Non-Shedding Dog Breeds (Ranking the Dogs That Don’t Shed)

Ever adored a puppy so much, but you're worried about getting allergies?

The thing is, there are many different reasons why pet lovers hesitate to adopt a dog.

And unfortunately, these adorable fluffballs can shed lots of hair at home.

While they say that dog fur on your clothes is a priceless accessory for pup owners, others just can't handle it… medically.

So, if you fall into this category, then put on those glasses.

Who knows, you might fall in love with these non-shedding dog breeds on our list.

Just a little disclaimer though.

These dogs aren't 100% shed-free and hypoallergenic.

They don't exist just yet.

A study even debunked it, stating that:

[there are] no statistically significant differences between reportedly hypoallergenic and nonhypoallergenic dogs

Also, it's good to remember that even hypoallergenic breeds can still trigger a person’s allergies.

And by the way, the dog’s hair has nothing to do with your allergies.

“So, what causes allergies in people then?”

They are caused by the dog’s dander and sometimes by its saliva or urine.

Even coatless and hypoallergenic dogs have dander.

But some dogs are much more hypoallergenic than others, and regular grooming can further reduce dander to a much tolerable amount.

This means to say that we, pet warriors, can't expect to get a non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog and not groom them at all.

Instead, getting non-shedding dog breeds allows you to do these things much less, and you’ll experience almost no shedding whatsoever.

What are Non-Shedding Dog Breeds?

These refer to dog breeds that don't shed as much as most dogs do.

They require minimal grooming attention, and you have less to worry about when it comes to any allergies.

So, if you are prone to allergies yet desperately want a dog, then getting one of the dogs that shed the least is the best option for you.

Still, some low-shedding dogs have dander that could trigger sneezing, but it's something that a little brushing and bathing can fix.

Are you Allergic to Dogs?

You could have allergic reactions so mild that you wouldn't even notice it.

Or in some cases, experience severe symptoms, such as the following:

• Rashes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing or dizziness

Either way, it's best to test out if your allergies are caused by dogs.

People may be too quick to judge that canines are the only allergen culprits at home.

If you are having these symptoms with your dog around, then you might be really allergic to dogs.

Antihistamines can be a great help to manage your reactions, but it's not a long-term solution.

Fortunately, there are dogs that don't shed (much) and are perfect canine companions for people with pet allergies.

You can also ask your doctor for any medication to ease the symptoms.

Now, it's about time to delve into our list of 35 non-shedding dog breeds.

35 Non-Shedding Dog Breeds: Ranked in Order

1. Toy Poodle

At the top of our list of low-shedding dogs is everyone’s favorite loving, playful rascal.

Not just at the top of this list, Toy Poodles are also lauded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there.

Very prone to training, very talkative, and very loyal, these non-shedding dog breeds are prime best friend material.

And yes – you can forget about the shedding.

2. Affenpinscher

This German Terrier breed (pinscher means terrier in German) is another bundle of cuteness.

Originally bred as rat hunters, these dogs retain their hunting instincts which makes them great guard dogs.

However, Affenpinschers are also brilliant, playful, and loving, and make amazing apartment pets.

3. Miniature Schnauzer

Schnauzers are rightfully famous for their big hearts and seemingly unending energy.

And they are much more, too – a Schnauzer loves to be the center of attention, but these non-shedding dog breeds are also exceptionally intelligent, so they fill that center easily.

A Schnauzer lives to please and needs a ton of mental and physical stimulation – don’t let them get bored.

4. Saluki

Saluki dogs are both one of the oldest dog breeds known to man – approximately 6,000 years old – and are also the fastest dogs globally, surpassing other sighthounds like Greyhounds.

These non-shedding dog breeds are very calm and gentle.

They are brilliant and quite elegant as well – they require a lot of soft surfaces and comfort, but to repay you for that, they won’t shed on said surfaces.

5. Irish Terrier

Another iconic breed, Irish Terriers, makes for the best guard dogs and an ideal choice for dogs that shed the least.

More than that, Irish Terriers are also excellent athletes and make for both a great competition dog as well as a great sports buddy.

As fearless as they are when they guard your home, they’ll have nothing but love in their big hearts toward you.

6. Maltese

The definition of cuteness, a Maltese will love and crave your company and presence more than any other animal or person in the world.

It’ll reward your company with an endless supply of love and affection.

But it’s more than just a cuddle buddy, too.

This non-shedding dog breed is famously intelligent and loves games and tricks.

7. Kerry Blue Terrier

Yet another Terrier, the Kerry Blue, is a working dog bred primarily for herding and guarding.

As such, they are not just great guard dogs for your home but also a knowledgeable and friendly companion.

All that, coupled with their distinctive, beautiful look, makes them a great pet for many people.

8. Shih Tzu

A literally created dog to be your best friend, the Shih Tzu, will always be by your side and will always try to make you smile.

Gorgeous and cute, as they are intelligent and funny, these non-shedding dog breeds make for amazing pets.

It’s no surprise why they are among the most popular dog breeds in the world.

9. Standard Poodle

Another classical breed, the Standard Poodle, is known for its quick feet and quick mind.

An intelligent athlete, the Poodle makes for an amazing play partner – they love to run, play, and learn tricks, and they’ll do all that without shedding almost any hair in your home.

10. Scottish Terrier

On the almost opposite spectrum of Poodles, Scottish Terriers are not the best athletes.

They are also not just intelligent but wickedly intelligent to the point that they really dislike training.

A Scottish Terrier does what it wants, but fortunately, one of the key things it wants is to be by your side and make you happy.

11. Australian Silky Terrier

Named precisely after their gorgeous, silky coat, the Australian Silky Terrier is also one of the very low shedding dogs.

Very loving and cuddly dogs, but also quite active – Silky Terriers don’t like being bored and can get destructive when left alone.

When they are with you, however, they’ll be your best friends.

12. Irish Water Spaniel

A retrieving dog, the Irish Water Spaniel loves water almost as much as it loves people. Very funny and smart.

These dogs live to please you and are great training buddies. And while they’ll keep you busy, you should keep them busy too – they require quite a lot of exercise.

RELEVANT READ: Most Popular Irish Dog Breeds

13. Cairn Terrier

Yes, Toto from The Wizard of Oz made our list as well – maybe non-shedding is magical?

However, aside from non-shedding, Cairn Terriers have a ton more to offer – very intelligent and loyal.

A Cairn will follow you everywhere and do its best to help you however it can.

14. West Highland White Terrier

Another white bundle of love, the West Highland White Terrier – or the Westie – can be a bit of mischief, so don’t let these non-shedding dog breeds get bored.

They are very playful and intelligent and will repay your attention and time with many fun times and love.

15. Brussels Griffon

An exceptionally loyal companion, the Brussels Griffon can even be loyal to a fault and distrust strangers.

Among the dogs that shed the least, they don’t get along with kids too well since they can be moody.

However, a Griffon shows nothing but love and attention toward you as long as you repay him in kind.

16. Wheaten Terrier

Another fun-loving breed, the Wheaten Terrier, loves to run and play both outside and indoors.

A Wheaten will shower you with attention, but these non-shedding dog breeds also love to cuddle and nap on your feet.

RELEVANT READ: 30 Most Lazy Dog Breeds Perfect for a Couch Potato Owner

17. Chinese Crested

Definitely not your typical dog; the Chinese Crested, however, is also a very non-shedding dog.

In addition to that and their unique appearance, the Crested love their owners and family and distrust strangers and children.

And – being almost naked – they are not good dogs for cold climates.

18. Lakeland Terrier

A scent hound, the Lakeland Terrier, makes for a great watchdog.

They also have a huge capacity for energy and are ready to burst into play at any second.

That, coupled with their impressive intelligence, makes for great pals, and their undying love for their family turns them into amazing pets.

19. Basenji

One of the more independent, non-shedding dog breeds on this list, this short-haired pooch, comes from the Congo.

Basenjis do great on their own and can even be stubborn in training, but they do love attention and require a lot of playtime with their owner every day.

20. Yorkshire Terrier

Another attention-grabber, Yorkies are one of the most famous dog breeds in the world for a reason.

They may be small, but their personality is enormous – only towards their owner.

Yorkshire Terriers can be very focused on their love and often mistrust strangers, other dogs, kids, and even other family members.

21. Coton De Tulear

Widely known as the Velcro dog, the Coton De Tulear is the almost perfect lap dog.

Similar to the Maltese, but much calmer and cuddlier, Coton De Tulear still needs daily walks and playtime, of course, but during the rest of the day, you will be happiest in your lap.

22. Giant Schnauzer

A Miniature Schnauzer in every aspect other than size, the Giant Schnauzer is a former working dog. These non-shedding dog breeds need a lot of mental stimulation – training, playtime, tricks, etc.

As their smaller brethren, these giants are very loving and loyal companions with a heart that are as giant as they are.

23. Border Terrier

A former fox hunting dog, the Border Terrier, has an amazing hunting instinct. If there are squirrels in your nearby park, they’ll soon learn to hate your furry friend.

A Border Terrier is much more than just a hunter. However – a very social, loving, and intelligent dog.

Being one of the dogs that don't shed, they make great family pets as long as they also get the exercise and playtime they need.

24. Portuguese Water Dog

A retriever dog, the only thing the Portuguese Water Dog loves more than water is its owner.

Literally bred to please, these Water Dogs are very intelligent and loving and love to play with you until exhaustion.

Fortunately, you wouldn't worry about much hair fall after playing in the water with these dog breeds that don't shed.

25. Havanese

If you want a dog that will love you almost unnaturally, then you should consider a Havanese.

Small in size but enormous in heart, the Havanese will soak up your attention while you are there and compose the saddest songs and howl them to no end while you are away.

26. Airedale Terrier

A working dog like most Terriers, the Airedale was more specially bred for agility and swimming.

They are also the largest Terrier breed, which doesn’t affect their agility one bit.

Other than that, they are precisely what you’d expect from a terrier – full of energy, highly intelligent, and extremely loyal and loving.

27. Bedlington Terrier

Don’t be fooled by its lamb-like coat – the Bedlington Terrier is as much of a hunting dog as a lot of its Terrier brethren.

Like all Terriers, these non-shedding dog breeds also make for an amazing guard dog and will also shower you with love and with its seemingly endless playful energy.

28. Labradoodle

Labradoodles may surprise many people for being on this list – many Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic and shed a lot.

That’s because while Poodles are non-shedding, Labradors shed quite a lot.

So whether or not a Labradoodle will shed is highly dependent on its ancestry.

However, if you get a 3rd generation Labradoodle and know that its parents and grandparents are non-shedding, this Labradoodle will be a very non-shedding dog.

And more than that, Labradoodles are great in many ways – loving, playful, and very loyal. They make for amazing pets.

29. Schnauzer

Like their bigger and smaller counterparts, the Standard Schnauzer is characterized by its huge heart's unlimited energy supply as well as being a dog that shed the least.

They are also very gentle and affectionate dogs that are guaranteed to make your life brighter.

That is unless you’ve neglected them and they’ve destroyed your furniture out of boredom.

30. Bichon Frise

The Bichon is a little bundle of cheerful joy that just so happens to be quite non-shedding.

Very affectionate and gentle, this ball of white goodness is sure to make you smile.

31. Komondor

You can be forgiven if you don’t bet on the Komondor as a qualifier in a non-shedding dog list. Yet, here he is.

The Komondor love deeply and gently known as “the dreads” for his signature mop-like look.

However, while their coat doesn’t shed much, these non-shedding dog breeds still require a lot of grooming and brushing since it quite literally acts as a mop around the house.

32. Lhasa Apso

A truly royal dog, the Lhasa Apso was used as a palace guard dog in Tibet.

And just as their heritage implies, they are proud and confident dogs.

That doesn’t stop them from also being loyal and loving towards their owner.

However, it does mean that they are suspicious of strangers.

33. Bolognese

The Bolognese is easily mistaken for a Bichon or a Maltese, but it is a separate breed.

Intelligent dogs that love games and puzzles, the Bolognese’s main priority is still to be close to you.

And as long as they have your presence, attention, and gentle petting, they’ll be happy, and they’ll do their best to make you happy as well.

34. Tibetan Terrier

Another entry from Tibet and another Terrier, too – the Tibetan is not an actual terrier, despite its name.

Called Tsang Apso (or Shaggy Dog) in their homeland’s language, the Tibetans were bred for working and herding, just like western terriers.

As such, they are intelligent, loyal, and loving towards their owner and family.

However, they are wary of strangers.

35. Bouvier Des Flandres

Finally, we have the Bouvier. I don’t think they shed too much, just because they are in 35^th place.

These non-shedding dog breeds are powerful and fearless, as they were bred for herding and working.

But, today, they are considered to be great athletes.

They require a lot of exercises, as well as strong leadership and assertiveness from their owner. Once that’s in place.

However, Bouvier is a very gentle, loyal, and loving friend.

Tips for Living With Allergies and Dogs

You might want to conduct a few procedures to minimize any allergic reactions as soon as you get a no-shed dog.

You can use a humidifier or HEPA filter to reduce any traces of dander.

Another way to lessen the fur and dander from spreading is to vacuum regularly.

Whether your low-shedding dog has a short coat or long hair, it's highly encouraged to bathe your pet regularly with a shampoo that doesn't leave your pet's skin dry.

Find yourself still sneezing?

Set up a dog-free zone!

That means having a room that is off-limits to your dog.

Common Questions about Dogs that Don't Shed

If you still have questions about dogs that don't shed and how to reduce the amount of dog hair flying around your house, the following should clear them up.

Which Breed of Dog Sheds the Least?

If you search for low-shedding dog breeds, consider the Afghan Hound, Bichon Frise, American Hairless Terrier, Chinese Crested, Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, or other terrier breeds. You typically want to avoid a dog with a double coat as these dogs shed more than others.

What Is the Healthiest Non-Shedding Dog?

If you want healthy breeds that don't shed, consider the Maltese, Bichon Frise, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Mini Schnauzer, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, or Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

What Is the Most Low-Maintenance Dog?

A low-maintenance dog will not necessarily be low shedding or a hypoallergenic dog breed.

Low maintenance can refer to the amount of dog hair they shed, the amount of exercise they need, or their required medical care.

Some great choices include Chihuahuas, Shiba Inus, Greyhounds, Basset Hounds, French Bulldogs, Bullmastiffs, and Dachshunds.

What Is a Good Medium-Sized Family Dog that Doesn't Shed?

The American Kennel Club has some great recommendations for lovable breed options that make a great family dog. Kerry Blue Terriers, Barbets, Lakeland Terriers, Lagotto Romagnolo, and several other breeds require minimal grooming and don't shed much. Remember that even if a dog doesn't shed much, it still requires regular brushing.

What are the Smallest Low Shedding Dogs?

Do you prefer small dogs that shed the least? Fortunately, many cute dog breeds are known to shed less such as the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Yorkshire terrier, Havanese, Maltese, Scottish terrier, Chinese crested, Brussels Griffon, and Cairn terrier.

What are the Most Affectionate Dog Breeds that Don't Shed?

If you are looking for friendly dogs that don't shed, you should consider getting Waterdogs, Maltese, Schnauzer, Basenji, Poodle, and other terrier breeds.

Non-Shedding Dog Breeds: Before You Go…

Just like choosing any pet, there are several things to consider. Most soon-to-be owners choose dogs that don't shed due to allergies or hygiene reasons.

The best thing about non-shedding dogs is that there is always a great option in every category.

As I said before, we all wish all dogs were low-maintenance hypoallergenic dogs. But you have to weigh the pros and cons of each and find the dog that best fits your needs.

Do you want a smaller pooch?

Or a family-friendly canine?

Or perhaps a large low-shedding dog that is energetic?

Hopefully, this list of the best non-shedding dog breeds will help you find the ideal pooch for you!

READ NEXT: 

• 5 Tips On How To Reduce Shedding In Dogs
• 5 of My Favorite Dog Shedding Home Remedies
• Spring Shedding: How to Deal With Springtime Dog Shedding

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