Bringing a dog into your family is an exciting journey, but for many, the joy can be overshadowed by concerns about shedding and potential allergies. While no dog is entirely “allergen-free,” and all dogs shed to some extent, many breeds are renowned for their low-shedding coats, making them ideal companions for families seeking a cleaner home and reduced allergen exposure. These breeds not only keep your floors tidier but often boast temperaments that blend seamlessly into a family dynamic, offering intelligence, affection, and trainability.
If you’re looking for a furry friend who’ll be a beloved family member without leaving a carpet of fur in their wake, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to some of the best family dogs that don’t shed much, detailing their unique characteristics, family compatibility, and grooming needs.
Understanding “Low Shedding” vs. “Hypoallergenic”
The terms “low shedding” and “hypoallergenic” are often used interchangeably, but it’s important to understand the distinction, especially when choosing a family dog.
All dogs produce dander (tiny flakes of skin), saliva, and urine, which contain proteins that trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. “Hypoallergenic” dogs are generally breeds that produce fewer allergens or shed less dander and hair, thus distributing fewer allergens into the environment. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, and individual reactions can vary.
“Low shedding” specifically refers to breeds that lose minimal hair. This trait is highly desirable for families because it means:
- Less fur around the house: Fewer stray hairs on furniture, clothes, and floors, simplifying cleaning.
- Reduced allergen dispersal: While dander is still present, less hair shedding often means less dander is released into the air and around the home, which can significantly benefit family members with mild allergies.
- Easier grooming: While many low-shedding dogs require regular professional grooming or brushing to prevent matting, the absence of heavy shedding often makes daily maintenance more manageable for busy families.
Choosing a low-shedding dog can greatly improve the living experience for many families, offering the companionship of a canine without the constant battle against dog hair. For more options, explore some good family dogs that don’t shed much.
What Makes a Dog a Great “Family Dog”?
Beyond shedding, a truly great family dog possesses a combination of traits that allow them to thrive in a home environment, interacting positively with adults, children, and potentially other pets. When considering various breeds, families often look for:
- Temperament: A gentle, patient, and friendly disposition is paramount. Dogs that are good with children are typically tolerant of noise, playful, and less prone to nipping or aggression.
- Energy Level: A moderate energy level often works best, allowing for playtime and walks but also content to relax indoors. Very high-energy dogs might overwhelm younger children or require more commitment than some families can offer.
- Trainability: Intelligent and eager-to-please dogs are easier to train, which is crucial for establishing good manners and ensuring safety around kids.
- Social Nature: A dog that enjoys companionship and forms strong bonds with its human family members will integrate well into daily family life.
- Adaptability: Breeds that can adapt to various living situations (apartment vs. large house) and family dynamics are often more versatile.
Combining these “family-friendly” traits with a low-shedding coat helps create the perfect canine companion for many households.
Top Family Dogs That Don’t Shed Much
Here’s an extensive list of dog breeds known for their low-shedding qualities and excellent suitability as family pets.
1. Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—making them adaptable to various family settings. They are renowned for their exceptional intelligence, trainability, and playful nature, making them wonderful companions for children and an excellent family dog that doesn’t shed much. Their curly, dense coat sheds minimally but requires regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting. Poodles thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy being active participants in family life.
white poodle walking through grass
2. Yorkshire Terrier
These small, spunky dogs are full of personality and affection. Yorkies are surprisingly adaptable, fitting into apartments or larger homes, provided they receive ample attention and love from their family. Their fine, silky hair is more like human hair and sheds very little, making them a popular choice for families seeking a small non-shedding family dog. They are brave and lively, often acting like bigger dogs in tiny packages, and enjoy being close to their people.
3. Shih Tzu
An ancient companion breed, the Shih Tzu is known for its friendly, outgoing temperament and luxurious flowing coat. Despite their thick hair, they are low-shedders, requiring daily brushing to keep their coat in top condition. Shih Tzus are affectionate lapdogs who love being part of the family, making them superb companions for children and adults alike. Families should be aware of their brachycephalic (flat-faced) characteristics, which can lead to breathing issues and overheating.
brown and white shih tzu lying on a living room floor
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are sturdy, smart, and spirited dogs that adapt well to many living situations, from city apartments to country homes. They are good with respectful children and possess a protective, loyal nature towards their family. Their wiry double coat sheds minimally but needs regular clipping or hand-stripping to stay neat. These dogs are active and enjoy daily exercise, making them a great fit for families who enjoy outdoor activities.
5. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer offers all the charm of the Miniature in a larger, more robust package. They are intelligent, highly trainable, and devoted to their families, often forming strong bonds with children. With their low-shedding, wiry coat, they require consistent grooming. Standard Schnauzers are energetic and playful, needing significant daily exercise and mental stimulation, making them ideal for active families.
gray standard schnauzer standing in a field
6. Giant Schnauzer
As the largest of the Schnauzer breeds, Giant Schnauzers are powerful, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. Despite their imposing size, they are affectionate with their family members and can be good with older, respectful children. Their hard, wiry coat sheds very little but requires professional grooming. These dogs are highly energetic and need extensive daily exercise and mental challenges to thrive, suiting experienced, very active families.
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, playful, and incredibly affectionate small dog. Their charming personality makes them excellent family pets, particularly good with children due to their gentle and joyful demeanor. Their soft, curly double coat is low-shedding but needs daily brushing to prevent matting and regular professional grooming. Bichons are intelligent and highly trainable, eager to please, and make delightful companions.
white bichon frise dog looking up in the grass
8. Chinese Crested
Known for their unique appearance, Chinese Cresteds come in hairless and “powderpuff” varieties, both of which are low-shedding. The hairless variety has tufts of hair on its head, tail, and paws, while the powderpuff has a full, soft coat. They are playful, affectionate, and devoted to their families, making them good companions, even for first-time owners. They are quite adaptable and thrive on companionship.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen, these medium-sized dogs are intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable. Their thick, curly coat is low-shedding and water-resistant, but requires regular grooming to keep it healthy. Portuguese Water Dogs are friendly, loyal, and excellent with children, making them fantastic choices for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures like swimming and hiking. This is a popular medium sized dog that doesn’t shed and thrives in an active household.
black and white portuguese water dog wearing a red maple leaf bandana in front of water
10. Labradoodle
A delightful crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle was initially bred as a hypoallergenic service dog. They combine the friendly, outgoing nature of the Lab with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. Labradoodles are gentle, highly trainable, and make excellent family pets, getting along well with children and other animals, especially when socialized early.
11. Goldendoodle
Another popular “doodle” breed, Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They inherit the friendly, amiable disposition of the Golden Retriever and the low-shedding, intelligent traits of the Poodle. Goldendoodles are known for their patient and loving nature, making them wonderful companions for families with children. Their wavy to curly coats require regular grooming to prevent matting.
goldendoodle lying on a couch with a person sitting in the background
12. Lagotto Romagnolo
Hailing from Italy, these ancient water retrievers possess a curly, woolly coat that protected them from cold waters and sheds minimally. Lagotto Romagnolos are known for being affectionate, intelligent, and generally good with children and other pets, making them a unique and charming addition to a family. They are energetic and require mental stimulation, often excelling in dog sports.
13. Affenpinscher
These “monkey-like” terriers are small, playful, and fiercely loyal to their families. Their dense, wiry coat sheds very little, but requires specialized grooming like hand-stripping to maintain its texture. Affenpinschers are amusing and confident, often getting along well with older, considerate children who understand how to interact with a small dog.
14. Irish Water Spaniel
Intelligent, active, and possessing a wonderful sense of humor, the Irish Water Spaniel is a unique and captivating breed. Their dense, water-repellent curly coat sheds minimally but demands consistent grooming. They are friendly and playful, making them great family dogs for active households that can provide plenty of exercise and engagement.
15. Aussiedoodle
A blend of an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, Aussiedoodles are known for their intelligence, high energy, and affectionate nature. Their low-shedding coats can vary in texture. They are excellent family dogs for those who can commit to providing ample exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training, as a bored Aussiedoodle can become destructive.
standard aussiedoodle dog standing on a beach
16. Bolognese
These charming small dogs from Italy are known for their long, fluffy white coats that, despite their appearance, shed very little. Bolognese are sweet-natured, playful, and easygoing, making them excellent companions for families, even those with young children or other pets. They thrive on companionship and adapt well to various living situations, embodying the spirit of a dedicated family friend.
17. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, elegant dog renowned for its luxurious, silky white coat that sheds minimally. They are affectionate, playful, and thrive on human companionship, making them wonderful lapdogs and family members. While their grooming needs are significant, many families opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to simplify maintenance. Maltese are good with respectful older children.
woman holding a white maltese dog on a bed
18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
True to their name, these Irish terriers have incredibly soft, silky coats that shed minimally. Wheatens are known for their joyous and outgoing personalities, often referred to as “wheaten greetings.” They are playful, affectionate, and good with children, making them active and loving family pets. They require regular brushing to keep their coat free of mats.
19. Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a small, charming dog with a soft, cotton-like coat that sheds very little. They are known for their affectionate, playful, and easygoing nature, making them excellent family companions. Cotons are particularly good with children and other pets, adapting readily to various household environments and bringing joy to those around them. This is another dog breed that doesn’t shed much, perfect for many households.
20. Schnoodle
A delightful cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle, the Schnoodle combines two low-shedding breeds. Their coat can be curly or wavy, and they are typically intelligent, playful, and affectionate. The Schnoodle’s temperament can vary depending on which parent breed they favor, but they generally make adaptable and loving family pets that enjoy being involved in household activities.
21. Bedlington Terrier
Often described as “a lamb in a dog’s clothing,” the Bedlington Terrier has a distinctive curly, woolly coat that sheds minimally. These elegant dogs are loving and devoted to their families, enjoying being close to their people. They are playful and can be good with children, though they do have a terrier’s spirited nature. Bedlingtons thrive with companionship and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
white bedlington terrier running through snow
22. Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli comes in hairless and coated varieties, both of which are low-shedding. This ancient and rare breed is known for its calm, loyal, and protective nature, making them excellent watchdogs and devoted family members. They form strong bonds with their families and are generally good with children when properly socialized.
23. Whoodle
A cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle, the Whoodle is a friendly, intelligent, and affectionate dog that sheds very little. They inherit the best traits from both parents, including a playful spirit and a loving disposition. Whoodles are generally good with children and enjoy being active participants in family life, making them lively and devoted companions.
24. Bernedoodle
Combining the gentle giants, Bernese Mountain Dogs, with intelligent Poodles, Bernedoodles are known for their friendly, affectionate, and patient nature. Their low-shedding coats can be wavy or curly, and they often inherit the Bernese’s calm demeanor. These large, teddy-bear-like dogs are exceptionally good with children and other pets, making them a popular choice for families looking for a large, gentle companion that doesn’t shed much. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
large bernedoodle dog lying in grass with his tongue out
25. Shorkie
The Shorkie is a mixed breed combining the best qualities of the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier. These small, playful, and friendly dogs are low-shedding and thrive on human companionship. Their adaptable nature makes them suitable for various living situations, and they are typically good with children who understand how to interact gently with small dogs. Regular grooming is essential for their long, silky coats.
26. Afghan Hound
With their striking appearance and long, flowing coat, Afghan Hounds are truly majestic. Despite their luxurious hair, they are low-shedders, though their coat requires extensive daily grooming. Afghan Hounds are known for being aloof yet deeply affectionate with their immediate family. They are generally good with older, respectful children and require consistent socialization from a young age due to their independent nature.
27. Barbet
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful, shaggy dog with a woolly, curly coat that sheds minimally. Known for their “beard,” they are affectionate, intelligent, and love to swim. Barbets are generally good with children and other pets, making them adaptable and loving family dogs for those who enjoy an active lifestyle and don’t mind their grooming requirements to keep their protective coat healthy.
close-up of a curly red barbet dog face
28. Shih-Poo
A charming mix of a Shih Tzu and a Poodle (most commonly a Toy Poodle), the Shih-Poo is a small, affectionate, and adaptable dog. Their low-shedding coat can vary in texture. Shih-Poos are known for their playful and loving personalities, making them excellent companions for families of all sizes. They generally get along well with children and other pets and require daily brushing to prevent matting.
29. Peruvian Inca Orchid
This ancient and rare breed comes in hairless and coated varieties, both considered low-shedding. The hairless variety, in particular, is an excellent choice for those seeking minimal hair. Peruvian Inca Orchids are known for their noble, attentive, and affectionate nature towards their families. They can be reserved with strangers but form strong bonds with their human companions, making them loyal family protectors.
30. Malshi
A cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu, the Malshi is a happy, outgoing, and highly affectionate small dog. Their low-shedding coat is soft and often long, requiring regular grooming. Malshis thrive on close companionship and are known for their gentle nature, making them wonderful lapdogs and loving family members. They are typically good with children and adapt well to various home environments.
Living Happily with Your Low-Shedding Family Dog
Choosing a low-shedding breed is a great first step, but ongoing care is essential to ensure a harmonious environment for both your family and your new canine companion.
Keep Up With Grooming
Even low-shedding dogs require regular grooming. Many of these breeds have coats that continue to grow, making them prone to matting without proper care.
- Regular 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 4-6 weeks using a suitable dog shampoo to keep their coat clean and reduce dander. Consider special anti-dander shampoos if allergies are a significant concern.
- Professional Grooming: Many low-shedding breeds benefit from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks for clipping, trimming, and dematting. Factor this into your budget and time commitment.
Maintain a Clean Home
Even with a low-shedding dog, allergens and stray hairs can accumulate.
- Vacuum Regularly: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter on carpets and upholstery.
- Dust Frequently: Dust surfaces to remove airborne dander.
- Wash Bedding: Regularly wash your dog’s bedding, your own bedding, and any throws or blankets they use.
- Air Purification: Consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters to help remove airborne allergens.
- Good Ventilation: Keep your home well-ventilated to circulate fresh air.
Talk to Your Doctor
If family members have dog allergies, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer advice on managing allergies, including medication, nasal sprays, or immunotherapy. While a low-shedding dog can significantly reduce allergen exposure, completely eliminating allergens is often impossible. Avoiding close contact with a dog’s saliva or urine, which also contain allergens, is also important.
Bringing a low-shedding dog into your family can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering all the joy and companionship of a pet with fewer concerns about excessive shedding and allergies. With proper care and understanding, these breeds can truly enhance your family’s quality of life. For further insights into selecting the perfect companion, explore the best family dogs that don’t shed much.
References
- American Kennel Club (AKC) Breed Information. Available at: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/
- PetMD. Available at: https://www.petmd.com/
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) – Pet Allergens. Available at: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/allergens/pets/index.cfm
