We all love dogs, but honestly, finding dog hair on the black jeans, baked into morning toast, or all across the lounge gets too much. It’s something that holds many people back, especially allergy sufferers and busy ones, from getting a dog.
But you don’t have to choose between having a clean couch or a dog because there is an entire canine world that practically doesn’t shed at all. Honestly, all of living creatures drop one or two hair strands occasionally, and that’s fair (just look at your shower drain).
These specific breeds have a unique coat that traps loose fur instead of dropping it on carpets, so you are less likely to find hair everywhere. But their low-shedding coat is not the only factor you should look at before getting one.
We have shared a list of 10 dogs that shed less, along with their temperament, exercise, and training needs. You will also learn about their brushing needs and coat type, so stick around to learn more about them.
Dog Breeds That Practically Don’t Shed
1. Maltese
Malteses are gentle, affectionate, and charming companions with floor-length coats that make them look super adorable. Many people say that they look like marshmallows, cotton candies, and even clouds due to their white coats and sweet expressions.
These small dogs have a single coat without any undercoat, so they usually shed less, and this is the reason they are called hypoallergenic dogs. Their coat traps the loose hairs, so allergens don’t spread much, which makes them a perfect pet for allergy sufferers.
That being said, they require daily brushing to prevent knots and mats. You can also go for a short, low-maintenance puppy cut, as they typically need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. In addition, Malteses are smart, sensitive, and sometimes a bit stubborn, so you have to be consistent and bring tiny, delicious treats to train them.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies, are big personalities in tiny compact bodies. They are brave, feisty, energetic, and super affectionate dogs that were bred to hunt down rats in textile mills, as per PetMD.
These little dogs also have a single coat without any undercoat, and their hair is glossy. They don’t shed much (just a few strands), like we brush our hair, and only a few strands come off. Their coat grows long till the floor if you don’t cut it (yeah, it looks beautiful) until you have to brush and detangle it daily.
This is the reason pet owners often go for a teddy bear cut or puppy clip so they don’t look all hairy. Their facial hair often blocks their vision, so make sure to visit a groomer every 4-6 weeks. They are actually smart, but can develop small dog syndrome if you treat them like a fragile baby, and that’s when they get bossy. So, focus on training and properly socializing them at an early stage.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are sweet, happy, and friendly dogs that were bred to be lapdogs, so they have zero hunting instincts. These tiny dogs are also known as people dogs or little lions, as they were bred to look like lions. However, the Shih Tzu actually has a low-shedding double coat, so you will find almost no hair on your clothes or carpets.
But still their long and flowing coat needs daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles. They require professional clipping and baths every 4-6 weeks. They are also called crysanthemum-faced dogs because their facial hair grows in all directions. Make sure to topknot their head hairs so they can see clearly.
Shih Tzus are great for beginners and experienced owners alike, as they respond well to positive reinforcement and praise. Yeah, they can be a bit proud or stubborn, but avoid being harsh or shouting. Plus, they need about 30 minutes of daily walking for mental stimulation, along with quick indoor games.
4. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are famous for two things, and those are their intelligence and curly coat. These are fun-loving, friendly, active, and highly trainable little dogs that were downsized in France during the 18th century.
These little dogs have curly coats that naturally get trapped and do not come off until you brush them out. These low-to-non-shedding dogs are one of the best breeds for people with severe pet dander allergies as they don’t spread it much.
But they usually require daily brushing with a slicker brush or a metal comb to prevent mats and remove dead, loose hairs. They are actually high maintenance when it comes to coat care and brushing, but you can opt for puppy cuts to make brushing easier and faster. Plus, they enjoy brisk walks, playing fetch, and learning new tricks.
5. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are bubbly, playful, gentle, and true optimists that view everyone they meet as a potential best friend. These were bred to be companions and also worked as circus dogs across Europe. Bichon Frises have a double coat that is made up of soft and velvety hair with a corkscrew-like texture.
So they trap every loose hair inside, and that’s why they are practically non-shedding dogs. These cotton balls actually require daily brushing or at least 3- 4 times every week to maintain their signature powder puff look and professional trimming every 4-6 weeks.
That being said, Bichon Frises require 30 to 45 minutes of daily short brisk walks for mental stimulation. However, they do bark to alert you, and their eager-to-please nature makes it easy to train them. These white dogs are super smart and respond best to positive reinforcement, fun games, and clicker training.
6. Havanese
Havanese are gentle, peaceful, affectionate, and velcro dogs with a clownish sense of humor. These are the national dog of Cuba, also known as Havana Silk Sog, as Purina shared. They were bred only for companionship, and that’s why they naturally have polite manners and desire to please you.
However, Havanese actually have a soft, lightweight double coat that is silky to the touch. Their coat has long, wavy layers rather than floating straight, so they actually shed exceptionally low. Still, they do require daily brushing, or you can choose a puppy cut to speed up this process.
That being said, they are lively and love to play with moderate energy levels. They require 30-45 minutes of daily activity, including short walks, indoor fetching, or simply zooming around a small yard.
7. Basenji
Basenjis are unique, independent, alert, clever, and loyal companions with a cat-like personality. They are famously known as barkless dogs, but they actually make a mix of yodeling, chortling, and whining noises when excited.
These African hunting dogs were bred to hunt small game, so they are highly skilled. Basenjis have a short, smooth coat that doesn’t shed much. They are one of the lowest maintenance breeds because they usually require brushing once a week to remove those loose hairs.
Plus, they also require professional grooming occasionally, as their coat does not grow too long to trim every other week. In addition, Basenjis do not have any body odor and often lick their paws and fur to clean them like cats.
8. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are fun-loving, bright, and loyal dogs that are famous for their ability to swim. These medium-sized dogs were bred to work with fishermen and also have webbed feet that allow them to retrieve broken nets or lost tackle from rivers.
PWDs have dense, profuse hair that can be curly (compact, cylindrical) or slightly wavy. These low-to-non-shedding dogs are best for allergic sufferers as they don’t let loose hair fall on the ground. However, they are actually high maintenance in terms of brushing and grooming.
These Portuguese Water Dogs require brushing 2-3 times a week and professional clipping every 6-8 weeks. You can also opt for a retriever clip (shaved evenly all over) or a traditional lion clip where the hind quarters are shaved close while leaving the full mane on the chest. In addition, PWDs require vigorous exercise daily for mental stimulation.
9. Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulears are bright, sweet, and cheerful dogs that were bred to be luxury lapdogs and also became the official royal dog of the ruling Merina tribe. That’s why they also got the nickname of “Royal Dogs of Madagascar,” as WebMD shared.
They have a single coat of lightweight hair with a fluffy texture and resemble a cotton ball, which gives them their name “Coton”. These dogs practically have no shedding and catch every strand in their coat rather than letting them fall on the ground.
That being said, they need brushing 3 to 4 times and moderate exercise for mental stimulation. Cotons enjoy brisk neighborhood walks and playing fetch games.
10. Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniels are smart, alert, curious, and a bit reserved with strangers. They were bred to retrieve waterfowl, game like ducks and geese, for hunters. So, they naturally have that love for water and swimming activities.
These working dogs have a liver brown curly double coat that relatively sheds less and often traps loose hair. They require brushing 2-3 times every week to prevent severe mats. However, Irish Water Spaniels are best for confident owners because of their intelligence and independent streak.
That being said, they also have high energy levels and require intense outdoor exercise of 1-2 hours for mental stimulation. This can be jogging, hiking, running, or swimming, so they can burn off their energy.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned 10 dog breeds are all low to non-shedding with different trimming and coat types. Some of them have a short coat like Basenjis, while others have a fluffy coat like Bichon Frise or flowing hair like Yorkies.
They all differ in their temperament, training, and personality traits. There are dogs that were bred to be lapdogs or companions, and there are also those with herding or hunting instincts. So, make sure to read the details before selecting any of them.
