Are you an allergy sufferer or a cleanliness freak? Do you want a dog without fur all over? Consider getting a low-shedding dog breed! Low shedding dog breeds do not shed much compared to other breeds.
Most of them are ‘hypoallergenic,’ which means they produce minimal allergens and pet dander. Remember, no dog is 100% allergen-free. Even low-shedding breeds can contain allergens in their saliva, skin, and urine.
These allergens can trigger allergic responses such as coughing, itching, or wheezing in allergy-prone individuals. Grooming needs of different hypoallergenic dogs may differ. Some may need extensive grooming while others do well with minimal upkeep.
Here are 7 wonderful dog breeds with very little shedding.
Wonderful Dog Breeds with Very Little Shedding
1. Miniature Poodle
Larger than Standard Poodles and smaller than Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles are popular because of their high intelligence and low-shedding coat. The thick and curly coat comes in a variety of colors ranging from white, black, cream, brown, and apricot.
Looking like lamb’s wool, the Poodle coat requires lots of grooming every day to stay free from mats and tangles. PetPlan recommends professional grooming and clipping every six months to keep their coats in top-notch condition.
While their good looks come with a high maintenance cost, their cuteness is worth all the effort. Miniature Poodles are sociable and energetic dogs. They make friendly and playful companions for everyone, including kids, other pets, and even strangers.
Despite their small size, Mini Poodles are quite adventurous and make excellent companions for long walks, hikes, and even errands.
2. Bichon Frise
Best known for their white powderpuff coat, Bichon Frises are charming, affectionate, and cheerful dogs. They may be small in size, but have a big personality. Bichons make ideal pets for allergy sufferers because they do not shed as much as other breeds.
PetMD describes Bichon Frises as hypoallergenic dogs with a long double coat of curly white hair. Brush your dog’s coat every day to prevent mats and tangles. They also need professional grooming from time to time.
So make sure you have enough budget for regular grooming sessions. Bathing the coat once a month with a good quality dog shampoo will help your Bichon’s coat stay white and clean.
Bichons are highly adaptable and energetic dogs who thrive on companionship. Bored or lonely Bichons can develop separation anxiety. These sociable canines warm up to new people easily and get along nicely with kids and other dogs.
3. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are small-sized English dogs who look like lambs with a touch of Poodle. Crisp coat, tasseled ears, and pear-shaped head are the distinguishing features of this breed. Rolling, charming, and fun-loving, Bedlington Terriers love to be the center of attention.
Their curly coat is a mixture of soft and harsh, but Bedlington Terriers lack a wiry coat. The hair grows very quickly and needs to be clipped every two months. Fastidious owners would love to know that Bedlington Terriers do not shed much.
Plus, they are safe for individuals prone to allergic reactions. The coat needs to be brushed or combed once or twice a week.
Bedlington Terriers are friendly and affectionate dogs. They have a distinctive springy gait that can rapidly transform into a run. Bedlington Terriers form strong bonds with their humans and get along nicely with other pets.
4. Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are alert, lively, and affectionate dogs that come in two varieties. The coated variants, also known as ‘powderpuffs,’ are covered by a soft and silky coat. The hairless variety, on the other hand, only has tufts of hair on the head, tail, and ankles.
Both types of Chinese Crested dogs are hypoallergenic and shed minimally. Hairless dogs do not produce doggy odor. You may think that, being a hairless breed, Chinese Cresteds do not require extensive grooming.
However, their exposed skin is prone to sunburn, skin irritations, and allergies, according to the American Kennel Club. So sunscreens and acne lotions are necessary to maintain a healthy pet. Powderpuff Chinese Cresteds need to be brushed every day to maintain their fluffy coat.
Besides coat, there is very little difference between Hairless and Powderpuff varieties. Chinese Cresteds make attentive housemates and are very much in tune with their humans.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Originally bred as ratters and watchdogs, Yorkshire Terriers now make popular lap dogs. These compact toy dogs are loved for their floor-length silky coat, which is steel blue and golden tan in color. Don’t be fooled by their small size; they are tenacious, brave, and feisty.
These surprisingly low-shedding dogs’ hypoallergenic coat looks like human hair and requires similar care. If the coat is kept long, it needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats. The hair on the upper part of the head should be trimmed short or tied up into a top knot.
Yorkshire Terriers make ideal pets for apartment living and are well suited for allergy-sensitive households. However, their single-layered coat cannot tolerate extremely cold climates, so you may need to protect them using stylish doggy sweaters.
Yorkies have an adaptable personality and low to moderate exercise needs. These smart and eager-to-please dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training.
6. Maltese
Maltese dogs are a good choice for owners looking for a low-shedding breed. Their eye-catching long coat produces less dander and is hypoallergenic, making them ideal pets for allergy-sensitive households. Reason: Maltese lack an undercoat.
Their silky white coat requires frequent brushing to manage shedding and remove loose hair. Their hair grows continuously, so many people opt to trim the coat short for easier maintenance. Weekly to monthly baths are also needed to keep the coat clean.
Other than grooming, Maltese are quite low-maintenance dogs. They need only minimal exercise to stay healthy and content. Having a gentle and affectionate demeanor, Maltese form strong bonds with their owners and tend to feel lonely otherwise.
7. Basenji
The famous barkless dogs, Basenjis, are loved for their fastidious and feline-like personality. Their short coat is easy to care for and prone to minimal shedding even during shedding season. Basenjis are prone to grooming themselves like cats and don’t really need regular baths.
Regular brushing helps distribute skin oils throughout the coat. Brush your Basenji’s coat once a week using a soft bristle brush or a rubber curry brush. Basenjis are bright, alert, and energetic dogs who love to chase things.
These incredibly smart dogs can be a bit aloof at times and need proper training and socialization to turn into well-mannered family dogs.
Do You Know? Instead of barking, Basenjis produce unique vocalizations, something between chortle and yodel.
Conclusion
Some potential pet parents do not bring a furry friend home only because they are prone to allergies. Fortunately, several dog breeds shed minimally and produce very few allergens. These low-shedding hypoallergenic dogs make ideal pets for allergy sufferers.
Some of them need consistent grooming to look good and stay free from mats and tangles, while others require minimal grooming to look good. Regardless of coat type and grooming needs, all dogs make loving companions. All you need is to shower them with lots of love and care and provide proper training.
