Dogs That Don’t Shed: The Truth About Low-Shedding Breeds

Many people search for dogs that don’t shed because they want a cleaner home, less hair on the furniture, or a better chance at avoiding allergy symptoms. But here’s the truth: a dog that doesn’t shed much isn’t the same as a hypoallergenic dog. In this article, we’ll go over what shedding actually means, what to expect from non-shedding dogs, and a list of popular breeds that tend to shed less than others.

What Does "Non-Shedding" Really Mean?

All dogs shed to some degree — it’s a natural process where old or damaged hairs fall out to make room for new growth. However, some breeds shed so minimally that it’s barely noticeable. These are often referred to as "non-shedding" or "low-shedding" breeds.

Important: Just because a dog doesn’t shed doesn’t mean it’s allergy-friendly. Dog allergies are triggered by dander (tiny skin flakes), saliva, and urine — not hair itself. So while a low-shedding dog may release less dander into the environment, it can still trigger allergies.

Pros of Low-Shedding Dogs

• Less hair on furniture, floors, and clothes
• Fewer vacuuming and cleaning chores
• Less noticeable seasonal shedding
• Often better tolerated by allergy sufferers (but not always)

Cons of Low-Shedding Dogs

• Most require frequent grooming and professional trimming
• Matting can occur if not brushed regularly
• Still produce dander and can trigger allergies
• Not necessarily easier to care for — just different

Popular Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much

Here are 15 dog breeds that are widely recognized for minimal shedding:

1. Poodle (Toy, Miniature, and Standard) – Curly coat, intelligent, and originally bred as a water retriever. Requires regular grooming. Can be prone to skin issues if neglected.
2. Bichon Frisé – Small, joyful, with a dense undercoat and powder-puff appearance. Needs regular brushing and trimming.
3. Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, Giant) – Wiry coat that hardly sheds, but requires stripping or trimming.
4. Portuguese Water Dog – Originally bred for water work. Curly and water-resistant coat. Energetic and great for active families.
5. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier – Silky, single-layer coat. Friendly and energetic. Needs regular grooming.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo – Italian truffle-hunting breed with a woolly, dense coat. Great for active homes.
7. Yorkshire Terrier – Long, silky hair instead of fur. Doesn’t shed much, but needs daily brushing.
8. Shih Tzu – Small and sturdy with long, flowing hair. Requires frequent grooming, especially around the face.
9. Maltese – Compact lapdog with long white coat. Gentle and affectionate. Daily grooming needed.
10. Kerry Blue Terrier – Unique blue-gray coat, very low-shedding, but high grooming needs.
11. Basenji – Short, fine coat. Doesn’t bark and barely sheds. Independent personality.
12. Afghan Hound – Elegant and dignified. Silky hair with minimal shedding, but daily grooming is essential.
13. Chinese Crested – Hairless variety sheds very little. Even the powderpuff version is low-shedding. Needs skincare more than haircare.
14. Lhasa Apso – Hardy and confident. Long, heavy coat that doesn't shed much, but mats easily.
15. Scottish Terrier – Wiry coat with low shedding. Independent and bold temperament.

So, Should You Get a Dog That Doesn’t Shed?

If you’re looking to reduce the amount of hair in your home, a low-shedding breed might be a great choice. But make sure you’re ready for the grooming commitment — many of these breeds need more hands-on care than a typical shedding dog.

And again: if you have allergies, it’s important to spend time around the breed first. Shedding and allergen levels vary from dog to dog, even within the same breed.

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge About Low-Shedding Dogs