Do you love dogs but hate constantly finding hair on your clothes and furniture?
Many families face this daily struggle, especially when allergy sufferers are involved and need to manage dog allergies carefully.
According to the American Kennel Club, no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, meaning even dogs that shed less can still produce proteins that trigger allergic reactions. However, choosing low-shedding dogs can significantly reduce exposure to these allergens and make life at home much more comfortable.
The American Lung Association explains that pet dander — tiny proteins in skin and saliva — can linger in the air and on furniture, spreading allergens throughout the house.
While hair itself isn’t the main cause of allergies, less shedding usually means less dander circulating, helping allergy sufferers enjoy their pets safely. That’s why many pet parents look for wonderful dog breeds that shed very little.
In this guide, we’ll explore nine breeds that are gentle companions and shed little, so you can enjoy all the love without the mess.
Wonderful Dog Breeds That Shed Very Little
1. Basenji
Ever wondered if a dog can be both sleek and low‑maintenance?
The Basenji might be just what you’re looking for. This small, graceful dog has a short, fine coat that sheds very little, making it easier to keep your home free of loose dog hair and mess from shedding dogs.
Basenjis are one of the dogs with minimal grooming needs and are considered low-shedding dog breeds that are great choices for owners who want a tidier home. Originally from Central Africa, Basenjis were bred as hunting dogs with lean, athletic bodies and alert expressions.
They’re often called the “barkless dog” because of their unique yodel‑like sounds, rather than typical barking. Basenjis are intelligent and independent, so early training helps them become good family dogs.
Key Features
Minimal shedding and low grooming needs make them ideal for indoor living.
Energetic, intelligent, and independent, yet loyal to their families.
Self-grooming habits keep their short coat clean and tangle-free.
Fun Fact
Basenjis are among the oldest known dog breeds, with ancestors seen in African art and carvings thousands of years ago!
Named by the locals of the Ituri rainforests, ‘Basenchi’ means ‘little bush thing.
2. Dachshund
Ever wondered how so much personality can fit into such a small dog?
The Dachshund proves that big charm often comes in small packages. This spirited companion is famous for its long body, short legs, and bright eyes — but it also stands out among dog breeds with a coat that usually sheds less noticeably than larger, heavy-shedding dogs.
According to PetMD, these dogs come in smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired varieties, and their short or moderate shedding makes them easier to manage compared with many long-haired breeds.
Despite not being a true hypoallergenic breed, the smooth-coated Dachshund’s short hair doesn’t tend to cling to clothes or furniture the way thick double coats do, helping you keep dog hair under control with basic care.
Regular brushing and occasional wipe-downs keep their coat healthy and shiny, while daily play and short walks help this medium-sized dog stay fit and happy.
Key Features:
Small size with a bold, curious personality.
Smooth coat sheds moderately and is easy to groom.
Great for families who want an active indoor companion.
Fun Fact
Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers — their name literally means “badger dog”!
Dachshunds were one of the first breeds used as mascot inspiration at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games — how cool is that?
3. Chihuahua
Have you ever met a dog that thinks it’s ten times bigger than it really is?
That’s the Chihuahua for you! This small dog is one of the most recognisable dog breeds, known for its big eyes, alert ears, and lively personality.
While no pups are truly hypoallergenic dog breeds, this dog sheds less than many larger breeds, especially the smooth‑coated variety, which can help reduce the amount of loose dog hair around your home.
According to the PDSA, their short coats are easy to maintain with simple, regular care and don’t require heavy grooming routines. Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living and make good companions for families, singles, or seniors.
A bit of regular brushing keeps their coat healthy and shiny, prevents minor health issues, and gives them gentle playtime or short walks, keeping them energized and happy. These little dogs form strong bonds with their humans and often follow them everywhere — like tiny, velcro‑style pals!
Key Features:
Tiny size with a big personality.
hort coat sheds moderately and is easy to care for.
Great for indoor living and small spaces.
Fun Fact
Chihuahuas are one of the oldest small dogs in the Americas, and their ancestors were cherished pets of ancient civilizations!
This breed gained extra fame after being featured in movies like Legally Blonde and Beverly Hills Chihuahua.
4. Shih Tzu
Ever wanted a small dog that feels like a warm, soft cuddler every time you pet it?
The Shih Tzu is just that kind of companion. Known for its long, flowing hair and friendly personality, this breed is a standout among dog breeds that shed very little — especially when you keep its coat trimmed or in a puppy cut.
Shih Tzus are gentle, happy dogs with silky hair that doesn’t shed much and makes them easier to live with in homes where shedding is a concern.
Is the Shih Tzu perfect for allergy sufferers?
While no dogs are truly hypoallergenic, the minimal shedding of a Shih Tzu’s coat means less loose hair and fewer stray strands around your furniture and clothes.
This breed will need regular grooming, like brushing and trims, to keep the long coat healthy and tangle‑free, but the effort pays off with fewer hairs dropping all over the house.
Key Features:
Long, low‑shedding hair with regular care.
Playful, affectionate companion for families.
Adapts well to apartment or house life.
Fun Fact
The name Shih Tzu means “lion dog” in Chinese, because these little pups were once prized as companions in royal courts!
Shih Tzus are often nicknamed ‘chrysanthemum-faced dogs’ because of the way their hair fans out around their face.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
Looking for a small dog that stays neat and doesn’t leave tufts of loose hair everywhere?
The Miniature Schnauzer could be your perfect match! This charming little terrier is known for its distinctive beard, curious expression, and a coat that sheds very little compared with many other breeds.
Miniature Schnauzers are among those low-shedding dog breeds whose wiry coats hold onto loose hair instead of letting it fall all over your home, making them easier to live with for people concerned about dog hair.
While no pups are truly hypoallergenic, the Miniature Schnauzer’s coat structure and reduced shedding can help limit the spread of dander around your house. This breed is often a good choice for many allergy sufferers, as the wiry topcoat traps loose hairs until grooming removes them, rather than letting them float around.
This energetic and intelligent companion loves to play, learn tricks, and stay active, so daily walks and mental games are a must. By brushing the dog regularly, their coat stays healthy and manageable without overwhelming shedding.
Key Features:
Wiry coat that sheds minimally and holds loose hairs.
Lively, affectionate, and trainable companion.
Ideal for families and allergy‑sensitive homes with proper grooming.
Fun Fact
Miniature Schnauzers were originally bred in Germany as ratters on farms — small but fearless guardians!Their original name was the ‘Wire-haired Pinscher.
6. Bichon Frise
Ever wished for a soft, curly‑coated dog that feels like a little cloud on legs?
The Bichon Frise is one of those lovable dog breeds that can make that dream come true. With its tight, curly hair, this breed sheds very little compared with many others, helping keep loose dog hair to a minimum in your home.
Bichon Frises are often listed as among the more hypoallergenic dogs, not because they are allergy‑free, but because their coat traps loose hair and dander rather than releasing it everywhere.
This breed’s coat, while beautiful and fluffy, needs daily brushing and occasional trims to stay healthy and prevent mats — especially if you choose to keep it longer rather than in a puppy cut. These grooming habits help keep your home tidier than with many long-haired breeds.
Key Features:
Tight, curly coat that sheds minimally.
Great companion for families or apartment life.
Brushing helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat soft.
Fun Fact
Bichon Frises were once popular circus dogs in Europe because they were smart, playful, and loved performing tricks!
The Bichon Frise appears in several works by the renowned Spanish painter Francisco de Goya.
7. Poodle
Ever wondered how a dog can be both elegant and low-mess?
The Poodle is a perfect example. Whether you choose a standard or miniature poodle, this breed stands out among dog breeds with a tightly curled coat that sheds very little. Poodles are often chosen by people looking for low-shedding breeds because their curly hair traps loose strands rather than spreading them around your home.
Poodles are considered hypoallergenic dogs by many pet parents, not because they are completely allergy‑free, but because their coat produces less visible hair and dander than many other breeds.
To keep their curly coat healthy, regular grooming — including brushing and professional trims — is recommended, but the effort pays off with fewer stray hairs around the house. These dogs are bright, eager to learn, and great with children. They adapt well to family life and can thrive in apartments or larger homes.
Key Features:
Curly coat that traps loose hair and sheds minimally.
Smart, trainable, and great with families.
Consistent grooming keeps the coat healthy and tangle‑free.
Fun Fact
Poodles were once used as water retrievers in France, and their distinctive haircuts originally helped them swim more efficiently!
A Poodle’s coat naturally insulates against water, and if allowed to grow freely, it will form cords.
8. Chinese Crested
Ever wished for a dog that stands out from the crowd and still stays neat at home?
The Chinese Crested is one of those special dog breeds with a unique look and a coat that sheds very little — perfect for people who want minimal dog hair around the house.
Chinese Cresteds are often recommended as breeds that allow allergy sufferers to consider dog ownership because they produce less dander and shed much less.
These dogs come in two varieties: the nearly hairless breed type, which has very little hair on most of its body, and the Powderpuff, which has a soft coat but still sheds far less than typical double‑coated breeds.
Both types are great dogs that don’t shed much and are perfect for pet parents who want a cleaner home with fewer loose hairs. Their size and playful, affectionate nature make them great for families, singles, or apartment living — though the hairless variety needs extra skin care like sunscreen and gentle cleaning.
Key Features:
Extremely low shedding — almost none for hairless Cresteds.
Affectionate and playful companion.
Ideal for homes where low hair and minimal shedding matter.
Fun Fact
Because of their low shedding and unusual look, Chinese Cresteds are often called “velcro dogs” — they love to stick close to their humans and be part of everything!
Chinese Crested dogs have appeared in several well-known movies and TV shows, including Krull from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Fluffy—Cruella DeVille’s dog in 102 Dalmatians—and Halston from the sitcom Ugly Betty.
9. Whippet
Ever wanted a dog that’s both smooth‑coated and easy to care for?
The Whippet is a medium‑sized, athletic breed with a short, sleek coat that sheds far less than many other breeds, making it a strong pick for families who want to keep dog hair under control.
Whippets don’t have a thick double coat, so they don’t release as much loose hair around your home, and a quick weekly brushing is usually all that’s needed to keep their coat looking healthy and clean.
These dogs are gentle and affectionate indoors, even though they’re fast runners and love to sprint in open spaces. Their calm temperament and low grooming demands help them fit well in homes with active families or owners who prefer quiet, low‑maintenance companions.
Whippets are also known for being easygoing with children and other pets when socialized properly and can adapt to both apartments and larger yards with ease.
Key Features:
Short, smooth coat that sheds minimally.
Medium energy: calm indoors but loves outdoor runs.
Low grooming needs with just occasional brushing.
Fun Fact
Whippets are often called the “poor man’s racehorse” because they look like small Greyhounds and can reach impressive running speeds!
Ashley Whippet, a talented Whippet, is known as the first flying disc dog. In 1974, he and his 19-year-old owner, Alex Stein, burst onto the Dodger Stadium field and performed a dazzling flying disc show that ignited a national obsession.
Conclusion
So, are you ready to welcome a devoted companion into your home without worrying about shedding a lot of mess or constant dog hair?
Choosing low-shedding breeds can make life easier for allergy sufferers and families alike. These hypoallergenic dog breeds still love to play, cuddle, and be part of every moment.
Do you want a dog that’s energetic, smart, or a true companion dog?
Perhaps a medium-sized dog or small dog fits your lifestyle best. With consistent grooming and brushing, and a little attention to coat health, your pup will stay happy and your home clean.
Even high-energy dogs like Whippets or clever Poodles can thrive with professional grooming and consistent care.
In the end, there really is no such thing as a completely non-shedding dog, but these low-shedding dogs’ hypoallergenic options can bring love, fun, and joy without constant mess.
Imagine the loyal companions waiting for you, ready to fill your home with happiness!
