We try to get most of our work, chores, and errands done on weekdays so the weekend stays free. Honestly, that’s OUR time to relax and binge our favorite shows.
But that plan falls apart fast if you’re stuck spending your Saturday scrubbing dog hair off the couch, vacuuming, and brushing out a shedding pup. It all feels manageable until you’re on your knees picking nearly invisible hair strands out of the rug.
Dogs with long, fluffy coats are gorgeous… until you look past the fluff. Heavy shedders can be a real problem, especially if anyone in your home deals with allergies.
So why put up with the extra cleanup and stress when you can have a low-shedding pup without giving up on the fluff? We’ve rounded up 7 low-maintenance dog breeds that won’t leave a trail of hair wherever they go. They rock silky, fluffy, and even slightly wavy coats, so you don’t have to give up on the dream of a long-haired dog.
That said, low maintenance doesn’t mean zero maintenance. Keep reading to learn about their brushing needs, training, and exercise requirements.
Best Low-Shedding Dog Breeds for a Tidy House
1. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are happy, playful, and affectionate little dogs bred purely to be companions. They’re super social and usually get along great with strangers, kids, and even other pets. Fun fact: these little guys used to work as circus performers, entertaining crowds long before they became beloved family pets.
They have medium-length fur with a double coat that doesn’t shed much, which is why they’re often labeled hypoallergenic. That said, no dog is 100% allergen-free; allergens are still present in their skin, saliva, and urine, so they simply shed less dander into your home rather than none at all.
Here’s the catch: these white dogs are actually pretty high maintenance when it comes to brushing. Their curly coat holds onto loose hair instead of shedding it, which is great for your couch but means they need daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
On the bright side, Bichon Frises are eager to please, so training tends to go smoothly with positive reinforcement. They also need about 30-40 minutes of walking or indoor playtime a day to stay mentally stimulated and happy.
2. Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are bright, alert, and genuinely fun to have around. They’ve got a cheeky sense of humor and honestly love being the center of attention. Poodles love showing off new tricks and will happily trail you around the house just to see what you’re up to.
They were actually bred as water retrievers in Germany, according to the Royal Kennel Club. That’s also why they’re natural swimmers, and it’s the reason behind their signature Poodle Clip; the style actually helped keep their joints warm in cold water. On top of all that, Poodles are pretty much the gold standard when it comes to low shedding.
Their curly coats trap loose hair instead of scattering it everywhere, which is great news for your floors. Just make sure to brush them regularly to clear out dead hair and book grooming sessions every 4-6 weeks.
Poodles are also some of the smartest dogs around and pick up commands quickly, so consistency is really all you need for training. Just know they’ve got plenty of energy to burn, so long walks, games of fetch, or swimming sessions are a must to keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are affectionate, sweet, and outgoing little dogs that were once the pampered pets of Chinese royalty. Their name actually translates to “little lion,” and according to the AKC, they were treasured house pets during the Ming Dynasty. Shih Tzus do have a feisty side, but don’t worry, they’re not looking for trouble; they just want to be wherever you are.
These small dogs have long, flowing hair that sheds very minimally, which is why they’re often considered hypoallergenic. You won’t find clouds of hair drifting around your house, and that’s a huge win if you’re a bit of a neat freak.
That said, you’ll need to put in some real effort when it comes to grooming. Shih Tzus need almost daily brushing to prevent tangles, plus professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. As for training, they’re not exactly difficult, but that stubborn streak does show up now and then. Stick to positive reinforcement, high-value treats, and short, fun sessions, and you’ll get there.
4. Maltese
Maltese are pure, sweet, and devoted little dogs without a mean bone in their body. They’re classic lapdogs through and through, happiest when they’re your shadow, and yes, that means they’ll want to be with you no matter what you’re doing.
These little companions don’t carry any hunting or herding instincts, and their history runs deep; the Greeks reportedly built tombs for them, and statues of the breed have even been found in Egypt, as Purina notes. Maltese have a single-layer silky coat that doesn’t shed much, which means they transfer fewer allergens around your home, too.
These little white dogs do need a bit of upkeep when it comes to brushing and trimming. Almost daily brushing helps prevent matting, though a puppy cut is a great option if you’d rather keep coat care simple. On the training front, Maltese pick things up quickly, and a few short strolls around the block are usually enough to keep them mentally satisfied.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are bold, feisty, and super observant little dogs that love keeping an eye on everything happening around the house. These small pups were originally bred to work in textile mills and coal mines catching rodents, and soon won their way into homes as family pets thanks to their adaptability and affectionate nature.
Yorkies have a single layer of fine, straight, silky hair with a texture pretty similar to human hair. Since they don’t have a heavy undercoat, they shed less, but they still need daily brushing to stay tangle-free. If you’re short on time, a puppy cut is a solid option since it cuts down on brushing significantly.
That said, Yorkshire Terriers do have an independent streak, so they do best with consistent, patient owners. On the exercise front, their needs are low to moderate: short walks paired with some indoor playtime are usually enough to keep them mentally satisfied.
6. Havanese
Havanese are people-pleasers through and through: affectionate, gentle, and just plain happy pups. They’re not shy or yappy in the slightest; they’re social butterflies who genuinely love being by your side.
These little dogs are actually the national dog of Cuba and were bred purely for companionship, so it’s safe to say they’re masters at being homebodies. Havanese have a soft, silky double coat that sheds minimally, though it does need brushing about 3-4 times a week to stay in good shape.
These hypoallergenic dogs often surprise people with how smart they are, and they genuinely love learning new things. Havanese don’t really have a stubborn streak (a relief, right?), which makes training pretty smooth sailing. As for exercise, a nice short walk around the block is usually all it takes to keep them content.
7. Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear are famous for being clownish and sweet-natured, but honestly, their cotton-textured coat often steals the spotlight anyway. These puffballs have a dense, soft, single coat that barely sheds, though it does need brushing 3-4 times a week to keep mats at bay.
They’re usually calm indoors and rarely bark without good reason. Cotons have a unique way of “smiling” and often hop around on their hind legs just to get a laugh out of you.
According to WebMD, these little dogs were once known as the “Royal Dogs of Madagascar” and served as luxury companions for the island’s elite.
Thanks to their eager-to-please nature, Coton de Tulear are pretty easy to train. As for exercise, their needs are moderate: short walks, plus about 30-60 minutes of games like fetch at home should keep them happy and healthy.
Conclusion
Getting a low-shedding dog is honestly one of the best decisions you can make if you’re too busy for daily vacuuming or dealing with dog hair allergies. All 7 breeds above have that plush, fluffy coat we can’t resist, and the cherry on top? They barely shed.
But here’s the thing: low shedding doesn’t mean low brushing. In fact, most of these breeds need quite a bit of brushing, some even daily, to keep their coats mat-free. So if you’re set on one of these pups, just go in knowing what you’re signing up for. And don’t skip the details above on their training and temperament, since coat care is really just one piece of the puzzle.
