If you love dogs but don’t necessarily enjoy the endless trail of fur that comes with them, you’re not alone. Many pet parents and enthusiasts dream of having a lovable companion without having to constantly clean behind them and battling with the vacuum cleaner.
If this is you, you’re in luck because there are low-shedding dog breeds that make ideal pets for tidy homes, people who suffer from allergic reactions, and basically just anyone who benefits from or prefers a low-maintenance grooming routine.
Choosing a low-shedding dog breed does not mean you have to compromise on the personality of the dog, its companionship level, or even its looks. These dogs are just as cute, affectionate, and playful as their fluffier counterparts. Just with lesser cleaning involved.
Thanks to their unique coat types that grow more like human hair or don’t shed much throughout the year, these breeds fit your low-maintenance lifestyle.
Dog Breeds That Shed Less Than Others
1. Poodle
Poodles were bred as waterfowl retrievers and hunting dogs, so they have a single-layer, curly coat. Its coat resembles human hair more than typical dog fur. They shed less around the house, and this happens because the loose hair gets trapped in the curls. So they need grooming to prevent matting.
So, they may shed less, but they do require regular grooming and clipping to maintain their cleanliness and look. Purina states these are hypoallergenic dog breeds, perfect for allergy-prone owners. Their hunting history also makes them really independent.
Poodles thrive in lively homes full of activity and love, plenty of playtime, and attention to stay happy and engaged. Because they crave companionship, it’s best not to leave them alone for more than a few hours at a time.
2. Bichon Frise
This is a small dog breed, a portable companion that doesn’t threaten the aesthetics of your house. Completely non-shedding dogs do not exist, but the Bichon Frise comes pretty close, even with its curly double coat. They are also hypoallergenic dogs, perfect for allergy sufferers.
Due to their double coat, they do require daily brushing to keep their fur clean and tidy. From the breeds that don’t shed, this is a very friendly one, making excellent companions. They are also fun-loving with a gentle disposition and do great outdoors.
Bichon Frises are lively little dogs, yet they easily adapt to their surroundings. Their cheerful and gentle nature makes them wonderful companions for families with small children.
3. Chinese Crested
A first relatively hairless dog on this list, the Chinese Crested only comes with a glossy topknot, forelocks, and a flag at the end of its tail. So if there’s ever such a thing as a grooming requirement with them, it’s most likely brushing to prevent tangles a few times a week.
This dog, even with hair, has the lowest shedding coat. They are more prone to health issues regarding their skin. Being prone to sun damage, they require sunblock during the summer and a tiny vest during the winter. Their hairlessness also means there is no body odour, according to AKC.
The Chinese Crested is a small, delicate dog that can make a wonderful family pet. However, their fragile build means they’re better suited to homes with older children and families who spend plenty of time at home to keep them company.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Resembling their larger cousin, the Standard Schnauzer, this Terrier, despite having flowing locks, sheds very little. It is a very cheerful dog that is smart, so it is easy to train.
They require regular exercise, even if it’s a stroll in the park. They won’t be igniting an allergic response from you, depending on how well you keep their coats.
They have wiry coats that have a double layer, with generally a hassle-free grooming routine. Their grooming consists of hand-stripping the dead hair, as clipping can cause more shedding around their house. If you can’t get professional grooming done more often, regular brushing does the job just as well.
5. Portuguese Water Dogs
Originally bred to aid fishermen in Portugal, with their thick and curly double coats, these dogs shed less. It is also a hypoallergenic dog breed, and like most dogs that don’t shed much, it is largely loved by allergy-prone people. PetMD describes this as an intelligent and friendly breed and is also highly trainable.
Their coat is not just low-shedding but also waterproof, due to their heritage. They require daily brushing and monthly groomer visits. It is an athletic breed that needs excessive exercise to exert that energy and not create a mess.
Energetic, smart, and athletic, the Portuguese Water Dog is a skilled swimmer originally bred to assist fishermen along Portugal’s coast. Known for their affectionate personalities, low-shedding coats, and adorable teddy bear-like faces, they make both loving companions and fun adventure partners.
6. Shih Tzu
This is an ancient companion breed that is known for its thick coat, expressive eyes, and friendly nature. Their flat faces make them susceptible to breathing-related health issues, so it isn’t necessarily very low maintenance. It is an intelligent breed, and with the right training, it is a good dog for a family with people of all ages.
When it comes to grooming, there are a couple of options you can choose from. You trim their hair one or two inches all over and then brush them every other day. Or you can let their long coat flow and make do with daily brushing. In any case, this is the most or least amount of work they require to keep their coats in their best condition.
Like all dogs, Shih Tzu puppies benefit from early socialization to help prevent anxiety. Without it, they may develop unwanted habits like excessive barking or digging in the yard.
7. Basenji
Basenjis have short coats that shed minimally. They are intelligent and tend to be independent and think for themselves instead of following orders blindly. They are also aloof towards strangers for this reason.
The perfect small dog breed for people who like Hounds but don’t enjoy their odour and shedding habits. It has a short, fine coat and doesn’t even require a lot of brushing. They like to self-groom like a cat, which keeps them clean. Also, they are famously quiet, ideal for apartment dwellers.
Basenjis are intelligent but can be challenging to train, requiring patience and creativity to bring out their best. While they don’t bark, their signature yodels can still be quite loud. If left unsupervised, these curious pups may turn to chewing or digging to entertain themselves.
Conclusion
Finding a low-shedding dog breed is more than just keeping your home fur-free; it’s about discovering the ideal companion that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. No dog is maintenance-free, but you always have options of breeds that can make your life easier and add a member to your busy family. We’re talking low-shedding, high-loving, and endlessly charming com-paw-nions!
