If you love dogs but worry about the endless hair and dander taking over your home, low-shedding breeds might be just what you need. These dogs don’t shed heavily and produce fewer allergens, making them a great choice for families who want to enjoy the companionship of a dog without the constant cleanup.
While no dog is completely hypoallergenic dog, low shedding breeds strike a balance between lovable pets and manageable grooming. Beyond their tidy coats, many low shedding dogs are known for their friendly, affectionate nature, making them wonderful family companions.
Choosing a low-shedding dog can mean less vacuuming, fewer allergies, and a cleaner living space—without sacrificing the joy and warmth that comes with having a furry friend. If your family is ready for a loyal, loving dog that won’t leave hair on every surface, exploring low shedding breeds is a smart and rewarding way to find your perfect match.
Low-Shedding Family Dog Breeds
1. Coton de Tulear
If you want a dog that feels like a cotton candy cloud that never leaves fur tumbleweeds all over your floor, meet the Coton de Tulear. These little charmers come from Madagascar, bringing with them a sunny personality and a coat that’s surprisingly low-shedding, perfect for families who want cuddles without the cleanup.
Known as one of the top companion dogs, they are often described by their owners as possessing nearly human-like traits.
They’re playful, affectionate, and love being the center of attention. Their happy-go-lucky attitude makes them good family dogs for kids and adults alike.
The Coton de Tulear is recognized as a smart and lively breed. They can also be playful, relaxed, and gentle. Notably perceptive, they are known to communicate with distinctive and unusual sounds.
Why you’ll love them
✔ Hypoallergenic-ish fluff with minimal shedding
✔ Big hearts packed into a small package
✔ Always up for playtime or snuggles
Like many dogs, the Coton de Tulear requires more than just physical activity; its sharp intellect also demands mental engagement. You can keep their minds active with puzzle toys, training sessions, and other indoor activities that don’t involve going outside.
Reality check
They need regular grooming to keep that cotton-soft coat looking fresh, not just a quick brush and done!
2. Brussels Griffon
Small in size but huge in personality, the Brussels Griffon is like the class clown of the dog world. With their expressive faces, bearded faces, and quirky charm, they’ll have your family laughing and loving every minute. And the best part? Their wiry coat barely sheds, making them a great pick for low-shedding family life.
Weighing between 8 to 12 pounds and standing about 7 to 10 inches tall, this toy breed makes a wonderful companion, especially for individuals or families looking for a devoted and entertaining pet.
The breed comes in two coat types—rough and smooth—and requires regular grooming, particularly the rough-coated variety, which needs brushing several times a week.
Purina says that these dogs are alert, curious, and surprisingly brave for their size, making them loyal watchdogs without the bulk. Plus, they’re big on bonding and won’t let you feel lonely.
Why you’ll love them
✔ Minimal shedding, maximum personality
✔ Smart, alert, and endlessly entertaining
✔ Devoted family companion who’s always “in” on the joke
While they don’t need extensive exercise, they do enjoy short walks and playtime. Their intelligence also means they respond well to training, though a gentle and patient approach works best.
Reality check
They’re tiny, but they have a loud bark. Prepare for a little noise with your laughs!
3. Airedale Terrier
Say hello to the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale! These smart, confident dogs sport a wiry coat that sheds very little—great news if you want the terrier attitude without the fur tornado. They’re big for terriers (sometimes called the “gentleman” of the terrier world) and make loyal, loving family members.
The Airedale stands roughly 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 40 and 60 pounds. They are distinguished by their lively beard and a dense, curly coat featuring brown and black coloring.
Airedales are energetic and eager to learn, so they thrive with plenty of playtime and mental challenges. They’re also known for their goofy, fun-loving nature that keeps the whole family entertained.
Why you’ll love them
✔ Low-shedding, high-style coat
✔ Loyal, protective, and endlessly entertaining
✔ A brainy pup that loves a good challenge
Airedales tend to be more reserved than many other terriers, but are not timid. With proper training, they make excellent family pets and usually get along well with children, other dogs, and various pets. Airedales are naturally curious and enjoy exploring anything that piques their interest.
Reality check
They’re terriers through and through — expect a strong-willed little boss who’ll keep you on your toes!
4. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Fluffy, soft, and ever so sweet, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is like a warm, furry cloud you can cuddle with. Their silky, wavy coat barely sheds, making them perfect for families who want a dog that’s both hypoallergenic-friendly and full of love.
Adult Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers typically reach a height of 17 to 19 inches and weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. True to their name, they boast a soft, silky coat along with a characteristic beard that adds to their charming appearance.
Wheaten has a friendly and gentle personality and thrives on companionship and play. They’re great with kids and other pets, and their happy-go-lucky attitude brightens up any home.
Why you’ll love them
✔ Soft, low-shedding coat that feels like a dream
✔ Friendly, affectionate, and great with kids
✔ Always ready to play or snuggle on the couch
No matter the coat type, both need regular upkeep. While Wheaten Terriers don’t shed like double-coated breeds, their coats demand frequent trimming and grooming.
Hillspet notes that to avoid matting, they should be brushed and combed almost daily, sometimes even multiple times a day. These dogs are considered high maintenance in terms of grooming needs.
Reality check
They do need regular grooming and frequent baths to keep their coat looking fabulous, because that fluff isn’t going to maintain itself!
5. Havanese
As the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese was originally bred as a companion animal for the Cuban aristocracy. Small in size but big on personality, the Havanese is like a tiny party in fur form!
Standing between 8.5 and 11.5 inches tall and weighing 7 to 13 pounds, the Havanese is well-suited for both apartment and house living. These small dogs are friendly, outgoing, and get along well with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for families.
Intelligent and eager to please, Havanese dogs are generally easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. While they don’t require intense exercise, daily walks and playtime are essential to keep them happy and healthy.
Their coat, though beautiful, needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats, and many owners opt for a manageable “puppy cut.” Their silky, low-shedding coat makes them perfect for families looking for a hypoallergenic companion who loves to be the center of attention.
The Havanese does not like being left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety, so they do best in homes where someone is around most of the time. Havanese dogs are cheerful, smart, and incredibly affectionate — basically, your personal cuddle buddy with a great sense of humor.
Why you’ll love them
✔ Hypoallergenic and low-shedding coat
✔ Super friendly and loves to socialize
✔ Adaptable to apartment living or a big backyard bash
Reality check
Their lovely coat needs regular grooming, because who doesn’t want a dog that looks like a Hollywood star?
6. Portuguese Water Dog
If your family loves water adventures, meet the Portuguese Water Dog — a breed built for swimming, splashing, and keeping up with an active crew.
The size of Portuguese Water Dogs differs between sexes, with males typically weighing between 42 and 60 pounds, while females generally range from 35 to 50 pounds. According to the AKC, PWDs are enthusiastic and athletic dogs specially bred for water-related tasks.
Their curly, low-shedding coat not only helps them glide through water but also keeps the fur situation manageable at home. Loyal and intelligent, these pups are eager learners who thrive when given a job or some fun tricks.
WebMD notes that Portuguese Water Dogs were originally bred to swim and assist fishermen, which means they need plenty of physical activity. They’re also highly intelligent and benefit from mental stimulation—without it, boredom can lead them to become mischievous.
Why you’ll love them
✔ Low-shedding and water-friendly coat
✔ Smart, trainable, and full of energy
✔ Great for active families who love the outdoors
Reality check
They’re energetic and need plenty of exercise — no couch potatoes here!
7. Bichon Frise
Looking for a fluffy bundle of happiness that barely sheds? The Bichon Frise is your go-to!
The Bichon Frise typically measures just under 12 inches in height and weighs between 12 and 18 pounds. With a curly, soft coat that feels like cotton candy, these little dogs are cheerful, playful, and affectionate — guaranteed to bring sunshine to your family every day.
Thanks to their compact size, Bichon Frises are well-suited for apartment living. They are great companions for any household, including those with first-time pet owners. Although they may bark at unfamiliar noises, their strong desire to please makes them highly trainable.
To keep your Bichon Frise’s white coat free of mats, brush it daily. They’ll also require professional grooming once a month to maintain a tidy and trimmed appearance. Be sure to plan for the ongoing cost of these grooming appointments, says PetMD.
Why you’ll love them
✔ Hypoallergenic and low-shedding coat
✔ Playful, affectionate, and always up for fun
✔ Great with kids, other pets, and even your neighbor’s cat
Reality check
Regular grooming is a must if you want to keep that coat looking as cute as ever!
Conclusion
When it comes to low-shedding dog breeds, many pet parents and dog lovers seek options that are suitable for their homes and lifestyles, especially if they suffer from dog allergies. While there is no such thing as a non-shedding dog, certain hypoallergenic dogs with curly coats, silky coats, or smooth coats shed minimally and produce less dander, making them ideal for allergy sufferers and sensitive living environments.
Popular low-shedding dog breeds include the Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Poodles, Lhasa Apso, Bedlington Terriers, Irish Water Spaniel, Afghan Hound, Chinese Crested, Standard Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer, and West Highland White Terrier. These breeds have coats that shed much less and are less likely to trigger allergic reactions, though some may still start shedding seasonally.
To maintain their coats and avoid an allergic response, these breeds often require regular grooming, including daily brushing with a pin brush, hand stripping, or visits to a professional groomer to prevent matting and ensure easier maintenance. Low-shedding family dog breeds are a great choice for families wanting cleaner homes and fewer allergy concerns. These are some other hypoallergenic dogs that combine charm with practicality, offering warmth and companionship without the mess.
