When it comes to cleanliness, coat care is always a factor for pet parents. Besides combing and bathing their doggos, owners also have to clean up the loose hair their pups leave on furniture, bedding, carpets, and pretty much everywhere the dog has been. Brushing and bathing your dog can be a wonderful bonding activity, but some owners would rather not have fur all over their homes.
Not all dog breeds shed the same amount. High-shedding dogs leave a substantial amount of hair around the house, which makes them a tough fit for very busy pet parents and people with allergies.
If you’d rather spend more time playing and cuddling with your pup and less time picking hair off your sofa and bed, low-shedding breeds are the way to go. They make for a cleaner home and a (mostly) mess-free life.
Take a look at our review of 7 great breeds that shed minimally and help keep your house clean.
Top Minimal Shedding Dog Breeds for Cleanliness
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are among the prettiest canines around, thanks to their silky coats. Despite being long and luxurious, the coat doesn’t shed a lot, though regular grooming keeps it healthy. You’ll have less loose hair to worry about, but brushing your Cav regularly and bathing it occasionally will keep the coat tangle-free.
Cavs are affectionate doggos who enjoy human companionship more than anything. They make wonderful pets for owners who want a loving dog that loves to cuddle but also doesn’t mind socializing and heading out on short walks.
These pooches have been lap dogs to royals and commoners alike. From senior pet owners to families with children, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel adapts well to different types of households. They make great apartment dogs and are happy with indoor play sessions. If they’re playing in a yard, make sure it’s properly fenced.
2. Whippet
The Whippet is an elegant breed that looks like a smaller Greyhound, with the same sleek body and deep chest. Known for its speed, the Whippet appreciates having enough space to roam, but it makes a surprisingly calm indoor pet.
According to PetMD, Whippets can run up to 35 miles per hour and change direction quickly when chasing prey. They don’t bark much, which makes them great for city living where apartment walls are shared. They’re quite sociable and get along well with everyone, including kids and other pets, but as sensitive pups, they don’t appreciate harsh treatment.
Though Whippets need regular exercise, especially daily walks, they’re low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Besides a brush at least once a week, you’ll just need to check their ears every now and then to avoid infections.
Their thin skin and short coat also make them prone to getting cold or sunburned, so give them a cozy sweater when it’s chilly and ask your vet about an appropriate sunscreen during the hot months.
3. Dachshund
The Dachshund is a “down-to-earth” breed, quite literally, with short legs and a body that’s longer than it is tall. This sturdy dog was originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, which earned it the nickname “badger dog,” according to Britannica.
This fascinating, low-slung doggo has long, droopy ears and a long, strong muzzle that helps it pick up scents. Despite its calm temperament as a pet, it can come across as a stubborn dog at times, especially when it’s following a smell.
Early obedience training along with physical and mental stimulation is important for keeping it happy. Bred to work independently as hunting dogs, Dachshunds are very alert, with a loud bark, and they make fine watchdogs.
Training this pup takes consistency, but that doesn’t mean the Dachshund isn’t loyal to its pet parents. With reward-based methods, it can learn basic cues and commands.
Dachshunds come in long-haired and short, smooth-coated varieties, and their grooming needs depend on coat length. Short-coated Dachshunds need very little grooming, just an occasional brushing to remove shed hair. Long-haired Dachshunds stay in good shape with at least weekly brushing to prevent matting.
4. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is one of the small dog breeds with a big personality, and it makes a wonderful apartment dog thanks to its compact size and adaptability. With its beautiful white coat, adorable face, and playful nature, the Bichon is one of the most loved tiny dogs around.
Bichons may be small, but they’re opinionated and will keep reminding you they’re there by staying engaged with you. According to the AKC, these pooches are quite alert and can be trained as tiny watchdogs, but they also make friends easily.
Though the Bichon has a profuse, fluffy coat, you won’t find much loose hair on its bedding, since it sheds very little. Because of that, Bichons are often a good pick for people with allergies, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Low shedding also means the coat traps loose hair, so plan on brushing at least weekly to keep it free of matting. An occasional professional grooming session can make the coat more manageable.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are among the prettiest little dogs around, with a lustrous, long, silky coat that flows down their tiny bodies. This Asian dog breed is believed to have originated in Tibet, where it was cherished by Tibetan monks and later by Chinese royalty.
Stylish and regal, these “little lions” make fascinating pets for an urban lifestyle and live happily indoors, even in small apartments. If you’re expecting a dull little dog, though, you’re in for a surprise. Shih Tzus lived as pampered companions of imperial rulers, and they still carry themselves with an air of self-importance. They tend to be very sociable, but they’re also quite alert.
If you have kids at home, this quirky, playful breed will get along with them just fine. Shih Tzus also tolerate other dogs and make wonderful companions for short walks outdoors. Despite their long coats, they’re a low-shedding breed that won’t leave much mess on your bedding and sofa.
Since their hair keeps growing, they need frequent brushing to keep the coat healthy and mat-free. Besides regular grooming sessions, you can also have the coat trimmed short to make it easier to care for.
6. Xoloitzcuintli
Some interesting dog breeds come in hairless varieties, and the Xoloitzcuintli is one of them. Besides the hairless type, the breed also has a coated variety with short hair. Hairless Xolos have smooth skin that needs real care, like sunscreen before heading out in the sun and moisturizing, ideally with guidance from your vet.
Coated Xolos need slightly more grooming than the hairless ones, but only an occasional brushing, preferably once a week.
The Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient breed and the official dog of Mexico City. This lean, compact dog makes a calm, loving companion for families and solo owners alike. Xolos are intelligent, but they need proper socialization and obedience training to grow into well-behaved doggos. They’re upbeat and energetic, and they enjoy all kinds of activities with their pet parents, including long walks outdoors.
These pooches need both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They bond closely with their human family, though they can be aloof with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs.
7. Maltese
Maltese dogs are among the sweetest lap dogs around, with big personalities and a playful temperament. Their gorgeous, white, floor-length coats and smiley faces earn them a place in our hearts right away. They make wonderful pets for people in small spaces, since their exercise needs can be met with some indoor play.
Maltese are adaptable, but they’re also brave and alert, which makes them nice little watchdogs. No dog is completely non-shedding, but the Maltese sheds very little, so it’s often a good pick for people with allergies. Since the silky coat keeps growing, plan on brushing daily to keep it healthy.
Maltese love staying close to their pet parents and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Besides teaching them to spend some time on their own, it’s also wise to supervise their interactions with younger children, who might play too roughly.
Conclusion
These sweet, adaptable dogs aren’t just loving pets. They’re also a clean choice for owners who can’t spend hours picking dog hair off the furniture. Many of these low-shedding dog breeds produce less dander, which makes them less likely to trigger allergies, though no dog is fully hypoallergenic. To find a healthy pup, get in touch with a reputable breeder or your local shelter.
