20 Best Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
Love dogs but hate fur on your couch? These breeds keep shedding to a minimum—but there's a trade-off you should know about.
All dogs shed at least a little—it's how they regulate temperature and refresh their coat. But some breeds shed so minimally you'll barely notice. The secret? Many low-shedding dogs have hair that grows continuously (like human hair) rather than fur that cycles through growth phases.
The trade-off: Most low-shedding breeds require regular professional grooming (every 4-8 weeks). Less vacuuming, more grooming appointments!
🐩 The Poodle Family (All Sizes)
1. Standard Poodle
The gold standard for non-shedding dogs. Poodles have curly hair that traps loose strands instead of dropping them on your floor. Smart, athletic, and elegant. View breed profile →
2. Miniature Poodle
All the benefits of a Standard Poodle in a smaller package. Perfect for those who want a non-shedding dog but have limited space.
3. Toy Poodle
The smallest Poodle variety. Despite their tiny size, they're intelligent and athletic. Great for apartments.
✨ Popular Hypoallergenic Breeds
4. Bichon Frise
Fluffy white clouds that barely shed. Bichons have a double coat that holds onto loose hair, which is then removed during brushing. Cheerful and playful companions.
5. Maltese
Long, silky white hair that sheds minimally. Maltese are gentle, playful, and adapt well to various living situations. Regular brushing prevents tangles.
6. Shih Tzu
Despite their long, flowing coat, Shih Tzus shed very little. Their hair grows continuously and falls out only when brushed or broken. View breed profile →
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies have hair similar to human hair—it grows continuously and sheds minimally. They're tiny but full of personality. View breed profile →
🌊 Water Dogs (Minimal Shedding)
8. Portuguese Water Dog
Made famous by the Obama family, these athletic dogs have curly or wavy coats that shed very little. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
9. Irish Water Spaniel
The tallest spaniel breed has a distinctive curly coat that's virtually non-shedding. Active and intelligent, they make great companions for outdoor enthusiasts.
10. Spanish Water Dog
Rustic, curly coats that form cords as they grow. Minimal shedding but unique grooming needs—their coat shouldn't be brushed.
🐕 Terriers That Don't Shed Much
11. Schnauzer (All Sizes)
Giant, Standard, and Miniature Schnauzers all have wiry coats that shed minimally. They need regular stripping or clipping to maintain their distinctive look. View breed profile →
12. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Silky, wavy coat that doesn't shed much. Wheatens are friendly, happy dogs that get along well with everyone. Their coat needs daily brushing.
13. Kerry Blue Terrier
Distinctive blue-gray coat that's soft and wavy. Very low shedding but requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
14. Bedlington Terrier
Lamb-like appearance with a curly, non-shedding coat. Gentle despite their terrier heritage, they make excellent family pets.
🎭 Unique Low-Shedding Breeds
15. Chinese Crested
Available in hairless and "powderpuff" varieties. The hairless version obviously doesn't shed (no hair!), while the powderpuff has a soft, flowing coat that sheds minimally.
16. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
Ancient breed that comes in hairless and coated varieties. The hairless version is perfect for those who want zero shedding (and don't mind applying sunscreen).
17. Lagotto Romagnolo
Italian truffle-hunting dogs with dense, curly coats. Very low shedding and great for active families.
18. Afghan Hound
Despite their long, flowing coat, Afghans shed very little. Their hair is similar to human hair—it grows continuously rather than cycling.
19. Basenji
Short coat that sheds minimally. Basenjis are also known as the "barkless dog" and are exceptionally clean—they groom themselves like cats.
20. Havanese
Cuba's national dog has a long, silky coat that doesn't shed much. Havanese are cheerful, social, and excellent companions.
🤧 The Truth About "Hypoallergenic" Dogs
Reality check: No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Allergies are triggered by proteins in dog saliva, urine, and dander—not just fur. Low-shedding dogs may produce fewer allergens, but they still produce some.
If you have allergies, spend time with a breed before committing. Many allergy sufferers do well with low-shedding breeds, but individual reactions vary.
Grooming Requirements
🏠 Home Grooming
- Daily brushing for long coats
- Regular ear cleaning
- Eye area care (tear stains)
- Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks
✂️ Professional Grooming
- Every 4-8 weeks typically
- Cost: $50-$100+ per session
- Haircut, bath, nail trim included
- Budget $600-$1,200/year
Heavy Shedders to Avoid
If shedding is a dealbreaker, these breeds are not for you:
- Husky – "Blows" coat twice yearly
- German Shepherd – Sheds year-round, heavily
- Labrador Retriever – Constant shedding
- Golden Retriever – Lots of fluff everywhere
- Corgi – Surprisingly heavy shedders
- Akita – Massive seasonal shedding
Find Your Low-Shedding Match
Ready to find a breed that won't leave fur everywhere? Our quiz considers shedding level along with your lifestyle, activity level, and preferences.