Dogs that hardly shed can be a real game-changer if you suffer from allergies or simply want a clean home without a ton of fur all over your floors and furniture!
If you’d given up hope of welcoming a canine companion into your home because you have an allergic reaction to fur, a low-shedding breed can make owning a dog a real possibility. While there are no truly hypoallergenic dog breeds, a pup that sheds mildly is less likely to trigger allergies.
And for those of you who want a dog but would prefer not to spend your entire day cleaning up after one, a breed that hardly sheds means you can relax and enjoy your new fur friend — plus avoid the costly outlay of having to invest in one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair.
Below, you’ll find our favorite dogs that hardly shed. Be warned though, there are some serious cuties on this list, so we have a feeling the most difficult decision won’t be whether or not to get a dog but narrowing it down to just one!
32 dogs that hardly shed
1. Shih Tzu
Originating from Tibet, Shih Tzus are little affectionate sweeties that love to jump up and sit quietly on your lap, making them one of the best dog breeds for remote workers. What you don't want are legs covered in hair when they decide to jump off again but, despite having a lot of fur, you won't need to reach for a lint roller. They only really shed when they change their coats as puppies and even then it's for a very short period.
2. Maltese
Hailing from the Mediterranean island of Malta, these tiny lapdogs are gentle, playful and very devoted to their humans. They don't have an undercoat and their hair is lost lightly throughout the year but you do have to groom them regularly because that long white fur can quickly become dirty. It's also important to prevent their hair from matting by using the best dog brushes.
3. Poodle
Not only are poodles low shedding, they're also considered to be as close to a hypoallergenic dog breed as you can get. But that doesn't mean they're easy to groom. Quite the opposite in fact. Their single curly-haired coat can become tangled and matted and they will need a monthly trip to a professional groomer. But a weekly brush at home will make life easier, ensuring that any shed hair caught in their coat can be removed in a few strokes.
4. Giant schnauzer
A giant schnauzer has a dense, wiry double coat and while this breed will molt, you won't find a lot of hair on furnishings, carpet, and clothes. Again, so long as the hair is regularly brushed, it isn't too difficult to keep shedding under control. The main task, however, is to ensure the hair doesn't overgrow especially around the face, but investing in the best dog grooming kit and keeping it trimmed will help enormously.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Given the length of a Yorkshire Terrier's hair, most people would expect them to be heavy shedders. Instead, their long silky hair is one of the reasons why they don't shed much at all. Rather than go through a cycle of short-burst hair growth that gets pushed out seasonally, their single coat of hair keeps growing at a steady rate. If any strands loosen, they just get caught. The only time you will see excess shedding is when puppies are transitioning to a full adult coat.
6. Miniature schnauzer
Just like their giant cousins, any shedding from a miniature schnauzer will come from the breed's soft and fluffy undercoat. The fact this is covered over by coarse wiry hair, though, ensures this is as far as most of those loose strands will go. In fact, if you're looking to bring a standard schnauzer into your hour, you'll be in the exact same situation. You only need to get more active with a vacuum cleaner when they blow their coat in the Spring and Autumn but even then regular grooming minimizes the issue.
7. Afghan Hound
Look at all that hair. Surely that is going to shed everywhere – maybe even cover the entire sofa? But no! An Afghan Hound's single long-haired coat may look like a nightmare for anyone who is house proud but they are indeed a low shedding breed. That's not to say they are a low maintenance dog breed, though. You'll be reaching for the slicker brush, removing tangles and mats and ensuring the coat is kept clean and healthy.
8. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are easy to train, fun-loving, and active and they either have curly or wavy single coats. The lack of undercoat works in their (and your) favor but breeds with curly coats do require a lot of care both at home and in the salon. If you were considering bringing a Portuguese Water Dog into your home then you may want to look at the different dog coat types and how to care for them. Just remember that a Portie was once a resident of the White House, with Bo being a pet dog of the Obama family.
9. Bichon frise
It's often said that Bichon Frises don't shed at all. But, as with most breeds, this isn't strictly true. They do shed but, as with poodles, loose hairs become caught within their undercoat, and with regular brushing, you can ensure bits of fur aren't transferred all around your home. As a side benefit, this also makes them one of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds and, because they are highly intelligent, fun-loving, and easy to train, they're perfect for first-time owners too.
10. Lhasa apso
The Lhasa Apso originates from the Himalayas in Tibet and they are one of a number of dogs with beards. Their excess facial hair doesn't overshed, though, and neither, come to that, does any of the other fur on this little breed's body. Although the Lhasa Apso's long coat requires maintenance including a bath every two to three weeks, very little hair will make its way on to your furnishings.
11. American Hairless Terrier
If you don't have hair, it's impossible to shed and that's the case with this adorable breed indigenous to the United States. Although American Hairless Terriers are born with light downy hair, it is shed within a few weeks of being born and all they are left with are eyebrows, some guard hair on the muzzle, and whiskers. The important thing is to keep their skin clean and healthy.
12. Bedlington Terrier
You may perform a double-take when you first see a Bedlington Terrier since they're among the most unusual dog breeds. You won't be searching around your home for shed hair, though. Their short, coarse coat is as close to shed-proof as it can be but there's still grooming to be done. Yet given how they're also one of the most affectionate dog breeds around, it's a great way to form a loving bond.
13. Scottish Terrier
A solid and compact dog with a feisty and vibrant personality, the spunky Scottish Terrier is an independent, confident and spirited dog known for their dignified character. Scotties (as they're affectionately known) can be stubborn, so when it comes to training your dog on your own, you'll want to go heavy on the positive reinforcement with this breed as they're known for being sensitive to blame. Scotties don't shed much at all, but they do require a lot of brushing to keep their dense and wiry coat in good condition.
14. Havanese
Known for their cheerful nature, the happy-go-lucky Havanese always have a spring in their step and their playful, affectionate, and charming nature means they've become a popular family companion. One of the dog breeds most likely to suffer from separation anxiety, these loving pups adore their humans and because of that, they do best in homes where there's someone around all day to keep them company. They barely shed, so while there's no truly hypoallergenic dog, the Havanese is as close as you'll get.
15. Cairn terrier
Developed on the Isle of Sky in Scotland, the cairn terrier was made famous when one was used to play the role of Toto in The Wizard of Oz. These happy, hardy-working dogs have an affectionate nature and excel as family companions. Highly adaptable, they thrive in all living situations but they are very sensitive pups and need a lot of love and praise. Mischievous, loyal, and strong-willed, they shed very little but still require a good weekly brush to keep their coat looking its best.
16. Bolognese
Hailing from Bologna in Italy, the fluffy and faithful Bolognese is a calm, easy-going and playful pup who loves people. A serene dog who is utterly devoted to his humans, separation anxiety is a huge issue for the Bolognese so they aren't suited to homes where they're left alone for long periods of time. However, for the right family, these sensitive and loving dogs make outstanding companions. Although they shed very little, they need daily brushing to prevent their coat from becoming matted and tangled.
17. Whippet
While whippets do shed, it's very minimal compared to other breeds and because their fur is short, any shedding they do tends to go unnoticed. An extremely fast pup capable of reaching speeds of 35 mph, the whippet's calm and quiet nature coupled with their low grooming needs means they're one of the easiest dog breeds to take care of. Affectionate and friendly, they enjoy snuggling up with their owners and they have a gentle spirit which many find endearing.
18. West Highland Terrier
A friendly, fun-loving and cheerful pup with an inquisitive and active nature, the West Highland Terrier (or Westie as they're often called) is one of the best dogs for families. Playful dogs who get on well with children, the Westie is more independent than a lot of breeds and will have no issue being left to their own devices. Intelligent dogs, they're quick to learn and love a good training session, but they do get bored easily so you'll want to keep things varied and interesting. Grooming is an easy business if you have a westie in your home as they require just a weekly brush to keep them looking their best.
19. Basenji
A quiet and sweet-faced hunting dog, the basenji is one of the quietest dog breeds and they have a reputation for being both intelligent and independent. Physically and mentally energetic, these dogs need a lot of stimulation to stay happy and healthy and because they also happen to be stubborn, they're best suited to experienced owners. Fastidious about cleanliness, they're often compared to cats because of the amount of time they spend grooming themselves — couple that with how low-shedding they are and the basenji is the ultimate low-maintenance dog.
20. Kerry Blue Terrier
The affectionate and people-oriented Kerry Blue Terrier is a striking breed known for their show-stopping blue coat. Hard-working, active, and spirited yet very gentle, these dogs are typically very good-natured with people of all ages, however, they often prefer to be the only pet in the family and will not take quickly to other dogs. Because they rarely shed, their coat must be given a thorough going over each week with one of the best dog brushes to prevent mats and tangles, and they'll also require a haircut every six to eight weeks to keep their locks manageable.
21. Tibetan Terrier
A gentle yet fun-loving dog with a sensitive and amiable nature, the Tibetan Terrier has a profuse coat — but don't let that fool you, this pup sheds very little hair. That being said, they do require brushing daily as adolescents while their coat grows in and three times per week as adults to prevent knots from forming in their fur. Thankfully, all this grooming is well worth it as Tibetan Terriers make for loving, agreeable and spunky companions who get on brilliantly with children and are wonderful family companions.
22. Irish Water Spaniel
Instantly recognizable thanks to its crisply curled coat and rat-like tail, the Irish Water Spaniel is one of those dog breeds that are made for swimming. These active dogs have webbed feet and are known for their outstanding abilities in the water, while on land they make incredibly loyal and loving companions forming strong bonds with their humans. Intelligent and easy to train, their coat requires regular brushing and trimming or hand stripping every few months to keep it healthy.
23. Labradoodle
A cross between the Labrador Retriever and the poodle, the lovable labradoodle was created with allergy sufferers in mind as their shedding tends to be very minimal. A smart and sociable pup known to be one of the best emotional support animal breeds thanks to their friendly, gentle and affectionate nature, the labradoodle is loyal, intelligent and tends to get on very well with children and other dogs. Due to their Labrador heritage, they have bucketloads of energy and need plenty of exercise each day to keep them happy.
24. Airedale Terrier
The airedale terrier is considered a non-shedding breed as in order for their fur to come out, it needs to be stripped or clipped. The largest of all terrier breeds, the airedale is considered to be both clever and courageous, and while they are known for being determined and stubborn, they respond well to positive training methods. Gentle and docile with children, they enjoy activities that engage their sharp minds and boundless energy. Just bear in mind that they have an incredibly strong prey drive and may not be the best choice for homes where other pets are present.
25. Komondor
Also known as the Hungarian Sheepdog, the striking komondor with its corded coat is a loyal and affectionate working dog that forms deep bonds with their humans. Very protective of those they love, you’ll find this breed makes a devoted companion but because they’re suspicious of strangers, they’ll need socializing from a young age to prevent any aggression when they’re older. Komondors are happiest when they have a job to do, so put them to work guarding your livestock, engage them in a good game of fetch with the best dog toys, or enroll them in an agility class.
26. Affenpinscher
While they do shed seasonally like all dog breeds do, the affenpinscher is a low shedder overall although their wiry coat will need a good brush three times a week to prevent their fur from becoming tangled. This toy dog breed is courageous, bold, and a tad feisty, and their mischievous and outgoing nature makes them an utterly wonderful companion. Funny and intelligent, they often think they’re larger than they are and won’t hesitate to stand up to dogs that are much larger than they are. Immensely devoted to their humans, they don’t enjoy rough play or being held, and because of that, they prefer the company of adults over children.
27. Australian Terrier
Although they have a double coat that requires weekly brushing, the Australian terrier sheds very little. A spirited breed with a loyal and affectionate nature, they are deeply loving dogs who are curious, highly intelligent, and quick to learn. While they can be stubborn, this independent pup responds well to training and they are extremely adaptable, meaning that as long as they get enough physical exercise and mental stimulation, they’ll be equally at home in an apartment as they are on the farm.
28. Bearded collie
Bearded collies are average shedders, but regular brushing will keep the fur that ends up on your floors and furniture to a minimum. A fluffy herding breed from Scotland, the bearded collie is a charismatic canine with an exuberant, bright, and affectionate nature. Upbeat and clownish, they are also highly intelligent and active, and because of that they do best with energetic owners who won't struggle to match their pace.
29. Border terrier
Most of the border terrier's fur will not fall out of its own accord, meaning they'll need help in the form of hand stripping twice a year. This tough, no-frills working dog is a popular choice amongst those looking for an affectionate and even-tempered companion and their plucky and happy nature means they're equally content as a town or country pup. It's worth pointing out that this is a very alert little dog with a strong desire to hunt and dig, so do bear that in mind if your garden is your pride and joy!
30. Brussels Griffon
Lively yet sensitive, the Brussels Griffon is the ultimate 'Velcro' dog, known for being utterly devoted to their humans with a strong dislike of separation. If you plan on adopting a Brussels Griffon, be aware that this is not a pup that can be left alone so you'll need to have a lifestyle that enables you to take them with you wherever you go. Moderately active, this fun-loving dog will be happy with a 30-minute walk each day and a play session at home and because they're so smart and bond so deeply with their owners, they're very easy to train.
31. Dachshund
All dachshunds are considered low shedders but their grooming needs differ based on type. Short-haired dachshunds require minimal brushing, long-haired dachshunds require daily brushing and wire-haired dachshunds need their coat stripped two to three times a year. But whichever type you go for, this playful, devoted, and very stubborn little dog makes for a very charming addition to the family.
32. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear hails from Madagascar and while small, they are utterly charming. Sweet, loyal, and family-friendly, these dogs have big hearts and even bigger personalities. Playful pups who delight in participating in agility competitions or training sessions with their humans, the Coton de Tulear loves to entertain, clown around, and be the center of attention — making them one of the best dogs for extroverts looking for an outgoing and social fur friend.
