Choosing a pet involves considering various factors that can impact your lifestyle. Beyond financial planning with options like selecting breeds prone to fewer genetic health issues and securing the best pet insurance, managing grooming needs and cleaning associated with high-shedding dogs can be time-consuming. For individuals with allergies, a dog’s shedding level is a paramount concern. It’s important to understand that all dogs shed to some extent; however, certain breeds shed significantly less than others. Therefore, the term “low-shedding” is more accurate. Many low-shedding breeds also have double coats that trap loose hair, requiring regular grooming to prevent it from falling on the floor. Generally, maintaining a healthy skin and coat for any breed necessitates some level of coat maintenance, possibly including daily or weekly brushing. To assist you in making an informed choice, this article presents a list of medium-sized, low-shedding dog breeds and details their specific coat care requirements.
The Top 10 Medium-Sized, Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
Basenji
Basenji dog, a medium-sized, low-shedding breedThe Basenji possesses a lively and endearing personality and excels at self-grooming. Despite their natural cleanliness, they benefit from a weekly brushing to remove dead hair. While considered a typical low-shedding breed, their hair is very fine and short, making shedding less noticeable compared to other [dog breeds](https://www.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au/dog-breed/). [Learn more about the Basenji](https://www.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au/dog-breed/basenji/).
Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier, a friendly and low-shedding dog breedThis spirited and amiable Terrier can be a wonderful addition to many households. As a low-shedder, they are favored by those who prefer to minimize fur around their homes. However, they require daily brushing and professional grooming every four to six weeks for clipping.
Labradoodle
Labradoodle, a popular low-shedding dog breedA relatively new and highly sought-after breed in the low-shedding category, Labradoodles were initially developed as hypoallergenic guide dogs. It is crucial to choose a reputable breeder to ensure coat quality. They can have three coat types: Hair, Wool, and Fleece, with Fleece and Wool being the lowest shedding varieties. All coat types necessitate weekly brushing to maintain healthy skin and remove loose hair.
Irish Terrier
Irish Terrier with a wiry double coat, a medium-sized low-shedding dogThis robust terrier has a dense, wiry double coat. Like other double-coated breeds, dead hair gets trapped in the undercoat, requiring weekly brushing to manually remove it. Professional plucking or stripping every six months is also recommended to eliminate loose hair and promote healthy growth.
Puli
Puli dog with distinctive corded coat, a unique low-shedding breedThe Puli is visually striking with its long, dreadlock-like coat and pleasant disposition. Young dogs may require assistance in forming their cords, which involves separating them until the adult coat develops. While still fluffy, the coat needs regular brushing to prevent dirt and matting. Once the cords are formed, they do not require brushing but need regular separation and cleaning. Consulting a professional breeder for specific coat care advice is recommended.
Standard Schnauzer
Standard Schnauzer, a popular medium-sized dog with a low-shedding double coatThis popular breed is remarkable for its low shedding. Their wiry double coat helps trap loose hairs from the softer undercoat. They require significant grooming to maintain their appearance and prevent painful matting. Daily grooming is essential for their beard and legs, and the coat needs hand-stripping every six months. Clipping instead of stripping will result in increased shedding.
Tibetan Terrier
Tibetan Terrier with a long, beautiful coat, a dedicated low-shedding breedThis cherished canine companion boasts a lovely, long, and beautiful coat that can be wavy or straight. Daily grooming is essential to prevent tangles and matting. This breed demands considerable time and effort for coat maintenance. If you cannot dedicate daily time, exploring other low-shedding breeds may be advisable. Ensuring you reach the undercoat is vital for removing tangles in their double coat. Many Tibetan Terrier owners seek assistance from professional groomers.
Welsh Terrier
Welsh Terrier, a lively medium-sized dog with low-shedding characteristicsKnown for their amusing antics and lively nature, Welsh Terriers, like most low-shedding breeds, require substantial grooming. They need brushing at least three times a week unless clipped. Keep in mind that clipping can lead to slightly increased shedding. Some owners opt to have their dog’s coat professionally stripped every six months to remove dead hair.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier with a silky single coat, a lovely low-shedding dogThe stunning and silky coat of this adorable breed is truly eye-catching. With a single coat, grooming is relatively manageable, though daily brushing is necessary to prevent matting and tangles. For those who prefer a scruffier look, brushing can be reduced to three times per week. Some owners utilize professional groomers for trimming and clipping.
Whippet
Whippet, an energetic and low-shedding dog breedThe Whippet is a popular and energetic dog, a favorite among owners seeking low-shedding companions. They are often described as “wash and wear” breeds, requiring minimal grooming to stay in excellent condition. A weekly brush is sufficient to remove dead or loose hairs. Due to their short and thin coat, care must be taken to protect their skin from minor injuries and tears.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds?
When managing allergies, it is crucial to consult your doctor to identify the specific allergens, whether it’s dander, saliva, or urine. Choosing a dog with minimal shedding may not alleviate allergies if they are triggered by other factors. Interacting with your chosen breed at the breeder’s premises and observing your reactions is essential before making a purchase.
This guide has presented ten of the lowest-shedding, medium-sized dog breeds to consider. We hope this information assists you in finding your ideal canine companion. Please feel free to share this article and subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful canine content. For further insights into pet allergy sources, prevention, and treatment, refer to the article from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology.
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