When choosing a dog, shedding is an important factor to consider. People with allergies or those who want a cleaner home can look into breeds that don’t shed a lot.
While there is no dog that is completely non-shedding or 100% hypoallergenic, there are a few breeds with minimal shedding hair, hence labeled hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Here’s what you should know before bringing your pup home:
Why Do Some Dogs Shed Less?
Shedding is a natural process in dogs as they cycle through hair growth phases. Some breeds have hair instead of fur that has a generally longer and slower growth cycle.
Other breeds have a double coat, and loose hair is usually trapped in the undercoat instead of falling out. With such breeds, a lot of shedding can be managed or reduced with regular grooming.
Here is a closer look at some of the best small, low-shedding dog breeds, each with its own unique personality and care routine!
Low-Shedding Tiny Dog Breeds
1. Coton De Tulear
The Coton De Tulear is one of the most adorable and entertaining dog breeds. They are known for their soft white coat that looks and feels just like ‘cotton’. Originally from Madagascar, they were loved by royals but quickly became famous for their cheerful and loving personality.
Their fine coat is low-shedding but requires regular grooming. If not kept in a puppy cut, the coat can easily get matts and tangles that may have to be cut. Hence, it is important to start brushing them daily from puppyhood so that the grooming sessions feel like bonding times and not just a task.
2. Havanese
The Havanese is a tiny dog with a big heart and even bigger personality. This national dog of Cuba was bred to be a companion, and it definitely excels in this role. Always by their humans’ side, the Havanese is an affectionate and charming dog breed.
Their long, flowing, and silky coat may look fancy, but it sheds minimally. According to the HavaneseABC, the Havanese’s hair falls much like humans’. Once the hair has fully grown and matured, it falls out, and a new hair comes in. It is best to get them used to brushing early on, as they would need a proper combing session 3-4 times a week.
Owners may prefer keeping the coat cut short to make it easier to maintain. But a longer coat is also quite manageable with proper care and conditioning.
3. Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest and most loved dog breeds with a striking white coat. They are gentle and lively, sometimes known as velcro dogs due to their affectionate nature. They thrive on human companionship, and their small size makes them suitable for apartment living.
Their gorgeous coat needs consistent care to stay healthy and beautiful. They have silky hair, not fur, which is prone to tangles and mats if kept long. Some owners trim regularly to maintain a short coat.
Daily brushing is highly recommended for them. Bathing every 3 weeks is also an important part of their coat care as it can get stained and trap dirt and dead skin. Wiping them regularly with a wet towel is also recommended.
4. Poodle
Miniature and toy poodles are one of the best examples of small hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed. Though they vary in size, both varieties are highly intelligent, affectionate, and playful. They thrive on interaction and mental stimulation. Training them is easy, as they love pleasing their humans and learning new tricks.
Their curly coats are dense and require regular grooming. Daily brushing, monthly baths, and professional trims every 6-8 weeks are necessary to keep them healthy and looking their best.
They make wonderful companions for active, engaged pet parents, particularly suited for allergy sufferers due to their minimal shedding.
5. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier, often called Scottie, is a small dog breed with a bold personality. Having a wiry double coat, these coarse-haired terriers shed very little, which contributes to their hypoallergenic nature. Their dense coat needs regular maintenance to keep it in its best shape.
Despite shedding minimally, their wiry coat can trap dander and dead hair, which can only be taken out by combing and brushing. As per the AKC, the best way to maintain their coat is by hand stripping, a technique where the dead hair is manually pulled out.
This method keeps their coat looking sharp and retains natural texture, which is kind of necessary to keep the Scottie’s iconic look.
6. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is one of the most famous small dog breeds, instantly recognizable for its flowing coat and a charming and affectionate personality.
The Shih Tzu is an ancient dog breed, and the name literally means lion dogs, which was given by the Chinese due to the regal appearance. They were kept by royalty as lap dogs, but now thrive as house pets that adore spending time with their owners.
Their hypoallergenic coat makes them a suitable choice for people with mild dog allergies. Regular brushing and grooming, at least a few times a week, is essential to keep the allergens out and keep the fine hair free of tangles.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small but spunky dog known for its sleek and silky coat. Historically, these fearless terriers hunted rats and other vermin, making them highly energetic and alert. Despite their size, Yorkies have a bold and confident personality, often standing up to larger dogs and tackling challenges head-on!
Their long, fine coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangling, as they don’t shed much but may get matted due to trapped dirt and dog hair. They are a great choice for homes with allergy sufferers, given that they get the proper care.
With the right amount of training, exercise, and care, they make perfect pets for country living as well as for apartment dwellers.
8. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terriers are small dogs with a bold and adventurous spirit. One of the oldest of the terrier group, the Cairn was originally bred to hunt small game and sometimes foxes. They are recognized for their wiry, rough coat and expressive faces, they are truly fearless!
Their wiry double coat requires grooming to keep a perfect appearance, but it sheds very little. Expect to have little to no pet hair around the house. Common ways to groom them are brushing with a slicker brush and handstripping.
While they may not need extensive care, they need lots of mental and physical stimulation. Their curious minds and energetic bodies may not respond well to boredom.
9. Bichon Frise
Originally bred as lap dogs, the Bichon frise is a small dog breed known for their fluffy white coat. Being a hypoallergenic breed, they are perfect for small spaces and people with dog allergen sensitivity.
Their coat may look like it is ready for show, but it requires regular upkeep. Trimming is a great idea for their coat type. They are especially famous for their puffy teddy bear haircut, which makes them look ever more adorable.
They don’t just look good, they are highly affectionate and love being the center of attention, always ready to play and snuggle. Expect them to follow you everywhere, be it from room to room or outside for walks.
Conclusion
Many dog owners are drawn to hypoallergenic dog breeds that don’t shed much due to concerns about dog allergies that may be related to a dog’s saliva or shedding hair. Thankfully, there are several breeds that shed less and produce less allergens.
Other small dogs that don’t shed include the Miniature schnauzer, Soft-coated wheaten terrier, West Highland white terrier, and some hairless dog breeds like the Chinese crested dog and Mexican hairless dog.
These dogs not only provide companionship, but they also help reduce the concern of allergic reactions, allowing more families to share the joy of having a furry friend without the constant need to vacuum the furniture!
