Best Low Shedding Dogs: Breeds for Less Fur and Fewer Allergens
If you love dogs but dread finding fur on your clothes or worry about allergies, you're not alone. Many people search for low-shedding or so-called hypoallergenic breeds to minimize hair around the house and reduce allergy triggers. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic (since all produce some dander, saliva, and urine allergens), certain breeds shed far less than others—making life easier for allergy-sensitive households or those who just want a tidier home.
Popular Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
Let’s dive into some of the most popular and beloved low-shedding breeds. Each has its own personality and grooming needs, so you’ll want to match your lifestyle with the right canine companion.
- Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard): All sizes of Poodle are famous for their curly coats that trap loose hair. They're smart and trainable but need regular grooming to avoid matting.
- Bichon Frise: This cheerful little dog has hair that grows continuously rather than sheds. Daily brushing keeps them looking fluffy and prevents tangles.
- Maltese: With a silky coat similar to human hair, Maltese shed very little. They do need frequent brushing to keep their long locks tangle-free.
- Schnauzers (Miniature, Standard, Giant): Their wiry double coats shed minimally. To maintain their signature look, routine brushing and hand-stripping or clipping is required.
- Portuguese Water Dog: Originally bred for working in water, these athletic dogs have dense curly coats with very low shedding. Regular grooming keeps them comfortable.
- Lagotto Romagnolo: Known for a woolly coat that rarely sheds, Lagottos are energetic and benefit from both mental stimulation and regular coat care.
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Friendly and adaptable with a wavy coat that sheds little—just be ready for regular brushing sessions.
- Irish Water Spaniel: Large and energetic with curly coats that rarely shed; they do need frequent grooming to stay healthy.
- Lhasa Apso: Loyal and intelligent with a dense long coat that sheds very little if properly maintained through daily or weekly brushing.
- Coton de Tulear: This playful breed boasts a cottony white coat that needs care but sheds minimally when groomed regularly.
- Kerry Blue Terrier: Sporting a striking blue-gray wavy coat, these terriers are loyal companions who require consistent grooming but little vacuuming!
- Yorkshire Terrier: Their long silky hair hardly sheds at all—though it does require either daily brushing or a short "puppy cut" for easy maintenance.
- Bolognese: A member of the Bichon family with a fluffy white coat that needs daily attention but won’t leave much fur behind.
- Cairn Terrier & Scottish Terrier: Both feature wiry double coats that minimize shedding; expect some regular brushing and professional grooming for best results.
- Chinese Crested & American Hairless Terrier: These mostly hairless breeds are ideal for those wanting almost no shedding at all—though skin care becomes important instead of fur care!
Lesser-Known Low-Shedding Breeds
- Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless): Comes in both coated and hairless varieties; the hairless type has minimal shedding but requires skin protection from sun exposure.
- Bolognese & Brussels Griffon (rough-coated): Both are small in size with coats requiring daily attention but offering minimal loose fur in return.
- Bergamasco & Afghan Hound: These unique long-haired breeds have special coat structures that can work well for dedicated owners willing to invest time in grooming rather than cleaning up fur balls everywhere!
A Few More Worth Mentioning
- West Highland White Terrier (Westie): Sturdy small dogs with hard double coats—they need combing and monthly trims but don’t shed much day-to-day.
- Shih Tzu: Another great choice if you’re after minimal shedding; just keep up with daily brushing or opt for an easy-care trim.
- Basenji: Famous as the “barkless” dog, Basenjis have short fine coats needing little more than occasional brushing—and they hardly shed at all!
Caring for Low-Shedding Dogs
You might think less shedding means less work—but many low-shedding breeds actually require
- Regular Brushing & Grooming: Most low-shedding dogs need frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Some require professional trims every few weeks or months.
- Bathing & Skin Care: Even hairless breeds need routine baths to keep their skin healthy—and sun protection if they lack fur coverage!
- Allergy Management: Spend time around your chosen breed before adopting—everyone’s sensitivity is different. Use air filters at home and set up pet-free zones if needed.
The Bottom Line on Low-Shedding Dogs
Selecting a low-shedding breed isn’t just about reducing vacuuming—it’s about finding a companion whose size, temperament, activity level, and grooming needs fit your household. Every dog deserves attention, training, exercise, veterinary care—and yes—a bit of pampering at the groomer now and then!
