If you love dogs but hate dealing with fur all over your clothes, furniture, and floors, you’re definitely not alone. Many people want a loyal, loving companion without the constant mess and high upkeep.
That’s where low-shedding, easy-maintenance dogs come in—they offer all the affection and companionship of a pet, but with far less cleaning stress in your daily life.
However, dogs that shed less tend to spread less dander around the house, which can make them a better choice for allergy sufferers or those who simply want a cleaner home environment.
When we say “low maintenance,” it doesn’t mean zero effort—it means less effort compared to high-energy or heavy-shedding dogs. These dogs usually require less grooming, moderate exercise, and adapt well to busy lifestyles or smaller homes.
You still need to care for them with love and attention, but the overall routine is much easier to manage. Now, let’s explore the top low-shedding breeds that are perfect for easy care and a happier, cleaner home.
Key Takeaways
Discover the easiest dogs to care for with minimal shedding and fuss.
Meet playful, affectionate companions like Miniature Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Dachshunds.
Learn simple grooming tips to keep your home clean without sacrificing cuddles.
Find low-maintenance dog breeds perfect for busy owners and apartment living.
Top Low-Shedding Dog Breeds: Easy Maintenance
1. Coton De Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small, hypoallergenic dog that comes from Madagascar. It gets its name from the port city of Toliara and its soft, cotton-like coat. This breed likely arrived on the island by ship centuries ago and later became a favorite of nobles during French rule.
Because only the elite could own them, they earned the nickname “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” according to the American Kennel Club. Today, they are known as cheerful, affectionate companions who fit perfectly into a low-shedding, easy-maintenance lifestyle.
These dogs are friendly, playful, and very people-focused. They form strong bonds with their owners and love being around family all the time. They get along well with kids and other pets, especially when introduced properly.
Cotons are smart and easy to train, but they prefer fun, game-like sessions instead of strict routines. They enjoy daily walks and playtime, but they are not overly hyper. However, they don’t like being left alone for long and may develop separation anxiety if ignored.
Care & Maintenance:
Low shedding and considered hypoallergenic (but not completely allergen-free)
Need regular grooming to keep their long coat tangle-free
Brushing several times a week is important, especially around the ears and legs
Moderate exercise, like walking and playing, keeps them happy
Regular care, like ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental hygiene, is needed
2. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, hypoallergenic dog breed famous for its long, silky white hair and charming personality. This breed comes from the Mediterranean island of Malta and has been a beloved companion for centuries—even mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman history.
While they look fancy and high-maintenance, Maltese dogs are actually gentle, playful, and easygoing. They love being close to their owners and are happiest sitting in your lap or following you around the house.
These dogs are affectionate, lively, and very friendly. They bond deeply with their humans and enjoy attention and companionship. Malteses are low-shedding because they don’t have an undercoat, which makes them a good option for people with dog allergies (though no dog is completely allergen-free).
They have low to moderate energy levels, so short daily walks and playtime are enough. They can also do well in training and even dog sports, especially with positive reinforcement.
Care & Maintenance:
Very low shedding and considered hypoallergenic
Regular brushing is needed to prevent matting and tangles in their silky coat
Many pet parents prefer a short “puppy cut” for easier care
Regular baths and conditioning help maintain coat health
Frequent dental care is important as they are prone to dental issues
3. Basenji
The Basenji is an elegant hunting dog from Africa, famous for being the “barkless dog.” Instead of barking, it makes a unique yodel-like sound when excited. This breed stands out with its wrinkled forehead and tightly curled tail. Basenjis are intelligent, alert, and full of energy.
While they can be a bit aloof with strangers, they are affectionate with their families and love playtime and activity. According to PDSA, Basenjis are often described as “cat-like” dogs.
They are independent, clean, and even groom themselves like cats. They have almost no doggy odor and a short, smooth coat that sheds very little.
This makes them a great choice for people looking for a low-shedding, easy-maintenance dog. However, they are high-energy and can get bored easily, so they need daily exercise, play, and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
Care & Maintenance:
Very low shedding with a short, easy-care coat
Minimal grooming; occasional brushing removes dead hair
Bathing only a few times a year is usually enough
No strong dog odor and naturally clean habits
Training should be fun, short, and consistent
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, hypoallergenic dog with a long history as a royal companion. Originally bred for Chinese nobility, this “Lion Dog” is known for its thick, silky hair and sweet, friendly nature. Shih Tzus have affectionate personalities and love being around people, making them perfect indoor pets.
They are highly adaptable and fit well into apartments or family homes, always happy to relax by your side or enjoy a little playtime.
These dogs have a calm and loving personality. They get along well with families, kids, and other pets when properly socialized. Shih Tzus have low energy levels, so short daily walks and light play are enough to keep them happy.
They don’t shed much because they have hair instead of fur, which helps keep your home cleaner. However, their flat face means they can face issues like overheating, breathing problems, and tear stains, so regular care is important.
Care & Maintenance:
Low shedding and considered hypoallergenic
Frequent brushing is needed if the coat is kept long
“Puppy cut” makes grooming much easier
Regular baths, ear cleaning, and nail trimming are required
Needs short walks and light playtime only
5. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world. With a history going back around 5,000 years, this ancient Aztec dog was once believed to have spiritual and healing powers.
Today, the Xolo is known as a loyal, calm, and intelligent companion. It comes in three sizes and in two varieties—hairless and short-coated—both of which are considered hypoallergenic and low shedding.
This breed is elegant, alert, and deeply devoted to its family. Xolos are calm but still need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They can be a bit reserved around strangers, so early socialization is important.
Despite their strong and muscular build, they adapt well to both apartments and houses, as long as they get enough activity. They also make excellent watchdogs and enjoy staying close to their owners.
Care & Maintenance:
Very low shedding and hypoallergenic (hairless and coated types)
Minimal coat grooming, especially for the hairless variety
Regular skin care is essential (cleaning, moisturizing, sunscreen)
Occasional bathing and ear cleaning are needed
Early training and socialization help manage their reserved nature
6. American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier (AHT) is a unique, low-shedding dog known for its completely hairless body, with only small features like eyebrows and whiskers. Developed in the 1970s, this breed has quickly become popular for its clean, hypoallergenic nature.
Since they don’t have fur, there’s no hair to shed around your home. Instead, their grooming focuses on skin care rather than coat care, making them a great choice for those looking for a tidy and easy-maintenance companion.
These dogs are intelligent, energetic, and very people-oriented. They love interaction and enjoy being part of daily routines. While they can relax indoors, they are not lazy lap dogs—they need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Without it, they may become bored and develop habits like digging or barking. They are playful, affectionate, and usually get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. Their alert nature also makes them good watchdogs.
Care & Maintenance:
No shedding due to hairless body (hypoallergenic-friendly)
Grooming focuses on skin care, not coat care
Weekly baths with mild shampoo keep skin clean
Moisturizing and dog-safe sunscreen needed in hot weather
Extra protection, like sweaters, is needed in cold weather
7. Dachshund
The Dachshund, often called the “sausage dog,” is a small dog with a big personality. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these dogs are brave, clever, and full of character.
They form strong bonds with their owners and love spending time with their family—whether it’s going for short walks or relaxing on the couch. Their compact size makes them easy to manage, especially for apartment living.
Dachshunds are energetic but don’t need excessive exercise. A couple of daily walks and some playtime are usually enough to keep them happy. They are independent and can be a little stubborn, but they respond well to positive training.
While affectionate with their family, they can be a bit reserved with strangers and may act as alert watchdogs. Due to their long backs, it’s important to manage their weight and support their spine health.
Care & Maintenance:
Low to moderate shedding (smooth-coated type is easiest to maintain)
Minimal grooming; occasional brushing removes loose hair
Moderate exercise needs like short walks and playtime
Avoid jumping and maintain a healthy weight for back support
Leash walks are recommended due to strong hunting instincts
8. Havanese
The Havanese is a small, cheerful companion with a lively personality. Known for their silky coat and expressive eyes, these dogs are intelligent, social, and full of energy, making them a joy to have around. While compact, they are sturdy and thrive on interaction with their favorite people.
Originally from Cuba, the Havanese has a rich history as a beloved family dog. They adapt well to apartments or houses and are happiest when part of daily activities. These friendly pups are outgoing, playful, and enjoy making new friends wherever they go.
Havanese love to stay active with daily walks, playtime, or short sprints around the yard. Despite their toy size, they are agile and even enjoy dog sports like agility, as mentioned by Chewy.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training simple, and they generally get along well with other pets and children.
Care & Maintenance:
Low shedding, but long coat requires daily brushing to prevent tangles
Occasional baths and regular eye, ear, and dental care
Moderate daily exercise: short walks, playtime, or indoor activity
Short haircuts can reduce grooming time
Adaptable to apartments and houses, but dislikes being left alone for long periods
9. Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are small, elegant dogs known for their intelligence, energy, and hypoallergenic curly coat. They typically live 10–18 years and thrive in active households where they receive plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
While their coat is low-shedding, it requires regular grooming to stay healthy and tangle-free. Miniature Poodles are social and adaptable, making them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.
Miniature Poodles are friendly, playful, and highly trainable. They get along well with other pets and children, but early socialization is important to prevent anxiety in new situations.
These little athletes love walks, hikes, swimming, and interactive games, and they excel in obedience and trick training due to their sharp minds. Without exercise and mental stimulation, they can become bored and mischievous.
Care & Maintenance:
Brush and comb coat several times per week to prevent tangles
Schedule regular professional grooming or clip at home
Bathe monthly or as needed with gentle dog shampoo
Provide daily exercise, including walks, play, or swimming
Engage in training and puzzle games to keep their minds active
Conclusion
Choosing a low-shedding dog can make pet ownership much easier while still giving you all the love, companionship, and fun you want from a furry friend.
These dogs tend to be affectionate, intelligent, and playful, yet their low-maintenance coats help keep your home cleaner and grooming simpler. With the right daily care, exercise, and attention, they fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle.
If you’re ready to welcome a new companion, focus on matching energy levels and personality to your household. Regular grooming, mental stimulation, and socialization will keep your low-shedding dog happy and healthy, giving you years of joy without the hassle of constant shedding. It’s a rewarding choice that keeps both you and your pup thriving.
