- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
On the hunt for a dog but worried about shedding? All dogs shed to some extent, but certain dog breeds do shed less than other breeds.
Dogs with short, medium, and double coats tend to shed the most, according to Julia Benning, Lead Grooming Advisor for Well Groomed Pets. Low-shedding dogs generally have coarse, wiry, or long hair.
Excessive dog hair isn’t a problem for everyone—some people don’t mind vacuuming up every day! But it can be a deal breaker for some people, especially those allergic to dogs. If you want an allergy-friendly pup or just hope to maintain a tidy home, a low-shedding dog could make a good match!
Read on for a list of 21 low-shedding breeds, organized by size. You’ll also find tips on other things to consider when choosing a dog, like grooming and exercise needs.
Are Low-Shedding Dogs Hypoallergenic?
No dog is 100% allergen-free. But some dogs have hypoallergenic coats that produce less dander, the primary trigger for dog allergies.
Low-shedding dogs don’t necessarily produce less dander. However, that dander tends to stay on their coats rather than spreading throughout your home in clouds of hair!
Low-shedding dogs can also benefit people who have environmental allergies.
“Dog fur can trap dirt, debris, and allergens,” Benning explains. When dogs shed that hair onto your clothing and furniture, it can cause a reaction. What’s more, the loose hair itself can irritate sensitive noses and eyes.
Small Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
Miniature & Toy Poodles
Miniature Poodles have the smarts and charm of their larger Poodle counterparts but in a smaller package. These spirited dogs often have even more energy than Standard Poodles—plan for about an hour of daily exercise, which can include long walks, fetch, or agility drills.
With their friendly disposition, Miniature and Toy Poodles make excellent family dogs. They don’t shed much, but these compact pups require regular grooming and a trim every 4-8 weeks.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers may be small, but they have plenty of personality. These pups are known for their scrappy, affectionate, and feisty natures. Most Yorkies are outgoing and never far behind their people.
They do have long coats, but they don’t shed much at all. Their low-shedding coats are actually a lot like human hair and requires similar maintenance. To keep a Yorkie’s coat healthy and tangle-free, you’ll need to brush it every day.
You can simplify grooming by giving your Yorkie a “puppy cut.”
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are sweet, loyal, and lovable—the very definition of a lap dog! Their soft, curly coats don’t shed much, but the longer the coat, the more brushing needed to maintain it.
Shih Tzus with long coats will need daily brushing, while those with shorter puppy cuts will need brushing every 2-3 days. Shih Tzus should also get a bath every few weeks to keep their coat clean, healthy, and shiny.
These people-oriented pups don’t need much exercise—a good daily walk and some interactive play should do the trick. They’re generally content spending most of their day relaxing indoors with their favorite people.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers have beards that make them look a bit like little old men, but they certainly don’t act like it! This breed is known for their active personalities. They’re playful and energetic and love running around.
This breed has a wiry coat that doesn’t shed much, but their hair does require regular brushing to prevent matting. Their distinct eyebrows and beards also need routine trims to maintain a tidy appearance.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises have soft, curly white hair that gives them the appearance of a cotton ball. But all that hair mostly stays in place: these pups don’t shed much, as long as you keep up with their grooming.
Bichon Frises need daily brushing and a monthly bath and trim to keep their coat in top shape.
These exuberant pups are bright and eager to please, which makes them great candidates for trick training. But the most important thing for a Bichon is your attention and affection.
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon fans love these pups for their cheerful dispositions, curious personalities, and expressive faces. Despite their small size, they’re also an active breed. This makes them a favorite with families who want a small dog who still enjoys walking, playing, and exploring the outdoors.
The Brussels Griffon barely sheds, and their short hair requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath and trim will help keep them clean and tidy.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested dog might have an unusual appearance, but their sweet and affectionate personalities make them the perfect companion dog. Plus, thanks to their mostly hairless body, they shed very little.
Even though they don’t have much hair, they still need grooming. Since these dogs are mostly bald, they’re prone to skin irritation and sunburn. Skin care, including targeted treatments and sunscreen, is this breed’s top grooming concern.
These highly trainable dogs are tiny athletes who can excel at activities like obedience, rally, tracking, agility, and scent work.
Maltese
The Maltese is a sweet and high-energy breed. They might be small, but they compensate for it with their big energy and personality!
These dogs have a distinctive white coat that’s low-shedding, but not low-maintenance. Be prepared for daily brushing and regular baths to keep their coat healthy. These dogs like to be the center of attention, and they’re happiest curled up in their human’s cozy lap.
Cairn Terrier
One of the oldest terrier breeds, the Cairn Terrier has a double coat that gives them a shaggy appearance. Even so, this little dog’s hair generally doesn’t shed much.
When it comes to grooming and maintenance, the Cairn Terrier falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. They need weekly brushing, monthly baths, and the occasional hand-stripping to help maintain the coat’s health and texture.
Havanese
The Havanese have sweet faces and vibrant, upbeat personalities to match. Thanks to their small size and relatively low activity needs, they’re also a favorite among city and apartment dwellers.
These dogs don’t shed much, but their long, thick coats need some upkeep. To keep their hair healthy and matte-free, plan for daily brushing. They’ll need a bath and haircut every few months, depending on the length of their coat.
Medium Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized dog known for its robust build and distinctive, wiry coat. Intelligent and loyal, these low-shedding dogs can make both skilled working dogs or family companions. To meet their high exercise needs, try activities like agility, herding, and tracking.
Like all wire-coated breeds, Standard Schnauzers require regular brushing to prevent mats. Hand-stripping their coat every 4-6 months helps maintain its look and feel.
Labradoodle
Labradoodles are a cross between Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles. This mixed breed was intended to blend a Lab’s personality with a Poodle’s hypoallergenic and low-shedding coat.
Like Poodles, Labradoodles need brushing every day to avoid mats. Giving your pup a bath every month or so will keep their coat clean and healthy.
Note that because they’re a mix of breeds, some Labradoodles may shed more than others. Work with a responsible breeder who can tell you about the puppy’s background.
Wheaton Terrier
If you’re searching for a loyal, loving companion dog, you won’t find many breeds better than the Wheaton Terrier. These pups are known for their friendly personalities and deep-seated loyalty—along with how little they shed!
The Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier has an incredibly soft coat (hence the name) that stays on, instead of dropping off in tufts of fur around your home. However, they do need regular grooming and brushing to keep matting at bay.
Wheaton Terriers were bred as farm dogs, but they also make great family dogs. A flirt pole, scent work, and games of fetch can help with their high prey drive.
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo, is a unique and ancient breed known for its calm and loyal personality. These hairless dogs have sleek bodies and bat-like ears and come in Standard, Miniature, and Toy sizes.
Though generally reserved with strangers, Xolos bond closely with their pet parents. They have minimal grooming needs, due to their lack of hair. However, they need regular baths and moisturizing lotions, including sunscreen, to protect their skin.
Barbet
The Barbet is an energetic water dog from France. These dogs are known for their long, curly coats and cheerful natures.
They’re smart, devoted, and love physical activity. They’ll happily join you in outdoor adventures like swimming, retrieving, and dock diving. You’ll need to groom them weekly to prevent tangles and matting.
Portuguese Water Dog
If you want a dog who loves adventures just as much as they enjoy snuggling on the couch? The Portuguese Water Dog may be right for you.
These dogs are the perfect mix of adventurous and affectionate. They’ll happily join you for an outdoor adventure, especially one that involves swimming!
Former President Barack Obama and his family may have had many reasons for choosing the Portuguese Water Dog as a pet—but the fact that this friendly breed barely sheds may have been high on the list. Just make sure to brush them every week to prevent matting.
Large Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
Afghan Hound
With their slender faces and long, silky coats, Afghan Hounds are one of the most distinctive and easily recognizable dog breeds in the world. These dogs also have distinct personalities that blend silliness and aloofness. As sighthounds, they have a high prey drive, which can be channeled through games like chase or a flirt pole.
If you decide to add an Afghan Hound to your family, prepare for plenty of grooming. They might not shed much, but their robust coats require daily brushing, plus regular baths, to stay healthy and mat-free.
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier’s wiry double coat protects them from the elements and makes them a great fit for outdoorsy families. Airedales are rugged and curious dogs who enjoy hiking and exploring all kinds of terrain.
Although they’re low-shedding dogs, Airedale Terriers require professional grooming a few times a year for hand-stripping or clipping. You’ll also need to brush them every day.
Standard Poodle
Poodles are extremely smart, active, and athletic. You can channel their exuberance with activities like swimming, nosework, or dog sports. They also do well with puzzle toys that put their problem-solving skills to work.
Poodles have a lot of thick, curly hair, but their coat is considered hypoallergenic and sheds very little. These dogs need to be brushed every day, especially near the skin, to keep hair from getting matted and tangled.
Giant Schnauzer
Originally bred as versatile working dogs, Giant Schnauzers excel in various roles, from family companions to police and service dogs. Known for their loyalty, intelligence, and sometimes willful nature, these low-shedding dogs like having a job to do.
A Giant Schnauzer needs regular trims to maintain their striking appearance—complete with pronounced eyebrows and a beard!
Irish Water Spaniel
True to their name, the Irish Water Spaniel is one of the best swimmers in the canine world. They are also curious, courageous, energetic, and playful—making them great pets for active families. If you love to swim, they’ll happily join you.
These dogs have a long, curly coat that doesn’t shed much. The texture also keeps it from clinging to fabric and upholstery. These dogs do well with a thorough weekly comb-through to the skin and trims every 6-8 weeks.
FAQs About Low-Shedding Dogs
Are low-shedding dogs good for people with allergies?
Low-shedding dogs can make good pets for some people living with dog allergies. This is because dog allergies are caused by dander, or dead skin cells, that flake off a dog’s skin and get into the air via loose hair.
Are there dogs who don’t shed at all?
All dogs shed to some degree. Benning explains that even breeds labeled as “non-shedding” still lose some dead hair and skin cells. That’s why people with very strong allergies may not be able to have a dog as a pet.
Which low shedding dogs are low maintenance?
While low-shedding breeds might seem easier to care for, they often require more intense grooming. Many of these dogs need daily brushing, regular trims, and frequent baths to help keep their hair tidy.
If you don’t have as much time to devote to grooming, Benning suggests Terriers. Airedale and Cairn Terriers have hair that doesn’t mat or tangle easily, so their grooming regimen is a little more relaxed. That said, they’ll need professional hand-stripping a few times a year, which can be costlier than regular haircuts.
Which low-shedding dog is known for being calm?
All dogs are individuals with unique personalities, but generally, you can expect calmer behavior from Xoloitzcuintli, Afghan Hounds, Shih Tzus, Havanese, and Barbets.
Are low-shedding dogs naturally cleaner?
Benning says low-shedding dogs aren’t necessarily cleaner. Low-shedding dogs can trap extra debris in their hair that other dogs would have shed off.
“Low-shedding dogs may need even more frequent bathing and brushing to keep them cleaner and remove dirt, debris, and dead hair from the skin,” Benning says.
