Dogs bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love—but for many pet owners, there’s one unavoidable challenge: shedding. From fur-covered furniture to endless vacuuming, dealing with hair can sometimes feel like a full-time job.
Luckily, not all dogs leave a trail of fluff behind. Some breeds are naturally low-shedding, making them perfect for allergy sufferers, busy households, or anyone who prefers a tidier living space.
Low-shedding dogs aren’t just practical—they’re also full of personality. Many of these breeds combine affectionate temperaments, intelligence, and loyalty with coats that require minimal grooming. Whether you’re looking for a playful companion, a calm lap dog, or a hardworking pup, there’s a low-shedding breed that can fit your lifestyle.
We’ll introduce the best dog breeds with little to no shedding, exploring their temperaments, grooming needs, and what makes them ideal for families, singles, or first-time pet owners. Say goodbye to constant fur cleanup and hello to a cleaner home and a happy, healthy canine companion.
Quick Insight: If you’re allergic to dogs, exposure can trigger wheezing, coughing, or skin irritation. Breeds labeled as hypoallergenic, like Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Portuguese Water Dogs,, produce fewer allergens, making them better suited for allergy-prone households.
Best Dog Breeds With Little to No Shedding: Guide
1. Maltese
If you’re looking for a pint-sized pooch who doubles as a fashion statement, the Maltese might just steal your heart—and your Instagram feed. These little fluff balls come with long, flowing white coats that scream “luxury,” but here’s the twist: despite their glamorous appearance, they shed very little.
That’s right, you can cuddle without leaving a trail of white fuzz all over your black pants. PetMD calls them “hypoallergenic,” but let’s be honest—no dog is truly allergen-free. Think of it more like “allergy-friendly-ish.”
Still, if you’re a sneezy human, this is one pup you can snuggle with minimal fear of turning into a human snow globe. Of course, those silky locks don’t maintain themselves.
Maltese hair needs near-daily TLC—brushing, combing, and a little bit of tender loving care to prevent it from turning into a tangled mop. If your schedule is busy, you might want to opt for the shorter “puppy cut,” which keeps them looking adorable without the full-time grooming commitment.
But beyond their high-maintenance hair (and yes, the occasional bow or topknot), Malteses are pure personality in a tiny package. They’re playful, affectionate, and excellent cuddlers, making them the perfect lap dog who won’t leave you buried in fur.
So, if you’ve got a heart big enough for a tiny, stylish companion and a calendar that can accommodate a few grooming sessions, the Maltese is your hypoallergenic soulmate. Just be ready to commit… and maybe invest in a high-quality brush.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Don’t let their size fool you—Yorkshire Terriers, or “Yorkies” as their friends call them, are like the feisty little bosses of the dog world.
These popular dog breeds are full of personality, fiercely loyal, and occasionally a tad bossy. But here’s the good news for allergy sufferers: their long, silky coats shed very little, making them a top contender for hypoallergenic companions.
Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a sprawling home, Yorkies adapt well, as long as they get plenty of attention and love. But fair warning: these pups have high grooming needs.
That gorgeous, silky coat looks effortless, but it actually requires regular brushing and occasional trims to keep it from looking like a tiny dog tornado just visited your living room.
Allergy-wise, Yorkies are winners. Their low-shedding hair means less dander floating around, which can help keep sneezes and itchy eyes at bay. So if you’re looking for a pint-sized pooch that’s equal parts diva, cuddle buddy, and hypoallergenic hero, the Yorkie has you covered.
Just remember: with great style comes great responsibility… and maybe a few extra minutes with a brush each day.
3. Shih Tzu
If pampering were a sport, the Shih Tzu would have more gold medals than Michael Phelps. Originally bred as a companion for Chinese royalty, these little cuties still carry that “royal lap dog” vibe today.
They’re happiest when they’re snuggled up right by your side, ready to shower you with affection (and occasional nose boops). Shih Tzus are low-shedding, making them another excellent pick for allergy-conscious households.
But don’t let that fool you—their long, flowing coats are like the celebrity hairstyles of the dog world: glamorous, but high-maintenance. Without regular brushing and grooming, your Shih Tzu’s mane can quickly turn into a tangled, knotted disaster worthy of a hair salon horror story.
If you’d rather spend more time cuddling than brushing, a shorter “puppy cut” keeps them looking adorable without the daily commitment. Either way, these dogs are charming, loyal, and perfect for anyone who wants a little regal flair—and a whole lot of love—without being buried in fur.
Pro tip: owning a Shih Tzu may slightly increase your Instagram clout. Those luxurious locks are made for selfies.
4. Basenji
Meet the Basenji: part sleek athlete, part detective, and part “wait… did that dog just yodel instead of bark?”
That’s right—these pups are famously known as the “barkless dog,” though they do make some interesting sounds that might leave you wondering if a tiny opera singer moved in.
Basenjis are naturally low-shedding, which makes them a solid choice for anyone trying to dodge the fur tornadoes that other dogs leave behind. Their short, fine coat is easy to maintain and doesn’t require hours of grooming.
Just a little brushing now and then keeps them looking glossy and sharp. But don’t let their low-maintenance fur fool you—they’re highly intelligent and energetic dogs.
These little athletes love to run, explore, and solve puzzles, so a Basenji will need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Think of them as the canine version of a spirited, tiny gymnast… with zero shedding.
Basenjis are perfect for people who want an active, quirky, and low-fur companion—just don’t be surprised if your “dog” occasionally surprises you with a yodel in the middle of the night.
5. Xoloitzcunitli
Say hello to the Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee”), a 5,000-year-old dog that could literally tell stories about Aztec gods if only it could talk.
Known affectionately as the “Xolo,” these ancient pups are as fascinating as they are low-shedding, making them perfect for people who want a unique, allergy-friendly companion with a touch of history.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Xolos come in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—and two varieties: hairless and coated. The hairless variety is all sleek, smooth, and superhero-level tough skin, while the coated version sports a short, flat coat that’s easy to maintain and sheds very little.
Color-wise, they rock a sophisticated palette from black and slate to bronze, red, and liver—basically, the James Bond of dog colors.
With a thoughtful, intelligent face and a forehead that wrinkles when they’re deep in thought, Xolos have a knack for looking contemplative—even if they’re just deciding whether to chase that squirrel or nap. Their graceful, elegant bodies are surprisingly strong, combining sleek beauty with rugged endurance.
In short, the Xoloitzcuintli is for the person who wants a stylish, low-maintenance dog with brains, brawn, and a fascinating backstory—basically a furry little ancient philosopher who won’t leave fur all over your sofa.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
Meet the Portuguese Water Dog—aka the “Portie”—a furry bundle of energy who was originally bred to help fishermen haul nets and herd fish.
Today, these medium-sized dogs have traded the ocean for the living room, but their love for adventure and loyalty remains. And the best part? They shed very little, earning them a spot on the hypoallergenic dog hall of fame, says WebMD.
Porties have curly, water-resistant coats that require regular grooming to stay tangle-free and happy. A weekly brushing helps separate the hair, prevents matting, and keeps their skin breathing easily. Regular baths are also part of the routine—think of it as a spa day for your dog, but with fewer cucumbers on the eyes.
These dogs are highly energetic and thrive with active owners who can keep up with their playful, adventurous spirit. Whether it’s a jog, a swim, or a backyard game of fetch, a Portuguese Water Dog is happiest when moving, exploring, and showing off those athletic skills.
If you want a smart, lovable, hypoallergenic dog who doubles as a sporty sidekick, the Portie is ready to dive—literally—into your life.
7. Bichon Frise
Looking for a fluffy little bundle of joy that gets along with everyone—cats, kids, even the neighbor’s grumpy goldfish? Enter the Bichon Frise: cheerful, friendly, and hypoallergenic (well, mostly, but they shed very little, which is a win for allergy sufferers).
These small dogs are smart, eager to please, and full of energy. They love to play, so keep them busy with games, training sessions, or even a casual zoom around the living room.
But fair warning: Bichons thrive on human companionship and can get anxious if left alone for too long. Separation anxiety is real, so they prefer to be wherever the party (or you) is.
Their beautiful curly coat is hypoallergenic-friendly, but it’s not exactly “set it and forget it.” Monthly grooming is a must to prevent mats, and a good brushing will keep that undercoat from turning into a fuzz storm.
Nail trims are also part of the package, making them a bit high-maintenance—but totally worth it for their sunny personality and adorable looks.
In short, the Bichon Frise is like a tiny, cheerful cloud of joy: hypoallergenic, playful, cuddly, and guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a little grooming on the side).
Conclusion
While many dog breeds shed, some are far easier to live with for pet parents concerned about pet hair, and dog allergies. Low-shedding and hypoallergenic dog breeds produce less loose hair, skin flakes, and dog allergens, which helps reduce allergic reactions—though even low-shedding breeds still need care. Dogs shed based on a dog’s coat type, whether it’s silky hair, wiry coats, a double coat, or unique low-shedding coats.
Because dogs produce dander, frequent brushing, occasional brushing, and consistent grooming are essential to remove dead hair, prevent tangles, and keep coats healthy, using tools like a slicker brush or visiting a professional groomer for professional grooming. A poor diet can increase shedding, while good nutrition reduces shedding and supports a healthy coat. Understanding coat types, handling dog hair, and grooming needs makes living with minimal shedding dogs—and even other pets—much easier for allergy-sensitive homes.
