For many prospective dog owners, the dream of a furry companion is often met with concerns about shedding and temperament. Finding a dog that is both easy to live with and won’t leave a trail of hair across your home can seem like a challenge. The good news is that numerous easy going dog breeds that don’t shed exist, offering the best of both worlds: a calm demeanor and a low-maintenance coat. These breeds are often a perfect fit for allergy sufferers, those living in smaller spaces, or first-time pet parents seeking a gentle and manageable companion. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to these wonderful breeds and provide essential tips for their care.
Understanding “Easy-Going” and “Low-Shedding”
Before diving into specific breeds, it’s helpful to understand what “easy-going” and “low-shedding” truly mean in the context of dog ownership.
Low-Shedding Dogs: This term is often used interchangeably with “hypoallergenic,” though it’s important to remember that no dog is 100% allergen-free. Dogs produce allergens in their dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. However, low-shedding breeds typically have coats that minimize the release of dander into the environment. Their hair might grow continuously, like human hair, or have a curly, wiry texture that traps shed hair rather than releasing it. This significantly reduces the amount of loose hair and dander, making them a better fit for individuals with mild to moderate dog allergies.
Easy-Going Dogs: An easy-going dog is generally characterized by a calm, adaptable, and friendly temperament. These dogs are typically less prone to excessive barking, high energy levels that require constant strenuous exercise, or complex behavioral issues. They tend to be more relaxed in various living situations, good with children and other pets, and generally eager to please their owners. While all dogs benefit from training and socialization, easy-going breeds often adapt more readily to household routines and different lifestyles, making them ideal companions for those seeking a less demanding pet.
Top Easy-Going Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
Here’s a look at some of the best breeds that combine a minimal shedding coat with a wonderfully easy-going disposition.
Small & Sweet Companions
Many smaller breeds are renowned for their affectionate nature and adaptable personalities, making them perfect low-shedding, easy-going pets for apartments or families.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed known for its friendly temperament and luxurious, flowing coat that sheds minimally. These charming dogs thrive on human companionship and are typically adaptable to various living situations, from large homes to cozy apartments. Despite their thick coats, which require regular grooming to prevent matting, Shih Tzus are generally quite calm indoors and enjoy lounging with their families. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful pets for families with children and other animals, provided proper introductions are made. However, their flat faces can make them prone to certain health issues like overheating and breathing difficulties, so owners should be mindful of these sensitivities.
Brown and white Shih Tzu lying on a living room floor, looking relaxed
Bolognese
Hailing from Italy, the Bolognese is a delightful and genuinely easygoing pup. They are known for their playful yet gentle nature and their long, fluffy white coats that shed very little. Bolognese dogs have an excellent reputation for getting along well with children and other pets, making them fantastic family additions. Their adaptable nature allows them to fit seamlessly into almost any living situation, and their primary desire is to be close to their human companions. Regular grooming is essential to keep their unique coat in good condition, despite its characteristic messy appearance.
Maltese
The Maltese is another small, elegant breed celebrated for its luxurious white coat and affectionate, playful personality. These dogs are known to be wonderful companions, thriving on close interaction with their pet parents. While their long, silky hair requires dedicated grooming, many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to make maintenance easier. Maltese are generally good-natured and, with proper socialization, can be very adaptable. They make devoted and cheerful companions for those who can keep up with their grooming needs and offer plenty of cuddles.
Bichon Frise
With their cheerful disposition and curly, low-shedding coats, Bichon Frises are a popular choice for those seeking an easy-going companion. These small dogs are playful and affectionate, thriving on attention from their families. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, quickly mastering basic commands and even learning fun tricks. Bichons adapt well to different environments and are generally good with children and other pets, provided they are socialized from a young age. Their fluffy coat does require regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, Cotons de Tulear are aptly named “Royal Dog of Madagascar” and are celebrated for their soft, cotton-like, low-shedding coats and easygoing temperament. These pups are known for their gentle and playful nature, making them an excellent fit for families with children and other pets. Cotons are highly adaptable and thrive on companionship, enjoying both relaxed indoor activities and gentle outdoor play. Their good nature and affectionate disposition make them wonderful, low-stress companions.
Shorkie
The Shorkie is a mixed breed resulting from a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier – both low-shedding breeds. This combination often results in a small, playful, and friendly dog that inherits the best traits of its parents. Shorkies are typically adaptable and thrive on close companionship. While they are generally easy-going, they do require a consistent grooming routine to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free, much like their parent breeds.
Shih-Poo
A delightful mix of a Shih Tzu and a Poodle (often a Toy Poodle), the Shih-Poo is another small, low-shedding hybrid known for its adaptability and affectionate nature. These pups generally do well in almost any living situation, provided they receive about 30 minutes of daily exercise and regular brushing. They are friendly and enjoy being part of family activities, making them ideal companions for those looking for a gentle and manageable dog.
Malshi
The Malshi, a cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu, combines the best qualities of both gentle breeds. These happy, small dogs are known for their affectionate nature and thrive when their favorite humans are close by. They need close companionship to be truly content and are generally adaptable to various home environments. Regular grooming is crucial for maintaining their soft, low-shedding coats.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a distinctive small breed with two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Both varieties are considered hypoallergenic. The hairless type has smooth skin with tufts of hair on their head, tail, and paws, while the powderpuff has a long, silky coat. Despite their unique appearance, Chinese Cresteds are playful, affectionate, and make great companions. They are generally adaptable and enjoy being close to their families, making them suitable for many different households.
Intelligent & Adaptable Poodle Mixes
Poodles and their mixes are consistently popular choices for low-shedding properties, and many also boast intelligent and easy-going temperaments.
Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)
Poodles, in all three sizes—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—are iconic low-shedding dogs known for their exceptional intelligence. They are highly trainable and generally eager to please, making them quite adaptable companions. While the Standard Poodle was originally bred for hunting and is the largest, all Poodles benefit from mental stimulation and regular grooming to prevent their curly coats from matting. Their adaptable nature, coupled with their intelligence, makes them easy-going companions for various lifestyles, from active families to more relaxed households.
White Poodle walking through lush green grass, looking elegant
Labradoodle
A crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle was originally developed as a hypoallergenic service dog. They are renowned for their intelligence, friendly disposition, and gentle nature, making them excellent family pets. Labradoodles are highly trainable and, when properly socialized from an early age and well-exercised, exhibit an easy-going temperament. Their low-shedding coats vary depending on the Poodle influence but generally require regular grooming to stay healthy.
Goldendoodle
Another popular “doodle” breed, Goldendoodles are a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Like Labradoodles, they are highly intelligent, possess a friendly nature, and shed minimally. Many are known for their beautiful golden coats, but they can come in various colors and textures. Goldendoodles are generally very easy-going, affectionate, and good with children, making them fantastic family dogs. They require frequent grooming with a slicker brush to prevent matting.
Schnoodle
Combining two low-shedding breeds, the Schnoodle is a mix of a Schnauzer and a Poodle. Their coat can be curly or wavy, inherited from either parent, but it is consistently low-shedding. Schnoodles are often praised for their intelligence, friendly nature, and adaptability. They tend to be good-natured companions that fit well into diverse family settings, making them an excellent choice for those seeking an easy-going and low-maintenance furry friend.
Whoodle
A Whoodle is the result of crossing a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier with a Poodle. These dogs are known for being friendly, intelligent, and affectionate, inheriting these desirable traits from both parent breeds. They are also celebrated for their minimal shedding, making them suitable for allergy sufferers. Whoodles typically enjoy being part of family activities and are adaptable companions, though they do benefit from regular exercise to channel their energy.
Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are a cross between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. While larger, they are often described as having a friendly, affectionate nature and a gentle demeanor, making them popular with families. These large, low-shedding dogs are generally easy-going and good with children and other pets, provided they receive sufficient exercise to keep their active minds and bodies content. Their Poodle heritage ensures a low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming.
Active Yet Affectionate Breeds
Some breeds strike a balance between an active spirit and an easy-going temperament, offering low shedding alongside a love for adventure.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a smart and adaptable dog that fits well into many different living environments. Standing no more than 14 inches tall, these dogs are energetic but can be easy-going companions if their exercise needs are met. They typically require at least an hour of activity daily. Their wiry coat sheds minimally but requires regular grooming, including trimming or hand-stripping, to maintain its condition. Miniature Schnauzers are known for their spirited yet affectionate personalities, making them devoted family members.
Salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer wearing a pink harness in a park
Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs were originally bred as water retrievers, and their curly, woolly coats provide protection from chilly waters while shedding very little. Although less common than some other low-shedding breeds, Lagotti Romagnoli (the proper plural) are known to be good with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, which contributes to their easy-going nature, provided they receive enough mental and physical stimulation. Their coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting.
Barbet
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful pup with a shaggy, woolly coat that is low-shedding and protective, especially during their beloved swimming activities. Named after the French word for “beard” due to their characteristic hairy chin, Barbets are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. This breed loves to swim and enjoys an active lifestyle, but they are also affectionate and adaptable companions indoors. To keep their coat in good condition, particularly after water adventures, regular brushing with a slicker or pin brush is essential.
Portuguese Water Dog
This medium-sized breed was originally bred to assist fishermen, and their thick, curly coat is a distinguishing feature that sheds minimally. Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent, highly trainable, and friendly, making them popular low-shedding choices. While they are high-energy pups, their eager-to-please nature and focus make them manageable and generally easy-going within an active household. Regular exercise, especially activities involving water, keeps them happy and healthy. Bigger dogs that don’t shed a lot often combine strength with a manageable coat.
Essential Care Tips for Your Low-Shedding, Easy-Going Companion
Even low-shedding, easy-going dogs require consistent care to ensure their well-being and to maintain a comfortable living environment for both pet and owner.
Regular Grooming is Key
While these breeds shed less, “low-shedding” does not mean “no-grooming.” Many low-shedding breeds have continuously growing hair or dense, curly coats that can easily mat without proper care. Regular grooming is crucial:
- Brushing: Brush your dog several times a week, or even daily for some breeds, to remove loose hair, prevent tangles, and distribute natural oils.
- Bathing: Bathe your dog every four to six weeks, or as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Some special shampoos can also help reduce pet dander.
- Trimming/Clipping: Many of these breeds require regular professional grooming or at-home trimming to keep their coats at a manageable length and prevent matting. Hand-stripping might be necessary for certain wiry-coated terriers. Factor grooming costs or time into your budget.
Maintaining a Clean Living Environment
Even with a low-shedding dog, maintaining a clean home is important, especially for allergy sufferers.
- Vacuum and Dust: Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery, and dust surfaces to minimize any lingering dander.
- Wash Bedding: Wash your dog’s bedding, as well as your own, frequently.
- Air Purification: Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters and ensuring good ventilation in your home to reduce airborne allergens.
Understanding Temperament and Exercise Needs
While these breeds are generally easy-going, it’s vital to remember that individual dogs can vary, and all dogs benefit from appropriate physical and mental stimulation.
- Consistent Training & Socialization: Even the calmest pups benefit from early socialization and positive reinforcement training to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults.
- Tailored Exercise: “Easy-going” doesn’t necessarily mean “lazy.” Some breeds, like Portuguese Water Dogs or Miniature Schnauzers, still have moderate energy levels and require daily walks, playtime, or mental puzzles to stay content and prevent boredom-induced behaviors. Match your chosen breed’s activity needs to your lifestyle.
Consulting with Your Veterinarian
Managing your dog’s health and your own allergies (if applicable) is paramount. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for all dogs to ensure they are healthy and free from underlying issues that could affect their coat or behavior. If you or a family member have allergies, it’s also wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer advice on managing allergies, including medication, nasal sprays, or injections, and help you determine the best approach for living with a pet. Remember, avoiding close contact with your dog’s saliva or urine is also advisable for those with severe allergies, as these can also trigger reactions.
Bringing home an easy-going, low-shedding dog can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals and families, allowing them to experience the profound joy and companionship of pet parenthood with fewer concerns about allergies or high-strung behaviors. With proper care, these wonderful breeds offer a loving and manageable addition to almost any home.
