Bringing a canine companion into your home offers immense joy, but for many, concerns about shedding and hyperactivity can be significant deterrents. If you dream of a peaceful home with a loving, low-maintenance dog, focusing on most calm dog breeds that don’t shed is a smart approach. These breeds offer the best of both worlds: a tranquil presence and a coat that won’t leave a constant trail of fur. While no dog is entirely “allergen-free,” breeds that shed minimally are often excellent choices for those seeking a tidy home environment and can even be more suitable for individuals with mild allergies. For first-time owners seeking a serene addition to their family, understanding which breeds naturally possess a calm demeanor and a low-shedding coat is key to a harmonious household.
Understanding Calm, Low-Shedding Dogs
All dogs produce dander, which is the primary source of allergens. However, certain breeds have coats that trap loose hair and dander, or they simply produce less of it, leading to significantly reduced shedding. This characteristic, often termed “hypoallergenic,” is what makes them ideal for a cleaner home. When combined with a naturally calm temperament, these dogs become highly sought-after companions. A calm dog is typically adaptable, less prone to destructive behaviors stemming from anxiety or excess energy, and generally easier to manage in various living situations, from bustling family homes to quiet apartments.
Many factors contribute to a dog’s temperament, including genetics, training, and socialization. While the breeds listed below are known for their generally calm nature, individual personalities can vary. Early training and consistent positive reinforcement are crucial in nurturing a well-behaved and composed companion, ensuring they live up to their breed’s potential for tranquility.
Discovering the Most Calm, Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
Here’s a look at some of the best breeds known for their calm disposition and minimal shedding, making them wonderful additions to many homes.
1. Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)
The elegant Poodle, in all its sizes, is renowned not only for its low-shedding, curly coat but also for its exceptional intelligence and adaptability. While active and playful, Poodles are also known for their graceful and composed nature, especially when well-exercised and mentally stimulated. They thrive on companionship and can be quite tranquil indoors, making them one of the most calm dog breeds that don’t shed. Their thick, curly coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting.
A white poodle walking through a grassy field, looking calm and composed.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
These spirited little dogs may have a spunky side, but they are also deeply affectionate and devoted to their families. Yorkshire Terriers adapt remarkably well to various living situations, including apartment life, as long as they receive ample attention. Their long, silky, low-shedding hair, similar to human hair, requires consistent grooming to keep it free of mats. With proper training and socialization, Yorkies can be calm and charming lap companions, embodying a balanced blend of playfulness and tranquility.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed cherished for its friendly temperament and luxurious, flowing coat that sheds minimally. Known for their charming and gentle nature, Shih Tzus are content to be lap dogs and thrive on human companionship. They are generally calm and happy pups, making them excellent choices for families seeking a relaxed furry friend. Regular grooming is essential for their beautiful coat, and pet parents should be aware of potential health issues related to their flat faces, such as overheating or breathing difficulties.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are robust, intelligent, and spirited dogs that can also exhibit a calm demeanor within the home, provided they receive their daily hour of exercise. Standing no more than 14 inches tall, these dogs fit well into many different living environments. Their wiry double coat sheds very little but requires regular stripping or clipping to maintain its condition. These smart companions are generally easy to train and devoted to their families, offering a peaceful presence after their energy needs are met.
A salt and pepper Miniature Schnauzer wearing a pink harness stands calmly in a park.
5. Bichon Frise
Small, playful, and incredibly affectionate, the Bichon Frise boasts a curly, low-shedding coat. These intelligent and highly trainable pups quickly master basic commands and enjoy learning new tricks. While they have bursts of playful energy, Bichons are known for their happy-go-lucky and gentle nature, often settling down for cuddles. Their adaptability and eagerness to please make them one of the most calm dog breeds that don’t shed for many families.
6. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a unique small breed known for its distinctive appearance and affectionate nature. Available in hairless and “powderpuff” varieties, both are considered low-shedding. Hairless Cresteds have smooth skin with tufts of hair, while powderpuffs are covered in long, silky hair. These dogs are playful and loving companions, generally calm and content to spend time with their human family. They make wonderful pets for those seeking a loyal and tranquil friend.
7. Labradoodle
A cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle was originally bred as a hypoallergenic service dog. These intelligent, friendly, and gentle dogs are exceptional family pets. They shed minimally and are highly trainable, exhibiting a calm and affectionate demeanor, especially when well-exercised and socialized from a young age. Their balanced temperament makes them a fantastic choice for those looking for a larger, calm, and low-shedding companion.
8. Goldendoodle
Another popular “doodle” breed, Goldendoodles combine the friendly nature of the Golden Retriever with the low-shedding qualities and intelligence of the Poodle. They are generally calm, intelligent, and affectionate dogs that make wonderful family members. While they enjoy play and activity, they are also known for their ability to settle down and be gentle companions. Frequent grooming with a slicker brush is necessary to prevent their beautiful coats from matting.
9. Lagotto Romagnolo
Originally water retrievers, Lagotto Romagnolo dogs possess a curly, woolly coat that protected them in chilly waters and sheds very little. While less common, these dogs are known for being good with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, and with proper exercise, they are generally calm and devoted companions in the home.
10. Affenpinscher
These small, distinctive dogs are known for their monkey-like appearance and dense, wiry coats that produce fewer allergens. Affenpinschers can be quite charming and amusing, and despite their energetic moments, they are generally calm indoors, especially when their need for interaction and short bursts of play is met. Their coat requires regular brushing and occasional stripping to maintain its unique texture and minimize shedding.
11. Bolognese
Hailing from Italy, Bolognese dogs are cute, fluffy, and generally easygoing. Their long, soft white coats require consistent grooming despite their characteristic messy appearance. These playful and calm pups are known for getting along well with children and other pets, making them adaptable to various living situations. Their affectionate nature means they thrive on companionship and are happiest when close to their human family.
A white Bolognese dog sits peacefully in an autumn forest, looking gentle and serene.
12. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, affectionate, and playful dog known for its luxurious white coat that sheds minimally. These delightful companions thrive on attention and can be quite calm and content when showered with love. While they enjoy gentle play, they are perfectly happy to be lap warmers. Regular grooming is essential for their long hair, though many owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to simplify maintenance.
13. Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, Cotons de Tulear are small, easygoing, and good-natured pups. Their soft, cotton-like coats are low-shedding and require regular grooming to prevent tangles. These dogs are known for being adaptable and generally get along well with other pets and children, especially when introduced properly. Their calm and affectionate disposition makes them excellent companions for many households.
14. Schnoodle
A delightful mix of two low-shedding breeds—the Schnauzer and the Poodle—the Schnoodle inherits the best traits from both. Their coat can be curly or wavy, but it’s consistently low-shedding. Schnoodles are intelligent, playful, and generally very affectionate dogs. With moderate exercise, they are known for their calm and adaptable nature, making them suitable for various lifestyles.
15. Bedlington Terrier
Often described as “a lamb in dog’s clothing,” the Bedlington Terrier is a small, curly-haired breed recognized by its distinctive topknot and elegant appearance. These dogs are deeply devoted to their people and thrive on companionship. While they possess a terrier’s zest for life, they can also be calm and gentle companions, especially when their need for exercise and mental stimulation is met. Early socialization is beneficial to bring out their best traits.
A white Bedlington Terrier gracefully runs through the snow, showcasing its distinctive appearance.
16. Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient and rare breed that comes in hairless and short-coated varieties, both of which are low-shedding. These intelligent and attentive dogs are known for their serene and calm presence, making them wonderful companions. They are loyal to their families and can be quite tranquil indoors, often preferring to cuddle up close.
17. Whoodle
The Whoodle is a friendly crossbreed resulting from a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. These dogs inherit intelligence and an affectionate nature from both parent breeds, along with a coat that sheds very little. Whoodles are generally happy and playful but can also be calm and gentle, adapting well to family life with appropriate exercise and mental stimulation.
18. Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are a popular cross between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, inheriting the gentle demeanor of the Bernese and the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. These large, affectionate dogs are known for their friendly nature and are excellent family pets, especially good with children and other animals. While they enjoy active playtime, they are also capable of being calm and relaxed companions indoors, provided they receive sufficient exercise.
19. Shorkie
A charming mix of two low-shedding breeds, the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, the Shorkie combines the best traits of both. These small, playful, and friendly dogs are known for their affectionate nature and generally calm disposition. Like most dogs on this list, they benefit from a regular grooming routine to maintain their beautiful, low-shedding coats. Shorkies thrive on human interaction and make delightful, peaceful companions.
20. Barbet
Pronounced “bar-bay,” the Barbet is a cheerful pup with a shaggy, woolly coat that is low-shedding and naturally protective. These dogs are known for their affectionate and intelligent nature. While they enjoy activity, particularly swimming, they are also capable of being calm and devoted family members when their needs for exercise and companionship are met. Regular brushing is key to keeping their unique coat in good condition.
21. Shih-Poo
The Shih-Poo is a mixed breed resulting from a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, most commonly a Toy Poodle. These small, adaptable pups can thrive in almost any living situation, offering a calm and affectionate presence. They require approximately 30 minutes of exercise daily and benefit from regular brushing sessions to keep their low-shedding coats tidy. Their sweet and gentle nature makes them excellent companions.
22. Peruvian Inca Orchid
An ancient and rare breed, the Peruvian Inca Orchid comes in three sizes and is considered hypoallergenic due to its nearly hairless body. These unique dogs are known for being alert, intelligent, and deeply affectionate with their families. While they can be reserved with strangers, they are generally calm and quiet companions within the home, enjoying close bonds with their owners.
23. Malshi
As a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu, the Malshi is a happy, small, and low-shedding dog. They are deeply affectionate and thrive on close companionship, making them wonderful lap dogs. Malshis are known for their sweet and gentle temperament, contributing a calm and loving presence to their homes. Regular grooming helps keep their fluffy coats looking their best.
Caring for Your Calm, Low-Shedding Companion
Even the calmest, non-shedding dogs require consistent care to ensure they remain healthy, happy, and truly low-maintenance in your home.
Prioritize Grooming
Most low-shedding breeds have coats that continue to grow, similar to human hair, or have dense, curly textures that trap loose fur. This means they require diligent grooming, including regular brushing, professional clipping, or hand-stripping. Establishing a routine of weekly grooming and bathing every four to six weeks is crucial. Using specialized shampoos can further help manage any residual dander. Maintaining good grooming habits prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy, which also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Maintain a Clean Home
Even with a low-shedding dog, dander can accumulate. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and washing of bedding will help minimize allergens and keep your home fresh. Using air purifiers and ensuring good ventilation can also significantly reduce airborne particles, contributing to a healthier living space for both you and your pet.
Consult Your Veterinarian and Healthcare Provider
Managing allergies and ensuring the well-being of your pet is a team effort. Always consult with your veterinarian for the best health and grooming practices for your specific breed. Additionally, if you or a family member have allergies, discuss management strategies with your healthcare provider. Treatments such as medication or nasal sprays can help, and understanding how to minimize exposure to saliva or urine, which also contain allergens, is important. Bringing home one of the most calm dog breeds that don’t shed can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with sensitivities, allowing them to experience the profound joy of pet companionship without constant allergic reactions. These dogs offer a peaceful, loving presence and a manageable home environment, making them ideal companions.
WRITTEN BY
Nicole Zittritsch, LVT, BSc, MPH
Veterinarian Technician
