Dog hair has a way of showing up everywhere. It turns up on your sofa, in your car, on your favorite clothes, and sometimes in places your dog has never even been.
If you’re a dog lover who doesn’t want to be attached to a lint roller all day, a low-shedding breed might be worth considering.
Low shedding doesn’t mean a dog is hairless, though. All dogs shed some hair. The difference is how much ends up around your home. Some breeds leave very little behind, while others trap loose hair in their coats instead of dropping it on your floors.
If you prefer a tidy house, here are seven low-shedding dog breeds that can make life easier.
Top Low-Shedding Dog Breeds: Perfect for Cleanliness
1. Whippet
Whippets can be one of the most underrated dogs. On the surface, they seem like ordinary dogs. They have a slim waist, narrow head, and a well-proportioned body, which aids them in running at great speeds.
Whippets are fast and athletic, but there’s also a softer side to them that many discover once they bring these dogs home. Once they are well exercised, these dogs fit well in a calm, relaxing home. Their quiet disposition is one of the reasons for the breed’s popularity.
Their coat is short, smooth, and low maintenance. There will be no long hair to get tangled, and grooming doesn’t have to be such a huge event at home. Brushing now and then may help to get rid of loose hair and maintain the neatness of the coat according to the American Kennel Club.
If you’re looking for an elegant dog that needs less maintenance, this breed is a great choice.
2. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are a good example of how a low-shedding dog doesn’t necessarily have to have a short coat. Shih Tzus can have a long, flowing coat that looks wonderful. However, they don’t shed as much as other breeds.
The loose hair does not fall around the house as much, but instead stays in their coat. This can make a big difference for those who hate dog hair all over the place.
Regular grooming is important if their coat is grown to be long to avoid tangles and mats. Many people prefer the shorter cut, which makes grooming much easier.
These dogs are perfect companions and are very content when they stay close to their families, according to Purina. They don’t have to run around a large yard for the entire day to feel content. They are perfectly happy lounging around with their families.
3. Basenji
The Basenji is an old African breed, known for making a peculiar sound. Basenjis don’t bark but do make a unique yodeling sound. Their unusual personality is not all they have to offer.
Basenjis have a lot of unique habits. They are inquisitive, self-reliant, and have an independent streak about them. They also don’t like to get themselves dirty, which is a big plus if you’re not interested in grooming your dog.
Moreover, these single-coated dogs have a cat-like demeanor. They like grooming themselves using their tongue, which keeps their silky coats tidy.
They are relatively easy to groom due to their short coat. They can be challenging to train due to their independent nature. They are brilliant, but sometimes they like to do what interests them instead of following instructions.
4. Poodle
Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds on this list. While they are usually seen as show dogs sporting elaborate designs and needing great grooming techniques, they are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds around.
Poodles have a curly coat that sheds very minimally, which means loose hair is less likely to end up all over your floors and furniture. But that doesn’t mean the poodle doesn’t require maintenance.
Regular grooming is important because the coat continues to grow with time. If not dealt with in time, those curls can get tangled.
These dogs are energetic, intelligent, and easily trained. They are often eager to learn tricks, solve problems, and participate in activities with their owners.
If you are looking for a low-shedding dog and enjoy training them, then a Poodle may be a great option.
5. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is one of the cutest dogs on this list. The breed’s distinctive image is its soft white coat. Despite the coat being fluffy and covering its whole body, this adorable dog sheds very little, keeping your home free of any dog hair.
Loose hair will not fall off and onto your floors, but rather stay within the undercoat. Brushing is great for getting rid of that loose hair that is trapped in the coat. Regular trimming is also important for bichons to keep them from getting a messy look.
Their personality is another plus point. Bichons are happy, charming little dogs. They love to learn, entertain, and pick up new tricks through training. Their small size makes them perfect for living in apartments and small homes.
This dog is a great option to have if you want a low-shedding cuddle companion.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are one of the most unique-looking dog breeds on this list. Their beard is unique, and their wiry coat sheds minimally. Their double coat prevents loose hair from becoming a nuisance in your home, although regular grooming is still required.
The coat should be trimmed frequently by most pet owners to prevent it from becoming too long. Hand stripping is generally more than enough to remove dead hair from the coat.
These pets were developed to be mini farm dogs. They were used for some minor work and controlling pest populations on their farms. This background accounts for the alertness in their personality. Daily exercise is essential to keep them content.
If you want a dog that doesn’t shed much but can still work and keep you entertained, the Miniature Schnauzer could be a great fit.
7. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are an ancient breed. They are more famously known to be playful companions and were originally bred to be lap dogs.
They are small, sleek, and elegant. They have a short, fine coat, which is tight to their body.
However, don’t be fooled by their frail-looking appearance. Italian Greyhounds are quick to notice something if it catches their eye and will investigate it as soon as possible.
Since their coats are short and sleek, they do not require frequent baths or routine maintenance.
Italian Greyhounds are not considered truly hypoallergenic dog breeds, but their short coats may make them easier to manage for allergy sufferers, as they do not trigger allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Dog allergies due to pet hair can be a problem for many pet lovers. However, the dogs we have listed in this blog are short-haired or have fur that resembles human hair. Low-shedding coats can mean less loose hair around the home, but some still require regular brushing and professional grooming.
Most dog allergies come from dogs that shed a lot of fur. Dogs produce dander, which falls off and gets onto furniture and clothes. If you are a pet owner, then you can always come back to our guide for grooming tips required to keep these dogs’ coats healthy.
Dogs can have silky hair or curly coats, but this does not matter much because if there is minimal shedding, then there will be less chance of allergies.
Hairless breeds do exist, but this list focuses on low-shedding breeds that still have healthy coats. Nonetheless, none of these breeds require frequent brushing. Remember, even low-shedding breeds have needs that pet parents need to be mindful of.
