Small dog breeds that don’t shed give you the pleasure of having a dog, without taking up too much space and covering your home in hair. These 10 small breeds are minimal shedders so you can spend your time together playing, rather than lint-rolling your clothes.
Why don’t some dogs shed?
Unless you opt for a hairless dog breed, like an American Hairless Terrier or a Peruvian Inca Orchid, all dogs shed to some degree. However some breeds shed significantly less than others, while other breeds appear to hardly shed at all.
Some shedding is down to different coat types. Dogs that have a single coat of hair typically shed less frequently, and create less dander, than their double coated counterparts. Ultimately, however, the amount a dog does or doesn’t shed comes down to their genetics. So if you want to guarantee as minimal shedding as possible, opt for a purebred with a track record of low levels of shedding.
Benefits of having a dog that doesn’t shed
- Less pet-related cleaning: Picking a dog that sheds less means less hair on your floors, rugs and – if you let them up – soft furnishings. The upshot? You’ll spend a significantly less amount of time cleaning up after your new best friend. It’s not unusual for owners of high shedding dogs, such as golden retrievers or Huskies, to crack the vacuum out once a day.
- Tidier house: If you like your house to look nice and tidy, it’s simply easier to maintain that aesthetic if you pick a smaller dog that doesn’t shed much, compared with a large dog that is constantly shedding hair all over your floor, furniture and clothes.
- Useful for people with allergies: Around 10% to 20% of people are allergic to dogs – if you’re one of them you could consider opting for a breed that sheds less.
Don’t be fooled by marketing terms like ‘hypoallergenic’ though, no dog can truly ever be considered that. However you can find a ‘less-allergenic’ dog more suited to people dealing with allergies. You’ll want to select a purebred dog that has a predictable coat. A coat that doesn’t shed as much creates less dander, and this is what causes allergies in most people.
Small dog breeds that don’t shed
1. Bichon Frise
Strong believers in the concept there are no strangers, just friends they don't know yet, the small but robust Bichon Frise is full of personality. They're lookers, too, with their plush white coat that hardly sheds at all. With a lot of love to give, they make excellent family pets and are naturals with children. An adult weighs in at 12–18lbs making them the perfect-sized small breed.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Characterised by their shiny, floor-length coat, Yorkshire Terriers are not just a pretty face. The 7lb toy breed first worked as ratters down the mines, a far cry from their position as beloved lap dog of today. Yorkies might look like butter wouldn't melt, but this breed is all character. Expect a big personality; brave, bold and just a little bossy.
3. West Highland White Terrier
First bred to hunt rodents, the West Highland White Terrier is made of tough stuff despite their ridiculously cute appearance. At 15–20 pounds fully grown, the sturdy yet compact little Westie is the perfect companion for adults and children alike.
Full of beans and keen to be on the go, Westies love the thrill of a chase and are great fun to play with. Their intelligence makes them enjoyable to train, but they are independent to the end, so make sure you have the patience first.
4. Shih Tzu
Originating from Tibet, this little 'Lion Dog' has been charming owners for about a thousand years. The weight of a full grown adult shih tzu can vary from around 9–16lbs, yet despite their tiny size, they are a solid dog.
Thought to originally been bred from the Pekingese and the Lhasa Apso, this cuties idea of a good time is chilling with you on the sofa while you watch Netflix. Great with young children, this sweet pup would make a great addition for families without a big garden or the inclination for hour-long walks every day.
5. Toy poodle
Because of the fancy hair do many show poodles sport (the Continental clip), this remains a heavily misunderstood dog. But style over substance couldn't be further from the truth here, as anyone who's ever hung out with a poodle could tell you.
Super smart, athletic and eager to boot, poodles make for a great pet that's full of fun and energy. They respond well to training, and they'll require a decent amount of mental stimulation. The miniatures are under 15 inches at the shoulder and toys are smaller than 10 inches, weighing in at between 4–6lbs.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
If you want a low-shedding dog that’s full of charm, look no further than the Miniature Schnauzer. They have a truly recognisable face and with their bushy brows and handsome beard, they have curiously human-like facial expressions at times.
Bred to be tough farm dogs capable of getting rid of rats, they are athletic, brave and not easily spooked. Even the miniature variations are robust sorts and enjoy a bit of rough and tumble. Weighing in at 11–20lbs, they still make for a small dog.
7. Chinese Crested
One way to avoid hair is to pick a breed with less of it. Or much less of it, in the case of the Chinese Crested. This pup has spotted pink skin crowned with a bit of hair on top and around their face, paws and tail.
Despite their preened appearance, the Chinese Crested is playful in nature and endlessly loving to their family. Fully grown they tip the scales between 8–12lbs.
8. Maltese
This ancient dog of Malta has long been associated with living the high life. And while their dreamy floor-length white coat is certainly well suited to palaces, it might surprise you to learn that Maltese are lively, playful pups.
At less than 7lbs fully grown, these toy dogs are surprisingly robust and adaptable dogs, plus they’re great at making friends and rewards-based training.
9. Havanese
Hailing from Cuba, the Havanese are delightful dogs who would win over the most hardened hearts with their big brown eyes and sunny disposition. Natural born extroverts, Havanese are happy wherever they are so long as they have company (and ideally, admirers).
Fully grown they weigh between 7–13lbs, and their silky coat is both lustrous and low shedding – win win! If grooming isn't your bag, you can clip them to reduce grooming time.
10. Cairn Terrier
Bred to root out foxes in challenging Scottish terrain, Cairn Terriers are tough dogs. They are bright as a button and super alert, happy with their close family and when exploring and digging outside.
Their double coat is wiry on top and soft underneath, and they weigh in at no more than 14 pounds fully grown. This Scottish breed is perfect for people who want a lapdog for sofa snuggles and a lively bit of play outdoors.
Not found quite what you’re looking for? Here are some low-maintenance dog breeds that might take your fancy
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
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This feature was last updated on March 3, 2025.
