20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed (Or Shed Very Little)
If you've ever ruled out getting a dog because of shedding — the fur-covered furniture, the lint rollers, the never-ending vacuuming — you'll be glad to know there are plenty of breeds that shed very little or not at all.
But before we dive into the list, let's clear up a common misconception.
What Does "Hypoallergenic" Really Mean?
No dog breed is truly 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs produce dander (tiny flakes of skin), saliva, and urine proteins that can trigger allergies in sensitive people. When people say a dog is "hypoallergenic," they mean the breed produces fewer allergens than average, usually because:
- They shed less fur, which means less dander is released into the air and onto surfaces.
- They have a single coat instead of a double coat, reducing the volume of loose hair.
- They have hair instead of fur. Breeds with continuously growing hair (like Poodles) trap dander in their coat rather than releasing it into the environment.
If you have allergies, spending time with a specific breed before committing is the best way to gauge your reaction. But in general, the breeds below are considered the safest bets for allergy sufferers and anyone who simply wants a cleaner home.
The 20 Best Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
1. Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)
Poodles are the gold standard of non-shedding dogs. Their dense, curly coat grows continuously like human hair and traps loose strands rather than dropping them around your home. Poodles are also highly intelligent, athletic, and eager to please, making them excellent companions for active owners. They come in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy — so there's a Poodle for every living situation. Grooming is essential: expect professional grooming every 4–6 weeks and regular brushing in between to prevent matting.
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has a soft, velvety undercoat and a curly outer coat that produces very little shedding. They're cheerful, playful, and wonderful with families. Their white, powder-puff coat does require regular professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, along with daily brushing to keep it from tangling. Bichons are also known for being relatively odor-free, which is a bonus for indoor living.
3. Maltese
The Maltese has a long, flowing single coat of pure white hair that sheds minimally. Despite looking high-maintenance, a Maltese kept in a shorter "puppy clip" is actually quite easy to care for. They're gentle, affectionate lap dogs that bond closely with their owners. Regular brushing prevents tangles, and occasional baths keep their coat bright and clean.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Made famous by their time in the White House, Portuguese Water Dogs have a thick, wavy or curly coat that sheds very little. They were originally bred to work alongside fishermen, so they're athletic, intelligent, and love water. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Their coat requires consistent grooming — brushing several times a week and professional clipping every 6–8 weeks.
5. Schnauzer (Miniature)
Miniature Schnauzers have a distinctive wiry double coat that sheds minimally. They're spirited, alert, and make excellent watchdogs without being aggressive. Their coat benefits from hand-stripping (a grooming technique that removes dead hair from the root) or regular clipping every 6–8 weeks. Between grooming sessions, brushing their beard and leg hair a few times a week prevents matting.
6. Havanese
The Havanese has a long, silky coat that sheds very little, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. They're outgoing, friendly, and thrive on human companionship. Their coat can be kept long and flowing or trimmed into a shorter clip for easier maintenance. Either way, regular brushing is a must to prevent tangles and keep the coat healthy.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies have fine, silky hair that's more similar to human hair than typical dog fur, and it sheds minimally. They're bold, confident little dogs with big personalities. Their coat grows continuously and needs regular trimming, either at home or by a professional groomer. Daily brushing keeps their hair smooth and tangle-free, especially if kept at a longer length.
8. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu's long, luxurious double coat sheds very little because loose hairs tend to get caught within the coat itself rather than falling onto furniture. They're affectionate, outgoing, and great with families. Grooming is a commitment — daily brushing is ideal for long coats, and many owners opt for a shorter "teddy bear" cut to reduce maintenance. Regular eye cleaning is also important.
9. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier has a hard, wiry outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat that sheds minimally. Scotties are independent, dignified, and occasionally stubborn — classic terrier temperament. Their coat benefits from professional hand-stripping two to three times a year, or regular clipping for pet owners who prefer a simpler approach. Brushing a few times a week keeps the coat neat.
10. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel has a dense, tightly curled coat that is virtually non-shedding. They're the tallest of the spaniel breeds and are known for their clownish, energetic personality. Originally bred for retrieving waterfowl, they love swimming and need plenty of exercise. Their coat requires brushing every few days and trimming every 6–8 weeks to maintain its shape.
11. Basenji
The Basenji is unique in many ways — they're known as the "barkless dog" and they groom themselves like cats. Their short, fine coat sheds minimally and requires almost no grooming beyond occasional brushing. Basenjis are independent, intelligent, and curious. They're one of the lowest-maintenance breeds on this list when it comes to coat care, though they do need regular exercise and mental enrichment.
12. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound's long, flowing coat is stunning — and surprisingly low-shedding. Their hair grows continuously like human hair, which means less loose fur around the house but significant grooming requirements. Afghans need thorough brushing several times a week and regular baths to keep their coat in top condition. They're elegant, independent, and somewhat aloof, with a strong prey drive and a love of running.
13. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers look like little lambs, with a distinctive curly, woolly coat that barely sheds. They're gentle, playful, and surprisingly fast when they want to be. Their coat grows quickly and needs professional clipping every 6–8 weeks. Between trims, weekly brushing is sufficient. Bedlingtons are loyal companions that do well in both apartments and houses.
14. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier has a soft, wavy coat that doesn't shed. Born black, their coat gradually transitions to a distinctive blue-grey color by age two. Kerry Blues are versatile, energetic dogs that were originally bred for herding, guarding, and hunting in Ireland. Their coat needs brushing several times a week and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks to maintain its shape and texture.
15. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed originally used for truffle hunting, and their thick, curly, wool-like coat is virtually non-shedding. They're affectionate, keen, and love having a job to do — whether that's nose work, agility, or simply playing fetch. Their coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting and should be trimmed every few months. They're an excellent choice for active families who want a low-shedding dog.
16. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Wheaten Terrier has a single, silky coat that's soft to the touch and sheds very little. They're famously friendly and enthusiastic — known for their signature "Wheaten greeting," which involves jumping and spinning with joy. Their coat requires daily brushing to prevent mats and regular trimming to keep it manageable. Wheatens are great with families but need consistent training to manage their exuberant energy.
17. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee"), or Xolo, comes in both hairless and coated varieties. The hairless version is as close to zero shedding as you can get — there's simply no hair to shed. Xolos are calm, loyal, and attentive dogs with a history dating back over 3,000 years in Mexico. Hairless Xolos need skin care including sunscreen and moisturizer, while the coated variety has a short, flat coat that sheds minimally.
18. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: Hairless (with tufts of hair on the head, paws, and tail) and Powderpuff (with a full, soft coat). The Hairless variety is an obvious choice for those seeking minimal shedding. They're affectionate, playful, and love being close to their people. Hairless Chinese Cresteds need skin care — moisturizing, sun protection, and acne prevention. The Powderpuff variety sheds very little but needs regular brushing.
19. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear has a cotton-like coat that's soft, fluffy, and very low-shedding. Named after the city of Tulear in Madagascar, these dogs are happy, affectionate, and adapt well to various living situations. Their coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats, and regular baths help maintain its cottony texture. They're wonderful companion dogs that get along well with children and other pets.
20. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a rough, bristly outer coat and a thick undercoat that sheds very little. They're often called the "supreme gundog" for their versatility in the field, but they're also affectionate and loyal at home. Their coat is relatively low-maintenance — brushing once or twice a week and occasional hand-stripping keeps it in good shape. They need plenty of exercise and do best with active owners.
Grooming Tips for Low-Shedding Breeds
Low-shedding doesn't mean low-maintenance. In fact, many non-shedding breeds require more grooming than their shedding counterparts because their continuously growing hair can mat and tangle. Here are some essential grooming practices:
Brush Regularly
Most low-shedding breeds need brushing at least a few times a week, and some need daily attention. Use a slicker brush for curly coats, a pin brush for silky coats, and a bristle brush for wiry coats. Regular brushing removes trapped loose hair, prevents mats, and distributes natural oils.
Schedule Professional Grooming
Breeds with continuously growing coats typically need professional grooming every 4–8 weeks. This includes a bath, haircut, nail trim, and ear cleaning. Budget for this as an ongoing expense — it's not optional for these breeds.
Bathe on a Schedule
Over-bathing strips natural oils from the coat, while under-bathing leads to dirt buildup and skin issues. Most low-shedding breeds do well with a bath every 3–4 weeks, but follow your groomer's advice for your specific breed.
Don't Skip the Undercoat
Some breeds on this list, like the Schnauzer and Scottish Terrier, have a wiry outer coat and a softer undercoat. Use an undercoat rake or have your groomer hand-strip the coat to remove dead undercoat hair and promote healthy new growth.
Care for Hairless Skin
If you have a hairless breed like the Xoloitzcuintli or Chinese Crested, skin care replaces coat care. Apply pet-safe sunscreen before outdoor time, use gentle moisturizer to prevent dryness, and watch for skin irritation or acne.
Keep Ears Clean
Low-shedding breeds with floppy ears (Poodles, Cotons, Havanese) are prone to ear infections because hair can grow inside the ear canal, trapping moisture and debris. Ask your groomer to pluck or trim ear hair regularly, and clean ears weekly with a vet-approved solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do non-shedding dogs still produce allergens?
Yes. All dogs produce allergens through dander, saliva, and urine. Non-shedding dogs simply release less dander into the environment because they lose less hair. If you have severe allergies, spend time with a specific breed before adopting and consult your allergist.
Are mixed breeds with Poodle parentage (Doodles) also low-shedding?
Not always. Poodle mixes like Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and Bernedoodles can inherit coat types from either parent. Some have low-shedding curly coats, while others shed moderately. There's no guarantee with mixed breeds, so meet the individual dog and assess its coat type before committing.
What's the difference between hair and fur on dogs?
Functionally, hair and fur are made of the same protein (keratin). The difference is in the growth cycle. "Hair" breeds have a longer growth phase, meaning strands grow longer before falling out — similar to human hair. "Fur" breeds have a shorter growth cycle, leading to more frequent shedding. Low-shedding breeds typically have "hair" coats.
Is there a completely non-shedding dog?
The closest you'll get is a hairless breed like the Xoloitzcuintli or Hairless Chinese Crested. All coated dogs shed at least a tiny amount, but the breeds on this list shed so little that you may never notice loose hair around your home.
Are low-shedding dogs more expensive to groom?
Generally, yes. Breeds that don't shed need regular professional grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. Expect to budget $50–$100+ per grooming session every 4–8 weeks, depending on your breed and location. However, you'll save money on lint rollers and vacuum filters.
Can I reduce shedding in a dog that already sheds?
You can manage shedding with regular brushing, a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and proper bathing. You won't eliminate shedding in a breed that's genetically programmed to shed, but you can significantly reduce the amount of loose hair in your home.
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