For many dog lovers, the dream of owning a canine companion is often hindered by allergies. The good news is that numerous inside dog breeds don’t shed much, making them excellent choices for individuals and families sensitive to pet dander. While no dog is truly 100% allergen-free, these breeds produce significantly less dander, hair, and saliva-borne allergens, creating a more comfortable living environment. Choosing the right low-shedding breed means you can enjoy the companionship of a dog without the constant battle against shedding hair and allergy symptoms. This guide explores some of the best indoor dogs that don’t shed, detailing their characteristics, grooming needs, and why they make wonderful additions to homes seeking a cleaner, allergy-friendlier pet experience.
Understanding what makes a dog suitable for allergy sufferers and minimizing shedding is crucial. It’s often misunderstood that a “hypoallergenic” dog is one that doesn’t shed. In reality, all dogs produce dander, a common allergen found in skin cells, saliva, and urine. However, certain breeds are specifically known for their low-shedding coats, which naturally release fewer allergens into the environment. These breeds often have hair that grows continuously, similar to human hair, rather than shedding in cycles. This characteristic makes them a best indoor dog that doesn t shed option for many.
What Defines a Low-Shedding Dog?
The term “low-shedding” refers to dogs that lose very little hair compared to other breeds. These dogs typically have hair instead of fur, or a unique coat texture that traps shed hair rather than releasing it into the environment. This significantly reduces the amount of dander and hair around your home, making them ideal for indoor living and individuals with allergies. Regular grooming is still essential for these breeds to prevent matting and maintain coat health, as the shed hair remains trapped within their growing coat.
Top Inside Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
Many breeds, from tiny companions to larger, more active dogs, fit the low-shedding profile. Each offers a unique blend of temperament, energy levels, and grooming requirements, ensuring there’s a perfect match for almost any household.
Poodle: The Quintessential Non-Shedding Breed
Poodles are renowned for their intelligence and elegant appearance, but they are equally famous for their hypoallergenic, non-shedding coats. Available in Standard, Miniature, and Toy sizes, there’s a Poodle for every living situation. These highly intelligent dogs require regular grooming to keep their curly coats free of tangles and mats. Their adaptable nature and eagerness to please make them excellent indoor companions, thriving on mental stimulation and quality time with their families. The Standard Poodle, originally bred for hunting, is the largest, while the Miniature and Toy Poodles were developed as smaller versions. Regardless of size, consistent brushing is key to maintaining their distinctive curls.
White Poodle walking through grass
Yorkshire Terrier: Spunky and Compact Companions
Little Yorkies are beloved for their spunky personalities and silky, non-shedding coats. These cute dogs adapt wonderfully to various living situations, from spacious homes to cozy apartments, provided they receive ample attention and affection from their owners. Their small size makes them perfect indoor pets, and their vibrant character ensures there’s never a dull moment. Regular brushing is necessary to keep their fine hair from tangling, preserving its beautiful texture.
Shih Tzu: Ancient Lapdogs with Luscious Locks
The Shih Tzu, an ancient companion breed, is another excellent choice for those seeking an inside dog that doesn’t shed. Known for their luxurious double coat and friendly temperament, Shih Tzus are affectionate and enjoy being at the center of family life. While their thick coat is low-shedding, it demands consistent grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Their flat faces can predispose them to certain health issues like overheating and breathing difficulties, so owners should be mindful of these considerations, especially during warmer weather. Eye cleaning wipes can help manage tear stains, a common issue for the breed.
Miniature Schnauzer: Smart and Spirited
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, yet they possess a robust and intelligent nature. Standing no more than 14 inches tall, these dogs fit seamlessly into many different indoor environments. Their wiry, low-shedding coat requires regular grooming, including stripping or clipping, to maintain its characteristic texture. Miniature Schnauzers are smart and energetic, needing at least an hour of exercise daily to stay happy and well-behaved. Their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs, and their affectionate disposition solidifies their role as cherished family members.
Salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer wearing a pink harness in a park
Standard Schnauzer: A Medium-Sized, Non-Shedding Option
Sharing many qualities with their miniature counterparts, Standard Schnauzers offer a similar low-shedding experience in a larger package. These dogs can weigh up to 45 pounds and are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts. They thrive on activity and enjoy long walks, games of fetch, and engaging with puzzle toys. Their dense, wiry coat requires consistent grooming to keep it in prime condition. For those seeking smart medium-sized dogs that don t shed, the Standard Schnauzer is a fantastic choice, combining a low-shedding coat with a substantial presence.
Giant Schnauzer: The Big and Bold Low-Shedder
For those who prefer a larger canine presence without the shedding woes, the Giant Schnauzer is an impressive option. Capable of reaching over 27 inches in height and weighing up to 85 pounds, these dogs are among the biggest low-shedding breeds. They are highly energetic and require significant exercise, including long walks, runs, and hikes, to remain content. Their imposing size and protective nature make them excellent guardians, while their intelligence ensures they are highly trainable. Regular grooming is crucial for their coarse, wiry coat.
Bichon Frise: Playful Puffs of White
The Bichon Frise is a small, playful, and affectionate pup with a curly, low-shedding coat. Their cheerful disposition and high intelligence make them quick learners, easily mastering basic commands and fun tricks with positive reinforcement. Bichons thrive on companionship and are well-suited for indoor living, bringing joy and laughter to their families. Their fluffy white coats require daily brushing to prevent matting and regular professional grooming to maintain their characteristic “powder puff” appearance. This breed is a perfect example of white cute dog breeds in india price if one were considering international adoption.
Chinese Crested: Unique and Allergen-Friendly
The Chinese Crested is a small breed recognized for its distinctive appearance, offering both hairless and powderpuff varieties. The hairless version has smooth skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and paws, while the powderpuff is covered in long, silky hair. Both varieties are considered low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Playful, affectionate, and loyal, the Chinese Crested makes a wonderful companion. The hairless variety requires skin care, while the powderpuff needs regular grooming to maintain its coat.
Black hairless Chinese Crested looking at the camera
Portuguese Water Dog: Active and Intelligent Water Lovers
Originally bred as aids to fishermen, Portuguese Water Dogs are medium-sized, highly intelligent, and active dogs with thick, curly, low-shedding coats. Their love for water and high energy levels mean they require significant regular exercise, making them excellent companions for active families. They are highly trainable and friendly, thriving on engagement and activity. Playing fetch with floating toys is an ideal way to tire out these water-loving pups, ensuring they remain happy and healthy in an indoor setting.
Labradoodle: The Friendly Poodle Mix
The Labradoodle, a popular crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, was originally developed as a low-shedding service dog. These intelligent, friendly, and gentle dogs make excellent family pets, especially when well-exercised and socialized from an early age. Their coats can vary from wavy to curly, and while they are generally low-shedding, grooming needs depend on the individual dog’s coat type. They embody the ideal of a friendly, low-allergen indoor dog.
Goldendoodle: Golden Charm, Low Shedding
Goldendoodles, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, are another popular “doodle” breed known for their friendly nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coats. While many are recognized for their golden coats, they can come in a wide range of colors and textures. They require frequent grooming with a slicker brush to prevent matting, especially with their continuously growing hair. These affectionate dogs are wonderful indoor companions, bringing warmth and joy to any home.
Goldendoodle lying on a couch with a person sitting in the background
Lagotto Romagnolo: The Truffle Hunter
Less common but equally charming, Lagotto Romagnolo dogs were originally bred as water retrievers and are famous for their role in truffle hunting. Their curly, woolly coat is low-shedding and protected them from chilly waters. These dogs are generally good with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. Their active nature and intelligence mean they thrive on mental and physical stimulation, making them ideal indoor companions for engaged families.
Affenpinscher: Monkey-Like Charm
Affenpinschers are small, charming dogs known for their distinctive monkey-like appearance. Their dense, wiry coat is low-shedding, producing fewer allergens than many other breeds. However, this unique coat requires consistent care, including at-home brushing and occasional hand-stripping, a process where hair is removed by the root rather than trimmed. Affenpinschers are playful and curious, making them delightful indoor pets.
Irish Water Spaniel: Energetic and Intelligent
Irish Water Spaniels are friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable water dogs, originally bred for retrieving game. Their thick, curly, liver-colored coat requires regular grooming but is low-shedding. With high energy levels, exercise is vital to keep an Irish Water Spaniel happy and healthy. They excel in activities like swimming and dog sports, making them suitable for active individuals or families who can provide ample physical and mental engagement within an indoor setting.
Aussiedoodle: Smart, Energetic, and Low-Shedding
An Aussiedoodle, a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, inherits intelligence and high energy from both parent breeds. This low-shedding dog is incredibly smart and needs significant exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Enrichment toys and regular training sessions are crucial for keeping an Aussiedoodle happy and well-adjusted in an indoor environment. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful family pets for those who can meet their activity needs.
Bolognese: Fluffy and Easygoing
Bolognese dogs are small, adorable, and originated in Italy. They possess a long, fluffy white coat that, despite its characteristic messy appearance, needs significant grooming to prevent matting. These playful and easygoing pups are known for getting along well with children and other pets, and their adaptable nature means they can fit into various living situations. Their low-shedding coat makes them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers seeking a charming indoor companion.
Maltese: Luxurious and Affectionate
The Maltese is a small, elegant dog known for its luxurious white, low-shedding coat. These affectionate and playful companions thrive on close human interaction. While their long, flowing hair requires dedicated grooming, many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to simplify maintenance. Maltese dogs are well-suited for indoor living, providing loving companionship to pet parents who can commit to their grooming needs.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Silky Soft and Spirited
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized Irish breed with a silky-soft, low-shedding coat. True to their terrier heritage, Wheatens maintain a high energy level throughout their lives, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation to be at their best. Their friendly and joyful disposition makes them wonderful indoor pets, provided they receive enough activity to channel their exuberance constructively.
Coton de Tulear: Easygoing from Madagascar
A small, low-shedding breed originating in Madagascar, Cotons de Tulear are known for their easygoing and good-natured personalities. Their soft, cotton-like coat requires regular grooming but sheds minimally. Cotons are excellent with children and other pets, especially when properly introduced, making them a fantastic fit for many indoor family environments.
Schnoodle: A Double Dose of Low Shedding
The Schnoodle is a designer breed combining two low-shedding parents: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Their coat can be curly or wavy, depending on genetic inheritance, but is always low-shedding. Schnoodles are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, making them highly adaptable and delightful indoor companions. Their moderate exercise needs and friendly demeanor contribute to their popularity.
Bedlington Terrier: The Lamb-Like Companion
Often described as “a lamb in dog’s clothing,” the Bedlington Terrier is a small, curly-haired breed recognized by its distinctive topknot and pom-pom ear tufts. This low-shedding dog thrives on being close to its people and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Their affectionate nature makes them devoted indoor companions, and their unique appearance adds a touch of whimsy to any home.
Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog): Ancient and Unique
The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds. Available in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), this breed can be hairless or have a short coat. Both varieties are low-shedding, making them excellent for allergy sufferers. Xolos are known for their calm demeanor and loyalty, making them unique and cherished indoor pets.
Whoodle: Friendly and Low-Shedding
A cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle, the Whoodle is a friendly dog that sheds very little. They inherit intelligence and an affectionate nature from both parent breeds, resulting in a charming and adaptable indoor companion. Whoodles typically have a soft, wavy to curly coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Bernedoodle: Large, Gentle, and Low-Shedding
Bernedoodles, a crossbreed of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, offer a friendly, affectionate, and gentle nature. These large, low-shedding dogs are popular choices for families with children and other pets. They require plenty of exercise to stay active and happy, making them suitable for indoor living in homes that can provide adequate physical activity. While their size means they need space, their gentle temperament and low-shedding coat make them wonderful family members. For those interested in large calm dog breeds that don t shed, Bernedoodles are a top contender.
Shorkie: Small, Playful, and Friendly
The Shorkie is a mixed breed combining two low-shedding parents: the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. These small, playful, and friendly dogs offer the best traits of both breeds. Like most dogs on this list, they require a regular grooming routine to maintain their coats. Shorkies thrive on companionship and are well-suited for indoor living, providing endless entertainment and affection.
Afghan Hound: Elegant and Aloof
Afghan Hounds are striking dogs known for their long, flowing coats and slender builds. While their coat is long, it is considered low-shedding, requiring extensive grooming to prevent mats. These fast dogs are loving towards their families but can be aloof with strangers, necessitating early and consistent socialization. Their elegant appearance and unique personality make them a distinctive indoor companion.
Barbet: The Bearded Water Dog
Pronounced “bar-bay,” the Barbet is a cheerful dog with a shaggy, woolly, low-shedding coat. The name, derived from the French word “barbe” (beard), hints at their hairy chin. These big, low-shedding dogs love to swim, and their protective curly coat is well-suited for water activities. Regular brushing, two to three times a week, is essential to keep their coat in good condition, especially after swimming.
Shih-Poo: Adaptable and Affectionate
The Shih-Poo is a mixed breed resulting from a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle (most commonly a Toy Poodle). These small pups are highly adaptable and can thrive in almost any living situation, provided they receive about 30 minutes of exercise and a good brushing session daily. Their low-shedding coat and affectionate nature make them charming indoor companions.
Peruvian Inca Orchid: Rare and Hairless
Peruvian Inca Orchids are a rare and ancient dog breed, native to Peru, and known for their nearly hairless bodies, which makes them inherently low-shedding. They come in three sizes (small, medium, and large) and are recognized as the national dog of Peru. Their unique appearance and low-allergen qualities make them an intriguing choice for an indoor pet.
Malshi: Happy and Companionable
As a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu, the Malshi is a happy, small, low-shedding dog. They thrive on close companionship and need their favorite humans nearby to be content. Their affectionate nature and small size make them ideal indoor pets, though they do require regular grooming to maintain their coats.
Tips for Living with a Low-Shedding Indoor Dog
While these breeds shed minimally, living with them still requires some specific care to ensure a clean, allergen-friendly home and a healthy, happy pup.
Keep Up With Grooming
Even low-shedding dogs need regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their coats healthy. Many breeds require professional trimming or hand-stripping. Establishing a consistent grooming routine, including weekly brushing and bathing every four to six weeks, is crucial. Specialized shampoos can also help reduce dander and maintain coat hygiene. Consider the financial commitment or the time required to groom your dog at home.
Maintain a Clean Home Environment
To further minimize allergens, regularly vacuum, dust, and wash bedding. Using air purifiers and ensuring good ventilation can also help reduce airborne allergens. While your dog may be low-shedding, environmental cleanliness remains an important factor in managing allergies.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Managing allergies is a personal journey. Before bringing home any dog, it’s wise to consult with your healthcare provider about strategies for managing allergies, which may include medications, nasal sprays, or injections. It’s also important to remember that allergens can be found in a dog’s skin, saliva, and urine, so avoiding close contact with these can help prevent reactions.
Bringing home one of these inside dog breeds that don’t shed can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with allergies, allowing them to experience the joy of pet parenthood without constant allergic reactions. These dogs offer companionship, love, and a much cleaner living environment, making the dream of dog ownership a reality for many.
WRITTEN BY
Nicole Zittritsch, LVT, BSc, MPH
Veterinarian Technician
