Dogs That Don’t Shed: 21 Low-Shedding Breeds You’ll Love

Do you want to cuddle up to a cute, fluffy puppy but have allergies that make you cough, sneeze, and break out in hives? Don’t worry, you are not alone. In fact, 10 to 20 percent of the global population has some form of pet allergy.¹

Luckily, there are many solutions to this problem, including medication, frequently cleaning your home to reduce allergens and hypoallergenic dogs. Unfortunately, there are no truly 100% hypoallergenic dog breeds. Additionally, the only dogs that don’t shed are the hairless varieties; if your dog has fur or hair, they will shed.

We often think that people who are allergic to dogs are allergic to dog fur. However, this is a misconception. Dog allergies are triggered by exposure to the proteins in a dog’s skin cells, saliva, or urine. These proteins are easily carried by shedding hair or dead flakes of skin, also known as dander, and can stay suspended in the air for long periods of time due to their lightweight nature.² A dog that sheds less may result in fewer allergy signs.

Apart from pet allergies, there are many reasons why someone might want a dog that doesn’t shed too much. After all, some people prefer to spend less time vacuuming and cleaning up loose fur, want to keep their furniture and clothing relatively hair-free, or simply enjoy the easier grooming routine that comes with a low-shedding breed.

Luckily, there are many dog breeds that don’t shed a lot, meaning you’ll have less fur to clean off your furniture and clothing, and you may experience fewer allergy signs around them. In this blog post, we will break down everything you need to know about low-shedding dog breeds and introduce 21 dog breeds that shed less and produce less dander.

• Why do Dogs Shed?
• 21 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
• Final Notes

Why do Dogs Shed?

All dogs shed. It’s a natural and healthy process that they experience as part of their hair growth cycle. Just like humans lose hair daily, dogs need to shed their old or damaged fur to make way for new, healthy coat growth. This process helps dogs regulate their body temperature and maintain healthy skin.

Dogs typically shed year-round, but many breeds shed more heavily during specific seasons. This seasonal shedding usually occurs in spring and fall as dogs prepare for weather changes. During spring, dogs shed their thicker winter coats to stay cooler in summer. Then, dogs shed in the fall to get rid of their lighter summer coats and make way for thicker winter protection.

Dogs can shed for other reasons, too. For instance, a poor diet lacking essential vitamins can lead to excessive shedding and unhealthy coat conditions. Meanwhile, underlying health issues can cause abnormal shedding patterns. Conditions like allergies, skin infections, or parasites may result in excessive hair loss.

Stress and anxiety can also trigger increased shedding. Major life changes like moving to a new home or the arrival of a new family member can cause your dog to shed more than usual.³

21 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

Low shedding dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from toy-sized Malteses to 80-pound Giant Schnauzers. Long-haired dogs have a bad reputation when it comes to shedding, but you’ll be surprised how many furry and shaggy canines are considered low shedding dog breeds.

Finding dogs that don’t shed a lot can be hard. Here are several dog breeds that shed minimally, helping to keep your allergies in check and reducing the frequency of cleaning.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are well loved by people all around the world and have a major presence on social media due to their cute appearance that beautifully showcases a variety of haircuts. Their small stature in combination with their round head and white, curly fur gives them a distinct marshmallow or powder puff look that’s hard not to love.

The Bichon Frise is also an ancient breed that has made its mark on history, from being sailors’ companions on the Canary Islands to laying on the laps of French aristocrats. Their charming and happy-go-lucky personality makes them sought after companions. If you want a playful, adaptable dog that fits in easily with your family, Bichon Frises can be a perfect choice.⁴

Poodle

All poodles are hypoallergenic dogs, including toy poodles, miniature poodles, and standard poodles. With a dense, curly coat that comes in a range of colors from blues to cafe-au-laits, poodles always carry themselves with an air of elegance. However, do not be fooled. Despite their proud and almost haughty look, this breed can be just as friendly and affectionate as others.

Poodles are also very athletic. They have high energy levels and prefer to get a good amount of exercise and play every day. Bred as hunting dogs, they excel at fetch and obedience. You can even try to train your poodle in dog agility and compete.⁵

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers are dainty dogs often associated with proper English ladies of the late Victorian era. However, before becoming pampered lap dogs, they had a brief stint working in textile mills and coal mines as exterminators, which is much more in line with their peppy and feisty disposition.

Despite the long, floor-length blue and tan coat typical of the breed, Yorkshire terriers shed much less than other dogs. They are also less likely to drool. These two traits make them ideal companions for people who are mildly allergic to dogs. If you are affected by dog allergies, hang out with a Yorkshire terrier and see how your body reacts.⁶

Portuguese Water Dog

As their name suggests, Portuguese water dogs were initially bred to assist fishermen who lived along Portugal’s coast in their daily tasks. From herding fish into nets to carrying messages from ship to ship, these dogs are trustworthy and hardworking. Even to this day, they are sometimes used for water rescue.

In terms of appearance, Portuguese water dogs have a medium, athletic build. The tight curls or waves covering their body shed very little, grouping them with other hypoallergenic dogs. Although every dog is different, Portuguese water dogs tend to be easier to train and very loyal.⁷

Maltese

Maltese are known for their white, silky coats that hit the floor and sway gracefully from side to side as they glide around. Many owners of this breed also love to keep their hair in top knots or ponytails that make them extra adorable.

From the island of Malta, Maltese were well loved and even revered by Greeks and Romans. Known to have a geometric beauty and to be perfectly proportioned, Maltese were often depicted on ceramics and other artifacts. They were even documented in poems, myths, and other stories.⁸

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is one of the bigger hypoallergenic dog breeds. Their counterpart, the Standard Schnauzer, is smaller but considered hypoallergenic as well. These dogs have a rugged look and a cool, effortless aura. Their bold, distinctive eyebrows and beard frame their rectangular face and deep-set eyes.

Their rugged look also matches their role as working dogs. Giant Schnauzers have had a range of occupations since their conception in the Bavarian Alps. They have been guard dogs for merchants, cattle transporters for farmers, and even police dogs in certain European countries.⁹

Dachshund

Despite their small size and distinctive long body, Dachshunds are surprisingly low-shedding dogs. Originally bred in Germany, these clever and determined dogs come in both smooth-haired and wire-haired varieties.

The wire-haired version is considered more hypoallergenic due to its coarse, tight coat that sheds minimally when properly maintained.¹⁰

Border Terrier

Border terriers are known for their otter-like head and rough, weather-resistant double coat that sheds minimally. Originally bred to hunt foxes and rodents in the border country between England and Scotland, these hardy little dogs have a wiry outer coat that requires hand-stripping rather than clipping.

Remember that these dogs may still shed seasonally. While they shed less than breeds that shed year-round, they will still lose some fur from time to time!¹¹

Lhasa Apso

Hailing from Tibet, where they served as sentinel dogs in Buddhist monasteries, Lhasa Apsos are known for their floor-length, silky coat that sheds very little. These dignified and independent dogs have been cherished companions for over a thousand years. Their heavy coat requires regular grooming but rewards pet parents with minimal shedding and dander.¹²

Havanese

The national dog of Cuba, Havanese dogs are charming companions with silky coats that can be either straight or wavy. These cheerful, intelligent dogs were once beloved by the Cuban aristocracy and are now popular family pets due to their adaptable nature and low-shedding coats.

Their unique silk-like fur grows continuously but sheds very little, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies. Havanese are known for their springy gait and naturally outgoing, social personality.¹³

Basenji

Often called the “barkless dog,” Basenji is an ancient breed from Africa with a short, fine coat that is notably low-maintenance and hypoallergenic. These independent and intelligent dogs groom themselves like cats and have very minimal shedding.

Their short, sleek coat requires little grooming beyond occasional brushing. Known for their distinctive yodel-like vocalizations and cat-like cleanliness, Basenjis are fascinating companions with a strong prey drive and independent nature.¹⁴

Shih Tzu

Originally bred for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus sports a luxurious double coat that, despite its length, is considered low shedding. Their name means “lion dog,” and these small but proud dogs carry themselves with a regal air.

While their long, flowing coat requires regular grooming, they shed very little and produce only a small amount of dander compared to other popular breeds. Shih Tzus are affectionate companions who excel at adapting to various living situations and family dynamics.¹⁵

Boxer

Though not commonly thought of as a low-shedding dog, Boxers have a short, tight coat that sheds minimally compared to many other breeds. These muscular and energetic dogs were developed in Germany as working dogs but have become beloved family companions.

Their smooth coat requires minimal grooming and produces less dander than many other breeds. Boxers are known for their playful personality and patient nature with children.¹⁶

Beagle

While Beagles do shed, their short, dense coat is relatively easy to maintain and produces less dander than many other hunting breeds.

Originally bred for rabbit hunting, these merry little hounds are excellent family dogs with a keen sense of smell and a love for outdoor activities. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding for these moderate-shedding dogs.¹⁷

Xoloitzcuintli

Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli comes in both hairless and coated varieties. The hairless variety is naturally hypoallergenic and was once considered to have healing properties by the Aztecs.

These ancient dogs are intelligent and calm, making excellent companions. The hairless variety requires regular skin care, including sunscreen, but rewards owners with virtually no shedding.¹⁸

Brussels Griffon

These small, bearded dogs come in both rough and smooth coat varieties, with the rough-coated version shedding the least. Originally bred to hunt rats, Brussels Griffons have a distinctive monkey-like face and expressive eyes.

Their wiry coat sheds minimally and requires regular grooming to maintain its hypoallergenic properties. Despite their small size, these dogs have large personalities and form strong bonds with their families.¹⁹

French Bulldog

While French Bulldogs do shed, they’re considered a lower-shedding breed due to their short, fine coat. These charming city dwellers have become increasingly popular as apartment dogs due to their manageable size and relatively low-maintenance grooming needs.

Their smooth coat requires minimal grooming and produces less dander than many other breeds. French Bulldogs are known for their unique ears and affectionate, adaptable nature.²⁰

American Hairless Terrier

American hairless terriers are what many would imagine when thinking of hypoallergenic dog breeds. Despite their name, however, American hairless terriers come in both coated and hairless varieties. The coated variety has a very short and dense coat with a noticeable sheen. The hairless variety, on the other hand, usually sheds its birth coat around 8 to 10 weeks of age.

The American hairless terrier is known to be an energetic and curious dog. Bred to get rid of vermin on farms, these dogs are very avid hunters. Although they are no longer used for this purpose, they still retain a lot of their hunting instinct. American hairless terriers can be easily trained for a variety of dog sports.²¹

Chinese Crested

Like the American hairless terrier, the Chinese Crested can be either coated or hairless. They have a very distinct appearance that cannot be mistaken for any other hypoallergenic dogs. What sets them apart is their slender frame and long tufts of hair on their head, ankles, and tail. It almost looks as if they are wearing a matching set of accessories.

Although they may look fragile, Chinese Cresteds were at once expert exterminators on board many trade ships, traveling from port to port. Because of their history, they are still very active dogs nowadays. Owners of the hairless variety must remember to apply sunscreen on their canine companions during long periods of sun exposure.²²

Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington terriers are hypoallergenic dogs that almost look like lambs from certain angles, primarily due to their plush, wool-like coats. Not only are these dogs soft in appearance, but they also have a more gentle disposition. Looking at them, you would never know that they were once bred to catch vermin and engage in dog fights.

The Bedlington terrier’s coat rarely sheds. However, it does grow very quickly. Owners should take care to get it trimmed every 2 months or so. Like other terriers, Bedlington terriers are also fairly energetic, but they also love to cuddle up to their family.²³

Lowchen

The Lowchen is another long-haired hypoallergenic dog breed. Named after its mane and plumed tail, its name means “little lion” in German. A descendant of the Barbichons, the same ancient line that gave us other hypoallergenic dogs like the Maltese and Bichon Frise, Lowchens were extremely popular amongst the nobles of Spain, Germany, and Russia. They can even be spotted in numerous historical artworks.

Although Lowchens were bred to be companions, they can be rather adaptable and protective. They also love to play and can be trained to learn many tricks.²⁴

How to Minimize Shedding in Dogs

While it is impossible for a dog to not shed at all, certain dogs, such as most dogs that are hypoallergenic, have what are considered non-shedding coats. Shedding is a natural process for dogs. It helps them get rid of old, damaged hair and make room for new hair that is shiny and healthy. Hypoallergenic dogs with non-shedding coats shed a lot less or virtually don’t shed at all.

Of course, there are a few tips and tricks to minimize shedding in dogs. Other than uncontrollable factors such as breed, weather, and if your dog has allergies or sensitivities that could trigger shedding, you can reduce how much hair your dog sheds by improving their diet and nutrition, increasing their water intake, and using the correct brush and shedding tool. Adequate bathing and de-shedding sessions at the groomers will also keep your pup clean and free of dead hair.

Final Notes

If you’re considering bringing home one of these low-shedding dog breeds, remember that even dogs that don’t shed a lot can still trigger allergic reactions and leave hair or fur on your belongings. While there are many dog breeds that don’t shed much, no breed is completely hypoallergenic, and all dogs shed.

Want to learn more about dogs that don’t shed much or how to be a better pet parent while allergic? Speak with a Dutch vet. Dutch is an online vet service that provides unlimited care over video chat whenever you need it. When local vets are all booked up, Dutch can get your pet the prompt, high-quality care they deserve. You can also find tons of great products to take better care of your dog’s skin and coat on our online pet store.