Almost all dogs shed, an exception to the rule being a few hairless dog breeds. You can always go for ‘hypoallergenic’ dog breeds having single coats, in case you are allergic to dog hair. These dog breeds do not shed as much as the double coated breeds. Mixed breeds like the Labradoodle, which is a mix of Labrador and Poodle, are also known to be easy to groom dogs which don’t shed too much. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the popular low shed dog breed list in this guide.
Before we consider 15 top dog breeds that don’t shed too much, let us consider a few important points if you are allergic to dog hair:
- People allergic to dog hair might also be allergic to dog dander and/or dog saliva. In such cases, they might still suffer from allergic reactions despite purchasing a breed that does not shed much or sheds little. Many people are even known to have different allergic reactions to different dog breeds.
- While single coated dog breeds shed far less than the double coated ones, they still lose hair and produce dander.
- Crossbreeds like Labradoodle usually shed less but sometimes, genes can intervene and you could still have a mixed, designer breed that tends to shed a bundle.
Large, Medium and Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much
1. Bichon Frisse
This affectionate dog breed barely sheds and is one that vets recommend for people with allergies. However, since they do not shed, their coat is prone to smelling, matting and dullness. So it is necessary to take them for professional grooming every once in a while.
2. Chinese Crested
This dog has very little fur-only on the head and around the paws. It is still considered as a hairless dog breed which is also very sweet and lovable. However, since it does not have fur you must protect it from extreme heat and cold.
3. Poodle
Poodles have been wrongly considered as a frou frou breed but in fact they barely shed and have a thick, dense coat suitable for cold conditions. This hunting breed is also considered one of the best breeds for seniors and retirees. The fancy fur cuffs you often see on their paws helps protect their joints from cold water where they are required to dive in for retrieving fowl. This traditional style of grooming is, of course, optional.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
The good natured Portuguese water dog don’t shed too much and is rather easy to please. However, you need to spend time, money and energy on them! They have a single coat, so they make ideal pets for people with allergies. President Obama’s pet, Bo, is a Portuguese water dog (PWD) since Malia Obama is known to be allergic to dog hair. PWDs have a lot of energy and you must spend time in training this big bundle or love and fun well.
5. Greyhounds
Many vets and dog forums recommend greyhounds for allergic people. This breed is an excellent self groomer, almost to the point of being vain. It is said that Greyhounds are like cats when it comes to keeping themselves clean! Their short, light coat does not shed too much and require little to no maintenance. However, this breed has notoriously bad teeth which require daily cleaning.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
It is said that the Miniature Schnauzer is a non shedding dog breed. However, this statement isn’t entirely true. Schnauzers shed but just not as much as most other dog breeds. Miniature Schnauzer owners will definitely not find dog hair all over their clothing. All in all, this is a great dog breed, both to look at and to be with. Former Senator Bob Dole owned a Mini Schnauzer named Leader. He took this pooch everywhere and the press loved him. After he died in 1999, Dole and his wife stayed loyal to this breed and adopted another Mini. They named him Leader II.
7. Shih Tzu
Adolescent Shih Tzu’s shed quite a bit as their puppy coat sheds and develops into adult coat. At this stage, your pet will need a lot of grooming and maintenance. Brush and comb your puppy daily so as to prevent matting. Adult dogs won’t need too much grooming. Shih Tzu is a hypoallergenic dog breed as well.
Get information about the adorable Shih Poo (a mix of Shih Tzu and Poodle) here.
8. Chihuahuas
If you are looking for small dog breeds that don’t shed or bark, then the Chihuahua is a good match for you. They do not have too much hair in the first place to shed and a daily vigorous brushing is enough to dislodge dead hair and prevent matting.
9. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher has a medium short coat that requires low grooming needs. They hardly shed and are intelligent, fiercely loyal, friendly, protective and independent minded.
10. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington terrier is gifted with a thick, curly, wooly coat that sheds little and doesn’t have too much of that ‘doggy smell’. However, this breed does require a special haircut every once in a while which is complicated to do it yourself and expensive to get done professionally.
11. Brussels Griffon
Brussle Griffons come in two varieties as far as their coat’s texture is concerned-rough and smooth. The rough coated Griffons need weekly brushing and combing to remove dead hair. On the other hand, the smooth coated variety needs very little grooming and once a month bathing to remove odor. It is recommended not to clip the rough Griffon’s hair as it alters the hair structure and leads to more stripping.
12. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
In the list of low shed dog breed entries, the Dandie Dinmont breed is popular. They have a dense, harsh top coat with soft fur like undercoat. However, this breed does need professional grooming at least once a year.
13. Irish Water Spaniel
This breed is highly popular among allergenic people. They do not have an undercoat and hence is a low shed dog breed that does not discard dead hair and dander. In fact, the Irish Water Spaniel is said to have almost human like hair which can be groomed and maintained once every few months.
14. West Highland White Terrier
This is not hypoallergenic breed but on the bright side, they shed little than most dog breeds. However, you need to groom this breed from time to time to prevent matting of hair.
15. Yorkshire Terrier
This is one of the most attractive low shed small breeds. Unlike most other dog breeds, they do not even shed much in spring and fall. Daily round of brushing will keep away dead hair, stimulate the skin and also distribute natural oils in the coat.
