Bringing home a dog should not mean bringing home a tumbleweed of fur that follows you from couch to car. If you love the idea of a canine companion but could live without daily vacuum workouts, low-shedding breeds might be your new best friend.
While no dog is completely shed-proof, some have slow-growing coats that drop far less hair around the house. The tradeoff? A little grooming time in exchange for cleaner floors and lint roller freedom. Fair deal, right?
For many dog lovers, finding a breed that keeps shedding to a minimum is the perfect balance between companionship and cleanliness. Thankfully, some dogs are naturally low-shedding, making them ideal for neat freaks, allergy-sensitive households, and busy owners who prefer less vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Let’s meet the breeds that keep the cuddles coming and the fur situation under control.
Did you know?
Dogs cool themselves mostly by panting, but they actually sweat through their paw pads using special glands that help regulate body temperature.
Best Dog Breeds for Clean Homes: Hardly Any Shedding
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Once upon a very real time, this little spaniel had a standing invitation to royal meetings. Favored by King Charles I and King Charles II, the Cavalier was bred for lap warming and loyal companionship, and it still treats your sofa like a throne.
This low-shedding dog breed is famously friendly and patient with children, cats, and other dogs. Human interaction is their favorite hobby. Bright and eager to please, they respond beautifully to positive training and often enjoy obedience, rally, agility, hiking, and relaxed daily walks.
That long, silky coat sheds, but not heavily. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control and prevents tangles. Professional grooming can simplify maintenance even more, making it easier to enjoy their polished look without constantly battling stray fur.
Why this Breed is a Good Fit?
Devoted companion who thrives on closeness
Enjoys both structured activities and downtime
Gentle temperament supports peaceful households
2. Whippet
If elegance could sprint, it would look like a Whippet. Developed by Victorian coal miners who wanted a smaller racing dog, this swift sighthound earned the nickname “Poor Man’s Racehorse” and still carries that effortless, athletic grace into modern living rooms.
The Whippet’s short, smooth coat makes grooming a breeze. Regular brushing keeps shedding under control and removes loose hairs, while occasional baths keep their coat clean and shiny. They are a relatively low-maintenance dog breed, and with just a little attention, their sleek fur stays soft and tidy.
They appreciate a securely fenced yard for safe running, but adapt well to apartment living when exercised properly. Rarely barkers, they make considerate neighbors. After activity, they settle indoors with impressive calm and are content to lounge nearby.
Why this Breed is a Good Fit?
Naturally quiet around shared walls
Their low-shedding coat has minimal grooming needs
They are high-energy dogs and are suitable for active owners
3. Basset Hound
With ears that practically sweep the floor and eyes that could win sympathy awards, the Basset Hound is a medium-sized dog that brings old-school French hunting roots into a very modern, very relaxed household vibe. They were bred to track rabbits and hares and now track snack crumbs.
Shedding is moderate throughout the year, so brushing once a week helps reduce loose hair. More frequent brushing can keep it even more contained. Baths are typically monthly unless skin concerns require a little extra attention.
As mentioned by Purina, Basset Hounds can be a bit stubborn with training, especially outdoors, but they shine in scent work. Focusing on their natural talents and keeping them company helps prevent separation issues and keeps both of you happy.
Why this Breed is a Good Fit?
Easygoing energy suits relaxed lifestyles
Enjoys scent-focused games for mental stimulation
Affectionate and playful with children
4. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise walks into a room like it expects applause, and honestly, it usually gets it. This cheerful companion has charmed people for centuries with bright curiosity, sturdy confidence, and a cloudlike white coat that feels as soft as it looks.
Alert and curious, they make attentive little watchdogs and will happily announce interesting happenings. Even so, they are lovers at heart, typically getting along well with children and other dogs while thriving in city environments.
They shed very little, with loose or dead hair getting caught in the undercoat instead of drifting around your home. Regular brushing prevents mats, and monthly baths and clipping keep their curly coat healthy, comfortable, and looking neatly maintained.
Why this Breed is a Good Fit?
Compact and adaptable for urban living
A confident personality handles new situations well
Enjoys interactive play and close companionship
5. Shih Tzu
Silky hair that behaves more like human strands than typical fur gives the Shih Tzu a quiet advantage in homes that prefer tidy floors. You will notice loose hairs mostly during brushing or bath time, not floating across your couch cushions.
Centuries ago, imperial breeders in the Chinese emperor’s palace developed this so-called Lion Dog from carefully selected stock. Hidden behind palace walls for generations, they lived as pampered lap companions before eventually stepping into the wider world.
As noted by the AKC, the Shih Tzu was bred to be a companion, not a marathon training partner. A short daily walk with you and some playful indoor zoomies are usually plenty to keep this little sidekick happy, balanced, and wonderfully content.
Why this Breed is a Good Fit?
Thrives in apartments and homes without large yards
Especially affectionate with children
Minimal shedding due to hair type rather than fur
6. Xoloitzcuintli
Smooth skin and a naturally bare look make the Xoloitzcuintli stand out immediately, especially in homes where drifting dog hair is unwelcome. This ancient Mexican breed comes in hairless and coated varieties, both known for being calm, loyal companions and vigilant watchdogs.
They form strong bonds with their people and can be playful with children who understand respectful interaction. Around the house, they are famously tranquil, yet they will alert you to passersby with a purposeful bark rather than constant noise.
According to PetMD, while there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, Xolos can be suitable for some people with dog allergies. It’s a good idea to spend time with an Xoloitzcuintli before bringing one home to see how your allergies react.
Why this Breed is a Good Fit?
Hairless variety can suit some allergy-sensitive households
Naturally watchful without excessive barking
They are generally easy to train
7. Maltese
That flowing white coat may look dramatic, but the Maltese is known for being low shedding, which is welcome news for anyone who prefers elegance without constant cleanup. Beneath all that silky hair is a playful, charming companion who adapts easily to different living spaces.
Their straight, long coat sheds very little, yet it demands daily gentle brushing and combing down to the skin to prevent mats and tangles. Frequent baths and conditioning keep the hair looking its best, while routine ear checks and nail trims complete the upkeep.
Energy levels are lively but manageable. A daily walk with you, some play in a fenced yard, or even indoor games usually keep them content. They enjoy activity, yet they do not require extensive workouts to stay happy and fit.
Why this Breed is a Good Fit?
Compact size works well in smaller homes
Alert nature makes them attentive little watchdogs
Long-lived and generally healthy with proper care
Conclusion
A clean home and a cuddly dog are not mutually exclusive. With the right low-shedding breed, you can enjoy tail wags, warm snuggles, and happy greetings at the door without constantly chasing fur across the floor.
Each of these dogs brings something different to the table, from quiet grace to cheerful charm to laid-back loyalty.
It really comes down to your lifestyle, your energy, and the kind of personality that makes you smile. Picture your daily routine, imagine a dog fitting right into it, and trust your gut. The right match will feel less like maintenance and more like magic.
If you are further interested in such wonderful breeds, some other dogs you can look up include Miniature Schnauzer, Portuguese Water Dog, Chinese Crested, Yorkshire Terrier, Giant Schnauzer, and Standard Poodle.
