Dogs bring so much love, laughter, and joy into a home. But along with all those good feelings comes a fair amount of pet dander, which can be a real headache for tidy owners or anyone prone to allergies.
The good news is that some low-shedding, hypoallergenic breeds can be a great fit for allergy-friendly homes, since these dogs don’t shed nearly as much as others.
It’s worth pointing out that “hypoallergenic” and “non-shedding” aren’t quite the same thing. Non-shedding dogs simply lose less hair, while hypoallergenic breeds produce fewer allergens overall. And allergens don’t just come from fur; they can also come from dander, saliva, skin, and urine.
That said, low-shedding dogs do tend to release fewer allergens into your home. Just keep in mind that no breed is ever 100% non-shedding or completely hypoallergenic.
Here are 7 of the best dog breeds that don’t shed much.
Best Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Loved for their floor-length silky coat, Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to chase rodents. Today, they make loving companions and the ultimate lap dogs. Despite their small size, Yorkies think of themselves as much larger dogs.
Yorkshire Terriers have a signature steel blue and a rich golden tan coat. Their fur is quite similar to human hair and should be treated accordingly, explains the American Kennel Club. Daily brushing is needed to prevent mats and tangles.
Cherry on top, their eye-catching coats shed minimally and are hypoallergenic. That is why Yorkies are a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Yorkshire Terriers are highly affectionate dogs that get along nicely with family and strangers alike. Yorkies are very intelligent dogs, but not always easy to train, as they can be a bit willful. They respond best to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
2. Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles are smart, gentle, and playful dogs. Thanks to their adaptable nature, they make wonderful family dogs. Miniature Poodles are versatile dogs who can thrive in a multitude of settings, including smaller spaces.
They are popular among dog lovers due to their hypoallergenic coat that sheds very little. Their curly coat produces very little doggy odor and is prone to matting. Therefore, it should be brushed regularly to stay in top-notch condition.
No matter how long you keep their curls, make sure to take your Mini Poodles for professional grooming every four to six weeks, recommends PetMD. They are the brainiacs of the dogdom and can easily master basic commands.
Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs who need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. It makes them better suited for owners who can consistently provide them with opportunities to exercise.
3. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise are small and sturdy dogs with a distinctive fluffy coat and playful demeanor. These friendly and affectionate canines get along nicely with everyone and make loving family pets. Bichons form strong bonds with their humans and make ideal lapdogs.
Bichons are low-maintenance companions in terms of exercise. Only a few walks and indoor play sessions would suffice for them. However, their white double coat requires lots of grooming to keep looking beautiful.
The hypoallergenic coat, which sheds less, needs to be brushed two to three times a week. Bichon Frise makes an ideal pet for individuals looking for an allergen-free pet. Thanks to their small stature and adaptable nature, they make wonderful apartment dogs.
Bichons thrive on love and affection from their favorite humans. Bored or lonely dogs may exhibit destructive behaviors.
4. Havanese
Havanese are friendly, intelligent, and playful toy dogs, hailing from Cuba. They are loved for their affectionate personality, expressive eyes, and silky coat. Havanese were bred solely as companions.
While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, Havanese dogs shed minimally and produce fewer allergens compared to many other breeds. Their beautiful and shiny coat is naturally long and requires lots of grooming.
You can also cut your Havanese’s hair short for easier maintenance. Their hair can be straight or wavy and comes in a variety of colors, including white, fawn, gold, black, and many others.
Havanese bond closely with their humans and do not like being left alone for extended periods. Otherwise, they can develop separation anxiety. In terms of exercise, Havanese are low-maintenance pets.
5. Chinese Crested
These unique and sweet-natured dogs come in two distinct and glamorous coat varieties. The Hairless Chinese Cresteds do not have hair over most of their body, but have a mane of hair on their head and tufts of hair on their feet and tail.
The PowderPuff Chinese Cresteds have hair all over their bodies. Both varieties are born in the same litter, but PowderPuffs have an expression of a recessive allele. Chinese Cresteds are hypoallergenic and have a coat that rarely sheds.
These no-shed dogs have a bright and eager-to-please personality. They have moderate energy levels and enjoy playtime with their humans. Both Chinese Cresteds make loving housemates and are highly in tune with their owner’s emotions.
They do very well in a family setting but can be wary of strangers, mentions Omlet. Chinese Cresteds make wonderful therapy dogs.
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are loyal and playful companions who form strong bonds with their people. Originally bred to accompany royals, these ‘lion dogs’ have a luxurious double coat. The coat comprises a dense outer coat and a soft and woolly undercoat.
Shih Tzus are hypoallergenic and do not shed seasonally, making them ideal pets for allergy sufferers. Their coat needs some extra grooming time to stay free from mats and tangles. Shih Tzus are highly adaptable dogs.
They can adjust well with active owners as well as individuals with an active lifestyle. Having a sweet disposition, they thrive on love and attention from their favorite human. Their small stature, loyalty, and calm spirit make them a great choice for apartment dwellers.
Shih Tzus are smart dogs with an eager-to-please nature. They respond best to positive reinforcement-based training.
7. Coton de Tulear
Looking like little cotton balls, Coton de Tulears are adorable little dogs who bond firmly with their humans. One of the best companion dogs, they are often referred to as the ‘Royal Dog of Madagascar.’
Their cotton soft coat is hypoallergenic and sheds rarely. The coat is complemented by their dark, expressive eyes. Pet parents should brush their Coton de Tulear’s coat two to three times a week.
Otherwise, the long coat can become matted. You can also get your Coton a ‘puppy cut’ to have a somewhat manageable coat. Professional grooming from time to time helps maintain a healthy coat.
Cotons like to be surrounded by their humans and entertain them. They thrive on love and affection from their favorite human.
Conclusion
While some fluffy dog breeds shed the most, other poofy canines are low shedders. They usually have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens compared to other breeds. Having said that, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
Grooming needs of low-shedding dogs may vary. Many of them require plenty of regular grooming to look good and stay free from mats and tangles. Such canines make ideal pets for allergy sufferers and fastidious home owners.
Regardless of coat type, all dogs make loving and loyal companions. Lastly, lots of love and care are the key to having a happy and healthy dog.
