Love dogs but not the endless fur on your clothes, furniture, and floors? You’re not alone. Some dogs shed far less than others, making them a great option for people who want to spend more time enjoying their pup and less time cleaning up loose hair.
It’s also important to clear up one common misconception: no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Dogs produce proteins that can trigger allergies, mainly through saliva, urine, and dander. However, low-shedding dogs may spread less dander around the home because they release less dead hair.
The good news is that having a dog doesn’t have to mean living under a layer of fur. From smaller companions to larger dogs, there are plenty of breeds with coats that shed minimally.
If you’re hoping for a cleaner home without giving up the joy of having a dog, these low-shedding breeds are worth discovering.
Key Takeaways
Meet seven different dog breeds with minimal shedding that bring plenty of personality.
See why Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Maltese stand out for their low-shedding coats.
Explore Shih Tzus, Havanese, and Chinese Cresteds for grooming and care needs.
Find out which coats, personalities, and activity levels fit your lifestyle.
Fantastic Dog Breeds with Little to No Shedding
1. Poodle
Poodles have a long history as water retrievers. According to Orvis, their name comes from the German word pudel, meaning “to splash in the water.”
Their ability to follow signals and learn complex tasks also made them performers in circuses in earlier times. Today, they are also used as service dogs and compete in obedience and agility trials.
Coat and Shedding
Poodles come in three varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. All have the same basic build and proportions. Their curly, dense, single-layer coats shed very little.
This makes them popular among people looking for low-shedding dogs. Their coats can form cords if left unclipped and unbrushed, so regular coat care is important.
Personality and Activity
Poodles are highly intelligent, eager, and athletic dogs. They enjoy staying busy and often love swimming, fetching, walking, or jogging. They are generally playful, affectionate, and friendly with people.
While all varieties are energetic, Toys and Miniatures tend to be more active than Standards. Some can also bark excessively, but they are not known as fighters and can be excellent watchdogs.
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy breed and a member of the Non-Sporting group. Since antiquity, these cheerful dogs have relied on their charm, beauty, and intelligence through changing times. They are Barbichon-type dogs and are closely related to the Bolognese, Havanese, and Maltese.
Coat and Shedding
The Bichon Frise has a plush, velvety white coat that is soft and curly. Because they shed less than many other breeds, they are often considered “hypoallergenic.”
Its rounded head hair frames the large, dark eyes, while the black nose and lips add contrast to its face. The coat needs regular care, including daily brushing, monthly baths, and professional grooming appointments.
Personality and Care
Bichon Frises are cheerful, playful, affectionate, and eager to please. They enjoy playing, learning tricks, and spending time with their families. They generally get along well with children, other dogs, and household pets.
These small dogs are easy to train and can make good apartment dogs. Bichons may bark when alerted by unfamiliar sounds and can be enthusiastic watchdogs, but their small size makes them ineffective protection dogs.
3. Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest existing dog breeds. It originated on the Mediterranean island of Malta and has been a popular companion for centuries. References to the breed can also be found in Ancient Greek and Roman literature.
Coats and Grooming
The Maltese has long, straight, silky white hair. The fur around the ears may have a light tan or yellow tint, and the breed has no undercoat. Its luxurious coat can grow to floor length and needs near-daily care.
Daily brushing or combing helps prevent mats and tangles, while regular bathing keeps the skin and coat clean. Shorter haircuts are also an option for easier grooming.
Personality and Care
Maltese are gentle, affectionate, lively, and playful companions. They are intelligent and fast learners who enjoy learning tricks and new skills, especially when rewarded. They can be bold and fearless despite their small size and may be aloof with strangers.
They are fairly easy to train and make alert, enthusiastic watchdogs, though they may bark more than needed, as Britannica notes. They can be affectionate companions for older gentle children and seniors, but may become short-tempered when spoiled and untrained.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a Tibetan toy breed that dates back centuries. The name means “lion dog,” and the breed was associated with Buddhism and bred to resemble lions.
Imperial rulers kept them to alert their homes to visitors with a sharp bark. Over time, they became companion animals and were bred with Pugs and Pekingese.
Coats and Grooming
Shih Tzus have a long, flowing double coat that can reach the ground. They are born with a short, single coat, while the second coat grows as they mature. The coat comes in 14 standard colors and three marking types, though the AKC allows any color or marking.
Their fur grows continuously and can tangle and mat, so longer coats need weekly brushing and bathing, along with professional grooming every few weeks. A short “puppy cut” can reduce the grooming needed.
Personality and Care
Shih Tzus are happy, outgoing, playful, and friendly with people and other animals. They are pleasant and energetic companions but prefer not to spend their time alone. They can move easily from playmate to sofa companion and are fairly high-energy.
They learn quickly but can be slow to obey. They enjoy tricks and need exercise, with a 30-minute walk and playtime often meeting their needs. They are also alert watchdogs, although their small size makes them poor protection dogs.
5. Havanese
The Havanese is the only dog breed native to Cuba. This small breed developed there and has aristocratic roots, later becoming popular across continents.
Havanese nearly went extinct in the mid-20th century but made a strong comeback. Today, they are known as cheerful, sociable companions with a huge personality.
Coats and Grooming
Havanese have a long, wavy double coat that is light, silky, and non-shedding. All coat colors are permissible, with 16 standard colors and eight marking types.
Some coats can be corded with effort, while others can be clipped short to reduce grooming time. The breed is also recognized by its curled-over tail and gorgeous silky coat.
Personality and Care
Havanese are happy, outgoing, and friendly with people and other animals. They get along well with children, cats, and dogs and are devoted to their families. They are intelligent, highly trainable, and eager to please, making them natural trick dogs.
They enjoy learning new skills and can do well in agility and therapy work. Havanese crave attention and are often called “velcro dogs” because they love staying close to their owners.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog was bred along the coast of Portugal to help fishermen. From the 13th century, these dogs performed tasks such as retrieving fishing gear and preventing fish from escaping nets.
They are excellent swimmers and were bred as all-around fishermen’s helpers. Their history in water work shaped their athletic and energetic nature.
Coats and Grooming
Portuguese Water Dogs have either curly or wavy coats that shed very little. Their coats are constantly growing and need regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting. They can be groomed in two styles.
According to the AKC, the retriever clip keeps the coat about one inch long, while the lion clip leaves the coat clipped closely on the hindquarters and muzzle. Regular visits to the groomer every 4–6 weeks can help keep the coat manageable.
Personality and Care
Portuguese Water Dogs are affectionate, friendly, loyal, and highly intelligent. They are eager to please and easy to train, but they need plenty of exercise, attention, and mental stimulation.
They enjoy being involved with their families and are especially drawn to water. At least 30–60 minutes of exercise each day is recommended.
7. Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are unique companion dogs known for their elegant and graceful nature. Despite their name, they are unlikely to have originated in China, with a genetic study pointing to Mexican origins.
They have been bred as affectionate companions for centuries and come in two varieties, Hairless and Powderpuff.
Coats and Grooming
Hairless Chinese Cresteds have smooth, soft skin with silky hair on the head, feet, and tail. The hair is known as the crest, plume, and socks, and may also appear on the ears and face.
Powderpuffs have a soft, silky double coat covering the whole body, and any coat color or combination is accepted. Powderpuffs need brushing at least a few times a week to prevent mats, along with regular grooming when their hair grows too long.
Personality and Care
Chinese Cresteds are playful, affectionate, sweet-natured, and devoted to their families. They are sensitive dogs that can take criticism to heart and love spending plenty of time with their people.
They can fit well with families, children, other pets, older adults, and apartment living, but their delicate build means children should always be supervised around them.
Conclusion
Finding a low-shedding dog breed that leaves little hair around the home doesn’t mean giving up personality, charm, or companionship.
From playful and affectionate companions to active dogs that love staying busy, these hypoallergenic dog breeds offer a range of traits, coat types, and grooming needs to suit different lifestyles.
Before bringing one home, take time to consider their grooming needs, activity levels, and personality. The right dog is not just about how much hair they leave behind. It’s about finding a companion whose needs fit comfortably into your everyday life.
