While no dog breed is non-shedding, some breeds don’t shed as much as other breeds. Are you a fastidious dog lover who likes to own a furry friend? But don’t like dirt and dander that comes along? These minimally shedding breeds can be a good fit for you.
Some low-shedding dog breeds are also hypoallergenic. It is worth mentioning here that the term “low shedding” differs from “hypoallergenic.” Hypoallergenic dog breeds produce fewer allergens and make a great choice for allergy sufferers.
However, no dog is 100% allergen-free. Even dogs that don’t shed much still contain some allergens in their skin, saliva, and urine. These allergens can trigger allergic reactions such as coughing, itching, and wheezing.
Here are some best dog breeds with minimal shedding.
Best Dog Breeds with Minimal Shedding
1. Poodle
Poodles are known for their high intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. Having curly coats, they come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Fortunately, all Poodles shed minimally. However, they may still release allergens in their urine and saliva.
Their thick double coat comprises a wiry outer coat and a dense cottony undercoat. The two layers can become matted quickly, especially when they come in contact with sticky substances like mud. Regular brushing helps prevent mats and tangles.
Poodles require frequent grooming to maintain their looks. Professional grooming every four to six months is also recommended. These adorable dogs are full of playful energy and make wonderful family pets for people prone to allergies.
2. Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu is another hypoallergenic dog breed having a long coat. Loved for their long and fluffy coats, Shih Tzus surprisingly shed minimally. They have a couple of options when it comes to grooming. You can consider trimming their coats short.
If you want to keep your Shih Tzu’s hair long, prepare yourself to brush their hair once every other day. Bathing your dog every two to three weeks helps keep their coats healthy. They don’t just look good; these adorable pooches are packed with personality.
One of the best dog breeds for allergy sufferers, this toy breed is known for its friendly temperament. However, their flat faces mean they are brachycephalic. It makes them prone to breathing issues and overheating. So, make sure you do not take your Shih Tzu out for a walk in hot and humid weather.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are feisty and tenacious canines who exhibit all the traits of a typical terrier. Their long coat is quite similar to human hair and should be treated accordingly, explains the American Kennel Club.
If the coat is kept long, it needs daily brushing to stay in top-notch condition. The hair can also be trimmed or pulled up into a topknot. Surprisingly, a Yorkie’s coat does not shed much. Apart from being low-shedding dogs, a hypoallergenic coat is also a plus point for these dogs.
Yorkshire Terriers also need a bath every week or so. These adorable pooches benefit from moderate activity such as walks with their humans at a moderate pace or occasional play like chasing after a tennis ball.
4. Maltese
This toy breed is valued by dog lovers due to its luxurious long hair and affectionate personality. Maltese are small white dogs that shed minimally. Their silky white hair is hypoallergenic, meaning they are well-suited for allergy sufferers.
If you love grooming your dog and are looking for a playful little companion, a Maltese can be an ideal pet for you. These family-friendly dogs require regular grooming and frequent brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
However, if you want to reduce the grooming needs, you can give your Maltese a puppy cut. They have a single coat and cannot survive extremely cold temperatures. Maltese make gentle and responsive pets.
5. Basenji
The Basenji is a fastidious canine recognized by its tightly curled tail, expressive eyes, and glistening short coat. Exhibiting cat-like behavior, Basenjis like to clean themselves and are quite low-maintenance dogs. Their coat does not shed a lot and produces negligible doggy odor.
According to PetMD, you can easily maintain your Basenji’s coat with a short brushing session once a week. Brushing helps distribute skin oils throughout the coat to keep it healthy. They generally don’t need to be bathed unless they get dirty or your vet recommends it.
Basenjis are also known as “barkless dogs” as they use a yodel or a chortle-like sound to express their feelings to their owners. These charming dogs do not like being left alone and can become destructive. They possess exceptional problem-solving skills and need at least an hour of exercise every day.
6. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a playful and affectionate dog with a curly hypoallergenic coat. These highly intelligent and easy-to-train dogs shed minimally and make wonderful pets for individuals suffering from allergies. They shed hair, but it is usually caught up in the undercoat.
You can brush their coat two to three times a week, but daily brushing is highly recommended. Bichons also need a bath once a month. They can quickly master new tricks using positive reinforcement methods.
Bichons are loving dogs who form strong bonds with their owners. According to PetPlan, they thrive on human interaction and can develop separation anxiety if neglected. They can also exhibit destructive behaviors like whining and chewing.
7. Havanese
Havanese is a toy breed known for having soft and flowing locks of hair. These vivacious white dogs from Havana make charming and friendly companions. However, they need regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles.
Their non-shedding double coat comprises a soft undercoat and a heavier outercoat. If you cannot keep up with extensive grooming needs, you can clip their hair short. Taking Havanese to a professional groomer for haircuts is also recommended.
You can even pull the hair on head into a ponytail. It looks super adorable and at the same time helps keep the hair out of their eyes. Havanese are hypoallergenic dogs and are non-shedders due to which makes them great pets for people prone to allergic reactions.
8. Portuguese Water Dog
This medium-sized dog was originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal. Their job demanded a thick double coat and webbed feet, so they could effectively swim through water. The coat is surprisingly low-shedding and hypoallergenic.
The coat can range in appearance from tight and curly to loose and wavy. Apart from regular grooming, Porties need occasional baths to stay clean and keep looking their best. Portuguese Water Dog can be groomed in two ways.
You can clip the entire coat to one inch in length with the tail tip at full length. This is called a retriever clip. You can also go for a “lion clip” in which the coat on the hindquarters and muzzle is clipped down to the skin. Porties make smart, friendly, and highly trainable dogs.
These high-energy dogs require regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They love playing games of fetch in water, swimming, rally, and dock diving.
9. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers, also known as “monkey dogs” in Germany, are small dogs known for having a monkey-like appearance. Their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats make them ideal pets for allergy sufferers. The dense and wiry coat requires lots of grooming, including brushing and stripping.
Stripping is the process in which the hair is removed by the root instead of being trimmed. However, they do not require regular haircuts like many other low-shedding small dogs. Affenpinschers are intelligent, brave, and active canines with amusing personalities.
Their medium-length coat needs to be brushed twice a week, first with a brush and then with a metal comb. Any mats, if present, are removed using fingers. The hair over the head is usually pulled forward and then cut into a V-shape to expose the eyes.
Conclusion
Low-shedding breeds are valued by pet parents who love to own dogs but are allergic to pet dander. Less dirt and dander mean lower chances of allergies and reduced cleaning requirements. These pooches shed minimally and are usually hypoallergenic as well.
However, no dog is completely allergen-free, as it can contain allergens in its saliva and urine. Many low-shedding breeds are recognized by their luxurious coats. Such dogs require regular grooming and brushing to keep their coats clean and healthy.
