Dog hair.It’s everywhere. On your couch, your clothes, your bed, and even in your coffee.
Pet parents who own a dog that sheds like a full-time job know the struggle. The constant vacuuming, the lint rollers, the acceptance that black pants are just… not happening anymore.
But, relax!! Not all dog breeds shed like crazy.
Some dog breeds barely shed at all. And we are not pointing toward hairless breeds or dogs that need professional grooming every two weeks. We are talking about fantastic dog breeds with minimal shedding, easy to care for.
The dogs that are low-maintenance breeds, easy to groom, and perfect for pet parents who’d rather spend time playing with their pup than cleaning up after them.
Fun Fact!
Do you know dogs with hair (like Toy Poodles and Shih Tzu) shed way less than dogs with fur?
According to research, hair grows continuously and has a long growth cycle and fur has a short cycle that causes more frequent grooming. That is why breeds with hair are considered hypoallergenic… even though no dog is truly 100% allergen-free.
Pretty cool how coat type makes such a HUGE difference, right?
Fantastic Dog Breeds with Minimal Shedding: Easy to Care For
1. Whippet
Whippets are one of those low-maintenance breeds that people don’t talk about enough. These little dogs (well, medium-sized) have short coats that barely shed and need minimal grooming, as noted by PetMD.
Seriously, a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth once a week is enough.
Whippets are gentle, affectionate, and surprisingly low-energy indoors. They are happy to lounge around the house most of the day, which is why they are well-suited for apartment living.
These Hound dogs do love a good sprint outside, but a daily walk and some playtime keep them busy. They are not demanding at all.
Their short coat = loose hair is minimal. You won’t find clumps of fur everywhere like you would with shedding dogs. And grooming is so easy it barely counts as grooming.
Whippets are excellent companions for families, singles, or anyone who wants a loving pet without the fur mess. They get along well with other pets. Though their keen sense of prey drive means small animals might trigger their chase instinct.
2. Basset Hound
Okay, so Basset Hounds do shed a lot, but way less than dogs their size. And their short coat makes grooming super simple.
These dogs were originally bred as farm dogs and hunting companions, as they used to track scents with their incredible noses.
Basset Hounds are moderate shedders, and weekly brushing is the only way you can keep their coats shiny and healthy. Brushing keeps dead hair under control, and that’s basically it.
They are low-energy dogs, which makes them well-suited for families who want a calm and easygoing dog. Daily walks are enough to keep them active, though they will happily nap the rest of the day.
The American Kennel Club notes that Basset Hounds are loyal companions with a charming and low-key, patient nature. They are great with children, other dogs, and even cats. They are patient, gentle, and just.. chill.
Their big personalities show up in their stubbornness sometimes, but overall, they are excellent companions who don’t need tons of effort.
Plus, those droopy eyes and floppy ears?
Come on. Adorable.
3. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are one of those fluffy dogs that look like they shed a lot, but they don’t!!
Their coat traps loose hair instead of trapping it all over your house.
And yeah, they do need regular brushing and occasional professional grooming to stay tangle-free, but the trade-off is worth it for a low-shedding dog.
Bichon Frise has a beautiful coat that needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and keep it in tip-top shape. Every 4-5 weeks, a grooming session keeps their coat looking fresh.
But the thing is, they barely shed. Like, almost not at all. For pet parents with allergies or anyone who just hates vacuuming fur, these hypoallergenic dogs are a dream!
These small dogs are playful, affectionate, and great with families and other breeds. They have big personalities packed into a very small size. Yet they are fun-loving without being overly demanding.
Bichon Frises are well-suited for apartment living and adapt to different energy levels. They are equally happy playing in the yard or snuggling on the couch.
If you don’t mind brushing and occasional grooming but want minimal shedding, this breed is fantastic.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were bred by Buddhist monks and Chinese royalty, so yeah.. they have got history.
And one of their best traits is that they barely shed.
Their long coat does need frequent brushing to prevent tangles. But many pet parents keep their Shih Tzus in a “puppy cut” to make grooming way easier.
These Asian dogs have gorgeous silky coats that trap loose hair instead of shedding it everywhere. Daily brushing (or every other day with a shorter cut) keeps their coat looking good and prevents mats.
They are a small dog breed with an affectionate nature. They love being close to their families and are excellent companions for people of all ages.
Shih Tzus are low maintenance breed + with low energy levels. So, they are perfect for apartment living. A daily walk and some playtime are enough for these playful dogs.
No matter if you are in an active household or prefer quiet evenings at home, Shih Tzus are happy as long as they are with you.
And that face, those BIG eyes! Yeah, you are gonna spoil them. Just accept it now.
5. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli (say that three times fast) is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world. They were considered sacred by ancient Aztec civilizations.
And the best part, most of them are hairless, which means… no shedding. At all.
Xolos come in hairless and coated varieties. But the hairless ones are absolutely the lowest maintenance ones when it comes to shedding.
No fur means no loose hair, no brushing, and no vacuuming dog hair off everything.
You do need to take care of their skin, though. Sunscreen in summer, moisturizer occasionally, and keeping them warm in cold weather (a nice sweater would do).
And that is way easier than dealing with constant shedding.
Xolos are calm, loyal, and intelligent dogs. They are excellent watchdogs and bond closely with their families. They can be a bit reserved with strangers, and they are affectionate with their people.
Well-suited for active houses or quieter homes.
6. Maltese
Maltese are one of those toy breeds that look high maintenance (+ high energy) but are actually pretty easy to care for, if you keep their coat short.
You can keep their long coat beautiful with daily brushing, but many owners opt for a short coat, a puppy cut, that needs way less grooming.
These small white dogs have silky coats that don’t shed much. The hair that does come loose stays in their coat until you brush it out. So, you won’t find fur all over your house.
They need regular brushing to stay tangle-free, but it is manageable. And if you go with a shortcut, grooming becomes even easier.
Maltese are playful, affectionate, and brave for such small dogs. They just love being the center of attention.
Plus, they are great for apartment living, suited for families, and excellent dogs for anyone who wants a little dog with minimal grooming needs.
They do form strong bonds and can be a bit of a “Velcro dog” that wants to be near you constantly.
7. Dachshund
Dachshunds show up on this list because the smooth-coat variety is one of the easiest low-maintenance breeds.
Their short coat barely sheds, needs minimal grooming, and makes life so much easier for pet parents who want a dog without fur mess.
Smooth-coat Dachshunds need almost no grooming. A quick brush once a week to remove any dead hair, and you are done.
No professional grooming, tangles, and hence… no hassle!
Even the long-haired and wire-haired varieties shed less than most dogs and just need regular brushing to stay looking good.
Dachshunds are loyal, playful, and have huge personalities. They need daily walks and some playtime, but they are not high-energy. They are happy exploring the neighborhood and napping on the couch.
And because they are independent-minded, these can be a bit stubborn dogs, with that stubborn streak.
Yeah, it’s real. But, it’s also part of what makes them so entertaining…
Conclusion
Not all dogs leave your house full of fur.
These are the seven fantastic dog breeds with minimal shedding and easy to care for.
These are loving companions without the constant cleanup. And, there’s a low-shedding dog for every lifestyle.
These are not the only dogs. Other great low-shedding breeds include Yorkshire Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Lhasa Apso, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Min Pin, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
The best breed, however, depends on your life, living situation, and the grooming effort you are willing to put in. But one thing is for sure: these pups prove that you don’t have to sacrifice companionship for cleanliness.
