For many prospective dog owners, the dream companion is a furry friend that combines manageable size with a serene temperament, all while keeping shedding to a minimum. Whether you or a family member suffer from allergies, or you simply prefer a cleaner home, the appeal of a low-shedding dog is undeniable. It’s important to clarify that no dog is truly “non-shedding,” as all dogs lose some hair; however, many breeds shed significantly less, making them ideal for those seeking to minimize pet dander and loose fur. When you’re looking for inside dog breeds that don t shed that also offer a calm presence, balancing activity with restful companionship, the choice becomes even more specific. This guide explores medium-sized dog breeds that excel in both low-shedding qualities and a generally calm disposition, helping you find a harmonious addition to your home.
It’s also crucial to remember that even low-shedding dogs require regular grooming to maintain their coat health and prevent matting, especially those with double coats that trap loose hair. Beyond coat care, understanding a breed’s typical temperament is key to ensuring a happy household, particularly for those seeking a dog known for its tranquil nature.
Top Medium-Sized, Low-Shedding & Calm Dog Breeds
Basenji
A Basenji dog, a medium-sized, low-shedding breed, with short, smooth red and white fur, standing alertly outdoors.
The Basenji is a distinctive breed, often dubbed the “barkless dog” due to its unique yodeling sound instead of traditional barking. They are masters at self-grooming, keeping their short, fine coats remarkably clean, and are considered low-shedders. A weekly brush is typically sufficient to remove any dead hair, making their coat maintenance relatively easy and contributing minimally to household fur.
Regarding temperament, Basenjis can be quite independent and aloof with strangers but are known to be very affectionate and loving with their families once they form a bond. They are intelligent but can also be stubborn, requiring consistent and creative training approaches. While they possess energy and enjoy daily romps or runs, adequate mental stimulation and exercise are essential to help them settle down and remain calm indoors. Without sufficient engagement, they may struggle to relax, but a well-exercised Basenji can be a quiet and relaxed companion.
Kerry Blue Terrier
A majestic Kerry Blue Terrier, a medium-sized, low-shedding dog, with its characteristic dense, wavy blue-grey coat, standing attentively in an outdoor setting.
This feisty and friendly terrier is a popular choice for those who want to avoid excessive shedding. The Kerry Blue Terrier’s unique coat sheds very little, making it a good option for allergy sufferers. However, their coat demands significant attention, requiring daily brushing and professional grooming every four to six weeks to keep it in prime condition and free from mats.
Despite their spirited terrier nature, Kerry Blues are known for being affectionate and loyal to their families, often being gentle with children when properly socialized. They are intelligent and active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-driven behaviors like digging or excessive barking. While they are energetic outdoors, providing enough physical activity ensures they welcome calm family time inside the home. Early socialization is vital to help them be well-adjusted around strangers and other animals, as they can be reserved if not introduced properly.
Labradoodle
A Labradoodle, a popular medium-sized, low-shedding dog breed, with a curly, golden-colored coat, looking friendly and alert.
The Labradoodle, a crossbreed originally developed as a hypoallergenic guide dog, is well-known for its low-shedding coat varieties. They can have hair, wool, or fleece coats, with the fleece and wool coats being the lowest shedding. Weekly brushing is essential for all coat types to maintain healthy skin and remove any loose hair that might be trapped within the coat.
Labradoodles are celebrated for their friendly, intelligent, and affectionate nature, making them excellent family pets. They are highly sociable and typically get along well with children, other dogs, and even strangers, especially with proper socialization. Many Labradoodles are known for their calm demeanor, even during their puppy stages, and often become more settled around 2 to 3 years old, provided they receive sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their desire to be close to their owners often earns them the nickname “velcro dogs,” indicative of their loving and laid-back companionship.
Irish Terrier
An Irish Terrier, a medium-sized, low-shedding dog, with a wiry, reddish-brown coat, looking alert and focused outdoors.
The Irish Terrier sports a wiry and dense double coat that is considered low-shedding. This type of coat traps dead hair in the undercoat, meaning “shedding” is primarily managed through regular grooming. Weekly brushing is necessary, along with a professional pluck or strip every six months to remove loose hair and encourage healthy new growth.
Known for their bold and courageous spirit, Irish Terriers are also deeply loyal and affectionate with their families. They are intelligent and playful, making them good companions for active families with children. While energetic and requiring at least 20-30 minutes of exercise two to three times a day, consistent physical and mental stimulation helps them become relaxed and calm indoors. They may possess a strong prey drive, so careful socialization and supervision around smaller animals are important, but their temperament is generally good-natured and suitable for living closely with people.
Puli
A Puli dog, a distinctive medium-sized, low-shedding breed, with its iconic long, corded dreadlock-like coat, captured in an outdoor setting.
The Puli is instantly recognizable by its unique, corded coat, which forms long dreadlocks. While impressive, this coat requires significant attention. As young dogs, the cords need to be separated to form correctly, and when fluffy, the coat needs regular brushing to prevent matts. Once fully corded, brushing isn’t needed, but the cords must be separated and cleaned. This distinctive coat is low-shedding, with loose hairs becoming part of the cords.
Pulis are intelligent, loyal, and playful dogs, but can also be stubborn and independent, often thriving with an experienced owner. As ancient herding dogs, they have high energy levels and require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them content and prevent mischief. While not inherently “calm” in the traditional sense, they are affectionate with their families and can be good with respectful children, though they may try to “herd” them. They are alert and protective, making them good watchdogs, but early obedience training is crucial to channel their energy positively.
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a popular low-shedding breed, thanks to its wiry double coat. The coarse outer coat helps to trap loose hairs from the soft undercoat, reducing the amount of shedding around the home. However, they require a fair amount of grooming, including daily attention to their beard and legs, and hand stripping every six months to maintain coat texture and health. Clipping, while easier, can result in more shedding.
These dogs are sociable, loyal, and devoted companions to their families, often doing well with children and other pets when properly socialized. They are intelligent and energetic, thriving on mental and physical activity, so daily exercise and engaging playtime are essential to prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviors. While not considered a “placid dog”, many owners appreciate their ability to be active outdoors and then settle down for relaxing time on the couch with their humans. Their alertness also makes them excellent watchdogs, though they may be reserved with strangers initially.
Tibetan Terrier
A Tibetan Terrier, a medium-sized, low-shedding dog, with a long, flowing, wavy cream-colored coat, looking gentle and friendly.
Despite its name, the Tibetan Terrier is not a true terrier but a utility dog known for its captivating long, flowing double coat. This breed is a low-shedder, but its beautiful coat demands daily grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Many Tibetan Terrier owners opt for professional groomers to manage the extensive care required to keep their coats pristine.
Tibetan Terriers are cherished for their gentle, loving, and companionable personalities, often described as having a calm temperament indoors. They are highly affectionate and thrive on human companionship, making them wonderful family pets and even excellent therapy dogs. While they enjoy playtime and exercise, they don’t require excessive amounts of activity, with a few short walks and runs each day (around 15 minutes each) typically sufficient to keep them healthy and stimulated. They can be somewhat wary of strangers, so early and consistent socialization is important to ensure they grow into well-rounded and confident adults. This makes them excellent for homes seeking a devoted, calm presence.
Welsh Terrier
A Welsh Terrier, a medium-sized, low-shedding dog, with a distinctive black and tan wiry coat and expressive face, standing proudly outdoors.
The Welsh Terrier is a lively and amusing breed known for its wiry, dense coat that is low-shedding. Like many terriers, their coat requires a fair amount of grooming attention. They need to be brushed three or more times per week. Owners often choose to have their dog’s coats professionally stripped every six months to remove dead hair, as clipping can slightly increase shedding.
Welsh Terriers are spirited and alert but are often described as being “a bit calmer than most terriers”. They are friendly and outgoing, deeply affectionate with their families, and can be good with children and other dogs when properly socialized. These intelligent and playful dogs thrive in active homes that can provide consistent training and ample exercise, typically requiring 60 to 80 minutes of activity daily. When their energy needs are met, Welsh Terriers are known to be relaxed and calm indoors, making them adaptable companions for various living environments. Consider learning more about west highland white terriers near me for further insights into similar terrier traits.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
A Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, a medium-sized, low-shedding dog, with a beautiful silky, wheaten-colored coat and a playful expression.
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is famous for its stunning, silky coat that gives it a distinctive appearance. As a single-coated breed, their grooming isn’t overly complicated, but it is regular. Daily grooming is recommended to prevent mats and tangles from forming. Some owners may opt for professional trimming to manage their coat, while others prefer a slightly scruffier look, allowing for grooming three times a week. Their coat is low-shedding, contributing to a cleaner home environment.
Often dubbed the “happy-go-lucky terrier,” Wheatens are outgoing, affectionate, and deeply devoted to their families. They are enthusiastic without being hyper and loving without being clingy, thriving on attention and interaction. While they retain a medium to high energy level throughout their lives, many Wheatens are known to be calm and cuddly when relaxing at home, especially after sufficient outdoor activity. They are generally gregarious with other dogs and affectionate with children, making them excellent family pets for those seeking an interactive yet ultimately calm companion. For more options, explore white terrier for sale near me.
Whippet
A Whippet, a sleek and elegant medium-sized, low-shedding dog, with a short, smooth fawn-colored coat, poised gracefully outdoors.
The Whippet is a graceful and energetic sighthound that is a favorite among owners looking for a low-shedding dog with minimal grooming needs. Their short, thin coat is remarkably easy to maintain, typically requiring only a weekly brush to remove dead or loose hairs. Care should be taken to protect their sensitive skin, which can be prone to small injuries due to its thinness.
Despite their incredible speed and athletic build, Whippets are surprisingly known as “couch potatoes” indoors. They are generally quiet, gentle, and friendly dogs, content to spend much of the day sleeping and cuddling with their families. Whippets rarely bark excessively, making them unobtrusive and calm companions, ideal for quieter households or apartment living, provided their need for short bursts of intense exercise is met. They bond closely with their families, are typically good with children (if handled gently), and thrive in calm, understanding environments, making them one of the calmest medium-sized breeds available.
Hypoallergenic Considerations and Final Thoughts
While these breeds are celebrated for their low-shedding qualities, it’s essential to understand that no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Allergies are often triggered by dander (dead skin cells), saliva, or urine, rather than just hair. If allergies are a significant concern, consulting with a doctor and spending time with your chosen breed before adoption is highly recommended to gauge your reaction.
Choosing a medium-sized dog that doesn’t shed much and possesses a calm temperament offers the best of both worlds: a manageable pet that keeps your home cleaner and provides a serene presence. Each breed listed above offers a unique blend of characteristics, and by considering their individual grooming needs and behavioral traits, you can make an informed decision to find the perfect four-legged companion for your lifestyle.
