Do you want to get a dog but are scared of allergies? You should look for low-shedding dog breeds. These breeds are nearly non-shedding dogs because their shedding frequency and volume are lower than others. People also call these dogs hypoallergenic, and they make great pets for people who are allergic to pet dander.
In this blog, we will talk about 35 dogs that don’t shed much.
Top 35 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
Several dog breeds don’t shed every day. These dogs won’t leave hair on your furniture, and you won’t have to deal with dander all the time. Most of these dogs are single-coated or have hair similar to humans, and that’s why they shed less.
People with allergies often want to get hypoallergenic dogs, but actually, no dog doesn’t shed. It’s just that these dogs shed little and never activate human allergies, making them great pets for such people.
Some examples of such dogs include Afghan hounds, Bolognese, Cairn Terriers, Havenese, Maltese, Poodles, and Scottish Terriers. Let’s discuss more below.
1. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher has a thick, shaggy coat, but it is still one of the non-shedding dog breeds. While adults don’t shed much, pups undergo seasonal shedding twice a year; Affenpinscher puppies shed their coats. But this shedding is limited, and it will not cause your whole house to get covered in dog fur.
Affenpinschers are also called monkey dogs because of their monkey-like face. They grow up to be about 9 to 11 inches tall and can weigh up to 8-9 pounds. This breed of dog is affectionate and very loyal to its owners. They are curious pets, so if you enjoy exploring, your Affenpinscher is a great companion on your adventures.
2. Afghan Hound
Afghan hounds have a long coat that can be very silky if maintained properly. Due to its length, an Afghan hound’s coat can become severely matted, but it still does not shed much.
Afghan hounds have a greyhound-like appearance. They grow up to about 25 to 26 inches tall and can weigh anywhere between 50 to 60 pounds. They are extremely energetic and enjoy outdoor activities. A well-groomed Afghan hound is a beautiful creature and makes for a loving and ideal pet. They have a calm temperament and can be very loyal.
3. American Hairless Terrier
The American hairless terrier is among the best non-shedding dog breeds. American hairless terriers are hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed much. These dogs were bred from hunter dogs, but because they lack a coat, they shouldn’t be used for hunting. Don’t forget to give them regular baths once in a while if you want to keep them well groomed.
They are friendly and lively dogs that are perfect for families. They grow to be about 12 to 16 inches tall and can weigh about 10 to 15 pounds. You should take your AHT for regular walks because they need the activity to stay fit.
4. Basenji
The Basenji has a short coat of very fine hair that does not shed often. They make great pets for people allergic to dog dander and fur because they experience minimal shedding. You will need to groom your Basenji, but the process is not very hard because their coat is thin.
Basenjis are often known as “barkless” dogs, and many dog lovers adore their small, muscular bodies. Basenjis are adventurous, but they are also quite stubborn. They need to be trained so that they fit into families. They reach a height of 16-17 inches and can weigh up to 25 pounds.
5. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington terrier’s coat is thick and curly, almost like a lamb’s. The coat of a Bedlington terrier does not shed much, and it doesn’t require frequent grooming. This is because their fur might mat and become difficult to brush. Grooming can also be rather painful for your pet.
Bedlington terriers have narrow heads and are small to medium in size. They enjoy plenty of exercises and are fun to have as family pets. They love to go on long walks and play with their humans.
6. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a cute, fluffy dog, and it is also hypoallergenic to some extent. A Bichon Frise often looks like a miniature poodle because of its snowy white coat with soft, curly fur. Their coat grows, but it does not shed like that of most other dogs. However, unchecked growth will mean mats, so you must groom your dog frequently.
Bichon Frise makes wonderful family dogs and are super friendly. They need plenty of exercises, so they love playing with you and enjoy walks. These dogs are quite small, and they don’t grow beyond 10-11 inches. They weigh about 8-10 pounds.
7. Bolognese
If you are looking for dogs that don’t shed much and don’t need regular grooming, Bolognese is perfect. The Bolognese has a white furry coat and does not require regular brushing. You only need to brush them a couple of times a week, and they are good to go.
The Bolognese is not very energetic and will curl up with you for a nap or be lazy! They are also very affectionate and make good companions. This is a small breed measuring 10-12 inches in height and about 8 pounds in weight.
8. Border Terrier
Border Terriers are one of the low-maintenance no-shedding dog breeds. This breed of terriers has adorably floppy ears. It has a lovely coat that doesn’t shed too much, but you will still need to groom it a bit. It is best to take them to a groomer once in a while. The best method of grooming a Border Terrier is hair stripping, and this should be done by a professional.
Some terriers can be a bit aggressive, but not the Border Terrier. They have a calm temperament and are friendly with people. Border Terriers are smaller than others, and they usually don’t grow beyond 10 inches, weighing between 10-15 pounds.
9. Brussels Griffon
If you love smart dogs that are a joy to have around, you need to get a Brussels Griffon. This breed has a very differently textured coat. It is not too hard, but it is not very soft either. You can hand-strip their coats, but it is better to take them to the groomer for professional grooming. Hand-stripping is a great way to reduce fur and dander.
The Brussels Griffon was a Belgian street dog, and it is a highly intelligent breed. They are great pets and can be very adorable.
10. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are another type of hypoallergenic terriers that don’t shed a lot. They have a double coat that does not require too much maintenance. All you need to do is brush them and groom them once a week, keeping their coat soft and healthy. It stops mats from developing and keeps them comfortable.
Cairn Terriers have a curious nature and love to explore the outdoors. If you are looking for an energetic dog, then a cairn terrier is a good choice.
11. Chinese Crested
You can get a Chinese Crested if you want a chihuahua but don’t want to deal with shedding. The hair coat of a Chinese Crested has been the subject of research for a while now. They only have hair on their tail, head, and near their feet, giving them a unique appearance.
However, the lack of a coat can cause skin irritations if they are exposed to sunlight for too long. Extremely low temperatures are also equally harmful to their skin. You should always apply dog-friendly sunscreen in summer and give them warm, comfortable sweaters in the winter.
Chinese Cresteds are great companion dogs and can grow to about 10-12 inches tall. They are extremely social and can be quite needy too.
12. Coton de Tulear
Also known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is another cute hypoallergenic pet. They have long coats that are soft and white, but they do not shed. However, your dog may develop mats if not groomed properly, so you must brush them daily. You can use a pin brush to make the brushing easier.
The Coton de Tulear is an affectionate dog that will keep you company throughout the day. It’s an intelligent and observant dog and quickly adapts to your training.
13. Giant Schnauzer
Various types of Schnauzers exist, and the Giant Schnauzer is one of the best low-shedding dog breeds. The Giant Schnauzer has a hard coat, and the fur is dense and wiry. You will see that it grows a lot, so it needs regular grooming. However, there is almost no shedding, so it’s a good pet for those allergic to dog hair. When you are grooming your Giant Schnauzer, make sure to clip their hair while you brush it.
They are quite active and enjoy helping their owners. You can train your giant schnauzer for basic chores like getting the paper or picking up your shoes.
14. Havanese
The Havanese is an almost completely hypoallergenic and low-shedding dog breed. If you have severe allergies, you should try out a pup first because they have allergens in their dander. Even this minimal shedding can trigger your allergies, but if you are not allergic, you can get a Havanese puppy.
The Havanese is a very friendly dog. They are affectionate and also very smart. Havanese dogs make intelligent pets.
15. Irish Water Spaniel
If you love spaniels and are looking for a playful one, you can’t go wrong with an Irish Water Spaniel. They have a great temperament and can even be a bit of a clown! Irish Water Spaniels are energetic, so don’t forget to take them on walks and play with them.
This dog has a thick double coat that needs regular brushing, but it doesn’t shed much. Their coat is water-repellent, so they enjoy pools and the outdoors.
16. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is another dog that sheds less and is hypoallergenic. Their coat is made of very dense fur but is also relatively soft. The hair in front of their face can grow long, so you must groom them regularly. You should brush their coat and trim the hair occasionally to keep it away from their eyes. The coat is dense and long but does not shed and is low on allergens. This makes them the perfect companion if you have allergies.
17. Komondor
Komondors are quite hairy, but they do not shed a lot. You don’t need to brush them every day, but you can occasionally groom and brush out the coat. You will also need to bathe them regularly. When bathing your Komondor, use gentle shampoos that can clean out their coat as well.
Komondors were originally bred to watch over the livestock, so they love watching over families even today. They are big dogs that can grow up to 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80 pounds.
18. Labradoodle
The labradoodle, as its name suggests, is a mix between the labrador and the poodle. It was originally a guide dog and is considered to be quite hypoallergenic. The labradoodle does experience some shedding, but it is lower than that of a labrador. That is why it is the best fur buddy for anyone who is allergic to dander.
Labradoodles are social dogs and love being around people. They are intelligent dogs that make great pets for families. Since they are mostly non-shedding dogs, you can keep them around to test them. If you don’t get an allergic reaction, you can take a puppy home.
19. Lagotto Romagnolo
A highly energetic dog, the Lagotto Romagnolo is the best fur buddy for your outdoor adventures.
It has a dense, wooly coat and resembles a poodle or a sheep. You don’t need to groom them too often, but you can occasionally brush their coat and trim it a bit. That’s all that you need to keep it healthy and thick. Lagotto Romagnolo is perfect for allergic humans because it is mostly hypoallergenic due to low levels of allergens in its fur.
20. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso has a long coat, but if you groom them well, there will be almost no shedding. Their coats can grow so long as to touch the floor. Lhasa Apsos can have a long coat, but you should bathe them every two weeks and brush them regularly.
The Lhasa Apso puppy is very cute and playful but was originally bred as a guard dog. They used to guard Buddhist monasteries and palaces. They are small dogs, about 10-12 inches tall, and weigh about 12-15 pounds.
21. Löwchen
The Löwchen is a small dog that is very brave and active. But they are also cute and cuddly companions. Löwchens are hypoallergenic, and their coats do not require much maintenance. You need to brush their coats twice a week, and that will ensure that their cost remains healthy.
Löwchens can be quite adorable and playful, making the best companions for families with young kids.
22. Maltese
If you want hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed and come with a big personality, you need a Maltese. These tiny dogs are brave and active but not too energetic. A Maltese will enjoy playtime and walks but will also not tire you out. They have quite a puppy-like appearance which makes them really sweet pets.
They shed less, despite having a hairy coat. Maltese dogs have long, white, soft, and hairy coats. To maintain the coat, you need to brush regularly and occasionally take them to a groomer for trimming.
23. Miniature Schnauzer
You can get a Miniature Schnauzer if you want a Schnauzer but don’t want the Giant Schnauzer. Miniature Schnauzers are protective companions that are always very alert. This makes them wonderful watchdogs, and they are very useful if you live alone.
Miniature Schnauzers have a double coat that needs grooming and trimming but does not shed much. These dogs are also very obedient and can adapt to different environments. They will stay quite healthy and are not too energetic. This makes them good pets for older people who cannot handle a highly energetic and playful dog.
24. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Some breeds of the Peruvian Inca Orchid can be hairless. The lack of a hairy coat leaves their skin exposed to weather changes, and severe temperatures cause considerable damage. If you have a hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid, massage them with dog-friendly sunblock to protect their skin. You should also dress them in soft and warm sweaters during the winter.
The hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid can be of three sizes: small, medium, and big. These dogs are affectionate and can be very protective towards their owners.
25. Poodle
You may be surprised, but the poodle is among the dogs that don’t shed much. You can get a standard-size poodle, a miniature poodle, or even a toy poodle.
A poodle’s coat is soft and dense, and its single coat is very curly. Poodles are almost completely hypoallergenic and will not shed all over your house. A poodle’s coat is also quite clean. To reduce the shedding even more and keep them well groomed, you can brush their coats frequently.
26. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is extremely energetic and makes a wonderful addition to a family with kids. They don’t shed all over your furniture, so there’s no fear of allergies. A Portuguese Water Dog enjoys water and also has a waterproof coat. Despite being very dense and curly, their coat does not cause any discomfort when in water. You will need to frequently groom your Portuguese Water Dog to keep their coat from matting.
27. Puli
Pulis are hairy, and if you look at them, you won’t believe that they don’t shed. But, they actually shed the least, despite their appearance. The coat is hairy and thick, so it can get dirty quickly and even trap dirt under it. This is why you need to bathe them and brush the coat frequently. This will loosen the mats and dirt particles. However, if you bathe them, the coat will take a day and a half to dry completely.
A Puli is a good pet; you can even have them around children.
28. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier has a coat that does not shed much but requires some maintenance. You must groom your Scottish Terrier well to ensure their coat is healthy.
Scottish Terriers have a great temperament and are rather lively and playful. They can be quite energetic and enjoy playing around, making them good family dogs. The Scottish Terrier is also a wonderful watchdog, and they always stay alert.
29. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an adorable dog that makes a delightful pet for families. They have a fluffy, hairy coat that is mostly white and gorgeous. Their coat is long, but it does not shed. You will need to groom your Shih Tzu and brush their coat. It is important to groom them and brush them regularly to maintain their coat. Otherwise, it can get matted and dirty.
Shih Tzu has a puppy-like appearance with big eyes and playful nature.
30. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a single-layer coat that is very soft. This wheaten-colored coat does not shed much, so you don’t have to deal with dog fur and dander. All you need to do is groom them to ensure that the coat does not get matted.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lovely, playful temperament. They adapt to different environments quite well and do not give any trouble. Additionally, these dogs are great with kids, which makes them one of the best breeds of family dogs.
31. Spanish Water Dog
Some dogs have a lot of energy and enjoy doing work. The Spanish Water Dog is one of them, and they are extremely loyal. A Spanish Water Dog will make a very affectionate pet and is also a good watchdog.
They have a thick and curly coat, but you do not need to brush them frequently. In fact, taking them to the groomer occasionally for shaving is the best option to maintain their coat. It is important to shave their coat once a year to keep their hair healthy.
32. Standard Schnauzer
Here is another member of the Schnauzer family and one of the best non-shedding dogs. The Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized dog that is very affectionate. This makes them a wonderful companion for families, especially families with children.
The Standard Schnauzer doesn’t shed as much as other hairy dogs, but their leg hair and beard can mat. This is why you should groom them regularly. Clipping the hair and hair stripping are also useful grooming techniques for maintaining a Standard Schnauzer coat.
33. West Highland Terrier
The West Highland Terrier is another low-shedding terrier breed. They have a long and hairy coat that is completely white, but this coat does not shed at all. You must brush the coat frequently to remove mats and loosen the trapped dirt.
The West Highland Terrier was bred as a hunting dog, but they also have a playful temperament. They can even be a little silly at times, making you laugh at times.
34. Xoloitzcuintli
If you look at history, you will find that the origins of the unique Xoloitzcuintli date back to ancient times. Like poodles, this breed also comes in three different sizes: the standard, the miniature, and the toy Xoloitzcuintli. It can be either hairless or with a coat.
The hairless Xoloitzcuintli has quite a tough skin that protects them against bad weather. The haired Xoloitzcuintli has a short and flat coat. Both types don’t shed a lot and make the perfect pets for those allergic to dander and fur. If you have a hairless Xoloitzcuintli, don’t forget the sunscreen when they go out in the sun.
35. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are toy-sized hypoallergenic terrier breeds. Their hairy coat can grow, but it does not shed. Some dog owners prefer short coats on Yorkies, but no matter what you prefer, it needs regular grooming. This keeps their coat clean and healthy. Yorkshire Terriers shed less because their hair resembles human hair.
Why Do These Dogs Don’t Shed?
Dogs or any other animals that have coats will experience some shedding. But while some dog breeds shed every day, others shed seasonally or have very minimal shedding. These are usually seen as non-shedding dog breeds.
They don’t shed or shed less than others because some dogs have coats similar to human hair. Therefore, like human hair, it does not fall or shed all the time. Some of these dogs with low-shedding coats are also hairless, which is another reason to not shed.
Even if you have a breed of dog that doesn’t shed much, grooming is important. A well-groomed dog sheds less than other dogs. If your dog has a matted coat or a coat that has debris trapped under it, that can accelerate shedding.
Dogs that shed less are often known as hypoallergenic. But you need to remember that no dog can be absolutely hypoallergenic. This is because they will experience some shedding, and the dander can still cause allergies. Moreover, allergen levels may remain the same, whether it is a hypoallergenic or hyper allergenic dog.
But, getting a dog that sheds less is always safe, especially if you have children. This is because some dogs have a raw food diet, and this can lead to salmonellae shedding.
Tips on How to Deal With Allergies
Many people want to get a dog but are afraid of allergies. Dog dander is an allergen that affects several dog owners. Some may also have coughing and sneezing fits due to pet fur. This is why you might prefer hypoallergenic dogs.
But as you now know, dogs cannot be completely hypoallergenic. Therefore, you need to ensure that there is a low quantity of allergens around your house. How do you do that? Well, we’ve got some tips for you!
Clean the House Regularly
You may have a dog that sheds less, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any dander or fur. If you have carpeted floors or rugs, some of the dander and fur may get stuck in there. If these rugs are in high-traffic areas, you may end up getting dander all over your home. This is likely to cause allergies.
So the best thing to do is to clean rugs every day. When you have a dog, hygiene within the home is important. You can vacuum the carpet and sweep or wipe the floor regularly to reduce dander and dog fur.
Use a Humidifier
A great way to reduce dander from the air is by using a humidifier. It helps to maintain the necessary humidity levels within your home, and this helps to control allergens like dander and fur.
While humidifiers don’t cure allergies, they can help to reduce and prevent them. When the humidity increases, it is easier to breathe in that air, especially if you have respiratory difficulties due to allergies.
You can also use HEPA filters to reduce allergies. Air moves through a fine mesh within the device and it can easily trap dog dander, fur, and allergens.
Keep Your Dog Clean
It is important to understand that there are no dogs that don’t shed but that some dogs shed less than others. This means that some dander and fur are bound to be around your home. But you can control the amount of these allergens.
One of the most effective ways to do so is by keeping your fur buddy clean. You can ask the vet to recommend how often you should bathe your dog. You also need to use the right kind of shampoo and cleaning products to reduce dander.
Make sure that these products are gentle and won’t cause irritation or dry out your dog’s skin. If your dog stays clean, there will be less shedding and lower allergens in the air.
If you have allergies when exposed to dog dander and fur, you can get a breed of dog that doesn’t shed a lot from among the 35 breeds we shared above
One comment on “35 Dogs That Don’t Shed / Non-Shedding Dogs”
These are some new dogs of the breed to me. Really interesting to know