Bringing a dog into your life can work wonders for your mental health. Having a cuddle buddy, an adventure partner, and a faithful pal to relax with after a long day is unbeatable. But the honeymoon phase can quickly fade when you start finding dog hair on your clothes, furniture, and pretty much every corner of your home.
If you want a loving companion that keeps shedding to a minimum without requiring constant, high-maintenance grooming, you are in luck. We have rounded up 7 of the cutest low-shedding dog breeds that are great for allergy sufferers and easy to live with.
Read on to discover these low-shedding breeds, their basic grooming needs, and quick tips to keep your house clean and hair-free.
Dog Breeds That Barely Shed: Easy Cleaning And Care
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Spunky and entertaining, Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred as rat catchers in textile mills before becoming popular lap dogs. These small dogs pack a ton of energy and feisty personality into a tiny frame. One of their most eye-catching traits is their long, silky, straight coat.
To keep things manageable, many owners opt for a short “puppy cut.” Yorkies do not shed much, but their hair is prone to tangles and knots. If you keep your Yorkie’s coat long, brush it daily with a pin brush to prevent matting. If you choose a short coat, a quick weekly brushing does the trick.
Because they lose very little hair, Yorkies are often a great match for people with mild dog allergies. Taking them to a professional groomer every few weeks helps keep their coat looking healthy, clean, and sharp.
2. Chinese Crested Dog
A unique entry in the canine world, Chinese Crested dogs are famous for their distinct look and come in two varieties: Hairless and Powderpuff. Surprisingly, both types can appear in the exact same litter. These small, lively dogs are incredibly affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners and thriving on human companionship.
With moderate energy levels, Chinese Cresteds easily switch between playful energy and relaxing in your lap. The Powderpuff version sheds very little, making it a great hypoallergenic choice, while the Hairless version takes shedding off your worry list entirely.
Keep in mind that hairless dogs still need regular care. Their skin requires routine washing and moisturizing with a dog-friendly lotion or oil to stay healthy. If you choose the Powderpuff variety, plan on regular brushing to prevent matting, along with a bath every few weeks to keep their coat clean and soft.
3. Shih Tzu
Known as pleasant and loving companions, Shih Tzus were originally bred as Tibetan lap dogs and make wonderful family pets. They get along with almost everyone and are especially affectionate around kids. Because they thrive on companionship and dislike being left alone, keeping them company is essential to prevent separation anxiety.
PetMD states that Shih Tzus are famous for their long, double coat. Puppies start with a single coat, but as they grow older, they develop a dense undercoat beneath that flowing outer hair. Despite all that fur, Shih Tzus shed very little, making them a popular choice for people with mild allergies.
Maintaining that famous coat takes a bit of work. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles, and monthly trims or trips to a professional groomer keep them looking neat and fresh. With proper care and regular grooming, these sweet-natured dogs stay healthy, comfortable, and happy.
4. Maltese
An ancient toy breed from the Island of Malta, Maltese dogs are beloved worldwide for their gentle, affectionate nature. Despite their small size, they are surprisingly bold and fearless, making them alert watchdogs for their owners.
The Royal Kennel Club notes that Maltese are smart, adaptable, and ideal for apartment living. They have low-to-moderate exercise needs, so short daily walks around the neighborhood are usually enough to keep them happy, says Pawlicy Advisor.
Their standout feature is a lush, straight white coat that can grow long enough to cover their feet, making them look like they are floating across the floor. Maltese drop very little hair, but their long coat needs daily brushing and regular baths to prevent mats, tangles, and dander build-up around the house.
5. Bichon Frise
A Franco-Belgian breed of the Bichon type, the Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog known for its cheerful and resilient personality. They make incredible companions and are especially affectionate with kids who know how to play gently with smaller pets.
Bichons are eager to please, easy to train, and naturally bring smiles and affection wherever they go. The hallmark of the breed is a plush, velvety white coat that gives them a soft, charming appearance.
Because their hair traps loose fur, Bichons drop very little hair around the house, making them a fantastic low-shedding option. However, their dense coat requires regular brushing at home and professional trims every few months to keep it tangle-free. These little dogs pack a big personality; they are alert, confident, and always ready to look out for their family.
6. Basenji
Originally bred as hunting dogs in Central Africa, Basenjis are famously known as Africa’s “barkless” dogs. They are compact, graceful hunters with intelligent, sweet-faced expressions, says the American Kennel Club. They thrive with active owners who can keep up with their exercise needs and enjoy a fun training challenge.
Basenjis are ideal for keeping a fur-free home. They have fastidious, cat-like habits and spend plenty of time grooming themselves. Their coat is short, sleek, and fine, requiring minimal effort: wiping them down with a damp cloth or grooming glove once a week is usually all it takes to remove dead hair and keep them looking neat.
While no dog is completely allergen-free, Basenjis shed very little and produce minimal dander. These low-shedding dogs are a fantastic choice for anyone who loves pets but wants to avoid loose hair all over the house.
7. Bedlington Terrier
Named after the mining town of Bedlington in Northumberland, England, the Bedlington Terrier was originally bred as a hunting companion. Today, these adaptable dogs are far more likely to be found relaxing as devoted family pets or turning heads in the show ring.
Bedlington Terriers are active, affectionate, and happiest when included in whatever their favorite humans are doing. True to their distinctive look, these sweet-natured dogs are famous for their lamb-like appearance, complete with a crisp, curly coat.
While they shed almost no hair around the house, keeping their coat in top shape requires routine care. Regular weekly brushing prevents tangles, and professional grooming every six weeks helps maintain that iconic shape and keeps their fur healthy and mat-free.
Conclusion
While no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, opting for a low-shedding companion makes living with pets much easier. Traditional heavy shedders scatter loose fur and dander throughout your home, which can trigger allergies and frustrate anyone trying to keep a clean house.
That is where these low-shedding breeds save the day. By choosing a dog with a minimal-shed coat, you can keep your living space virtually fur-free while welcoming a loving, loyal companion into your family.
