Having a furry friend by your side is a lot of fun. Some people love dogs, but are reluctant to get one because they do not like the idea of cleaning up pet dander all the time. Fortunately, low-shedding dogs can be a great choice for such people.
As the name indicates, low-shedding dog breeds do not shed much, so you do not need to keep vacuuming several times a week. Many low-shedding dogs are hypoallergenic as well. A ‘hypoallergenic’ dog produces fewer allergens in its hair.
It makes them a better fit for allergy sufferers. However, no dog is 100% allergen-free. Even hypoallergenic dogs contain some allergens in their saliva, urine, and skin. This can trigger allergic responses like coughing, itching, or wheezing.
Here are 9 excellent dog breeds that barely shed.
Excellent Dog Breeds That Barely Shed
1. Miniature Poodle
Smaller than Standard Poodles but larger than Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles are active and intelligent dogs. They pack lots of energy in their tiny bodies and love long walks and swimming with their humans. Miniature Poodles make great pets for first-time dog owners.
These non-shedding and hypoallergenic dogs possess a thick, curly coat, which needs regular grooming to stay healthy. Brush your dog regularly to prevent tangles and mats. PetMD also recommends taking your dog for professional grooming every four to six weeks.
Miniature Poodles are a good choice for allergy sufferers. These friendly, playful, and loyal dogs get along nicely with children. Despite their small size, Poodles are quite adventurous and respond well to training.
2. Bichon Frise
These playful and affectionate dogs are loved for their luxurious double coat that is plush and velvety to the touch. It is complemented by dark eyes and black leather on the nose and lips. These non-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs are a great choice for individuals prone to allergic reactions.
These small white dogs require regular grooming to keep looking good. The American Kennel Club recommends brushing your dog’s coat at least two to three times a week. They also need a bath and clipping at least once a month.
Bichons are smart and social canines who warm up to new people and animals. They thrive on affection and attention from their humans. Bored or lonely Bichons can become destructive or exhibit destructive behaviors like excessive barking and chewing.
Bichon Frises are eager-to-please dogs that learn quickly and are highly trainable. They love participating in obedience, agility, and rally competitions.
3. Havanese
Native to Cuba, Havanese are intelligent, outgoing, and funny dogs. Their silky coat comes in a variety of colors. Some owners enjoy their Havanese’s coat in a corded manner, and others clip it short to reduce grooming time.
Their small size, adaptable nature, and moderate exercise needs make them ideal city pets. Havanese look irresistibly cute due to their low-shedding coat. Despite having abundant hair, they produce less dander.
Havanese do shed a little, but the dander remains largely trapped in their hair. Being hypoallergenic dogs, they are well suited for individuals prone to allergic reactions. Some pet parents even pull up the hair on their Havanese’s head into a ponytail.
Daily brushing helps prevent matting and tangling. Occasional baths may also be needed. Havanese make amazing lap dogs and alert watchdogs for many homes.
4. Basenji
Basenjis are famous for their unique vocalizations and fastidious nature. Often referred to as ‘barkless dogs,’ they make unique yodel- and chortle-like sounds. These aloof canines tend to groom themselves like cats.
Their smooth and short coat comes in a variety of colors, including black and white, red and white, white and brindle, and tricolored. Their short coat does not shed much and is a breeze to take care of. Only weekly brushing is needed to maintain the coat.
Brushing helps distribute skin oils throughout the coat. Basenjis do not produce ‘doggy odor,’ so you would not need to bathe them until they get into something really messy. These bright and alert dogs love to chase things.
These highly intelligent and curious dogs have a strong urge to explore their surroundings. Early socialization and proper training are needed to turn them into well-mannered family dogs.
5. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are medium-sized dogs that come in two coat types. One is long and wavy, and the other is short and harsh with tighter curls. The dense and profuse coat is non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them well suited for allergy sufferers.
However, it requires regular brushing and extensive grooming to keep looking good. You can groom your Portuguese Water Dog in two styles: the retriever clip (where the coat is clipped one inch in length) and the lion clip, where the coat on the hindquarters and muzzle is clipped down to the skin.
Purina describes them as extremely active and trainable dogs that enjoy being a part of family and bond closely with their families. Without adequate exercise or proper training, they can become bored or unruly.
Do You Know? Portuguese Water Dogs possess webbed feet which makes them amazing swimmers.
6. Coton de Tulear
Looking like a cotton ball, Coton de Tulears are small dogs. These playful and affectionate canines love to be the center of attention and are fun to be around. Cotons are highly sociable and get along nicely with children and other pets.
Their cotton-soft coat is considered hypoallergenic and sheds minimally. Always dense and wavy, the coat needs professional grooming a couple of times a year to stay in shape. The coat needs regular brushing and frequent bathing to stay clean and tangle-free.
Some pet parents opt for a shorter ‘puppy cut’ for their Coton de Tulear. It allows for easier maintenance. Cotons are much smaller in size. They love warm snuggles and want to spend most of their time around their favorite people.
7. Maltese
The next low-shedding breed on our list is Maltese. Malteses are playful, gentle, and charming canines who can be instantly recognized by their luxurious floor-length white coat. These cute little fellas are highly affectionate and make devoted companions.
Their eye-catching long coat requires daily gentle brushing and combing to prevent tangles and mats. Regular bathing and coat conditioning help keep their hair looking its best. Maltese are hypoallergenic dogs, so they are well suited for households prone to allergies.
Having an adaptable nature, Maltese form strong bonds with their people. They prefer to stay by your side all the time and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Maltese respond best to positive reinforcement-based training.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Originally bred as ratters and watchdogs, ‘Yorkies’ are perfect companion dogs. Loved for their silky long coat, they are one of the breeds that don’t shed much. The coat is typically steel blue and rich golden tan in color.
These active, fun-loving, and affectionate dogs make up for their small size with their big personalities. Their glossy coat looks super adorable, but requires some extra work. Daily brushing and weekly baths help keep the coat clean and tangle-free.
The human-like hair is hypoallergenic, making Yorkshire Terriers well suited for allergy sufferers. Yorkshire Terriers have a bold and loving temperament, mentions Omlet. They make great apartment dogs and love cuddling in their owner’s lap.
9. Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are alert, lively, and affectionate dogs available in two varieties. The hairless variety has smooth and soft skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and ankles. The coated variety is known as ‘powderpuff,’ covered in a silky coat.
Both varieties are hypoallergenic, making them ideal pets for allergy sufferers. The hairless dogs have no hair to shed, while the powderpuffs are also low-shedding. Grooming needs vary. The hairless Chinese Cresteds are prone to sunburns and skin infections.
So you need to apply a good quality sunscreen to your dog before taking them out in the sun. Powderpuff Chinese Cresteds require regular brushing to maintain their coat. Both varieties are highly in tune with their owner’s emotions and make wonderful family pets.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are loved for their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats. Their coats usually trap loose and dead hair and do not let it fall on your furniture or floor.
Low-shedding breeds usually require lots of grooming and upkeep to look good. Regular brushing helps them stay free from mats and tangles.
Frequent baths and professional grooming are also needed. Hypoallergenic dogs are a great choice for individuals prone to allergies. Grooming these pups requires some extra effort, but their cuteness is worth it all.
