25 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (Much): The Ultimate Guide
Tired of dog hair? Discover 25 popular low-shedding dog breeds, from small to large. The perfect guide for allergy sufferers and neat freaks.
BREED GUIDES
emy azab
10/14/20257 min read
25 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (Much): The Ultimate Guide for a Cleaner Home
I still remember the day I realized my beautiful black leggings had become a permanent art project, decorated with a fine layer of golden retriever glitter. I loved my dog more than words could say, but I was in a constant, losing battle against the sea of dog hair that covered my floors, my sofa, and every piece of clothing I owned.
If you’re reading this, chances are you know exactly what I’m talking about. You dream of dog ownership—the cuddles, the walks, the unconditional love—but you dread the thought of your home turning into a giant fur-tumbleweed.
The good news? You can have the dog of your dreams without the endless vacuuming. The secret lies in choosing the right breed.
This is your definitive guide to 25 wonderful dog breeds that don't shed much. We’ll explore small, medium, and large options, so you can find the perfect, low-shedding companion to fit your lifestyle. Let's find you a friend, not a furball.
An Important Note: What "Low-Shedding" Really Means
Before we dive into the list, let's be crystal clear about a few things. This is crucial for setting the right expectations.
No Dog is 100% Hypoallergenic: Allergies are often triggered by dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine, not just hair. However, dogs that don't shed release far less dander into your home, which is why they are often called "hypoallergenic." They are a fantastic choice for people with mild to moderate allergies, but may not be suitable for those with severe reactions.
Low-Shedding Does NOT Mean No-Grooming: This is the most important takeaway. Most low-shedding dogs have hair that grows continuously, much like human hair. This means they don't drop it all over your house, but it also means they must be groomed regularly. Without brushing and professional haircuts, their hair can become painfully matted. You're trading vacuuming time for brushing and grooming time.
Now, with that understood, let's meet the amazing breeds!
Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much
Perfect for apartment living and lap-cuddling, these small breeds pack big personalities without leaving a big mess.
1. Poodle (Miniature & Toy)
The undisputed king of low-shedding dogs. Their curly, dense hair traps dander and loose strands, but it requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent mats. They are incredibly intelligent and easy to train.
2. Bichon Frise
These cheerful, fluffy white dogs are playful and charming. Their soft, curly coat is hypoallergenic but needs daily brushing and regular professional grooming to maintain its powder-puff appearance.
3. Maltese
Known for their stunning, floor-length white coats, Maltese are gentle and affectionate companions. Their silky hair doesn't shed, but it requires significant daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
4. Shih Tzu
Despite their long, flowing double coat, Shih Tzus are surprisingly low-shedders. They were bred as royal lap dogs and are perfectly happy with that job description. Daily grooming is a must to keep them looking their best.
5. Havanese
The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese is a sturdy and sociable small breed with a soft, silky coat. They shed very little but require frequent brushing to keep their coat clean and free of mats.
6. Scottish Terrier (Scottie)
Instantly recognizable by their distinctive silhouette, Scotties have a wiry, weather-resistant outer coat and a soft undercoat. They shed very little, but their coat needs regular brushing and either professional grooming or hand-stripping to maintain its texture.
7. West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
Westies are confident, friendly, and full of personality. Like the Scottie, they have a wiry double coat that sheds minimally. Regular brushing and professional grooming will keep them looking sharp and feeling good.
8. Basenji
Known as the "barkless dog," the Basenji is a unique and cat-like breed from Africa. They have a very short, fine coat that requires almost no grooming and sheds very little. They are known for meticulously cleaning themselves.
9. Chinese Crested
This breed comes in two varieties: the "hairless" (with puffs of hair on the head, paws, and tail) and the "powderpuff" (with a full coat of soft, silky hair). The hairless variety is a top choice for allergy sufferers, as they shed virtually nothing.
10. Affenpinscher
Their name means "monkey-like terrier" in German, which perfectly describes their curious and amusing personality. Their wiry, dense coat is low-shedding but needs regular brushing to prevent it from becoming scruffy.
Medium Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much
Not too big, not too small, these versatile breeds are a perfect fit for many active families.
11. Poodle (Standard)
The largest of the Poodle varieties, the Standard Poodle shares the same intelligent, trainable nature and non-shedding coat as its smaller cousins. They are excellent family dogs and require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
12. Portuguese Water Dog
This athletic and fun-loving breed was made famous by the Obama family's dogs, Bo and Sunny. They have a single coat of tight, low-shedding curls. They are active dogs that need regular exercise and professional grooming.
13. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
True to their name, Wheatens have a soft, silky coat that feels unlike any other terrier. They are joyful, friendly, and less scrappy than other terrier breeds. They don't shed but need daily brushing to prevent mats.
14. Kerry Blue Terrier
An all-purpose farm dog from Ireland, the Kerry Blue is known for its stunning blue-gray coat. They are born black, and their coat gradually fades to its signature color. Their soft, wavy coat is low-shedding but requires regular brushing and trimming.
15. Standard Schnauzer
The original of the three Schnauzer sizes, the Standard Schnauzer is an intelligent and spirited dog. Their wiry coat sheds very little and is a great choice for those with allergies. They need regular grooming to maintain their iconic look.
16. Lagotto Romagnolo
This Italian breed is the world's foremost truffle-hunting dog. They have a dense, curly, woolly coat that is waterproof and sheds minimally. They are charming, intelligent, and easy to train.
17. Spanish Water Dog
Rustic and hardworking, the Spanish Water Dog has a distinctive corded coat that is woolly and low-shedding. Their coat should never be brushed but rather allowed to form cords, and it is typically sheared down once or twice a year.
18. Tibetan Terrier
Despite their name, Tibetan Terriers are not true terriers. They are ancient companion dogs with a long, protective double coat. They shed minimally but require significant, regular brushing to prevent tangles in their long hair.
Large Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much
If you believe bigger is better, these gentle giants offer lots of love without leaving lots of hair.
19. Airedale Terrier
The "King of Terriers," the Airedale is the largest of all terrier breeds. They are confident, clever, and courageous. Their dense, wiry coat is low-shedding but needs regular brushing and professional grooming or hand-stripping.
20. Giant Schnauzer
A larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer is a loyal and intelligent working dog. Their wiry, weather-resistant coat doesn't shed much but requires regular grooming to keep it healthy.
21. Bouvier des Flandres
Originally a cattle-herding dog from Flanders, the Bouvier is a steady and loyal family protector. They have a thick double coat that is weather-resistant and sheds very little. They require regular brushing to prevent matting.
22. Irish Water Spaniel
The tallest of the spaniels, this breed is distinguished by its crisp coat of curls and its smooth, tapered "rat tail." They are playful and hardworking dogs whose coat is naturally water-repellent and low-shedding.
23. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
An excellent hunting dog with a goofy and friendly personality, the Griffon has a harsh, wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat. This combination makes them shed very little, but they do need weekly brushing.
24. Komondor
This breed is a showstopper. Known for its unique, naturally corded white coat, the Komondor looks like a giant mop. Their coat is low-shedding because the shed hairs get caught in the cords. However, maintaining these cords is a very intensive grooming commitment.
25. Standard Poodle (Again!)
Yes, they're on the list twice! At the larger end of the medium category and the smaller end of the large category, the Standard Poodle is so versatile and so exemplary as a low-shedding breed that they deserve a final mention for those looking for a larger dog.
Choosing the Right Low-Shedding Dog for You
As you can see, you have plenty of options! But remember, shedding is only one piece of the puzzle. When making your choice, be sure to also consider:
Energy Level: A Portuguese Water Dog needs far more exercise than a Shih Tzu. Match the dog's energy to your own activity level.
Temperament: Are you looking for a goofy companion, a loyal protector, or an independent spirit? Research the breed's personality.
Grooming Commitment: Are you prepared for daily brushing and the cost of professional grooming every 6 weeks? Be honest with yourself about the time and budget you have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are any dog breeds 100% hypoallergenic?
No. As mentioned, allergies can be triggered by dander and saliva, which all dogs produce. However, low-shedding breeds release significantly less of these allergens into the environment, making them a much better choice for most allergy sufferers.
Q2: Do low-shedding dogs smell less?
Often, yes. The "doggy" smell is usually caused by oils and bacteria that get trapped in the undercoat. Since many low-shedding breeds have a single coat of hair (not fur), they tend to have less odor.
Q3: Are low-shedding dogs more expensive?
The initial price of the puppy depends on the breeder and the breed's popularity. However, you must factor in the lifelong cost of professional grooming, which can be a significant expense compared to a wash-and-wear shedding breed.
Conclusion: A Friend for Life, Not a Chore
Choosing a low-shedding dog is a wonderful way to bring the joy of a canine companion into your life without the constant cleanup. From the tiny Maltese to the majestic Giant Schnauzer, there is a perfect breed out there waiting for you.
By doing your research and being honest about your lifestyle and grooming commitment, you're not just choosing a pet; you're choosing a new family member. You're setting both of you up for a happy, healthy, and relatively hair-free life together.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian or professional dog breeder for advice on choosing a pet that is right for your specific situation and health needs.