25 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds (With Pictures)
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
It’s disheartening for a dog lover to discover that they are allergic to dogs. If you have recently found yourself in that unfortunate position, you may think your dog-owning days are over. Well, don’t give up so fast.
Depending on the severity of your allergies, you could try adopting a low-shedding dog. Consult your doctor to discuss your threshold for allergens, and if your doctor gives you the green light to bring home a low-shedding dog, consider some of the breeds on the list below.
Top 25 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
1. Bichon Frise
| Height | 9.5–11.5 inches |
| Weight | 12–18 pounds |
| Lifespan | 14–15 years |
The amount of shedding that the Bichon Frise does is so negligible that it is practically non-existent. They have a curled double coat, which minimizes how much fur can be shed. This makes them excellent companions for people with dog allergies or those who simply don’t want to be bothered by the constant cleanup. However, their coat requires daily brushing to maintain.
Thankfully, the Bichon Frise thrives in family settings. They are adorable, curious, and friendly with a playful attitude. They are always eager to socialize with their families, and they interact well with young children and other dogs.
2. Poodle
| Height | 15+ inches |
| Weight | 60–70 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10–18 years |
You may think that since the Poodle has such long, pompous fur, the breed must shed constantly. Well, like the Bichon Frise, the Poodle hardly sheds because of the texture of their hair, which is curly and long.
Poodles require daily brushing to prevent their coat from matting. If brushing your dog daily doesn’t work for you, you can also keep your poodle’s fur trimmed short. To keep your dog’s fur trimmed short, you must trim it yourself or visit a professional groomer at least every 6 weeks.
3. Dachshund
| Height | 8–9 inches |
| Weight | 16–32 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years |
Dachshunds are a famous breed due to their squat appearance and spunky attitudes, and they have smooth coats that shed very little. The length of a Dachshund’s coat can vary between short and medium, which may impact how often they shed, but the differences tend to be minimal. Even better, Dachshunds don’t need to be brushed that often. Depending on the length and texture of your dog’s fur, you can either brush them monthly or a few times per month.
4. Standard Schnauzer
| Height | 18.5–19.5 inches |
| Weight | 35–50 pounds |
| Lifespan | 13–16 years |
The Standard Schnauzer is well-known for its profile: a square frame with bristly eyebrows and a prominent mustache. These courageous, spirited dogs shed infrequently, although they do need their coats to be stripped regularly. That means you will remove loose hairs with a specialized grooming tool, which can be pretty up close and personal. If being close to the dog could trigger your allergies, visiting a professional groomer may be in your best interest.
5. Portuguese Water Dog
| Height | 20–23 inches |
| Weight | 42–60 pounds |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years |
Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to support fishermen out on the water, making them remarkably athletic and biddable. Their coat is dense and curly to protect them from the frigid temperatures of the water. Outside of the water, your Portuguese Water Dog won’t shed that much.
However, Portuguese Water Dogs require extensive grooming care. Weekly brushing will be necessary, but if you keep your dog’s hair short, you may be able to brush them less often.
6. Maltese
| Height | 7–9 inches |
| Weight | 7 pounds or less |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
Maltese dogs are a popular toy breed easily distinguished by their flowing, silky fur. Although Maltese have luxuriously long hair, they do not shed often. On the flip side, they require weekly brushing.
These beautiful dogs are widely adored for their charming and playful disposition. Maltese are known to get along with young children and other dogs and are always eager to shower their family members with affection.
7. Border Terrier
| Height | 12–15 inches |
| Weight | 13–15.5 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
The Border Terrier is an upbeat, agile working Terrier. They require minimal grooming maintenance and don’t shed much. However, since the Border Terrier has a double coat, they shed more excessively about twice per year. Brushing your Border Terrier more often during this time will help to minimize the number of allergens floating freely throughout the house.
Border Terriers are biddable dogs with a high amount of energy. Half an hour of activity daily will be sufficient to keep your Border Terrier happy and healthy.
8. Bolognese
| Height | 10–12 inches |
| Weight | 6–10 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
The Bolognese breed is a member of the Bichon family, so it makes sense that they don’t shed too often. Regarding grooming maintenance, the Bolognese sits right in the middle of low-maintenance and high-maintenance. However, regular grooming is still necessary. The time you spend brushing your Bolognese’s coat will depend on how long it is. If the fur is long, you will need to brush it more often; if the fur is trimmed short, you can get away with brushing it less.
9. Coton de Tulear
| Height | 10–11 inches |
| Weight | 9–15 inches |
| Lifespan | 15–19 years |
The Coton de Tulear is beloved for its happy-go-lucky attitude. Also known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” this dog may treat you like royalty by following you all around the house. Coton de Tulear dogs are remarkably affectionate and eager to please, making them endearing companions.
Their wavy double coat doesn’t produce a lot of loose hair but requires frequent maintenance. However, you can keep your pup in a short clip to minimize the time you spend maintaining their coat.
10. Havanese
| Height | 8.5–11.5 inches |
| Weight | 7–13 pounds |
| Lifespan | 14–16 pounds |
The Havanese’s long fur is deceptive. As much as it looks like this little dog should be leaving hair on every surface of your house, they rarely shed. Even better, their coat only requires a moderate amount of maintenance. Brushing them a few times each month should be sufficient.
Many people love the Havanese for their family-friendly nature. They are affectionate with family and get along excellently with small children and other dogs.
11. Lhasa Apso
| Height | 10–11 inches |
| Weight | 12–18 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
The Lhasa Apso is well-known for its regal, floor-length coat. While they tend to be aloof with strangers, they are eager to show love to their families.
If you bring a Lhasa Apso home, you won’t find many loose hairs around the house. They practically don’t shed at all, and they don’t require intensive grooming care. The longer fur and the puppy cut will require regular brushing, but the puppy cut is easier for owners with less grooming experience.
12. Miniature Schnauzer
| Height | 12–14 inches |
| Weight | 11–20 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
If the Standard Schnauzer is too big for your tastes, why not consider the Miniature Schnauzer? The Miniature Schnauzer has the same majestic profile as their Standard counterpart, just in a more compact size.
Like the Standard Schnauzer, the Miniature Schnauzer does not shed a ton; however, the Miniature Schnauzer may shed a bit more. Likewise, they require dedicated work to maintain their wiry double coat. These family-oriented dogs can thrive in all sorts of household dynamics, whether you live on a farm or in an apartment in the city.
13. Kerry Blue Terrier
| Height | 18–19.5 inches |
| Weight | 33–40 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
Like the Standard Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer, the Kerry Blue Terrier has a distinguished appearance. The fur around the dog’s face can grow into the shape of a refined beard, giving it a sophisticated look. The Kerry Blue Terrier also comes in remarkable colors such as blue, silver, and silver blue.
But this dog’s beauty isn’t the only feature to highlight. Kerry Blue Terriers are loved by many due to how infrequently they shed. The tradeoff is that the Kerry Blue Terrier requires regular grooming care, but maintenance isn’t as intense as some other breeds.
14. Shih Tzu
| Height | 9–10.5 inches |
| Weight | 9–16 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10–18 pounds |
Shih Tzus have luxurious, long hair that sheds infrequently; however, it requires a lot of upkeep. Daily brushing, monthly bathing, and regular face cleaning will be necessary. Some people choose to trim the Shih Tzu’s coat short to minimize the amount of grooming care needed, but even a short trimmed coat will require a brushing every 2 days.
As a companion, the Shih Tzu is playful, affectionate, and outgoing. They love to be around their family members and get along great with other dogs and young children.
15. Basenji
| Height | 17 inches |
| Weight | 24 pounds |
| Lifespan | 13–14 years |
In terms of grooming, the Basenji is an incredibly low-maintenance breed. They shed infrequently and only require a quick brushing each week. This breed is typically tidy and doesn’t tend to accumulate a foul smell like some other breeds.
However, Basenjis are recommended for more experienced dog owners rather than first-time owners. That is due to the independent nature of the Basenji, which can make them somewhat stubborn during training. The Basenji can make an intelligent and excellent companion for dog owners who are up to the challenge.
16. Bedlington Terrier
| Height | 15–17.5 inches |
| Weight | 17–23 pounds |
| Lifespan | 11–16 years |
When you first see a Bedlington Terrier, you may be inclined to do a double take. Many think that Bedlington Terriers look surprisingly similar to lambs, which is fitting since their personality is just as gentle. They’re loyal and charming, and despite their gentle appearance and nature, they make excellent guard dogs.
Their wool-like fur doesn’t produce a lot of loose hair to scatter around the house or require extensive care. A moderate amount of maintenance will be enough to keep a Bedlington Terrier looking and feeling their best.
17. Irish Water Spaniel
| Height | 22–24 inches |
| Weight | 55–68 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12–13 years |
Irish Water Spaniels have curly coats that don’t tend to shed. The amount of grooming care is moderate, so managing their coat isn’t particularly intensive. However, you will need to trim their coat at least every 2 months.
In terms of ownership, the Irish Water Spaniel is a great companion. They’re playful and hardworking and love being around their family members. They do best when they have a task to perform and are always eager to please, which makes them adept at training.
18. Brussels Griffon
| Height | 7–10 inches |
| Weight | 8–10 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
Brussels Griffon dogs are alert and curious members of the toy group of dog breeds. This loyal companion is affectionate with their family and moderately good with young children and other dogs. For such a little dog they have a big personality.
They may shed a bit more than some breeds on this list, but they don’t tend to leave clumps of hair everywhere they go. There are Brussels Griffons with smooth coats and rough coats, so grooming care will vary depending on which fur texture your dog has.
19. Chinese Crested
| Height | 11–13 inches |
| Weight | 8–12 pounds |
| Lifespan | 13–18 years |
The Chinese Crested is one of the best breeds for people with allergies since they shed very little and require minimal grooming care. Not to mention, most of their body is entirely hairless.
These lively dogs flaunt a unique look and appear almost human-like with their extravagant hairdos. As companions, Chinese Crested dogs are affectionate, willing to meet strangers, and eager to please. If you are looking for a social dog that wants to spend time with their owner, the Chinese Crested is the right canine for you.
20. West Highland White Terrier
| Height | 11 inches |
| Weight | 15–20 pounds |
| Lifespan | 13–15 years |
The West Highland White Terrier has earned the affectionate nickname “Westies” from devoted fans of the breed. It’s easy to see why the West Highland White Terrier has collected such dedicated followers, as its iconic appearance and pleasant personality make it an excellent companion. They shed slightly more than some of the other breeds on this list, but with proper grooming maintenance, they don’t make a mess. Stripping old hair from the coat will keep your West Highland White Terrier looking its best, as will regular trimming from a professional groomer.
21. Lagotto Romagnolo
| Height | 17–19 inches |
| Weight | 28.5–35 pounds |
| Lifespan | 15–17 years |
Lagotto Romagnolos are feisty dogs with lots of energy. They may race around at lightning speed, but they won’t be leaving a cloud of fur behind them. Lagotto Romagnolos have curly double coats that shed minimally. Even better, their fur requires little maintenance to keep up, and weekly brushing should be sufficient to keep it in check. Every once in a while, you will need to trim the Lagotto Romagnolo’s coat to keep it from becoming unruly or heavily matted.
22. French Bulldog
| Height | 11–13 inches |
| Weight | 28 pounds or less |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
French Bulldogs, also affectionately known as “Frenchies,” are not high-shedding dogs. Their smooth, short coats do not produce excessive fur, and they require very little grooming maintenance. Weekly brushing is sufficient to keep your French Bulldog’s coat clean and well-kept.
As a pet, the French Bulldog is remarkably affectionate. They are lovey-dovey with their family members and are incredibly open to strangers. They are great with young children and other dogs, making them ideal companions for all sorts of family dynamics.
23. Xoloitzcuintli
| Height | 18–23 inches |
| Weight | 30–55 pounds |
| Lifespan | 13–18 years |
The Xoloitzcuintli is a hairless breed, so you probably won’t be able to find any other canines that shed less. Since they have little to no hair, grooming is incredibly easy. If your Xoloitzcuintli has a short coat or fur, you can occasionally brush it. If they have no hair, applying canine sunscreen will help prevent sunburn. Either way, the Xoloitzcuintli should be bathed regularly to prevent their natural oil from clogging their pores.
24. Boxer
| Height | 23–25 inches |
| Weight | 65–80 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
Boxers don’t shed often, and they don’t require intense grooming care. They have smooth, short coats, and as long as you brush them once or twice a week, their coats should be healthy and clean. Boxers are excellent companions; they are loving with their family members and behave themselves around young children. They are loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and excellent family pets.
25. Beagle
| Height | 13 inches or less |
| Weight | 20 pounds or less |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
Beagles are curious and friendly companions, and as long as you maintain their coats, they shouldn’t shed often. Since they have smooth, short coats, they only need weekly brushing. However, they also have a double coat, which means that they may shed more often during shedding season. During that time, you will want to brush your dog more often. Beagles typically don’t need to be bathed too often unless they make a mess of themselves.
Conclusion
Whether you have allergies or you don’t want dog fur everywhere, picking the right dog can be a life-changing choice. There are plenty of low-shedding dogs to choose from, so take your time studying this list and researching which breeds require the least maintenance. Of course, the amount a dog sheds is only one part of the equation you should consider before bringing them home. If you are considering a specific breed, don’t forget to consider their personality, size, needs, and other crucial factors.
Featured Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock
