Sharing life with a dog shouldn’t mean constant lint-rolling. If you adore canine companionship but cringe at fur-covered sofas and outfits, low-shedding companions offer a cleaner, calmer alternative. While shedding is normal for most dogs, some breeds release far less hair into your home.
Despite the popular phrase “non-shedding,” no dog is truly hair-free. Low-shedding simply means less cleanup and fewer stray hairs floating around. These low-shedding breeds can be ideal for busy owners who want a tidier living space without giving up dog ownership.
However, low shedding doesn’t mean low care. These low-maintenance dogs often need regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting, which can cause skin issues and discomfort. Whether you’re choosing your first pup or expanding your pack, informed care makes all the difference.
Top Low-Shedding Dog Breeds For Easy Cleaning
Low-maintenance dogs keep the love high and the cleanup low.
1. Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, with a history tracing back thousands of years to the Mediterranean island of Malta, as per PetMD. Cherished by Greek philosophers and Roman aristocrats, this elegant little dog symbolized status, beauty, and loyalty across civilizations.
Small Size, Big Personality
Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese dogs are lively, affectionate, and surprisingly fearless. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on companionship, often preferring to stay close to their favorite humans.
Smart, Sensitive, and Eager to Learn
Maltese are smart dogs that respond well to positive, reward-based training. Short, engaging sessions work best, as they can be stubborn if bored or overwhelmed. With consistent guidance, they excel at learning tricks, basic obedience, and even agility activities suited to their size.
Why the Maltese Is a Low-Shedding Favorite
Hair grows continuously instead of shedding heavily
Minimal loose fur on furniture and clothing
Ideal for tidy homes and apartment living
Shedding is easier to manage with regular brushing
The coat can be trimmed short for even easier cleaning
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in 19th-century England, where Scottish weavers brought small terriers to Yorkshire and Lancashire, as per PDSA. Originally bred to hunt rats in mills and mines, the breed later captured Victorian society’s attention and was refined into a fashionable companion.
A Big Attitude in a Small Frame
Yorkies may be small dogs, but their personalities are anything but. Bold, energetic, and affectionate, they love attention and thrive as devoted canine companions. While they enjoy lap time, their terrier instincts make them alert watchdogs with a feisty streak, best suited for gentle older children and attentive owners.
Bright Minds That Need Gentle Guidance
Highly intelligent yet sometimes stubborn, Yorkshire Terriers respond best to positive reinforcement and consistency. Short, engaging training sessions help curb barking and stubborn habits. With proper stimulation and daily walks, they excel in obedience, agility, and apartment-friendly lifestyles.
Why the Yorkshire Terrier Is a Low-Shedding Standout
Hair-like coat sheds very little compared to fur
Minimal loose hair on floors, furniture, and clothes
The coat can be clipped short for easy maintenance
Ideal for clean indoor and apartment living
Frequent grooming controls tangles without heavy cleanup
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu traces its roots to ancient Tibet, where it was bred exclusively as a companion and palace watchdog. Gifted to Chinese royalty, the breed was refined into the charming “lion dog” adored for its beauty and devotion, as per WebMD.
Cheerful, Social, and People-Focused
Shih Tzus are known for their happy, outgoing personalities and strong desire to be involved in daily life. They thrive on human attention, get along well with children and other pets, and rarely show aggression.
Willing Learners with Moderate Energy
Alert and eager to please, Shih Tzus respond wonderfully to positive, reward-based training. They enjoy short walks, playtime, and puzzle toys rather than intense exercise. Consistent routines and early socialization help prevent boredom-related behaviors like barking or stubbornness.
Why the Shih Tzu Works for Easy-Clean Homes
Hair sheds moderately, but is easy to manage with brushing
The coat can be clipped short for low-maintenance care
Minimal loose fur when groomed regularly
Well-suited for apartments and indoor living
Grooming controls shedding better than frequent vacuuming
4. Basenji
The Basenji is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, originating in Africa thousands of years ago. Revered by ancient Egyptians and later prized by African tribes, this agile hound was valued for its hunting skills, speed, and sharp senses.
Quiet, Curious, and Catlike
Often called the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is intelligent, independent, and famously fastidious. Instead of barking, they communicate with unique yodel-like sounds and expressive body language. While affectionate with family, they can be aloof with strangers and prefer calm, respectful interactions.
Smart but Selectively Obedient
Basenjis learn quickly but think for themselves, making training both rewarding and challenging. Positive reinforcement and short, engaging sessions work best to keep their attention. Daily exercise and mental stimulation are essential to prevent boredom-driven mischief.
Why the Basenji Is a Low-Shedding, Easy-Clean Choice
Extremely short coat with minimal shedding
Self-grooming habits are similar to those of a cat
Little dog odor compared to many breeds
Rarely needs professional grooming
Less loose hair on floors, furniture, and clothing
5. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient breed with roots stretching back over 5000 years to Aztec civilization, as per the AKC. Revered as a spiritual protector and guide to the afterlife, this breed was deeply woven into Mexican culture and history.
Calm Devotion with a Watchful Eye
Naturally alert yet composed, the Xoloitzcuintli forms strong bonds with its family and thrives on close companionship. While affectionate and emotionally attuned to its people, the breed is cautious around strangers, making it an excellent watchdog.
Intelligent, Sensitive, and Routine-Loving
Xolos are smart and responsive when trained using positive, gentle methods. They do best with consistency, clear boundaries, and daily exercise to stay balanced and content. Early and ongoing socialization helps prevent shyness and ensures this primitive breed grows into a confident companion.
Why the Xoloitzcuintli Excels at Easy Cleaning
Hairless variety sheds virtually no hair
The coated variety has a short, low-shedding coat
Minimal brushing compared to many breeds
Little dog odor when skin care is maintained
Ideal for tidy homes and allergy-conscious owners
6. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is an ancient toy breed with mysterious origins, often linked to hairless dogs traded by sailors across the world. Once known as the “Chinese Ship Dog,” it helped control vermin aboard ships and spread across continents.
Playful Hearts and People-Loving Souls
Happy-go-lucky and affectionate, the Chinese Crested thrives on human attention and emotional connection. Highly sensitive, they respond best to gentle handling and a calm, encouraging household environment.
Smart, Trainable, and Easygoing
Chinese Cresteds are intelligent and eager to please, making training enjoyable with positive reinforcement. Their exercise needs are modest, requiring short walks and playful interaction. Mental stimulation through tricks and games keeps them content and well-behaved.
Why the Chinese Crested Is Ideal for Easy Cleaning
Hairless variety sheds virtually no hair
Powder Puff variety sheds minimally with regular brushing
Little to no doggy odor, especially in hairless breeds
Minimal vacuuming compared to many breeds
Excellent choice for tidy homes and allergy-aware owners
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise traces its origins to the Mediterranean, where it descended from water spaniels and traveled with sailors across Europe, as per Britannica. Favored by French royalty for centuries, this cheerful little dog later found fame as a performer and companion.
Sunshine Personality in a Small Package
Bichons are famously happy, affectionate, and friendly small dogs with everyone they meet. They adore attention, thrive on companionship, and get along beautifully with children and other pets. Playful yet gentle, they’re just as content enjoying a game as they are curling up for cuddles.
Eager Learners with Moderate Energy
Smart and eager to please, Bichon Frises respond well to positive training methods. They need only moderate daily exercise, such as short walks or indoor play. Consistency helps with house training, their most common behavioral challenge.
Why the Bichon Frise Is Great for Low-Shedding Homes
Curly coat sheds very little
Loose hairs stay trapped instead of spreading
Minimal fur on furniture and clothing
Regular grooming keeps shedding under control
Excellent family dog for clean, allergy-aware households
Conclusion
Choosing a low-shedding dog can make life at home much cleaner and more manageable without sacrificing companionship or affection. These cleanest dog breeds offer the perfect balance of personality, intelligence, and playfulness while keeping hair-related chores to a minimum. With the right grooming routine, their coats stay healthy and beautiful.
Many of these active dogs are affectionate, loyal, and eager to bond with their families. They thrive with attention, moderate exercise, and mental stimulation, making them ideal companions for homes of all sizes. Investing time in training and care ensures a happy, well-adjusted pet that fits seamlessly into daily life.
If you’re looking for a pet that brings joy without constant fur cleanup, a low-shedding dog could be the perfect match. With consistent grooming, exercise, and love, these hypoallergenic dogs adapt well to your lifestyle. Open your home to one of these tidy, loving companions and enjoy the best of both worlds.
