walks and relaxing with its owner. Lhasa Apsos do not shed, but their coats require maintenance. Many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to simplify daily grooming and brushing of their long hair.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent, trainable, and cheerful small dog that closely resembles its Standard Schnauzer relatives. This terrier sheds very little, and its adaptability allows it to thrive in both urban and rural environments, as long as its family is nearby. Weekly brushing and regular grooming are recommended to keep Miniature Schnauzers looking their best.
Poodle
Poodles are often the first breed that comes to mind when discussing small, non-shedding dogs. Poodles are both non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Miniature and Toy Poodles offer these desirable traits in smaller, intelligent packages, differing from Standard Poodles only in size. All Poodles are highly intelligent, making them easy to train, and they are known for being active and proud. Their hair does require regular professional grooming.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is a bold, confident breed with a big personality. Their wiry, weather-resistant coat sheds very little, though they do require regular brushing, grooming, and occasional hand-stripping to maintain coat health and the breed’s outline. Scotties are intelligent and independent dogs with strong prey drives, so caution is advised around smaller animals.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu boasts a long and noble pedigree, having been a favored house pet of royalty. Known as “little lion dogs,” they come in various colors and patterns. Their long, silky hair sheds very minimally and looks regal when brushed out, befitting their aristocratic background. This sturdy and lively toy breed carries itself with an air of pride. Bred as house pets, their gentle and trusting nature makes them exceptional companions.
West Highland White Terrier
The coarse, white coat of the West Highland White Terrier, affectionately called Westies, sheds very little. This sturdy little dog is intelligent, loyal, happy, and highly entertaining. They possess a curious nature with moderate energy levels and an independent streak common to terriers, which can sometimes present a training challenge.
Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as the Mexican Hairless dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient and rare breed that can be either hairless or coated. The hairless variety has minimal hair on its head, while the coated variety has a very short, fine coat that sheds minimally. As with any hairless breed, the Xoloitzcuintli requires extra attention to its skin for protection against the elements. Xolos are attentive watchdogs and affectionate companions. While they enjoy physical activities like walks and vigorous play, they are also known for their tranquil demeanor at home.
Yorkshire Terrier
Sprightly, tomboyish, and affectionate, the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a toy breed brimming with personality. These spunky lap dogs are a popular choice for many reasons. Yorkshire Terriers do not shed, and their silky coats are beautiful when brushed daily, a task made easy by their small size. Despite their refined appearance, Yorkies have working-class roots, historically hunting rats in English mills. Today, they are just as content to sit on their owner’s lap as they are to chase a rodent.
Other Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
The Terrier group, in particular, offers many small dog breeds that shed little to none. Wiry- and coarse-haired Terriers generally shed less than other breeds, making them excellent choices for those seeking small dogs with minimal shedding.
It’s important to remember that even if a dog doesn’t shed much, it doesn’t mean it requires no maintenance. Thorough research into non-shedding dog breeds is crucial to find a dog that best suits your lifestyle and personality. To ensure your pet’s health, always purchase a dog from a reliable breeder, provide a high-quality diet, and schedule regular veterinary checkups.
