Dogs are beloved companions, but for many, the joy of pet ownership can be overshadowed by allergies. While no dog is truly 100% allergen-free, certain breeds are known for producing fewer allergens due to their low-shedding coats. These “hypoallergenic” dogs are often a fantastic option for individuals with dog allergies, allowing them to experience the profound bond and companionship that only a canine friend can offer. If you’re searching for a furry family member that won’t leave a trail of hair, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive list of dogs who don’t shed will guide you through breeds that are well-suited for allergy sufferers and those who simply prefer a cleaner home. Finding the right low-shedding dog means understanding their grooming needs, exercise requirements, and temperament.
Understanding Low-Shedding Dogs and Allergies
All dogs produce allergens, primarily found in their dander (flakes of skin), saliva, and urine, not just their hair. However, dogs that don’t shed much, often referred to as hypoallergenic, release less dander into the environment, which can significantly reduce allergic reactions for many people. It’s important to remember that individual reactions vary, and a truly allergen-free dog does not exist. However, many people find great relief with breeds that have hair that continues to grow (like human hair) rather than shedding seasonally, or those with very short or absent coats. Exploring options like dog breeds that don’t shed hair can open up a world of possibilities for aspiring dog owners with sensitivities.
Top Dog Breeds Who Don’t Shed
While no dog is entirely free of allergens, these breeds are celebrated for their minimal shedding, making them excellent choices for those seeking a cleaner home environment and potentially fewer allergy symptoms.
1. Poodle
Poodles are renowned not only for their elegant appearance and exceptional intelligence but also for their low-shedding coats. Available in Standard, Miniature, and Toy varieties, there’s a Poodle size to fit nearly any lifestyle. These active and highly trainable dogs require regular grooming, including brushing to prevent their dense, curly coats from matting. Their non-shedding nature makes them a top choice for individuals with allergies.
White Poodle walking through grass
2. Yorkshire Terrier
These spirited little dogs pack a lot of personality into a small package. Yorkies possess a fine, silky coat that is more akin to human hair than typical dog fur, which means they shed very little. They adapt well to various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as they receive ample attention and mental stimulation. Regular brushing is key to keeping their long coats tangle-free and beautiful.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed known for its distinctive long, flowing double coat that sheds minimally. These charming dogs are friendly and affectionate, making them wonderful family pets. Due to their unique facial structure, Shih Tzus can be prone to certain health issues like overheating and tear stains, requiring owners to pay close attention to their comfort and hygiene, particularly around their eyes.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, yet they boast a robust, square build and a wiry, low-shedding coat. These intelligent and energetic dogs are highly adaptable and thrive in many environments, provided they receive at least an hour of daily exercise. Their distinctive beard and eyebrows give them a unique, expressive look that many owners adore.
Salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer wearing a pink harness in a park
5. Standard Schnauzer
Larger than their miniature counterparts, Standard Schnauzers share the same desirable low-shedding qualities. Weighing up to 45 pounds, these dogs enjoy vigorous activities such as long walks, playing fetch, and solving puzzle toys. They are intelligent, protective, and make loyal family members, requiring consistent training and plenty of mental and physical engagement.
6. Giant Schnauzer
As one of the largest dogs that don’t shed that are big, the Giant Schnauzer can weigh up to 85 pounds. Despite their imposing size, they possess a dense, wiry coat that sheds very little. These powerful and energetic dogs require extensive exercise to stay happy and well-behaved, making them ideal companions for active families who enjoy activities like running, hiking, and prolonged play sessions.
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, playful, and affectionate small dog with a distinctive curly, fluffy white coat that rarely sheds. Their highly intelligent and eager-to-please nature makes them very trainable, quickly mastering basic commands and enjoying learning new tricks. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their pristine coat and prevent matting.
8. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a unique breed, available in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless type has smooth skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and paws, while the powderpuff is covered in a soft, silky coat. Both varieties are considered low-shedding. These playful and affectionate dogs are wonderful companions, known for their charming personalities.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, intelligent, and highly trainable breed with a thick, curly coat that sheds minimally. These dogs are high-energy pups who thrive on regular exercise, especially activities involving water like swimming and playing with floating toys. Their friendly disposition makes them excellent family pets.
Black and white Portuguese Water Dog with a red maple leaf bandana
10. Labradoodle
A popular crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle was originally developed to be a hypoallergenic service dog. They inherit the intelligence of both parent breeds and possess a friendly, gentle nature, making them exceptional family pets. Their coats can vary from wavy to curly and are known for their low-shedding qualities, though regular grooming is still necessary.
11. Goldendoodle
Another cherished Poodle mix, Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Like Labradoodles, they are low-shedding, intelligent, and possess a wonderfully friendly temperament. Their coats come in various colors and textures, often requiring frequent brushing with a slicker brush to prevent matting. Goldendoodles are perfect for active families looking for a playful and devoted companion.
12. Lagotto Romagnolo
Originating from Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo was bred as a water retriever, and their curly, woolly coat is perfect for protecting them in chilly waters. These distinctive dogs are less common but are known to be good with children and other pets, making them excellent family additions. Their unique coat requires specific grooming to prevent tangles and maintain its texture.
13. Affenpinscher
These small, charming dogs are known for their monkey-like expression and dense, wiry coats that produce fewer allergens. While low-shedding, Affenpinschers require significant grooming, including regular brushing and hand-stripping, a process where dead hairs are removed by the root rather than being trimmed. They are curious, playful, and make lively companions.
Black Affenpinscher dog close-up
14. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a distinguished water dog breed, recognized by its tight, crisp liver-colored curls. Friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable, these dogs were originally bred for retrieving game from water. Their thick, curly coat is low-shedding but requires regular grooming to keep it in prime condition. With high energy levels, Irish Water Spaniels need ample exercise to remain happy and healthy.
15. Aussiedoodle
A cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle, the Aussiedoodle is a highly intelligent and energetic low-shedding dog. They inherit their keen minds and active dispositions from both parent breeds, making them highly trainable and eager to please. To prevent destructive behaviors, Aussiedoodles require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, often benefiting from enrichment toys. These are among the best family dogs that don’t shed a lot for active households.
16. Bolognese
Hailing from Italy, Bolognese dogs are cute, playful, and easygoing with a long, fluffy white coat that is low-shedding. Despite their sometimes-messy appearance, their coat requires diligent grooming to prevent matting. These charming pups are known for getting along well with children and other pets, and their adaptable nature makes them suitable for various living situations, from apartments to larger homes.
17. Maltese
Known for their luxurious, flowing white coats, Maltese dogs are affectionate and playful small companions. Their single coat sheds minimally, but it requires significant grooming to maintain its pristine appearance, especially if kept long. Many Maltese owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to simplify grooming. These devoted dogs thrive on close human companionship and make wonderful lap dogs.
Woman holding a white Maltese dog on a bed
18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
As their name suggests, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers possess an incredibly soft, silky coat that is low-shedding and has a distinctive wheaten color. This medium-sized Irish breed maintains a high energy level throughout its life, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation to keep them well-behaved and content. They are cheerful, spirited, and devoted to their families.
19. Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a small, easygoing, and exceptionally friendly low-shedding breed. Their soft, cotton-like coat is a defining feature. Cotons are known for their gentle nature, making them excellent companions for families with children and other pets, especially when proper introductions are facilitated. They are adaptable and thrive on companionship.
20. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a designer breed resulting from crossing two low-shedding breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Their coat can be curly or wavy, depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant, but it consistently exhibits low-shedding characteristics. Schnoodles are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, blending the best traits of both parent breeds into a charming companion.
21. Bedlington Terrier
Often likened to lambs due to their distinctive curly, woolly coat and topknot, Bedlington Terriers are small, low-shedding dogs with unique appearances. They are deeply devoted to their people and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. These energetic dogs enjoy being active and thrive in homes where they receive plenty of attention and companionship.
White Bedlington Terrier running through snow
22. Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient and rare breed. They come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and can be hairless or have a very short, smooth coat. Both varieties are considered low-shedding. Xolos are known for being calm, loyal, and attentive, making them wonderful companions for those seeking an unusual and devoted pet.
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 their desirable traits from both parent breeds, resulting in a playful and devoted companion. Whoodles require regular exercise and mental engagement to keep their keen minds occupied.
24. Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are a charming crossbreed of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. These large, low-shedding dogs combine the gentle demeanor of the Bernese with the intelligence of the Poodle, making them excellent family pets, particularly for homes with children and other animals. They require significant exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
25. Shorkie
The Shorkie is a delightful mix of two low-shedding breeds: the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. These small, playful, and friendly dogs embody the best characteristics of both parents. While their shedding is minimal, like many dogs on this list, they require a consistent grooming routine to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. Many of these dog breeds that don’t shed that much are popular for their manageable coats.
26. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are striking dogs, known for their distinctive long, flowing coats and slender, aristocratic builds. Despite their voluminous hair, they are considered low-shedding. These pups are built for speed and require plenty of exercise. While loving with their families, they can be aloof with strangers, making early and consistent socialization crucial for this breed.
Gray and tan Afghan Hound looking at the camera
27. Barbet
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful dog with a shaggy, woolly coat that is low-shedding and protective, especially in water. Their name, derived from the French word for “beard,” refers to their characteristic hairy chin. These big, water-loving dogs thrive on swimming and require regular brushing, two to three times a week, to keep their coats in good condition.
Tips for Living with a Low-Shedding Dog
Even with a dog that doesn’t shed much, there are crucial steps pet parents can take to further minimize allergens and ensure a harmonious home environment.
Maintain a Consistent Grooming Routine
Low-shedding dogs still require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and prevent matting, especially those with continuously growing hair. Weekly brushing and bathing every four to six weeks are ideal. Using specialized shampoos, such as dander-reducing formulas, can significantly help in minimizing allergens. Many of these breeds also benefit from professional grooming or learning at-home trimming and hand-stripping techniques.
Keep Your Home Clean
Minimizing allergens in your home extends beyond just grooming your dog. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and washing bedding are essential to reduce pet dander accumulation. Utilizing air purifiers and maintaining good ventilation can also help improve air quality by reducing airborne allergens.
Consult with Your Doctor
If you or a family member suffers from pet allergies, it is always wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They can offer advice on managing allergies, which might include medications, nasal sprays, or injections. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that allergens are also present in a dog’s saliva and urine, so avoiding close contact with these can help prevent allergic reactions.
Bringing a low-shedding dog into your life can be a transformative experience, allowing individuals with allergies to enjoy the immense joy and companionship that dogs provide without constant allergic discomfort. With proper care and a clean environment, these wonderful breeds can become cherished members of your family.
