8 Dog Breeds For Laid-Back Living That Don’t Shed

8-Dog-Breeds-For-Laid-Back-Living-That-Don't-Shed

Lazy dog lovers out there don’t adopt a pooch because they can’t keep up with their high maintenance. Fortunately, certain dog breeds are known for their calm and serene personalities and non-shedding coats. Such dogs are a great match for laid-back owners.

Dog breeds for laid-back owners do not require constant motion. Their perfect day includes relaxed walks, comfy beds, cozy sofas, and lazy afternoons. They do not need extensive workouts or elaborate grooming.

A calm dog breed with a low-shedding coat is like a bonus package for lazy pet parents. Some of them even have hypoallergenic coats, making them ideal pets for allergy sufferers. These dogs may not be very energetic, but they are a constant source of happiness, love, and warmth for you.

Here are some dog breeds for laid-back living that don’t shed.

Dog Breeds For Laid-Back Living That Don’t Shed

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred to serve British royalty as perfect lap dogs. Their calm nature and affinity for laps stem from their history as companion dogs. These affectionate and sweet-natured dogs are easy to train and well-suited for families with kids.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Profile

Due to their high adaptability, Cavaliers make ideal pets for almost all sorts of individuals, from active athletes to lazy couch potatoes, explains the American Kennel Club. Recognized by their luxurious and beautiful coat, Cavaliers don’t shed much.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Why They’re Special-01

However, the coat of these moderate shedders requires regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting and tangles. If you are looking for an adorable, low-shedding dog breed with expressive eyes and a loving demeanor, you can adopt a Cavalier.

2. Greyhound

Greyhound

The famous “45 mph couch potatoes,” Greyhounds are the most gentle and even-tempered dogs. However, their speed and robustness do not mean they are rowdy. Once exercised properly, Greyhounds prefer nothing but a serene nap beside their favorite human.

Greyhound Profile

Greyhounds are calm dogs; they don’t get overly excited around new people and situations. Having a smooth and short coat, Greyhounds are one of the low-shedding dog breeds. Therefore, only occasional brushing and bathing are required to keep the fur in top-notch condition.

Greyhound grooming

These pooches get short bursts of energy that they balance with long periods of rest. They are not overly energetic, making them suitable for apartment living. Greyhounds require only one hour of regular exercise.

3. Whippet

Whippet

A smaller version of Greyhounds, Whippets are known for their playful yet serene personality. Like their Greyhound cousins, they also like exercising in short bursts and spend the rest of their day lounging. These sensitive pups love a calm home as much as you do.

Whippet Profile

Whippets are a perfect match for quiet households without kids and low-key families. These pooches love stretching out and relaxing for hours and enjoy their role as loving companions. All you have to do is reciprocate the love.

Whippet is a low-shedding dog breed with a short and thin coat that does not require frequent brushing. Although they are light shedders, shedding may increase in spring. During shedding season, use a soft brush for grooming that does not irritate your pup’s skin, explains PetMD.

4. Basset Hound

Basset Hound

Elongated bodies and short legs are the hallmark of this breed. The Basset Hound is a lazy-looking pooch that is calm, gentle, and adaptable to its surroundings. These low-energy dogs are not very athletic and require moderate exercise to stay healthy.

Basset Hound Profile

A keen sense of smell is the best asset a Basset Hound has. Their sharp noses enable them to sniff out almost everything. Basset Hounds are affectionate and make good friends with kids and other pets.

However, they have a booming bark, so if you are looking for a quiet dog, they may not be a good option. Although they shed moderately, Basset Hounds are not the “heavy shedders.” Their short coats shed a little more during spring and fall.

5. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

This white powder puff dog is known for its fluffy white coat. Bichon Frises are affectionate and sensitive dogs with a merry disposition. This playful dog loves activity and needs regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.

bichon frise

Bichon Frises are moderately energetic dogs who don’t require extensive physical activity. Around half an hour to one hour of daily walks and interactive games would suffice. Bichons love their owners and tend to follow them from room to room, earning them the title of “Velcro dogs.”

Bichons are hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed much. That is why they make ideal pets for laid-back owners who may be suffering from dog allergies. Their coat, however, requires daily brushing to stay healthy and mat-free.

6. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

Having a silky coat, the Shih Tzu is a surprisingly low-shedding dog breed. Dogs with longer coats require daily brushing with a good-quality wire brush. Being a hypoallergenic dog breed, Shih Tzus are well-suited for allergy sufferers.

Shih Tzu Profile

Shih Tzus are known for their outgoing nature and friendliness. These happy pooches are quite good-natured and love to be surrounded by their loved ones. Their calm and loving personality makes them wonderful companions for apartment dwellers.

This Chinese dog breed can be easily recognized by its beautiful, flowing hair, flat face, and round eyes. Shih Tzus thrive on human companionship and love, being the center of attention. However, these little dogs can be quite vocal. Early socialization is important to overcome this behavior.

7. Xoloitzcuintli

Xoloitzcuintli

Do you love dogs but want a fur-free home? Xoloitzcuintli is a hairless dog breed known for its intelligent and affectionate personality. They don’t need brushing for obvious reasons; instead, you need to bathe them every couple of weeks and wipe them regularly using a damp cloth.

Xoloitzcuintli Profile

You can apply a lotion afterwards to avoid dry or itchy skin. Also, make sure to apply sunscreen to your pup before exposing them to sunlight, as it can cause burns. According to Hill’s Pet, Xoloitzcuintli is a playful yet even-tempered fellow.

These loyal friends are known for their calm demeanor. Xolos are wary of strangers and quite protective of their owners. They form strong bonds with their humans but don’t do well with rough-and-tumble kids.

8. Maltese

Maltese

These little dogs have big personalities. Malteses are loving and gentle souls who make great companions and cuddly partners. These little bundles of joy are known for their sweet nature and thrive on human companionship.

Maltese Profile

Having a calm disposition, Maltese make perfect therapy dogs and are well-suited for laid-back individuals. Their silky white hair does not shed, and so it is hypoallergenic, meaning it does not trigger allergic reactions.

If you are looking for a laid-back pooch with a loving personality and a non-shedding coat, a Maltese can be a great choice. They are intelligent and eager-to-please dogs that can be easily trained using positive reinforcement methods. However, they have a stubborn streak too, so consistency is the key.

Conclusion

Are you looking for a dog with low energy levels? Certain dog breeds are known for their gentle and calm demeanor. They are sociable, loving, and loyal companions, but are not overly energetic. Instead, they match your peaceful vibe.

Several dog breeds have flowing locks that require regular brushing but shed minimally. Having a tranquil dog that does not shed much sounds like a blessing for lazy allergy sufferers. Some low-shedding dog breeds are hypoallergenic, so their fur does not trigger allergic reactions.

Remember, even the most laid-back dogs require daily exercise to stay healthy and content. So, exercise your dog and consider regular brushing to keep their coat in a top-notch condition.

Fenric Hale
Fenric Hale is a seasoned writer and a dedicated Animal Support Technician with years of experience caring for animals. Known for his calm, practical approach and steady patience, Fenric is always ready to lend a helping hand — whether he's giving medication, restocking supplies, or comforting a nervous pup during a vet visit. He has a natural connection with high-energy dogs and takes pride in turning tense, chaotic moments into calm and reassuring ones. At home, Fenric shares his days (and plenty of snacks) with his retired greyhound, Olive — his loyal shadow and favorite nap companion.