Let’s face it — you want a dog that can keep up with your hikes, jogs, and spontaneous beach runs… but don’t want to spend hours battling tumbleweeds of fur every week.
If that sounds like you, welcome to the wonderful world of active, low-shedding dog breeds. These pups are energetic, fun-loving, and best turn your black pants into a fuzzy mess.
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, an outdoor enthusiast, or just love a good walk around the block, these breeds combine high energy with minimal shedding, making them ideal for clean homes and active lives.
Here, we’ll explore the best of both worlds: dogs that love to move and don’t leave a hairy trail behind. You’ll learn what makes these breeds tick, how to keep them stimulated, and why they’re perfect for people with allergies or just a low tolerance for fur-covered furniture. Get ready to meet your match!
Active Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
1. Barbet
Imagine a dog that looks like it just walked out of a seaweed forest, all curly, woolly, and ready to make a splash—that’s the Barbet! The breed’s name is derived from the French word “barbe,” meaning beard, highlighting one of its distinctive features.
This French water dog is a rare gem, sporting a dense, curly coat that’s as waterproof as it is adorable. Their coat naturally resists shedding, making them a perfect fit for anyone who loves cuddles but hates vacuuming.
Physically, Barbets have a medium build with a sturdy, athletic frame built for swimming and outdoor fun. With webbed feet to help them paddle like pros, these pups were practically born to be your pool buddy.
Barbets are intelligent, loyal, and highly trainable, which makes them excellent companions for active families. Their playful yet gentle nature also makes them a great fit for homes with children and other pets.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Water enthusiast—will happily jump into any pond, lake, or puddle.
✔️ Smart and eager—learns tricks faster than you can say “fetch.”
✔️ Social butterfly—makes friends with everyone, including the neighbor’s cat (eventually).
✔️ Energetic but balanced—ready for playtime but also happy to chill by your side.
Barbets are energetic dogs that need daily physical and mental activity, such as swimming or playing fetch. Plan to dedicate at least an hour each day to their exercise. They also perform well in dog sports like agility, obedience, and water retrieving.
If you want a water-loving, low-shedding buddy who’s as goofy as they are loyal, the Barbet might just be your new best friend!
2. Irish Water Spaniel
Meet the Irish Water Spaniel—a non-shedding dog breed that looks like it just emerged from a wild river adventure, dripping with curly, waterproof fur and an unmistakable “rat tail” that’s all business.
Sporting tight, dense curls from head to tail, these dogs are built for water work and have a regal, athletic appearance that turns heads everywhere they go.
Physically, they’re medium to large-sized with strong, muscular frames perfect for swimming, hunting, or just chasing after the family ball. Their expressive eyes show intelligence and curiosity, and their curly ears add extra charm.
They tend to be warm and loving with familiar people but may be a bit aloof or cautious around strangers.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Water-loving and adventurous—always ready for a swim or a splash in the mud.
✔️ Intelligent and eager to please—picks up commands quickly and loves training time.
✔️ Confident but sometimes a bit reserved—might size you up before full-on cuddles.
✔️ Loyal and affectionate—once you’re in their circle, you’re family for life.
The Irish Water Spaniel’s curly coat requires regular brushing and occasional professional trimming to prevent tangles. Though not completely hypoallergenic, they shed very little and may suit some allergy sufferers.
Irish Water Spaniels are energetic and thrive with regular exercise and mental challenges. They enjoy having a purpose—whether it’s retrieving, dog sports, or active play. They typically get along well with kids and other pets, but supervision is advised, especially around smaller animals, due to their hunting instincts.
3. Poodle
Poodles might not grow natural dreadlocks, but their coat is a masterpiece of tight, soft curls that scream sophistication and style. Whether toy, miniature, or standard, these national dogs of France carry themselves like canine royalty, with a flair for both show rings and family snuggles.
Physically, Poodles are graceful and athletic, with a proud posture and that iconic curly coat that requires regular grooming to stay in top shape. Their expressive faces and bright eyes reveal an eager, intelligent soul beneath that fancy fur.
Poodles are celebrated for their intelligence and ease of training, making them outstanding participants in dog sports and excellent therapy dogs. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic dogs, which is a huge win for allergy sufferers.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Intelligent dogs and quick—can probably outsmart you (and maybe your smart devices).
✔️ Versatile—equally happy in a busy agility course or curled up on your lap.
✔️ Social and friendly—makes friends easily, from kids to other pets.
✔️ Sensitive and loving—they tune into your moods and offer endless companionship
Standard Poodles are the most active, requiring 1–2 hours of daily exercise such as swimming, walking, hiking, or running. Miniature Poodles do well with 30–60 minutes of activity, including short runs, playing fetch, or navigating obstacle courses. The smallest of the trio, Toy Poodles, are content with 30–45 minutes of lighter activities like walking, swimming, or a good game of fetch.
Their playful, loving temperament makes them wonderful family companions, and their versatility allows them to adapt well to different living environments, whether in apartments or spacious homes.
Sure, they look posh, but Poodles are incredibly down-to-earth. These small dogs get along with kids, strangers, other pets, and yes, even your cat (most of the time). They’re confident without being bossy, charming without being clingy.
4. Basenji
Meet the Basenji — the dog that took the phrase “silent but deadly” and made it adorable. Sporting a sleek, shiny coat and that signature curled tail, this little explorer moves with the grace of a jungle cat and the curiosity of a detective on a mystery case.
Basenjis are compact and elegant dogs, typically standing 16–17 inches tall at the shoulder. Known for their agility and grace, they can jump vertically with ease.
Oh, and did we mention? Basenjis don’t bark like your average pooch. Nope, they yodel, howl, and chirp their way into your heart instead.
These clever canines have a mind of their own, so don’t be surprised if they outsmart you at hide-and-seek or figure out how to open the treat jar before you do. Independent yet affectionate, the Basenji keeps life interesting and your socks mysteriously disappearing.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Quiet but expressive—more likely to yodel than bark.
✔️ Independent and curious—think of a clever explorer in a fur coat.
✔️ Energetic with a mischievous streak—always up for a game or a sneaky snack raid.
✔️ Loyal but knows how to keep you on your toes.
Basenjis are a low-shedding breed and are easy to groom, often lacking the typical doggy smell, which makes their upkeep simple and low-maintenance.
According to PetMD, Basenjis need daily play or training to stay mentally and physically stimulated. When outdoors, they should always be on a leash or in a securely fenced area, as their strong prey drive, rooted in their hunting heritage, can lead them to chase after small animals like squirrels.
5. Portuguese Water Dog
If there’s a dog built for water sports, it’s the Portuguese Water Dog — the canine version of a lifeguard with a curly, waterproof coat made for diving headfirst into any splash zone.
These medium-sized water lovers have a sturdy, athletic build and are always ready for action, whether it’s swimming, fetching, or just jumping in puddles like it’s the Olympics.
They have dense, wavy coats that come in a variety of striking colors and patterns often mixed with white. Additionally, they are praised for producing low dander and shedding minimally.
But don’t let all that energy fool you — these pups are also big softies who’ll happily snuggle up after a hard day of being your personal water polo champion. Smart, loyal, and social, Portuguese Water Dogs are the perfect mix of adventure buddy and couch potato.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Smart and eager to please—professional problem solver in dog form.
✔️ Energetic and playful—needs plenty of exercise to keep that tail wagging.
✔️ Loyal and affectionate—will stick to you like seaweed on a boat hull.
✔️ Social and friendly—loves making new friends, human or furry.
Hill’s Pet notes that while water dogs tend to be independent, they don’t do well confined to kennels and prefer staying close to their owners.
Being highly intelligent, they require plenty of mental and physical activities to stay engaged and avoid destructive behaviors like chewing and digging.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
Say hello to the Lagotto Romagnolo — commonly known as the “truffle dog” originates from Italy and is renowned for its outstanding scenting skills and thick, curly fur. Initially bred for hunting truffles, the Lagotto’s curly coat is not only attractive but also protects from harsh conditions, especially in wet and muddy terrains.
This charming Italian pup looks like a walking, wagging teddy bear with its dense, woolly curls that are surprisingly low-shedding. Don’t let the fluff fool you, though — these dogs are hardworking hunters with brains as sharp as their sniffers.
Playful and affectionate, Lagottos are the perfect mix of goofy and graceful. They thrive on mental challenges and plenty of playtime, so get ready for a dog who’s as eager for a puzzle as they are for belly rubs.
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Highly intelligent — quick learners who thrive on mental challenges.
✔️ Playful and energetic — ready for games, puzzles, and adventures.
✔️ Alert and curious — always sniffing out something interesting.
✔️ Social and friendly — gets along well with kids and other pets.
WebMD says the Lagotto Romagnolo thrives with plenty of outdoor exercise and needs daily physical activity to stay healthy and happy.
Lagotto Romagnolos tend to be quite vocal and may bark frequently. To manage this behavior, it’s important to commit time to consistent bark training.
7. Afghan Hound
If there were a doggy runway, the Afghan Hound would strut down it like a supermodel. With flowing, silky locks and an elegant, statuesque frame, this breed is the royalty of the dog world. But don’t let that fancy fur fool you — Afghan Hounds are lightning-fast athletes with a playful streak that’ll keep you on your toes.
An adult Afghan Hound typically stands 25–27 inches tall and weighs between 50 and 60 pounds. Its most distinctive feature is its long, silky coat, which can appear in various colors such as black, cream, blue, tan, red, and brindle.
Afghan Hounds are loyal and deeply attached to their owners. They can become strongly bonded to their people and environment, often struggling with being left alone or facing changes in their routine or surroundings.
They’re a bit independent and sometimes aloof, but once they decide you’re their person, they’re loving with a flair for the dramatic. Just be prepared for some extra grooming time — those luscious locks don’t maintain themselves!
Personality & Demeanor:
✔️ Elegant and dignified — carry themselves like doggy royalty.
✔️ Independent and sometimes aloof — they march to the beat of their own drum.
✔️ Playful and fun-loving — enjoys bursts of energy and games.
✔️ Sensitive — responds best to gentle training and positive vibes.
The Afghan Hound is a highly active breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their strong prey drive and impressive athleticism—they’re fast runners and great jumpers—it’s essential to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outdoors.
Afghan Hounds have long, silky coats that shed minimally compared to many other breeds. While they do lose some hair naturally, their fine fur tends to stay trapped in the coat rather than falling out freely. This means daily brushing is important to remove loose hairs and prevent matting.
Overall, Afghan Hounds are considered low to moderate shedders, making them a good option for pet parents with dog allergies.
Conclusion
For dog lovers looking for active low low-shedding dog breeds, many hypoallergenic dogs produce less pet hair and pet dander, helping reduce allergic response. The following dogs—including the Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Chinese Crested Dog, West Highland White Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, Hairless Dog, Brussels Griffon, Bedlington Terriers, Giant Schnauzer, and Standard Schnauzer—are among the best dogs for allergy-sensitive households.
These breeds often have a short coat, smooth coat, double coat, or thick coat, and although they are dogs that don’t shed much, they do require regular grooming, sometimes including hand stripping, pin brush use, or visits to a professional groomer. Many are highly trainable, love daily walks, and thrive in active families. While some breeds may still trigger allergic reactions, those with less dander are great for bonding with their favorite humans, provided their health issues are monitored and grooming needs are met.
