For many dog lovers, the idea of sharing their home with a furry friend is appealing, but the thought of constant shedding and airborne dander can be a significant deterrent. Whether you suffer from allergies, prefer a cleaner home, or simply want to minimize pet hair cleanup, finding dogs that don’t shed and are small can feel like searching for a hidden gem. Thankfully, a delightful array of petite pooches fit this description, offering companionship without the excessive fur. These breeds are often labeled “hypoallergenic,” meaning they produce less dander and hair, making them excellent choices for sensitive individuals. However, “non-shedding” doesn’t mean “no maintenance”; these breeds still require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to some of the best small, low-shedding dog breeds, helping you find the perfect furry addition to your family. If you’re also exploring options for larger breeds, you might find our article on hypoallergenic big dogs that don’t shed helpful.
Understanding “Non-Shedding”
Before diving into specific breeds, it’s important to understand what “non-shedding” truly implies. Most dogs have a coat of fur that grows to a certain length and then sheds, typically seasonally, to make way for new growth. “Non-shedding” dog breeds, on the other hand, usually have hair that grows continuously, much like human hair. This hair doesn’t fall out as readily, trapping loose strands within the coat rather than releasing them into your home environment. This characteristic is what makes them ideal for allergy sufferers and those seeking minimal cleanup. However, because the dead hair remains in the coat, it can lead to mats and tangles if not regularly brushed or groomed. Therefore, while shedding is reduced, grooming needs often increase.
Top Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (or Shed Minimally)
Here’s a look at some wonderful small dog breeds known for their low-shedding coats:
Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher with a curious expression, a small low-shedding terrier breed
The Affenpinscher, whose name translates to “monkey-like terrier,” is a small breed packed with personality. Known for their intelligence and bold nature despite their diminutive size, these delightful companions are fearless protectors of their homes. Their wiry coat is a significant advantage for those seeking dogs that don’t shed and are small, as it sheds very little and has almost no “doggy” odor. Weekly brushing with a slicker brush and comb is usually sufficient to keep their shaggy-yet-neat appearance. Beyond their low-shedding qualities, Affenpinschers are celebrated for their amusing antics and a keen sense of humor, making them entertaining additions to any household.
Basenji
Elegant Basenji dog, a small breed with a short, minimally shedding coat
For individuals who appreciate the elegant appearance of hounds but wish to avoid their typical odor and shedding habits, the Basenji is an excellent choice. This breed sheds minimally due to its short, fine coat, which requires little more than occasional brushing to maintain its pristine condition. Basenjis are also famously known as “barkless” dogs, instead emitting a unique yodel-like sound, which makes them highly suitable for apartment living. However, their active and intelligent nature means they thrive with daily exercise and playtime, making them a great fit for owners who can provide consistent mental and physical stimulation.
Bichon Frise
Fluffy white Bichon Frise sitting, a truly non-shedding small dog perfect for allergy sufferers
The Bichon Frise is truly a poster child among small dogs that don’t shed. These cheerful, playful, and affectionate dogs are considered an ideal breed for people with allergies, thanks to their continuously growing hair that traps dander and loose strands. However, their stunning “powder-puff” appearance comes with a commitment to grooming. Regular, even daily, brushing is essential to prevent mats, along with professional grooming appointments every few weeks to trim their coat. Despite the grooming needs, their charming personalities and loving nature make them incredibly rewarding companions.
Bolognese
Charming Bolognese dog with a distinctive long, fluffy, non-shedding coat
Similar to the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese boasts a distinctive fluffy coat composed of hair rather than fur, making it another excellent option for those searching for a non-shedding small dog. While they don’t shed, their beautiful coat requires diligent daily grooming to prevent tangles and keep them looking their best. These adorable lap dogs are known for their calm, devoted, and affectionate temperaments, thriving on human companionship. They are generally adaptable to various living situations, as long as they receive consistent attention and gentle care.
Brussels Griffon
Small Brussels Griffon with a rough coat, a minimal shedding breed with a distinctive beard
Despite their small stature, Brussels Griffons are sturdy dogs that don’t demand excessive pampering. Available in both smooth-coated and rough-coated varieties, both types are minimal shedders, especially the rough-coated ones, which tend to shed even less. Regular grooming is important to keep their coats in good condition. Their small size means their exercise needs can typically be met with daily walks and indoor play, making them suitable for apartment dwellers. Brussels Griffons are incredibly loyal and thrive in homes where their human companions are frequently present, offering a big personality in a compact, low-shedding package.
Chinese Crested
Hairless Chinese Crested dog showing its unique tufts of hair on head, tail, and paws
For the ultimate in low-shedding, the Chinese Crested offers a unique solution: the hairless variety. These striking dogs have hair only on their heads, tails, and feet, virtually eliminating shedding. There is also a “powderpuff” variety with a full coat of fine hair that sheds very minimally. The hairless type requires special skin care, including protection from sun and cold, and attention to prevent skin irritations. Both varieties are affectionate, playful, and thrive on human interaction. Their distinct appearance and minimal shedding make them a fascinating and practical choice for specific lifestyles.
Coton De Tulear
White Coton de Tulear with a long, fluffy, hypoallergenic coat, sitting gracefully
The Coton de Tulear is celebrated for its long, fluffy coat that resembles cotton, hence its name. This distinctive coat is considered hypoallergenic, making the Coton an excellent choice for allergy sufferers and anyone seeking a small dog that doesn’t shed. While their low-shedding nature is a major draw, these dogs do require daily grooming to prevent tangles and maintain the beauty of their coat. Their lighthearted, gentle, and intelligent nature, combined with their strong desire to please, makes the grooming effort well worth it. They are known for their charming personalities and adaptability to various family environments.
Havanese
Playful Havanese dog with a long, flowing, non-shedding coat, known for its spunky charm
These vibrant native Cuban dogs charm their owners with their spunky personalities and a coat that doesn’t shed. This means less time spent battling pet hair and more quality time romping with these playful companions. The Havanese’s flowing coat requires weekly brushing and regular baths to keep it clean, healthy, and free of mats. They are intelligent, easily trainable, and adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive adequate exercise and attention. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful family pets, thriving on being an integral part of daily life.
Maltese
Regal Maltese dog with its iconic long, silky white, low-shedding coat
With a history spanning three millennia, the Maltese has long captivated human hearts. This ancient dog of Malta has maintained its appeal, partly due to its long, flowing white coat that sheds very little, making it an ideal lap dog and companion. While shedding is minimal, their silky coats do require regular brushing to prevent mats from forming and occasional baths to keep them pristine. Maltese are gentle, playful, and fearless, carrying themselves with a regal air. They are highly adaptable and thrive on companionship, making them perfect for those seeking an elegant, low-shedding small dog.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso with its characteristic long hair parted down the middle, a calm non-shedding companion dog
Originating from Tibet, the Lhasa Apso is a small dog breed that makes an excellent, steadfast companion. These dogs are known for being calm yet playful, enjoying both brisk walks and relaxing on their owner’s lap. Lhasa Apsos are non-shedding, but their luxurious double coats demand consistent maintenance. Many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to reduce the daily grooming and brushing required for their long, flowing hair. Their independent but loyal nature means they form strong bonds with their families and can be excellent watchdogs, alerting to strangers with their distinctive bark. For a deeper dive into low-shedding breeds in general, consider reading about breeds of dogs that don’t shed.
Miniature Schnauzer
Alert Miniature Schnauzer with its distinctive beard and eyebrows, a smart, low-shedding terrier
The Miniature Schnauzer is a smart, trainable, and cheerful little dog that closely resembles its larger Standard Schnauzer cousin. This terrier sheds very little, making it a favorite among those seeking low-shedding small dogs. Their adaptability allows them to be equally at home in urban apartments or country houses, provided they are close to their human companions. To keep Miniature Schnauzers looking their best, weekly brushing and regular professional grooming (including stripping or clipping) are essential for maintaining their distinctive wiry coat. They are robust, energetic, and make excellent watchdogs, combining a playful spirit with a protective nature.
Poodle
Elegant Miniature Poodle with a meticulously groomed curly, non-shedding coat
When people think of dogs that don’t shed and are small, Poodles often come to mind, and for good reason. Miniature and Toy Poodles offer the highly desired non-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities in petite, intelligent packages. These smaller Poodles share the same remarkable intelligence, elegant demeanor, and active nature as their Standard counterparts, differing primarily in size. All Poodles are highly trainable and excel in various dog sports. Their curly, dense coats require consistent grooming, including daily brushing and professional clipping every 4-6 weeks, to prevent matting and maintain their iconic appearance.
Scottish Terrier
Confident Scottish Terrier with its wiry, weather-resistant, minimal shedding coat
The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as a Scottie, is a terrier breed recognized for its bold, confident, and big personality residing in a small body. Their wiry, weather-resistant coat sheds very little, contributing to a cleaner home environment. However, this coat does require regular brushing, grooming, and occasional hand-stripping to maintain its health and the breed’s distinctive outline. Scotties are clever and independent dogs with strong prey drives, which means owners should be mindful around smaller animals. They are loyal companions, often described as dignified, and while they can be stubborn, their charm is undeniable.
Shih Tzu
Majestic Shih Tzu with a flowing, silky, low-shedding coat, a loyal companion dog
With a long and illustrious pedigree, the Shih Tzu was once the favored house pet of the Chinese Tang Dynasty. These “little lion dogs” come in a variety of colors and patterns, all adorned with a long, silky coat that is very low-shedding. Their hair looks exceptionally regal when brushed out, living up to their royal ancestry. Despite their luxurious appearance, this toy breed is sturdy and lively, often described as having an arrogant carriage due to their proudly held heads and curling tails. Shih Tzus were bred solely as companion animals, and their gentle, trusting, and outgoing nature makes them exceptional family pets.
West Highland White Terrier
Cheerful West Highland White Terrier (Westie) with its coarse, white, low-shedding coat
The West Highland White Terrier, or “Westie” to its fans, possesses a coarse, distinctively white coat that sheds very little. This sturdy little dog is intelligent, loyal, happy, and highly entertaining, brimming with character. Westies are curious dogs with moderate energy levels, enjoying playtime and walks. They do exhibit an independent streak common among all terriers, which can sometimes make training a delightful challenge. Regular brushing and professional grooming help maintain their iconic appearance and keep their low-shedding coat healthy. For more options in low-shedding breeds, explore our article on breed of dogs that don’t shed hair.
Xoloitzcuintli
Hairless Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless dog) showing its unique skin and minimal hair
Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient and relatively rare breed that comes in both hairless and coated varieties. The hairless type, naturally, sheds minimally, retaining only a small amount of hair on their heads. The coated variety has a very short, fine coat that also sheds minimally. Like the Chinese Crested, hairless Xolos require extra attention to their skin for protection from the elements. Xolos are known for being attentive watchdogs and affectionate companions. While they enjoy physical activities, they are equally famous for their tranquil and calm personalities within the home, making them unique dogs that don’t shed and are small.
Yorkshire Terrier
Sprightly Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) with its long, silky, non-shedding coat
Sprightly, tenacious, and affectionate, the Yorkshire Terrier, often called the Yorkie, is a Toy breed brimming with personality. These spunky lap dogs are incredibly popular, and for good reason. Yorkshire Terriers do not shed, and their long, silky coats are stunning when brushed daily, a task made easy by their small size. Despite their regal carriage, Yorkies have working-class roots; these fearless terriers once hunted rats in English clothing mills. Today, they are just as happy lounging on a lap as they are engaging in playful antics, offering big dog confidence in a tiny, non-shedding package.
Other Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
Curious Border Terrier with a wiry coat, representing other small low-shedding terrier breeds
The Terrier group, in general, is a treasure trove of small dogs that don’t shed or shed minimally. Breeds with wiry and coarse hair typically shed less than those with other coat types, making many terriers ideal small dogs for people who prefer minimal shedding. Beyond the ones listed above, breeds like the Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Lakeland Terrier also fall into this category. These breeds often share the independent, spirited nature characteristic of terriers, along with their advantageous coat types. If you’re looking for athletic dogs that don’t shed, many terriers could be a great fit.
General Care Tips for Low-Shedding Small Dogs
Choosing a low-shedding small dog is a fantastic step towards a cleaner home and potentially fewer allergy symptoms. However, “non-shedding” does not equate to “no maintenance.” These dogs have specific care needs that are crucial for their health and well-being:
- Regular Grooming is Key: Because their hair grows continuously and loose strands are trapped, regular brushing (daily for some, several times a week for others) is essential to prevent painful mats and tangles. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is also often necessary for trimming and maintaining coat health.
- Dental Care: Small breeds are often prone to dental issues. Regular tooth brushing at home and professional dental cleanings as recommended by your vet are vital.
- Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Don’t let their size fool you; most small dogs are energetic and intelligent. They require daily exercise, walks, and mental challenges (like puzzle toys or training sessions) to stay happy and healthy.
- Nutrition: Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their size, age, and activity level. Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Annual veterinary visits are crucial for preventive care, vaccinations, and early detection of any health issues.
Conclusion
The quest for dogs that don’t shed and are small offers a rewarding journey into a diverse world of charming and adaptable companions. From the spirited Affenpinscher to the regal Maltese, each breed brings its unique personality and low-shedding coat to the table. While these breeds offer the benefit of less hair around the home and may be more suitable for allergy sufferers, remember that responsible pet ownership extends beyond coat type. Thoroughly researching a breed’s temperament, exercise needs, and grooming requirements is essential to ensure a harmonious match with your lifestyle. Always consider purchasing from a reliable breeder or adopting from a reputable rescue, providing a high-quality diet, and ensuring regular veterinary check-ups to safeguard your new companion’s health. With thoughtful consideration, you can welcome a wonderful, low-shedding small dog into your life, enriching your home with their boundless love and companionship.
