The 10 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

---

Like many other dog owners, we also hate the mess that comes with our beloved dogs. Some dog breeds seem like an endless source of loose hair. It looks like there is hair everywhere; floors, sofas, bed (even if your dog isn’t allowed on the bed), clothes, closets, and even underneath the fridge.

If you hate vacuuming every day of the week, but you still want to have a dog, the answer is - low-shedding dog breeds.

Not only do these breeds barely leave hair behind them, but they are also suitable for people allergic to dog hair. Because dog hair is one of the most potent allergens, people allergic to dog hair can’t stand being around dogs without sneezing or an itchy throat. The good thing is that dogs that barely shed don’t produce so many allergens; therefore, they are great for people suffering from allergies.

Why do dogs shed?

Every dog breed sheds to some degree, and anyone claiming that there are non-shedding dog breeds is misleading you. Dogs can shed for several reasons, and mostly it is because shedding is a breed trait. Twice a year, most dog breeds completely blow their coat. That is called “seasonal shedding,” and it happens in spring and fall.

Dogs with a double coat are usually pretty heavy shedders, and double-coated breeds include breeds like Australian Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, Pomeranian, Golden Retriever, and most mountain dogs, etc. They blow their whole undercoat, and during that time, it seems like it is nearly impossible to control the amount of hair they leave behind them.

Overshedding can be a sign of stress or health issues. If your dog is losing too much hair or you start noticing bald spots on their body, it might be time to visit your vet. Dogs can also lose hair if they are malnourished or neglected. They will be overly stressed, and they will start losing hair, regardless of the season.

Shedding is a part of living with a dog, and if you are not interested in vacuuming - think about getting a low-shedding dog breed.

We prepared a list of our 10 favorite low-shedding breeds.

1. Maltese 

If you are a fan of adorable, small dogs that are incredibly fluffy, then the Maltese will check all your boxes. These dogs are a part of an elite group of dogs that shed the least. They have beautiful white coats that are soft and fluffy. Owners usually trim their hair short, but in dog shows, the Maltese usually has a long straight coat with a lovely bun on top of their heads. Other than adorable looks, these dogs have wonderful characters that make them ideal for singles and families with or without kids.

2. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto, or Italian Water Dog, as it is sometimes called, is a popular family companion dog that is one of the “non-shedding” dog breeds. This breed is used for truffle hunting and detecting, and it is a job that these dogs had for more than a hundred years. These dogs have a curled double coat that is so tightly curled that loose hair needs to be brushed out. They barely shed and make great house pets for people allergic to dog hair.

3. Basenji 

This is an African dog breed that was used for hunting in the Saharan region for thousands of years. This low-shedding breed is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They are known for their cat-like behavior and self-cleaning. They are obsessive about their hygiene, and if you ever encounter one in their home, you will most likely catch them cleaning themselves. Not only do they barely shed, but they also clean after themselves. How is that for a non-shedding dog breed?

4. Yorkshire Terrier

The famous Yorkie is known for being a low-shedding breed that has almost human-like hair. Their beautiful coat needs proper grooming to look its best and if you are thinking of getting a Yorkie, make sure you are prepared for that. This low shedding breed is also one of the best possible family pets. They are not as alert and active as other Terriers and prefer having constant company. You will need to be careful with your dog around kids because kids often don’t understand how fragile such a small dog is.

5. Poodle

The Poodle is one of the most intelligent and most popular family pets out there. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, and their curly coat keeps the loose hair in their coat until you brush it out. Poodles also come in 4 different size varieties - Toy, Miniature, Medium, and Standard, according to the FCI. However, the US cynology body recognizes only three sizes - Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Whatever the size of your Poodle, you can be sure you will have an enthusiastic, low-shedding pet that will be happy to follow you on all your adventures.

6. Scottish Terrier

The adorable Scottish Terrier is yet another Terrier that barely sheds. These dogs have a beautiful black coat that grows pretty fast. You might have to groom your dog regularly, but at least you won’t have to worry about shedding. These dogs are Terriers, and as such, they are curious, brave, alert, and energetic. Terriers are described as having a “zest” for life, and if you were lucky enough to spend time with one, you surely noticed how fun it is to be around them. They love being entertained, and they love entertaining others.

7. Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog is famous for being a hairless breed. However, these dogs can be hairless and have a full coat on them. The fully coated Chinese Crested is called Powderpuff. Chinese sailors used these lovely companions for hundreds of years as vermin control on the boats. These days, they prefer playing the role of a reasonably active family companion that spends their time hunting for a soft cushion or bed where they can have a nap. Both varieties of the breed shed very little and make great companions to people with allergies.

8. Bedlington Terrier

This is a dog breed that has incredibly soft and cotton-like fur. These dogs are often described as lamb-like because of their bodies and their distinctly-shaped heads. No matter how you describe them, they make excellent pets for semi-active families and singles. These lovely dogs barely shed, and if you brush them regularly, you will notice that they don’t leave any hair behind them. They will need a professional grooming session every couple of months.

9. Schnauzer

This is another popular low-shedding dog breed that makes a great family companion. Schnauzers come in three size varieties the Miniature, Standard, and Giant. All varieties have a distinct mustache, beards, and barely shedding coats. They also have different characters, which is a bit curious since they are all a part of the same breed. Miniature and Standard Schnauzers are more playful while the Giant is alert and can be quite protective. A lot of dog owners don’t know that Schnauzers are a part of the Terrier family.

10. Shih Tzu

Quite possibly, the most popular low-shedding breed in the world is the adorable little Shih Tzu. They can sport a short, trimmed coat or a long, elegant coat that is praised in dog shows. Whatever you decide to go for, these dogs will not leave a mess behind them. Their low-shedding coat makes them great for indoor living, and their characters make them easily adjustable to any type of living conditions. The Shih Tzu is also considered a hypoallergenic dog.

World Dog Finder team