When your dog covers your floors, furniture, and clothes in fur, keeping a clean home gets tough. For owners who are bothered by shedding, knowing which breeds shed the least can make everyday grooming easier.
Not all low-shedding dogs are low maintenance, though. Some have short coats and still need regular brushing, while others need routine trimming to prevent matting. Hairless breeds need very little coat care, but their skin needs attention.
Let’s take a look at ten low-shedding dog breeds and the grooming needs to keep in mind before you adopt one.
Top Low-Shedding Dog Breeds: Grooming Simplified
1. Basenji
Grooming-wise, the Basenji is an ideal option for anyone who wants a low-maintenance dog with a short coat. This elegant breed was originally bred as a hunting dog in Central Africa and is known for its cat-like cleanliness and self-grooming habits.
The coat is short and fine, sheds lightly, and doesn’t mat. A weekly brushing with a soft brush or grooming mitt is enough to remove loose hair, and frequent baths usually aren’t necessary unless the dog gets dirty.
Basenjis are naturally fastidious, which keeps their grooming routine simple. Still, keep dental hygiene in mind, and trim their nails and clean their ears when needed.
If you’re after a low-maintenance breed that’s curious and independent, and you can give it daily physical and mental stimulation, the Basenji is a great pick.
2. Peruvian Inca Orchid
This is a rare breed that comes in two varieties: hairless and coated. The hairless type is especially attractive to people who don’t want to deal with dog hair around the house.
With so little body hair, coat maintenance is fairly easy. A few simple steps keep these dogs comfortable: limit their time in strong sunlight and keep them warm in cold weather. Owners should also watch for dryness, irritation, and other skin changes.
The coated variety needs regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep a neat appearance.
These dogs are sensitive, intelligent, and loving. If you choose the hairless type, you’ll need a different kind of grooming routine, such as gentle skin care, in place of brushing.
3. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo has a dense, curly coat that sheds far less than most breeds. It was developed in Italy as a water retriever but is now best known for its truffle-hunting skills.
The curls trap loose hair so it doesn’t drift around the house, but the coat still needs regular upkeep. Brushing removes tangles and prevents matting, and routine trimming keeps the coat from getting too long.
Bathe as needed and dry the coat thoroughly so it doesn’t stay damp. Checking the ears regularly and keeping the nails short are also part of the routine for these curly-haired pups.
PetMD calls them smart, and these lifelong companions love scent games, training, and exploring their surroundings. They’re a top pick for owners who want a breed that sheds minimally.
4. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier’s coat is smooth, short, and easy to care for. It does shed some, but nowhere near as much as long-haired breeds, and its grooming needs are simple.
A soft-bristled brush or grooming mitt once a week removes loose hair and spreads the coat’s natural oils. Occasional baths keep the coat clean. Owners should also check the facial folds and keep them clean and dry.
Orvis describes Boston Terriers as friendly. They’re small, loving, and playful, and they don’t need professional grooming the way some other breeds do.
One thing to remember: because of their short muzzles, Boston Terriers are sensitive to heat and intense exercise. Keep activities comfortable, especially when it’s hot or humid, and follow your veterinarian’s guidance on caring for your pup.
5. Chinese Crested
There are two types of Chinese Crested: hairless and powderpuff. Each has its own grooming needs, so it helps to know the difference.
The hairless variety has bare skin, with longer hair usually found on the head, feet, and tail. It doesn’t shed much because it has so little body hair. Its skin, however, needs regular care, such as gentle cleaning and protection from excessive cold and sun.
The powderpuff is covered from head to toe in a soft coat. It sheds lightly but needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Lighter shedding can also mean fewer reactions for people sensitive to dog hair, though no dog is completely allergy-proof.
Purina describes these dogs as elegant and graceful, and they’re friendly, energetic pets that like to stay close to their families. They’re small, but their care needs still deserve some thought.
The hairless variety might appeal to you if you don’t enjoy regular brushing. Just remember that less hair means you’ll need to check that exposed skin consistently.
6. American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a compact, active, lighthearted dog with no hair on its body. Its lack of a traditional coat is a big benefit for anyone who prefers a low-shedding breed.
The skin needs gentle cleaning, and owners should watch for dryness, irritation, or sunburn. If problems do come up, a veterinarian can suggest appropriate skin care products. In winter, a cozy sweater can come in handy too.
American Hairless Terriers are inquisitive and fun-loving. These extremely loyal dogs enjoy interactive games and training, and they stay happy with regular activity and attention. Don’t let their cute looks fool you, though, because they have a strong-willed streak as well.
This breed may suit anyone who wants to avoid high-shedding dogs and prefers a simpler grooming routine.
7. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a very distinctive breed with a lamb-like appearance. Its soft, curly coat doesn’t shed much, which is good news for owners who don’t want fur all over the house.
The coat does need regular attention. Brushing prevents tangles, and professional grooming is generally advisable to keep the coat’s characteristic shape. If it isn’t maintained properly, the curls can easily tangle and become unmanageable.
A Bedlington isn’t a short-coated breed you can groom at home in a few minutes. It needs a more structured routine, and keeping the coat at a proper length makes brushing easier between grooming visits.
Bedlington Terriers can be very active and loving. Daily exercise, play, and training give their natural instincts a healthy outlet.
8. Xoloitzcuintli
This ancient Mexican breed comes in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. There are two types, hairless and coated, but the hairless one is especially in demand among people who prefer low-shedding dogs.
The hairless Xolo needs very little traditional brushing. Care mostly means keeping the skin clean and watching for dryness or irritation from too much sun. These dogs also need protection from extreme heat and cold.
The coated type has a short coat that needs only occasional brushing, so it’s still easy to maintain.
Xolos are watchful and loyal to their loved ones. Their grooming routine is simple, but they need regular exercise, socialization, and attention to their nails and teeth.
9. Whippet
The Whippet is a short-coated dog that’s easy to care for. It does shed a little, but not as much as many other breeds, and it doesn’t need professional grooming.
A weekly brushing with a grooming mitt or a soft brush removes loose hair. Bathing is only needed occasionally, depending on how dirty the coat gets. The short coat also makes it easy to spot skin problems early.
Whippets are fast dogs that love chasing moving animals. They enjoy chances to run in secure spaces, followed by plenty of relaxing time at home.
When it gets cold, a sweater or coat helps protect them from the weather. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly, especially if they don’t wear down naturally.
The Whippet is a great fit for owners who prefer a simpler grooming routine.
10. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a dense, curly-coated dog that sheds lightly. It isn’t as easy to groom as short-coated breeds, but it stands out for its unique look and its skill at retrieving game from the water.
Brush this breed regularly to prevent mats, and trim the coat often to keep it manageable. Owners should watch for spots where tangles form and check the ears, especially after swimming. Regular nail trimming is important too.
Even with a low-shedding coat, this isn’t a low-maintenance dog. It’s intelligent and active, and it thrives on physical and mental stimulation. Games and training are essential to meet its needs.
This medium dog is a great match for owners who love active dogs and don’t mind a curly coat.
Conclusion
If you want a cleaner home and less fur on your clothes, a low-shedding breed is an obvious choice. The key is to find a grooming routine that fits into your daily life without becoming a burden.
These pups don’t need the constant cleanup that heavy shedders do. Less shedding means less laundry and a home that stays tidier. Whether you go for a large dog or a small one from this list, all of them shed very little. Many of them have coats that grow continuously, so regular upkeep matters.
Brushing, periodic trimming, skin care, and good hygiene all help keep these breeds comfortable and happy. With realistic expectations and a steady grooming routine, you can enjoy the companionship you’re after, and the care gets easier with time.
