Having less fur around means less mess and more love. The canine world is full of low-shedding dogs who not only keep your house and personal space clean but also bring forever love and unwavering loyalty to your life.
They make an excellent choice for everyone, especially those who are clean freaks and suffer from dog allergies.
Remember, there is no dog that we can call a non-shedding breed. However, with regular care and attention, you can decrease the intensity of falling loose hair everywhere. Sometimes low-shedding breeds also face heavy hair fall, which is due to some health issues, stress, or a change in the season.
Choosing a pal suited for a tidy home is not about being overly strict; it’s about creating a balance between love and lifestyle. If you value cleanliness but do not want to give up the joy of pet ownership, these dog breeds might be exactly what you are looking for.
Fun Fact: Typically, the breeds that we call hypoallergenic are single-coated and those that do not shed much. However, the breeds that have a double coat are more prone to shedding, such as Labrador Retrievers and Border Collies, says Jerry Clein at the AKC.
Best Dog Breeds for a Tidy Home: Low-Shedding Choices
1. Toy Poodle
A curly-coated dog breed that comes in 3 sizes. Standard Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs to retrieve ducks and assist fishermen, but due to their affectionate and lively temperament, these dogs were bred in two more sizes (miniature and toy) to enjoy their companionship.
No matter what size Poodle is, its low-shedding coat still needs regular grooming, including daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. This hypoallergenic breed is considered a great family dog for allergy sufferers, thanks to its low-shedding coat and adaptable nature.
Toy Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds as well, due to which they are easy to train and enjoy learning new tricks and commands. Owing to their small stature, their energy levels are quite low, and they easily fit into small spaces.
However, their double coats need professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks.
2. Bichon Frise
A small white dog breed that is celebrated for its elegant hypoallergenic coat and charming personality. Bichon Frise also has a magnificent history to tell, where they were one of the favorites of European nobility and also enjoyed the laps of royal members of Spain, says the AKC.
This small-sized dog breed needs regular brushing and bathing to keep its coat at its best. Moreover, being a low-shedding dog breed, the Bichon Frise also suits people who face dog allergies. They get along beautifully with children and other pets in the house, thanks to their flexible and loving demeanor
As a low-energy breed, the Bichon does not need an ample amount of exercise, but mental stimulation is vital to stay healthy and happy. Whether it’s physical activity, space, or grooming needs, the Bichon is a low-maintenance dog breed, ranking as an ideal dog for novice pet parents and busy owners as well.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog breed that is renowned for its water-proof and low-shedding fur. This water dog was used to assist the fishermen on the coasts of Portugal. With minimal grooming needs and a spirited nature, they make wonderful family pets.
While they are low-shedding dogs, their high energy levels demand active families where their physical and mental activities are not compromised at all. After meeting their demands, Portuguese dogs not only make loyal companions but also a perfect lap dog, according to PetMD.
Their irresistible coats have a straight and wavy structure that requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and remove dead hair. Though these dogs shed minimally due to rapid growth, pet parents should be aware of the expenses that they have to spend on their professional grooming.
4. Standard Schnauzer
Courageous, bold, and loyal, the Standard Schnauzer hails from Germany and is often bred in 3 different sizes: Standard, Miniature Schnauzer, and Giant Schnauzer. All of them are endowed with a double coat of different colors, like jet black, silver gray, or pepper and salt.
Their wiry coat type gives them a look of gentlemen due to its length, long mustaches, and eyebrows. Standard Schnauzer makes an ideal fit for most of the households because they shed minimally. Nevertheless, this low-maintenance breed still requires weekly brushing and occasional baths.
Standard Schnauzer is a highly intelligent and active dog who thrives on 30 minutes of regular exercise and playing with favorite toys. They are also recognized as trainable dogs, but sometimes display their independent nature, which can easily be sorted out via positive reinforcement methods.
5. Shih Tzu
An Asian dog, which is also known as a little lion, the Shih Tzu is famous for its fun-loving, adaptable, and friendly demeanor. Additionally, this low-shedding dog breed has a long silky coat, a squished face, and short floppy ears. You have often seen this cute canine with a top knot and more dominating and expressive eyes.
Shih Tzu, though, does not shed much, but its grooming needs lots of maintenance and upkeep. To experience low-maintenance grooming from a Shih Tzu, many pet parents opt for a short coat over a long coat, keeping in mind that regular trims and daily brushing are mandatory.
Shih Tzu’s temperament and activity levels highly depend on the lifestyle of its owners. They equally enjoy outdoor adventures and indoor games. Being a brachiocephalic breed, these dogs make great companions in apartment living as well.
6. Maltese
Known for its floor-length white smooth coat and delicate personality Maltese originates from an Island called Malta approximately 2500 years ago. According to Britannica, these compact dogs are suitable for people of all ages, kudos to their affectionate, friendly, and easy-going disposition.
Maltese is a hypoallergenic dog breed and makes a great choice for those who usually get allergic reactions in the company of dogs. But it does not mean being a low-shedding breed, its show-stopping coat does not need any care and upkeep.
Maltese dogs regularly demand combing, which results in less dander and frequent baths following proper hair drying to avoid skin infections. These petite dogs have big personalities, and their energy levels are more active than those of other small canines; training, agility, and walking keep them busy.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are nicknamed Yorkies. These eager-to-please, sweet, and low-shedding dogs generally make a good fit for families, individuals, and seniors alike. Before earning the status of companion dog, the Yorkie was used to work in mills to catch rats.
Yorkies have eye catching long coat of steel blue and rich golden tan, making them an adorable tiny dog breed. To keep the hair mat free, daily brushing is mandatory, whether you want to have your pup in a long hairstyle or a shorter one. Their human-like hair grows at a fast pace, requiring regular visits to the groomer.
Yorkies exhibit a little bossy attitude as well, which is why early socialization and training are important to have well-behaved pups. Participating in dog sports such as obedience and agility leads them to have happy and healthy lives.
Conclusion
There are lots of options for every pet parent to have their own kind of dog breed that does not shed much. Their temperaments, coat types, and grooming needs vary from one another, which ultimately helps dog lovers to select their pooch according to their own lifestyle.
As all of these furry friends need your quality time, comprising love and care. With little effort and a thoughtful decision, you can enjoy a long-lasting and deeply bonded companionship.
