For many dog lovers, the dream of a furry friend is often challenged by allergies or the constant battle against shedding. While no dog is entirely “hypoallergenic,” many breeds produce significantly less dander and shed minimally, making them a suitable choice for sensitive individuals. Beyond shedding, many seek a companion with a calm and gentle demeanor, ideal for serene home environments or families with children. This guide explores some of the best list of dog breeds that don t shed that combine a low-shedding coat with a tranquil temperament, offering a harmonious blend of companionship and comfort.
Understanding “Hypoallergenic” and “Calm” in Dogs
The term “hypoallergenic” can be misleading. It doesn’t mean a dog is allergen-free, but rather that it produces fewer allergens. Most dog allergies are triggered by dander (flakes of dead skin), saliva, and urine, not just hair. Dogs labeled hypoallergenic typically have coats that shed less, which means fewer allergen-laden hairs are released into the environment. However, regular grooming is still essential to manage any dander and keep their coats healthy.
“Calmness” in a dog refers to a temperament characterized by a steady, even-keeled nature, good adaptability to various living situations, and a generally lower energy level compared to highly active breeds. These dogs are often content with moderate exercise and enjoy relaxing with their families, making them ideal companions for those seeking a more laid-back pet. A calm dog is less likely to be destructive, excessively vocal, or overwhelmed by changes in routine, contributing to a peaceful household.
Top Dogs That Don’t Shed and Are Known for Their Calm Temperament
When searching for a canine companion, finding a dog that doesn’t shed much and also possesses a calm disposition can be a perfect match for many households. These breeds offer the joy of dog ownership without the constant cleanup of hair or the need for perpetual high-energy activity. Here are some of the most suitable breeds, combining low shedding with a serene nature, making them excellent choices for quiet homes, apartment living, or individuals with a more relaxed lifestyle.
1. Poodle
Poodles are renowned for their low-shedding, curly coats and exceptional intelligence. While they are known for their active minds, Poodles, particularly the Standard Poodle, are often calm and dignified indoors, especially once they’ve had their daily exercise. The Miniature and Toy Poodles are equally intelligent and make charming, affectionate companions that adapt well to various living situations, making them best indoor dogs that don t shed. Their keen minds make them highly trainable, which contributes to their well-behaved and composed nature when properly stimulated. Regular grooming is crucial to prevent matting of their distinctive curls.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
These small, charming dogs are not only low-shedding but also surprisingly adaptable and can exhibit a calm demeanor when given proper attention and a stable environment. Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are affectionate and enjoy being close to their human companions. Despite their spunky terrier spirit, they are generally content with indoor activities and short walks, making them excellent apartment dwellers. Their long, silky hair, which is more like human hair, contributes to their minimal shedding.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, an ancient companion breed, is celebrated for its friendly temperament and luxurious, low-shedding coat. These small dogs are bred specifically for companionship and are typically calm and loving, thriving on human interaction. They are not overly demanding regarding exercise, making them perfect lap dogs that enjoy relaxed indoor living. Their flat faces mean they are prone to overheating, which naturally encourages a more sedate lifestyle, making them one of the gentler types of dogs who don t shed.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are smart and alert, possessing a robust and friendly nature. While they have a moderate energy level that requires daily walks and playtime, they are also known for their devoted companionship and calm behavior indoors once their exercise needs are met. Their wiry, low-shedding coat requires regular grooming, including hand-stripping or clipping, to maintain its distinctive appearance and minimize dander. These dogs are highly adaptable and make wonderful, composed additions to many families.
5. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer shares many admirable qualities with its miniature counterpart, simply in a larger form. These dogs are known for their intelligence and loyalty. While they are active and enjoy engaging in activities like long walks and playtime, they are also capable of being calm and well-mannered companions within the home, especially if they receive consistent training and sufficient mental and physical stimulation. Their expressive faces and watchful eyes convey their alert yet composed nature.
6. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers, as their name suggests, are the largest of the Schnauzer breeds. They are powerful and intelligent dogs that need plenty of exercise to be happy and well-adjusted. While they are energetic outdoors, they are known for their strong protective instincts and can be calm and devoted family members when properly trained and socialized. Their low-shedding, wiry coats contribute to their hypoallergenic appeal, making them a great choice for those seeking a larger, calm, non-shedding dog, provided their significant exercise requirements are met.
white poodle walking through grassA well-groomed white Poodle enjoying a calm stroll through the lush green grass.
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, playful, and affectionate small dog with a distinct curly, low-shedding coat. Despite their playful nature, Bichons are known for being remarkably adaptable and possess a calm demeanor, making them excellent companions for a variety of lifestyles, including apartment living. They are highly trainable and eager to please, often excelling in learning tricks, which contributes to their well-behaved and composed presence in the home. Their happy-go-lucky attitude is infectious, yet they are not typically hyperactive.
8. Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are unique in appearance, coming in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Both are considered hypoallergenic and can be very affectionate and calm companions. The hairless variety has smooth skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and paws, while the powderpuff has a soft, silky coat. These gentle dogs thrive on human companionship and are generally quiet and content to cuddle with their families, making them ideal for those seeking a serene and devoted pet.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen, Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable. While they are a medium-sized breed with significant energy needs, they are also known for their loyalty and can be calm and well-behaved indoors if they receive adequate physical and mental stimulation. Their thick, curly, low-shedding coat is a major plus for allergy sufferers. Engaging them in activities like swimming and fetch will help them maintain their composed temperament within the home.
10. Labradoodle
A crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle was originally developed as a hypoallergenic service dog. They are known for their friendly, intelligent, and gentle nature, making them good family dog breeds that don t shed. Labradoodles are highly trainable and affectionate, often exhibiting a calm disposition when well-exercised and socialized from a young age. Their low-shedding coats vary from wavy to curly and require regular grooming.
11. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles, a popular Poodle mix, inherit the best traits from their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. They are friendly, intelligent, and generally possess a calm and gentle nature, especially once past puppyhood and adequately exercised. These low-shedding dogs thrive on companionship and are known for their patient and amiable temperament, making them wonderful family pets. Regular grooming is essential for their varied coat types to prevent matting.
brown and white shih tzu lying on a living room floorA brown and white Shih Tzu relaxing calmly on a living room floor, showcasing its luxurious coat.
12. Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs were originally water retrievers, and their curly, woolly, low-shedding coats are well-suited for chilly waters. While less common, these dogs are known for being good with children and other pets, suggesting a generally calm and adaptable nature when integrated into a family. They are intelligent and eager to please, which contributes to their well-behaved disposition. Their unique coat requires consistent grooming to stay healthy.
13. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are small, spirited dogs known for their monkey-like expression. Despite their lively personality, they are often described as calm and amusing companions that thrive on interaction with their families. Their dense, wiry, low-shedding coat produces fewer allergens, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. While grooming requires attention, their generally composed nature makes them suitable for various living situations, including apartments.
14. Irish Water Spaniel
Friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable, Irish Water Spaniels are another water dog breed. They possess a thick, curly, low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming. While they have a high energy level and require substantial exercise, they are also known for their loyalty and can be calm and devoted family members within the home once their exercise needs are met. Their distinguished appearance and amiable nature make them unique companions.
15. Aussiedoodle
A cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, Aussiedoodles are intelligent and energetic. While they are active dogs, they are also highly trainable and eager to please, meaning they can be calm and well-mannered indoors if provided with ample physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their low-shedding coats come in various patterns and textures. For an Aussiedoodle to be a truly calm companion, daily engagement with activities and enrichment toys is key to prevent boredom.
16. Bolognese
Bolognese dogs are charming, easygoing pups originating from Italy. They are known for their long, fluffy white coats that shed minimally. These small, playful, and affectionate dogs have a reputation for getting along well with children and other pets, indicating a calm and adaptable nature. Bolognese thrive on companionship and are content to be close to their families, fitting well into various living situations, from bustling homes to quiet apartments.
white bolognese dog sitting in an autumn forestA fluffy white Bolognese dog sits serenely amidst the colorful foliage of an autumn forest.
17. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, elegant dog renowned for its luxurious white coat, which is low-shedding and hypoallergenic. These affectionate and playful companions are also known for their gentle and calm demeanor, especially when they receive enough attention and moderate daily activity. They thrive on close companionship and are often content to be lap dogs, making them perfect for individuals or families seeking a quiet and loving canine friend. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their beautiful long hair.
18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
As the name implies, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has an incredibly soft, silky coat that sheds minimally. These medium-sized Irish terriers are known for their joyful and affectionate personalities. While they maintain a good energy level throughout their lives, they are also highly trainable and, with consistent exercise and mental engagement, can be very calm and well-behaved companions in the home. Their devoted nature makes them excellent family dogs who enjoy being involved in household activities.
19. Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, Cotons de Tulear are small, easygoing dogs with soft, cotton-like, low-shedding coats. They are known for their good nature, which makes them a wonderful fit for families with children and other pets. Cotons are generally calm and adaptable, thriving on companionship and bringing joy and serenity to their homes without excessive energy demands. They are intelligent and eager to please, which aids in their calm and composed behavior.
20. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a crossbreed combining two hypoallergenic breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Their coat can be curly or wavy and is always low-shedding. These intelligent and playful dogs often inherit a balanced temperament, being lively when playing but calm and affectionate indoors, especially when their exercise needs are met. Their adaptability and eagerness to learn contribute to their well-mannered and composed presence in the family.
21. Bedlington Terrier
Often likened to a lamb in a dog’s clothing, the Bedlington Terrier is a distinctive, curly-haired breed that sheds very little. They are deeply affectionate with their families and thrive on close human contact. While they are terriers and possess a lively spirit, Bedlingtons are also known for being calm and quiet companions indoors, particularly if they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are loving and devoted, making them a gentle addition to the right home.
white bedlington terrier running through snowA striking white Bedlington Terrier energetically running through a snowy landscape.
22. Xoloitzcuintli
Mexican Hairless Dogs, or Xoloitzcuintli (Xolos), are an ancient and rare breed known for their hypoallergenic qualities, whether hairless or short-coated. These dogs come in three sizes and are known for their calm, serene, and intelligent nature. Xolos are devoted to their families and can be surprisingly tranquil companions, often described as quiet and attentive. They require minimal grooming for their hairless variety, and their composed temperament makes them excellent housemates.
23. Whoodle
A Whoodle is a delightful cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. These friendly dogs inherit the low-shedding coat from both parents and often boast an intelligent and affectionate nature. Whoodles tend to be playful but can also settle down and be calm companions, especially when given opportunities for daily exercise and mental engagement. Their balanced temperament makes them adaptable and well-suited for family life.
24. Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are a popular crossbreed between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, known for their friendly, affectionate nature and gentle demeanor. These large, low-shedding dogs are often a popular choice for families with children and other pets due to their calm and patient temperament. While they need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, they are generally composed and enjoy being an integral part of their family’s activities, offering a wonderful balance of playfulness and serenity.
25. Shorkie
The Shorkie, a mix of a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier, combines the best traits of two hypoallergenic breeds. These small, playful, and friendly dogs are known for their loving nature and their ability to adapt to various living situations. Shorkies are often described as having a calm presence, content to cuddle and enjoy quiet time with their families, making them charming and low-maintenance companions in terms of their energy levels.
tan and black shih tzu and yorkie mix sitting on a hiking trailA small tan and black Shorkie mix dog sitting attentively on a hiking trail.
26. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are striking dogs known for their long, flowing, low-shedding coats and aristocratic appearance. While they are built for speed and require regular opportunities to run and exercise, they are also known to be calm and dignified indoors. They can be loving toward their family, though often aloof with strangers, highlighting their composed yet independent nature. Consistent early socialization is key to fostering their well-mannered disposition.
27. Barbet
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful dog with a shaggy, woolly, low-shedding coat. These big hypoallergenic dogs love to swim and are known for their amiable and calm temperament, especially when they receive enough mental and physical stimulation. Their protective curly coat and generally happy disposition make them wonderful family companions who are typically gentle and well-behaved indoors. Regular brushing is essential to keep their unique coat in good condition.
28. Shih-Poo
The Shih-Poo is a charming mixed breed, typically a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle. These small, low-shedding pups often inherit the calm and adaptable nature of both parent breeds. Shih-Poos can thrive in almost any living situation, enjoying a balance of moderate exercise and plenty of cuddle time with their human companions. Their friendly and gentle disposition makes them wonderful, serene household pets, perfect for those seeking a quiet companion.
29. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchids are rare, ancient dogs known for their hypoallergenic qualities, thanks to their nearly hairless bodies. They come in various sizes and are the national dog of Peru. These intelligent dogs are described as calm, watchful, and deeply devoted to their families. They are typically quiet and prefer a peaceful environment, making them excellent, composed companions for those who appreciate their unique qualities and serene temperament.
30. Malshi
As a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu, the Malshi is a happy, small, and low-shedding dog. They are particularly known for their loving and calm nature, thriving on close companionship with their favorite humans. Malshis are not overly demanding in terms of exercise, making them ideal lap dogs that enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Their friendly and gentle disposition ensures they fit seamlessly into homes seeking a quiet, affectionate, and low-shedding canine friend.
Living Harmoniously with a Low-Shedding, Calm Dog
Bringing a low-shedding and calm dog into your home can significantly improve your quality of life, especially if you have allergies or prefer a peaceful environment. However, even these breeds require specific care to maintain their hypoallergenic qualities and gentle temperaments.
Keep Up With Grooming
Even though these dogs shed minimally, regular grooming is paramount. Low-shedding coats, particularly curly or wiry ones, can easily tangle and mat, trapping dander and potentially causing skin issues. Weekly brushing, and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks (including trimming or hand-stripping), is often necessary. Regular bathing with a mild, dog-specific shampoo helps to remove dander and keep the coat clean, further minimizing allergen spread.
Maintain a Clean Home
To truly minimize allergens and create a serene environment, maintaining a clean home is crucial. Regularly vacuuming carpets and upholstery, dusting surfaces, and washing bedding will help reduce any lingering pet dander. Using air purifiers with HEPA filters and ensuring good ventilation can also significantly improve indoor air quality, making the living space more comfortable for everyone, including those with sensitivities.
Consider Your Health
If you have dog allergies, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider before bringing any dog home, even a low-shedding one. They can provide advice on managing allergies, which might include medication, nasal sprays, or immunotherapy. While these dogs are less likely to trigger severe reactions, it’s still important to avoid close contact with their saliva or urine, as these also contain allergens. With proper management and care, you can experience the joy of companionship without constant allergic reactions.
Choosing a dog that doesn’t shed and is calm offers the best of both worlds: a clean home and a serene, loving companion. These breeds bring immense joy and affection, fitting harmoniously into a variety of lifestyles while alleviating common concerns about allergies and high-energy demands. With dedicated care and a clear understanding of their needs, these wonderful dogs can become cherished members of your family, bringing peace and happiness to your home.
