Love dogs but hate the constant battle with fur? You’re not alone! These 24 low-shedding breeds might just be your ticket to a cleaner home and a furry best friend. Get ready to fall in love without falling into a pile of pet hair!
1. Poodle
Smart, stylish, and practically shed-free, Poodles are the total package. Their curly coats trap loose hair, making them a top choice for allergy sufferers. Plus, with their Einstein-level smarts, you’ll have a walking vacuum cleaner in no time! Available in standard, miniature, and toy sizes, there’s a Poodle for every lifestyle.
2. Portuguese Water Dog
Made famous by the Obamas, these friendly furballs are as low-shedding as they are high-energy. Perfect for active families who love the water but hate wet dog smell – their waterproof coat is a bonus! These dogs were originally bred to help fishermen, so they’re always up for an adventure.
3. Bichon Frise
These fluffy white pups look like they’d shed everywhere, but surprise! Their soft, cotton-like coat rarely drops a hair. They’re like living, breathing stuffed animals that don’t leave a mess. Bichons are known for their cheerful personality and make excellent companions for apartment dwellers.
4. Cesky terrier dog
The Cesky Terrier is a rare, elegant breed from the Czech Republic with a silky coat and friendly demeanor. Small but spirited, they are affectionate companions that adapt well to families. Their low-shedding coat requires regular grooming. Intelligent and trainable, Cesky Terriers bring charm and energy to any home.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
These pint-sized pooches have hair more like humans than dogs. They’ll need regular brushing to prevent tangles, but your floors will thank you for choosing a Yorkie. Despite their small size, Yorkies have big personalities and are always ready for a good lap snuggle.
6. Maltese
With silky white locks that would make a shampoo model jealous, Maltese dogs are surprisingly low-shedders. They’re perfect for those who want a glamorous pet without the hairy aftermath. These ancient breeds have been cherished companions for thousands of years.
7. Half Pug
The Half Pug, a mix between a Pug and another breed, combines the Pug’s affectionate nature with diverse traits from its other parent. Notably, some Half Pugs may inherit a coat that sheds minimally or is considered non-shedding, making them easier to maintain. They are playful and loving companions, adapting well to various living situations. Their grooming needs are generally low, depending on their unique coat characteristics.
8. Afghan Hound
With their long, silky coats, you’d think Afghans would shed like crazy. Nope! They’re surprisingly low-shedders, though they do require plenty of grooming to keep that runway-ready look. These elegant dogs have a regal presence and a gentle demeanor.
9. Chinese Crested
Source: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/chinese-crested
Talk about low-shedding – some Chinese Cresteds barely have any hair at all! The “Powderpuff” variety has soft, silky fur that hardly sheds, while the “Hairless” type is, well, hairless except for a fabulous mohawk and leg warmers. These unique dogs are sure to turn heads wherever they go.
10. Basenji
Known as the “barkless dog,” Basenjis are also practically shed-less. Their short, fine coat is low-maintenance and perfect for those who want a quiet, clean home. These ancient African breeds are known for their cat-like grooming habits and independent nature.
11. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
With a coat as soft as their temperament, these Irish sweethearts shed very little. Their wavy, wheat-colored fur needs regular grooming but won’t cover your couch in hair. Wheatens are known for their joyful “Wheaten greetin'” when welcoming their humans home.
12. Xoloitzcuintli
Source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/xoloitzcuintli/
Pronounced “show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee” (try saying that five times fast!), these ancient Mexican dogs come in both coated and hairless varieties. Either way, you won’t be dealing with tumbleweeds of dog hair. Xolos have been cherished companions for over 3,000 years!
13. Komondor
Looking like a giant, animated mop, Komondors have a corded coat that doesn’t shed in the traditional sense. Be prepared for some serious grooming time, though! These Hungarian sheepdogs are fiercely protective and make excellent guard dogs.
14. Havanese
These cheerful little dogs have a silky, non-shedding coat that can be kept long or clipped short. They’re like walking dust mops, but in the best possible way. Havanese are known for their playful antics and make great family pets.
15. Lagotto Romagnolo
These curly-coated Italian water dogs are known for their truffle-hunting skills and their low-shedding ways. They’re like Poodles with a dash of rustic charm. Their keen sense of smell makes them excellent working dogs, but they’re just as happy being loving family companions.
16. Irish Setter
Source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/irish-setter/
With their distinctive topknot and beard, these water-loving goofballs look like they’d shed everywhere. Surprise! Their dense, curly coat hardly sheds at all. These energetic dogs excel in water sports and make great partners for active owners.
17. Bedlington Terrier
Often mistaken for lambs, these unique-looking terriers have a wooly, low-shedding coat. They’re perfect for those who want a dog that turns heads without turning their home into a fur factory. Despite their gentle appearance, Bedlingtons have a feisty terrier spirit.
18. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a spirited and intelligent breed with a distinctive wiry coat that sheds minimally. Known for its charming beard and eyebrows, this breed requires regular grooming to maintain its distinctive appearance and prevent matting. Despite its low shedding, consistent brushing is needed to keep the coat in good condition. Their friendly and alert nature makes them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
19. Bolognese
Not to be confused with the pasta sauce, these little Italian fluffballs have a cotton-like coat that rarely sheds. They’re like living, breathing cotton balls with a penchant for cuddles. Bolognese dogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature.
20. Coton de Tulear
Source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/coton-de-tulear/
Hailing from Madagascar, these little cotton puffs were once the favored pets of royalty. Their soft, fluffy coat hardly sheds, making them fit for modern-day kings and queens of clean homes. Cotons are known for their clownish antics and love of attention.
21. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/peruvian-inca-orchid/
Another breed that comes in both hairless and coated varieties, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is perfect for those who want a truly low-shedding dog. The hairless variety might need sunscreen, though! These ancient dogs are loyal and affectionate with their families.
22. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a majestic and gentle giant with a rough, wiry coat that sheds moderately. While their shedding is not excessive, regular brushing is necessary to manage loose hair and prevent mats. Despite their large size, they are known for their calm and affectionate demeanor, making them excellent family pets. Their grooming needs are relatively straightforward compared to some other large breeds, emphasizing their manageable shedding and care.
23. Barbet
These shaggy French water dogs have a dense, curly coat that hardly sheds. They’re like big, cuddly teddy bears that won’t leave fur all over your favorite armchair. Barbets are known for their friendly nature and love of water activities.
24. Lhasa Apso
Once guard dogs in Tibetan monasteries, these long-haired little lions are surprisingly low-shedders. Their flowing locks need regular care, but they won’t leave a hairy trail wherever they go. Lhasa Apsos are known for their regal attitude and devoted companionship.
A Clean Home and a Furry Friend? It’s Possible!
Remember, while these breeds are considered low-shedding, no dog is completely hypoallergenic or totally shed-free. Regular grooming is key to keeping any dog’s coat healthy and minimizing loose hair. But with these furry (or not-so-furry) friends, you can enjoy all the love and companionship of a dog without turning your home into a fur-covered disaster zone.