Shedding doesn’t have to be part of dog ownership. For tidy homes, allergy-sensitive families, or anyone who prefers less fur on furniture, low- to no-shedding dog breeds offer the perfect solution.
Vacuum battles and fur-covered clothes can take the joy out of dog ownership. If you love dogs but prefer a cleaner home, breeds with little to no shedding can be a great fit. These dogs tend to drop less hair, making day-to-day cleanup easier and cuddle time more enjoyable.
From curly-coated companions to sleek, smooth-coated pals, there are options for many lifestyles, homes, and experience levels. Ahead, we will explore popular low-shedding dog breeds, what makes them different, and how to choose the right match for your routine, grooming comfort, and personality preferences.
Fun Fact
Low shedding coats can “hold on” to loose hair instead of dropping it. That means fewer tumbleweeds at home, but brushing is key to preventing tangles.
Dog Breeds with Little to No Shedding: Perfect for Homes
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for light, manageable shedding that is easier to control than that of many long-coated breeds. Their silky coat releases hair gradually rather than in heavy clumps, making routine cleanup more manageable in everyday living spaces.
Cavaliers have a compact body, long back, and naturally floppy ears. Their coat is smooth and free of curls, with long feathering on the ears, legs, chest, and tail. The coat comes in four distinct color patterns: Blenheim, tricolor, ruby, and black and tan.
Daily care includes brushing to keep the coat free of tangles and to distribute natural oils. Grooming attention is especially important around the ears, feet, and feathered areas to prevent matting and discomfort.
Fun Fact
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were originally bred to warm laps during cold carriage rides and drafty castles, making them true historical companion dogs.
2. Whippet
The Whippet is a sleek, athletic dog with a gentle and calm nature indoors. Known for being easy to live with, Whippets enjoy quiet environments and often form strong bonds with their families. They are generally relaxed at home and appreciate comfort and routine.
Shedding does occur but remains mild throughout the year, with small increases during seasonal changes. A quick weekly brushing with a rubber grooming mitt removes loose hair and keeps shedding controlled without much effort.
Whippets have a short, single-layer coat that sheds lightly and is barely noticeable in most homes. With no undercoat and minimal hair length, loose fur does not accumulate easily on floors, furniture, or clothing. They naturally stay clean and do not develop mats or tangles due to their coat type.
Fun Fact
Whippets are known for loving soft surfaces and are famous for burrowing under blankets whenever they get the chance.
3. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a low-set, sturdy dog with an affectionate temperament. Often gentle and fiercely loyal, this breed enjoys being close to family and is known for its laid-back attitude at home. Bassets were bred to work in packs and typically enjoy the company of people and other dogs.
Their short, smooth coat is easy to maintain and does not require trimming. As per the AKC, the coat does shed, but regular care can help keep it under control. Weekly brushing with a soft brush removes loose hair and helps keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Special care is needed for their long ears, which can trap moisture and debris. Regular ear cleaning, along with nail trimming and occasional baths, helps prevent discomfort and infections. Grooming sessions also provide a chance to check their skin and overall condition.
Fun Fact
Basset Hounds are known for having one of the most powerful noses in the dog world, second only to the Bloodhound in scent-tracking ability.
4. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog with a playful and loving personality. Known for being social and people-oriented, Bichons enjoy attention and fit well into many households. They are curious by nature and often eager to interact with both familiar faces and new friends.
They can be a good option for allergy sufferers looking for a “hypoallergenic” dog. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, people with dog allergies may do better with low-shedding coats. With proper care, the Bichon Frise can stay comfortable, clean, and well-presented throughout all life stages.
This breed has a distinctive double coat made up of soft undercoat and curly outer hair. As mentioned by PetMD, the coat grows continuously and needs frequent grooming to prevent matting. Regular brushing and routine professional grooming help maintain its signature fluffy appearance.
Fun Fact
The name “Bichon Frise” comes from French and loosely translates to “curly-haired lap dog,” a fitting description for both their coat and personality.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog developed to live closely with people indoors. Originating in China, this breed was cherished for its social personality and ability to adapt comfortably to homes of many sizes.
Regular grooming plays a major role in coat upkeep. Daily brushing helps prevent tangles, keeps hair away from the eyes, and maintains comfort. Short walks and indoor play provide enough physical activity to support overall health.
Their silky, long coat comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, giving the breed its signature elegant appearance. You’ll see coats in shades like gold, white, gray, black, red, and even eye-catching color combinations.
Fun Fact
Shih Tzus were once palace dogs in ancient China and were rarely sold or gifted, making them a treasured symbol of royalty and exclusivity for centuries.
6. Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest companion dog breeds, historically favored by nobles and scholars across ancient civilizations. Its long history as a treasured lapdog has shaped a breed that thrives indoors and closely bonds with its household.
Its most striking feature is the straight, silky coat that flows evenly along the body. The Maltese has a single coat with no undercoat, which greatly limits how much hair is released into the environment.
As noted by WebMD, daily brushing is essential to help prevent knots and matting. Many owners choose shorter trims for easier maintenance while still preserving the breed’s refined look and soft coat texture.
Fun Fact
Ancient writers and philosophers referenced Maltese dogs in poetry and art, praising them for their balance, elegance, and ability to comfort people emotionally.
7. Dachshund
The Dachshund was originally bred in Germany as a fearless hunter of burrowing animals. Its long body, muscular build, and confident personality reflect its working background and independent nature.
This breed comes in smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired coat varieties, each with different grooming needs. All Dachshunds shed lightly throughout the year, though routine brushing helps manage loose hair effectively.
Smooth-coated Dachshunds require minimal grooming, while wirehaired and longhaired types need more frequent care. Maintaining a healthy weight, supporting daily walks, mobility, and protecting the spine from unnecessary strain.
Fun Fact
Dachshunds were specifically designed to enter badger dens, and their loud bark helped hunters track them underground without seeing them.
Conclusion
While there’s no such thing as a truly non-shedding dog breed, many breeds that don’t shed as much as others can make daily life enjoyable for anyone who wants easier cleanup and upkeep. Grooming still matters, but these breeds strike a nice balance between loving companionship and more manageable coat care.
The right match comes down to your lifestyle, how much time you can commit to grooming, and the kind of energy level that fits your home.
Whether you prefer a playful lap dog or a calm household companion, low-shedding breeds provide options that fit comfortably into many homes. Take time to consider what works best for your routine, and you will be better prepared to welcome a dog that truly feels like the right fit.
If you want to explore more wonderful dogs, here are a few other breeds you can look up: West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Border Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, Brussels Griffon, Irish Water Spaniel, Afghan Hound, Miniature Schnauzer, Chinese Crested, and Bedlington Terrier.
