Excessive shedding often turns pet ownership into a relentless routine of vacuuming and deep cleaning, especially for those dealing with mild allergies and demanding schedules.
So it’s no wonder you’re looking for low-shedding dogs. After all, bringing a canine companion into your life should never mean sacrificing a clean home or your health.
These dogs don’t shed much, but they actually offer the same comfort, warmth, and loyalty. So you don’t have to compromise on the love, affection, and cuddles while owning low-shedding dogs.
However, it’s also true that there is no dog that is completely hypoallergenic because allergens are usually in saliva and urine. A dog’s coat just spreads them, so dogs that don’t lose fur mean they don’t spread allergens all over the home.
We have shared allergy-friendly dogs that don’t shed or barely shed in this guide, along with their coat types and brushing needs. Let’s read to learn more about them.
Remarkable Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much: Perfect for You
1. Havanese
Havanese are highly affectionate, cheerful, and playful companions that get along well with children, strangers, and other dogs. These toy breeds are the national dogs of Cuba and were originally bred as pampered lapdogs for Spanish aristocrats and wealthy merchants.
They possess a silky double coat that traps loose dead hairs within itself rather than dropping on the floor. These hypoallergenic dogs can have straight or wavy coats that require daily brushing to prevent tangles or matting, along with a bath every 2-3 weeks.
That being said, these are moderately active little dogs and require 20-30 minutes of exercise each day. Their eager-to-please nature makes training them easier, though they may bark and require training to manage it.
2. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises look like stuffed animals due to their soft but tightly curled coat. People also call them cotton candy, walking marshmallows, and clouds just because of their white fur. However, these are merry, gentle, bright, and happy-go-lucky dogs.
These small dogs have a soft undercoat and dense outercoat that trap hairs inside, and that’s why they are considered hypoallergenic dog breeds. These apartment-friendly pups need regular brushing (3-4 times a week or sometimes daily) to prevent painful mats.
That being said, the Bichon Frise got 5/5 for its energy level and trainability in Purina’s vet rating. They have moderate exercise needs and also learn tricks quickly. In addition, they respond best to reward-based training methods.
3. Maltese
Maltese are feisty, affectionate, and fearless dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They were bred in the Mediterranean island of Malta specifically as lapdogs for sweet companionship. However, Maltese have a single long coat that is surprisingly low-shedding.
These small dogs are perfect for allergy sufferers, as Omlet also mentioned. They require daily brushing to prevent mats if kept long and 2-3 times a week for a short puppy cut. Malteses also need a gentle bath every 1-2 weeks and regular wiping of tear stains.
That being said, they have low to moderate exercise needs and require 20-30 minutes of light activity per day for mental stimulation. Maltese are also quick-witted and generally easy to train, though they may show a stubborn streak occasionally.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies) are bossy, brave, and affectionate dogs with a big dog personality. They have a curious and energetic nature that makes them great pets and also little watchdogs. Yorkies were developed to chase rodents in textile mills.
Yorkies have fine, straight hair that is almost similar to human hair and also barely sheds. These little dogs also undergo seasonal coat blows. However, Yorkies require daily brushing if the coat is kept long and 2-3 times a week if you go for a puppy cut.
That being said, these compact frame dogs have moderate energy levels and require 20-30 minutes of daily exercise for mental stimulation. They are highly intelligent but also have that independent and stubborn streak, so be patient when training.
5. Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds have two varieties: hairless and powderpuffs. Hairless dogs don’t shed at all, but they require skin care, whereas the powderpuffs have a double coat and barely shed. Both of these dogs have different grooming routines.
These low-shedding dog breeds are playful, affectionate, and deeply devoted, so they love nothing more than bonding closely with their family. They are sweet, quiet, and sensitive dogs and were bred to hunt vermin and trade with poor cities.
They have low to moderate energy levels and enjoy regular walks and interactive games indoors. Chinese Cresteds are highly intelligent and sensitive to their owner’s emotions, so you can train them with positive reinforcement and gentle praise.
6. Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulears are bright, happy, and adaptable dogs that are often called the clown in the canine world. These are also known as ‘Royal Dogs of Madagascar,’ as the AKC shared, and were bred for pure companionship. Coton de Tulears form strong bonds with their families and children.
They have a soft, hair-like coat that holds loose hair inside instead of falling on the ground. So, they relatively shed low. These hypoallergenic dogs do not produce much dander and require brushing 3-4 times a week along with bathing every 2-3 weeks to keep white fur clean.
That being said, they have moderate energy levels and need 30 minutes of daily activity to stay active. Coton de Tulears are super smart with an eager-to-please nature. They love learning new tricks and respond best to positive and praise-filled training methods.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are athletic, affectionate, and outgoing in personality. They do well with active households, children, and other pets. PWDs have a waterproof coat that can be either curly or wavy and require brushing 3-4 times a week.
These medium-sized dogs barely drop hair on the floor, so they are perfect to own to reduce allergic reactions from dog hair. That said, these water dogs are just head over heels in love with water and love swimming. They have high exercise needs and require about 60 minutes of daily activity.
So they enjoy jogging, running, and long hikes for mental stimulation. Portuguese Water Dogs are highly trainable and eager to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement and love having mental activities or puzzles to solve alongside physical exercise.
Conclusion
Low shedding dogs are none less than a BLESSING for allergic sufferers and busy owners. The above-mentioned dogs barely lose their fur on the ground. So, you have to brush them to remove that trapped hair inside their fur.
This brushing and grooming routine differs for every dog breed. Plus, minimal shedding never means a dog is 100% hypoallergenic because allergens are in saliva and urine. But they just don’t spread it all over the house.
Make sure to read the details to learn about your dog’s coat type, brushing, and training needs before going with any one of them.
