If you share your home with a dog, you already know that fur has a magical way of appearing everywhere—on the couch, in your car, and especially on freshly washed clothes. For allergy sufferers and neat freaks alike, shedding can feel like the one downside to an otherwise perfect companion.
But here’s the good news: not all dogs leave behind a trail of fluff. While no breed is truly 100% non-shedding (that’s a myth!), some dogs shed far less than others.
These low-shedding breeds can make life much easier for allergy sufferers and anyone who prefers a tidier home without constantly battling tumbleweeds of fur.
If you’ve been hesitant about dog ownership because of the mess or the sneezing, don’t give up just yet. We’ll introduce you to 10 low-shedding dog breeds that can help keep a fur-free home while still giving you all the love, loyalty, and companionship you’re looking for.
Top Low-Shedding Dog Breeds: A Cleaner Home Awaits
1. Whippet
If you’ve ever wanted a dog that looks like it was designed by an aerodynamic engineer, meet the Whippet. Often described as a “mini Greyhound,” this sleek speedster can hit impressive speeds in seconds.
But here’s the twist: after their Olympic-worthy sprint, they transform into professional couch snugglers. Seriously. Whippets have two modes—zoom and snooze. There is no in-between.
For anyone dreaming of a cleaner home (and fewer tumbleweeds of fur rolling across the floor), the Whippet is a solid choice. Their short, smooth coat sheds very little, making them a friend to neat freaks and vacuum cleaners everywhere.
Even better? Grooming is refreshingly simple. According to the AKC, that weekly grooming session isn’t just about keeping them looking sleek. It’s also the perfect chance to check their overall health—peek at their skin, eyes, and teeth to make sure everything’s in tip-top shape.
Whippets are considered a low-maintenance breed, but don’t let that fool you into skipping the basics. Like every dog, they need regular vet visits, exercise, and lots of love.
If you want a dog that:
Don’t redecorate your house with fur
Requires minimal grooming
Doubles as both a race car and a heating pad
…then the Whippet might just be your perfect match. They’ll keep your home cleaner, your heart fuller, and your couch permanently occupied. And honestly, that’s a trade most of us are happy to make.
2. Shih Tzu
At first glance, the Shih Tzu looks like the kind of dog that would leave glittering trails of fur wherever it goes. That long, silky coat? Total diva energy. But surprise! Beneath all that fabulousness is one of the lowest-shedding breeds around.
Plot twist: their hair is more like human hair than traditional dog fur. That means it falls out much less frequently, making them a great choice for anyone who wants fewer fur-covered outfits and a slightly less dramatic relationship with their lint roller.
Now, before you toss your grooming tools in celebration, there is a catch. That luxurious coat needs daily brushing, especially if it’s kept long. Without it, tangles and mats can show up faster than a Shih Tzu claiming your favorite pillow.
They’re perfect for apartment living or quieter households, and they thrive on attention. If your ideal evening involves cozy blankets and a Netflix binge, your Shih Tzu will happily supervise.
If you’re looking for a dog that:
Sheds very little
Loves cuddling like it’s a competitive sport
Brings elegance (and a little sass) into your life
…then the Shih Tzu may be your low-shedding soulmate. Sure, they need brushing—but honestly, when you look that fabulous, it’s just part of the brand.
3. Boston Terrier
If dogs had a formal dress code, the Boston Terrier would never be underdressed. With their natural black-and-white “tuxedo” coat, they look permanently ready for a fancy dinner party… even if the party is just you opening a bag of chips on the couch.
Often called the “American Gentleman,” this quintessentially American breed combines charm, playfulness, and just enough goofiness to keep life interesting.
Don’t let their compact build fool you. Boston Terriers are sturdy, energetic, and surprisingly athletic for their size. They adore playtime and are especially great with kids. For anyone hoping to cut down on fur cleanup, the Boston Terrier delivers. Their short, smooth coat sheds very little and requires minimal grooming.
They’re affectionate without being overly clingy and playful without being chaotic. Basically, they’re the friend who’s always fun but never too much.
If you want a dog that:
Sheds minimally
Loves kids and playtime
Fits easily into almost any lifestyle
…the Boston Terrier might just be your perfectly polished match. Small dog, big heart, and just enough sass to keep things entertaining.
4. Poodle
Ah, yes, the Poodle. The overachiever of the dog world. Athletic? Check. Elegant? Absolutely. Brilliantly smart? Without question. And when it comes to shedding? Practically a minimalist.
It’s no surprise that Poodles are considered one of the most low-shedding dog breeds out there. In fact, they’re often praised by allergy sufferers as a go-to “hypoallergenic dog” option.
According to WebMD, Poodles have low-shedding coats and are considered low-allergy dogs. They’re especially great for households where someone loves dogs… but not the sneezing that often comes with double-coated, heavy-shedding breeds.
When Poodles do shed (usually every few weeks), their loose hair gets trapped in their tight curls. Instead of drifting onto your couch, clothes, and morning coffee, it stays tucked inside their coat like a secret.
Many Poodle owners also schedule regular professional grooming to keep their pup looking polished and comfortable.
If you want a dog that:
Sheds very minimally
Is allergy-friendly
Learns commands faster than you can teach them
…the Poodle might just be your curly-coated soulmate. Yes, they require brushing. Yes, they’re smart enough to outwit you occasionally. But a cleaner home and a brilliant best friend? That’s a pretty stylish deal.
5. Bichon Frise
Small, sociable, and permanently cheerful, this little fluffball looks like it floated in on a cloud and decided to stay for snacks. Famous for their puffy, cloud-like coat, Bichons are considered a classic non-shedding breed.
And yes — they really are as soft and adorable as they look. (Resistance to petting them is futile.) Here’s the magic: a Bichon’s coat grows continuously, much like human hair. Instead of shedding in dramatic fur storms, loose hair tends to stay within the coat until brushed out.
Of course, that luxurious fluff does come with responsibility. Regular brushing is a must to prevent tangles and keep that signature “marshmallow” shape intact. Most owners also schedule grooming every few weeks to maintain their polished look.
Beyond their low-shedding perks, Bichons are known for being playful, affectionate, and adaptable. They thrive in apartments, city homes, or suburban settings — as long as they’re near their favorite humans.
If you’re looking for a dog that:
Sheds very little
Fits comfortably into smaller living spaces
Has the energy of a motivational speaker
…the Bichon Frise might just be your fluff-filled dream come true. Cleaner floors, brighter days, and a tiny cloud following you around? Sounds like a win.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
Don’t let that signature furrowed brow fool you — the Miniature Schnauzer may look like it’s perpetually judging your life choices, but in reality, it’s one of the most loving and loyal small breeds you can meet. And yes, it’s also a low-shedding superstar.
Originally bred to be a ratter, Miniature Schnauzers are smart, energetic, and always on alert — ready to pounce on… well, mostly toys, but sometimes just life itself.
Their wiry coat sheds very little, which is fantastic for anyone hoping to avoid endless vacuuming. But there’s a catch: their unique coat requires regular grooming and often professional clipping to keep them looking sharp and feeling comfortable.
If you’re looking for a dog that:
Sheds very little
Comes with a naturally grumpy, yet endearing, expression
Will happily supervise your every move
…the Miniature Schnauzer might just be your perfect low-shedding, high-personality companion. Grumpy face aside, underneath all that wiry charm is a devoted little buddy who will make both your heart and your home feel fuller — and fur-free.
7. Italian Greyhound
If elegance had a pint-sized ambassador, it would be the Italian Greyhound. Slender, graceful, and slightly timid, this tiny breed is the epitome of understated sophistication.
One of the Italian Greyhound’s biggest perks? Their short, fine coat sheds very little. Minimal grooming is needed — a quick brush now and then is usually enough to keep them shiny and clean. For anyone who loves dogs but not a fur-covered house, this breed is basically a dream come true.
That said, don’t be fooled by their delicate appearance — Italian Greyhounds are fragile little athletes. Their thin legs and fine bones mean you need to handle them gently. Think of them as walking fine china: adorable, but best treated with care.
These delightful little dogs are famously easygoing and affectionate. They love curling up on laps or snuggling under blankets and are generally very gentle around children and other pets.
If you want a dog that:
Sheds very little
Requires minimal grooming
Brings elegance and calm energy to your home
…the Italian Greyhound is a low-shedding, gentle companion who proves that small dogs can leave a big impression.
8. Portuguese Water Dog
Meet the Portuguese Water Dog, a breed that practically comes with built-in swim goggles and a life jacket. Originally bred to assist fishermen, these dogs were pros at diving, retrieving, and basically being the ultimate water-loving sidekick. Spoiler alert: their playful spirit hasn’t gone anywhere.
One of the Portuguese Water Dog’s standout traits is their thick, curly coat, which is not only water-resistant but also sheds minimally. That puts these furry friends squarely in the “dog breeds that won’t cover your furniture in fur” category — a big win for fur-conscious owners.
That said, those gorgeous curls do require consistent grooming to prevent tangles, especially if your pup loves to go swimming or splash in puddles. Frequent brushing or regular trims keep the coat manageable and looking sharp.
If you’re looking for a dog that:
Sheds very little
Loves water, exercise, and adventure
Is loyal, smart, and family-friendly
…the Portuguese Water Dog is your curly-coated, splash-ready soulmate. Fur-free floors and a dog that doubles as a personal trainer? Sounds like a winning combination.
9. Maltese
If elegance came in pint-sized form, it would be the Maltese. Weighing in at just 4 to 7 pounds, these little fluffballs are small in size but big on personality. Their long, silky white coat might scream “high-maintenance,” but here’s the secret: Maltese dogs are basically no-shed wonders.
Unlike most breeds that leave hair tumbleweeds in their wake, a Maltese’s hair grows continuously and falls out very rarely.
Daily brushing (and occasional trims) is essential, especially if you’re aiming for that classic flowing look. Think of it as a mini spa session — for your dog. As per PetMD, their snowy white coat also earns them the “hypoallergenic” label, which makes them a popular pick for allergy-sensitive households.
Don’t let their dainty frame fool you — Maltese dogs are playful, affectionate, and adaptable. These great apartment dogs also make excellent companions for seniors, city dwellers, or anyone who wants a tiny dog with a big heart.
If you want a dog that:
Sheds very little
Brings elegance and charm to your home
Fits perfectly in smaller living spaces
…the Maltese is your low-shedding, silky-haired dream dog. Small, glamorous, and endlessly affectionate companions — it’s like having a living, breathing luxury accessory… who also really, really loves you.
10. Lagotto Romagnolo
Meet the Lagotto Romagnolo, Italy’s curly-coated treasure hunter. Originally bred to sniff out truffles, these clever pups aren’t just low-shedding—they’re practically built for brains and beauty. Their tight, hypoallergenic coats shed minimally while keeping them looking irresistibly fluffy.
Lagottos are one of the lesser-known non-shedding breeds, but don’t let their rarity fool you. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making training a joy (and sometimes a challenge if they get a whiff of a particularly interesting smell).
While their curls trap loose hair, keeping your home mostly fur-free, they do require consistent grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Think of it as maintaining a rolling, sniff-proof masterpiece — functional, stylish, and surprisingly cuddly.
Lagottos are medium-sized and active, with plenty of energy to burn. They thrive when they have a “job” to do, whether it’s hunting treats, learning new tricks, or simply enjoying outdoor playtime.
If you want a dog that:
Sheds very little
Bring intelligence and curiosity into your home
Loves outdoor play and a “job” to do
…the Lagotto Romagnolo is your curly-haired, truffle-sniffing, low-shedding soulmate. Brains, curls, and loyalty wrapped in one medium-sized bundle — a cleaner home has never been this clever.
Conclusion
Choosing a low-shedding dog breed is a smart choice for pet parents seeking a cleaner home, fewer allergens, and manageable grooming routines. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, breeds like Chinese Crested, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Lagotto Romagnolo produce less hair, dander, and skin flakes, making them easier to maintain.
Low-shedding dogs offer a variety of temperaments—from calm and cuddly to playful and energetic—so you can find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Routine maintenance, weekly brushing, attention to natural oils, and proper home care are still essential to keep your dog healthy and your living space fresh. By considering shedding, allergies, and grooming needs, you can enjoy the companionship of a furry friend without the extra mess.
