You throw on your favorite work pants, give your pup a quick goodbye pat, and suddenly there are tiny dog hair strands stuck all over you. It’s annoying on a normal day, but when you’re rushing off to an important meeting, it’s a genuine struggle.
You want the companionship and the cuddles, but you don’t necessarily want your home to feel like a petting zoo. That’s where low-shedding dogs come in. They can make that balance a reality, so you’re not spending every weekend deep-cleaning just to keep up with your dog’s coat.
Basically, you don’t have to choose between having a pet and having a clean house. Finally.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 10 dogs that barely shed, so you can put the vacuum away for a bit. That said, low shedding doesn’t mean zero maintenance when it comes to grooming.
These dogs vary in how much brushing, trimming, and bathing they need, so it’s worth reading through the details for each breed. We’ll also cover their temperament and training needs, since coat type is far from the only thing worth considering when choosing a dog.
Top Low-Shedding Dog Breeds for a Spotless Home
1. Havanese
Havanese are affectionate, playful, cheerful dogs that love being wherever you are. These Velcro dogs also have a clownish streak that’ll keep you laughing on the daily. Also known as the “Havana Silk Dog,” the breed is native to Cuba, according to the AKC.
These little dogs have a silky, wavy coat that feels more like human hair than typical dog fur, and it barely sheds since any loose hair tends to get trapped in their curls. That said, you’ll want to brush them three to four times a week to prevent matting and tangles.
Havanese have moderate exercise needs and enjoy good walks around the neighborhood along with some indoor playtime. Thanks to their people-pleasing nature, they’re usually easy to train and respond especially well to positive reinforcement.
2. Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are absolute sweethearts with an observant, playful, and affectionate nature. They’re not exactly guard dogs, but they make great little alert companions with an almost cat-like personality. Originally bred to hunt vermin, they eventually evolved into beloved lapdogs.
The breed actually comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Hairless Cresteds have soft skin with just a few tufts of hair here and there, while powderpuffs have a soft double coat that barely sheds. Either way, both types need some special attention.
Hairless Cresteds need regular moisturizing and occasional baths, while powderpuffs require consistent brushing to prevent tangles and painful mats. Chinese Cresteds tend to have moderate energy levels and are generally eager to learn, though they do have a bit of a stubborn streak too.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are famous for their spunky, bold, and loyal personalities. These little dogs are packed with attitude and are also super observant, which makes them excellent watchdogs. It might come as a surprise to first-time owners, but these adorable little pups were actually bred to hunt rats.
Yorkies have a full-length coat that doesn’t shed much, making them a solid option for allergy sufferers. That said, these hypoallergenic dogs still need daily brushing to stay tangle-free. Some owners opt for a puppy cut instead, which cuts down on brushing to just a few times a week.
Yorkies are smart but do have a stubborn streak, so it’s best to keep training sessions short and fun. As for exercise, their needs are fairly moderate; a few short walks a day or some indoor playtime with you is usually plenty.
4. Xoloitzcuintli
Xoloitzcuintli, also known as Mexican Hairless Dogs, are quite rare, according to Orvis. They’re deeply affectionate with their families but tend to be a bit reserved around strangers. Xolos actually come in two varieties: hairless and coated.
The hairless ones are essentially bare-skinned, making them a dream for anyone who hates vacuuming. But even the coated variety sheds very little, since they only have small amounts of hair on its head, tail, and feet. Either way, Xolos are extremely low-maintenance when it comes to coat care.
Coated Xolos need regular brushing, while hairless ones mostly just need sunscreen and occasional baths to prevent skin infections. That said, this breed has an independent, stubborn streak, so Xolos usually aren’t the best fit for first-time owners.
5. Lhasa Apso
Picture a dog with a beard, mustache, and floor-length hair parted right down the middle; you’ll probably have to search just to find their eyes under all that coat. But behind the fluff, Lhasa Apsos are confident, steady, loyal dogs. They won’t beg for your attention; they’re more the “cool and aloof” type.
These bearded lion dogs act as natural watchdogs and can be prone to excessive barking. Their long, straight double coat sheds very little but needs thorough brushing a few times a week to prevent matting. Many owners opt for a puppy cut to cut down on the grooming hassle.
Lhasa Apsos are smart but also independent and a bit stubborn, so keep training sessions short, fun, and rewarding. These calm dogs are usually satisfied with a short walk around the block for mental stimulation, and they’re perfectly happy lounging around once they’ve burned off some energy.
6. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are dogs with big personalities. They’re not exactly clingy, but they are fiercely loyal and protective of their people. Bred originally to hunt vermin, Scotties have a feisty, bold, and independent streak that still shows today.
These hunting dogs have a wiry, shaggy topcoat paired with a soft undercoat that doesn’t shed much. Their coat does need regular brushing, though, along with hand-stripping every few months to maintain that classic Scottish Terrier look.
Scottish Terriers don’t need to run for miles, but they do have decent stamina for a good stroll. They’re smart, and famously a bit mischievous, which is why the STCA encourages owners to get them involved in activities like flyball, earthdog trials, and obedience training.
7. Coton De Tulear
Coton de Tulears are famous for their signature cotton-textured, fluffy coats. These little dogs have a lot of hair, but they’re still surprisingly low-shedding. You’ll want to brush them three to four times a week to keep mats at bay, or consider a puppy cut to make things easier.
Known as the Royal Dogs of Madagascar, according to PetMD, these white pups are happy, easygoing, and bright. They’re not the nervous or aggressive type at all; they really just want to be by your side. Highly social, they also have fairly moderate exercise needs.
These small dogs are more than happy to curl up next to you once they’ve burned off their energy. Coton de Tulears are also quite easy to train and pick up tricks quickly. They respond best to treats and plenty of praise, so keep training sessions gentle and positive.
8. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are happy, cheerful, and super social dogs who genuinely love meeting new people. They’ve earned a bunch of affectionate nicknames, like walking cloud, cotton candy, or marshmallow, and one look at their coat, and it’s easy to see why.
These small dogs have a white, curly coat that’s considered hypoallergenic, since it doesn’t spread much dander or allergens around the house, making them a solid choice for allergy sufferers. That said, their coat does need daily brushing to prevent mats.
Bichon Frises have moderate exercise needs and are famous for their zoomies, those sudden bursts of sprinting around the house that never fail to make everyone laugh. These white pups are also eager to please and pick up new tricks quickly, so training tends to be pretty hassle-free.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are fun-loving, adventurous, and super smart. They’re always up for an adventure, whether that’s a hike, a swim, or just tearing around the yard. The breed was originally developed to help fishermen pull nets and retrieve gear that had come loose.
Their coat is either wavy or tightly curled, and while it doesn’t shed much, it does grow continuously. That means regular brushing is a must to prevent tangles and mats, along with professional grooming sessions every couple of months.
PWDs are also fairly high-energy, so they need plenty of daily exercise to stay mentally stimulated. Thanks to their webbed feet, they especially love swimming, but they’re just as happy hiking, running, or playing a good game of fetch. They do have an independent streak, though, so consistent training is important.
10. Maltese
Maltese are pure, sweet, gentle companions, originally bred specifically to be lapdogs. They’re alert and playful, but it’s their white, silky coat that really steals the show. They may have a lot of hair, but shedding isn’t really an issue with this breed.
That said, their coat is fairly high-maintenance when it comes to brushing and trimming. Daily brushing is a must to prevent painful mats, and professional trimming every four to six weeks helps keep hair from growing into their eyes.
On the upside, the Maltese are smart and eager to please, which makes training them fairly straightforward. They also don’t need marathon-length exercise for mental stimulation; short walks around the block and some indoor playtime with you are usually enough to keep them happy.
Conclusion
The ten dog breeds above barely shed, making them a great choice if a clean home is high on your priority list. They’re also well-suited for people with allergies or anyone too busy to vacuum every single day.
That said, low shedding doesn’t mean low maintenance. Most of these breeds still need daily brushing and frequent grooming sessions, since their coats grow continuously and can mat easily if neglected. So take the time to read through the details, and only bring one home once you’re genuinely ready for the commitment.
