If you love dogs but not tumbleweeds of fur rolling across your floor, you are in the right place. Some breeds are simply better roommates when it comes to keeping your couch, clothes, and air a little cleaner. Low shedding does not mean low personality.
These dogs can be playful, affectionate, and full of charm without constantly redecorating your home with hair. Whether you live in a small apartment or just enjoy a tidy living space, choosing the right breed can make everyday life much easier.
Below, we explore dog breeds known for lighter shedding, so you can focus more on walks, cuddles, and fun, and less on lint rollers.
Fun Fact
Some low shedding dogs still need regular grooming, not because they shed, but because their hair keeps growing. In a way, they are more like fuzzy roommates who need haircuts than dogs that leave fur behind.
Top Low-Shedding Dog Breeds for a Tidy Living Space
1. Maltese
The Maltese is a small toy breed known for its long, silky, white coat and confident personality. Brave yet gentle, this dog often carries itself as if it were much larger than it actually is. Many owners are surprised by just how expressive and people-focused this breed can be.
Instead of fur, the Maltese has hair and no undercoat, which changes how shedding shows up at home. Hair loss happens slowly and tends to stay trapped in the coat until brushing time. This is why regular grooming plays such a big role in keeping the coat neat and comfortable.
Coat texture can vary widely, even among purebred dogs. Some coats are soft and cottony, others curly, and some lie flat and silky like show dogs. Daily brushing and consistent grooming routines help prevent tangles, especially as the coat matures.
Fun Fact
Maltese coats can show subtle lemon or tan coloring, most often around the ears. Their white hair is also known for showing tear or saliva stains more easily than darker coats.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is famous for its glossy, human-like hair that keeps growing over time. This elegant toy breed is small in size but requires dedicated coat care to stay comfortable and polished. Grooming often becomes a regular bonding routine between dog and owner.
Yorkies shed very little, but their silky hair needs frequent attention to avoid tangles. Many owners choose between a long show coat or a shorter pet trim, depending on lifestyle. Each option comes with its own grooming rhythm and level of upkeep.
During adolescence, the coat changes from soft puppy hair to a longer adult texture. This phase requires extra brushing to manage tangles and maintain coat health. Routine baths, trims, and careful brushing help keep the coat clean and manageable.
Fun Fact
The top third of a Yorkshire Terrier’s ears is traditionally shaved and neatly edged as part of breed grooming. This detail helps keep their signature upright ears looking tidy.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their high intelligence and flowing two-layered hair. Their soft undercoat and long, silky topcoat give them a distinctive look that requires thoughtful care. Shedding is minimal and usually noticed only during brushing or bathing.
Hair loss can increase during certain life stages or seasonal changes. Puppies may shed more as they transition into adulthood, and warmer weather can trigger additional hair release. These changes are temporary and part of normal coat development.
According to WebMD, daily brushing helps manage loose hair and keeps the coat smooth. Bathing is best done at spaced intervals using gentle products. Consistent grooming supports coat condition and helps catch potential skin or coat issues early.
Fun Fact
Shih Tzu puppies often appear not to shed at all during their early months. Their coat behavior changes noticeably as they grow into adults.
4. Basenji
The Basenji is an ancient breed with roots tracing back thousands of years in Africa. Compact and athletic, this dog has a short, smooth coat and a tightly curled tail. Its quiet nature has earned it the nickname of the barkless dog.
Basenjis are intelligent and energetic, with a strong instinct to explore. They thrive with daily activity and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Secure outdoor spaces are important due to their strong prey drive and jumping ability.
As mentioned by PetMD, this breed is known for being fastidious about cleanliness. Basenjis often groom themselves in a cat-like manner, which helps keep their coat tidy. Weekly brushing is typically enough to maintain their sleek appearance.
Fun Fact
When Basenjis vocalize, they make a unique yodel-like sound rather than a bark. This unusual noise is one of their most recognizable traits.
5. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog was bred as a hardworking helper for fishermen along Portugal’s coast. It is a muscular, medium-sized dog, built for endurance and water-based tasks. Its coat is dense, curly or wavy, and sheds very lightly.
Grooming is an important part of caring for this breed. The coat can be styled in a retriever clip or a traditional lion clip, each offering a distinct look. Weekly grooming sessions help keep the coat healthy and free of tangles.
As per the AKC, highly intelligent and eager to please, Portuguese Water Dogs respond well to training. They enjoy physical challenges and mental engagement through activities and sports.
Fun Fact
Portuguese Water Dogs were once used to carry messages between fishing boats and shore. Their strong swimming ability made them reliable partners at sea.
6. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a small, elegant companion with a personality that easily steals the spotlight. This breed comes in two varieties: hairless, with smooth skin and soft tufts of hair on the head, feet, and tail, and powderpuff, which has a full coat of long, flowing hair. Both types are very affectionate and alert.
These dogs fit comfortably into apartments and quieter homes. They enjoy lounging, cuddling, and short bursts of play, often showing off a cat-like habit of climbing onto furniture backs. Their exercise needs are modest and easy to manage through indoor play or brief daily walks.
Grooming depends on the variety. Hairless Cresteds need regular skin care, including moisturizing and protection from the sun and cold. They require frequent brushing and routine grooming visits to keep their long coat free from tangles, along with consistent dental and nail care.
Fun Fact
It is common for a single litter to include both hairless and powderpuff puppies. Genetics decides which variety each puppy becomes.
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is known for its cheerful personality and signature cloud-like curly coat. While shedding is minimal, the coat itself needs consistent care to stay soft and comfortable. Loose hair tends to stay trapped in the coat rather than landing on furniture or floors.
Shedding can increase if the dog experiences stress, nutritional issues, or health concerns. A balanced diet and a calm routine support coat health. Regular brushing keeps the coat manageable and helps remove loose hair before it becomes tangled.
This breed has a double coat made up of a dense underlayer and a curly outer layer that continues growing. Because shed hair does not fall away easily, brushing is essential to prevent matting. Many owners rely on professional grooming to maintain the classic, rounded look.
Fun Fact
The Bichon Frise coat acts as insulation in both warm and cool conditions. Shaving it completely removes that natural protection.
8. Whippet
Whippets have a sleek, smooth coat that feels soft and stays tidy with very little effort. Their short hair does not tangle or mat, making grooming refreshingly simple. A gentle brushing once or twice a week is usually all that is needed.
Shedding is light and steady, with slightly more loose hair during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps remove dead hair and keeps the skin healthy. Baths are only necessary occasionally, and they should always use mild products to protect their sensitive skin.
Indoors, Whippets are calm, affectionate, and enjoy quiet companionship. They love a good run outdoors but are equally happy curling up on a soft bed afterward. Comfort and routine matter just as much to them as exercise.
Fun Fact
Whippets were once raced for sport and entertainment. Their speed and agility made them favorites in informal competitions.
9. Dachshund
The Dachshund is instantly recognizable for its long body and bold personality. Developed as a hunting dog, this breed comes in smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired coat types. Each coat sheds at a manageable level with the right care.
Smooth-coated Dachshunds need only occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Longhaired varieties benefit from weekly combing, while wirehaired Dachshunds require more frequent grooming and occasional hand stripping. Consistent care keeps the coat comfortable and tidy.
Dachshunds are curious, energetic, and enjoy daily chances to explore and play. They can be independent thinkers but respond well to positive reinforcement. With enough activity, they settle nicely into relaxed indoor companions.
Fun Fact
Dachshunds were originally bred to work underground. Their long bodies and strong front paws were designed for digging.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy, expressive dog known for its signature beard and eyebrows. This breed sheds very little, making coat care more about grooming than cleanup. Its wiry outer coat and soft undercoat need regular attention.
Frequent brushing and combing help maintain coat texture and prevent tangles. Many owners choose professional grooming every few weeks to keep the coat neatly trimmed. Routine baths, nail trims, and ear checks are also part of basic care.
Miniature Schnauzers are lively, social, and thrive on interaction with their people. They enjoy playtime, walks, and mental stimulation. Their alert nature and confidence make them attentive companions around the home.
Fun Fact
Miniature Schnauzers were originally bred as farm dogs and ratters. Their sharp instincts remain strong even in modern homes.
Conclusion
Choosing from low-shedding breeds can make daily life easier for allergy sufferers and anyone aiming for a fur-free home. While dogs shed in different ways, the right coat type, whether a short coat, long coat, or even a hairless breed, can mean less fur and less dander around your space.
Regular brushing with tools like a rubber curry brush or bristle brush, and occasional baths, help maintain a healthy coat without turning grooming into a chore. While no dog is truly non-shedding, many dogs release less loose fur and fit well into homes looking for low-maintenance dog breeds.
Many breeds shed lightly and make good pets when their grooming needs are met, so make sure to groom your dog regularly, even if they have a low-shedding coat. Other breeds that you can look up, such as the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Toy Poodle, can also be good options for a low shedding breeds.
