Best Low Shedding Dogs: Top Breeds, Grooming & Care Tips (2026)

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Some dogs leave behind a trail of fur like a slow-moving snowstorm—on your couch, your clothes, your morning coffee. For allergy sufferers or anyone who’d rather not lint-roll everything they own, that’s a real dealbreaker.

The good news is that plenty of dogs shed so little you’d barely notice, and a few might even stop your sneezing fits for good. No dog is completely fur-free, but coat type and genetics play a huge role in how much hair ends up on your floor.

Finding the best low-shedding dogs comes down to knowing which breeds fit your home, your health, and your lifestyle.

What Makes a Dog Low-Shedding?

Not all dogs shed the same amount, and there’s actually a reason behind that. A few key factors determine whether a dog leaves fur everywhere or barely any at all.

Things like coat type, genetics, and season all play a role—and if you’ve got a Bulldog specifically, this breakdown of why English Bulldogs shed and how much to expect is worth a look.

Here’s what you should know before picking your next companion.

Difference Between Low-Shedding and Non-Shedding

Here’s the honest truth: no dog is truly non-shedding. Low-shedding dogs lose hair slowly and steadily — you’ll mostly find it in your brush, not on your couch.

Non-shedding is just a casual label for breeds whose hair growth cycle keeps hairs anchored longer before they fall. Different coat types and shedding patterns change your grooming needs, not whether hair falls at all.

The scientific basis for why some breeds shed less can be found in their hair growth cycle and genetics.

Hypoallergenic Qualities Explained

Here’s something worth knowing before you start browsing breeds: “hypoallergenic” doesn’t mean allergen-free. Allergen sources are actually your dog’s dander, saliva, and urine — not the hair itself.

Hypoallergenic does not mean allergen-free — dog dander, saliva, and urine are the real culprits, not the hair

Low-shedding and nonshedding coats simply spread less dander around your home. So hypoallergenic dogs are allergy-friendly in degree, not absolutely. For pet allergies, breed selection still matters, but it’s never a guarantee.

To understand the nuances of allergy risk, it’s helpful to read about the distinction between hypoallergenic pets and allergies.

Factors Influencing Shedding in Dogs

Several things shape how much a dog sheds — it’s not just breed.

1. Coat Structure — Single-layer coats shed less than double coats, which release heavy bursts during seasonal changes.
2. Breed Characteristics — Non-shedding and low-shedding breeds like Poodles trap loose hair in curls instead of dropping it.
3. Health Factors — Skin conditions or hormonal issues can disrupt normal hair growth cycles.
4. Shedding Patterns — Indoor dogs may shed steadily year-round due to artificial lighting disrupting natural cycles.
5. Nutrition — Poor diets weaken coats; adequate protein and fatty acids support hypoallergenic dog grooming goals.

Best Small Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

Small dogs are a great fit if you want a low-shedding companion that doesn’t take up much space. Many of these breeds are friendly, easy to live with, and surprisingly low-maintenance regarding loose fur.

Here are some of the best small low-shedding breeds worth knowing about.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is one of those low-shedding breeds that genuinely earns its reputation. Their curly coat traps loose hair instead of scattering it everywhere, making them a practical choice for allergy-prone households.

Hypoallergenic doesn’t mean zero dander, but regular dog grooming and a solid diet rooted in good dog nutrition keep things manageable.

Their cheerful canine behavior and eagerness for bichon training make them genuinely easy to love.

Maltese

The Maltese dog breed is a standout among non-shedding breeds. Their single-layer coat loses very little hair year-round, making them a practical pick if allergies are a concern.

Coat colors are usually pure white, which looks stunning but needs regular dog grooming to avoid matting and tear staining.

Whether the coat turns out straight or curly, a good Pug Poodle mix grooming routine keeps that white fur looking its best year-round.

Good Maltese nutrition and early puppy training keep this hypoallergenic companion healthy and well-behaved.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers pack a surprising amount of personality into a 7-pound frame. Their single-layer, silky coat grows like human hair — trapping loose strands instead of scattering them everywhere. That’s what puts this breed firmly in the low-shedding, hypoallergenic category.

• Dog grooming every 4–6 weeks keeps their coat manageable
• Daily brushing prevents tangles and reduces dander
• Small dog exercise needs are modest but daily
• Terrier training should start early to curb stubbornness
• Yorkie nutrition and regular vet visits support their 11–16 year lifespan

Coton De Tulear

The “Royal Dog of Madagascar” earned that title for good reason. Rooted in Madagascar origins dating back to the 16th century, the Coton de Tulear brings a cheerful Tulear temperament that’s hard to resist.

Their cotton-soft coat is low-shedding and hypoallergenic, but don’t skip dog grooming and maintenance — daily brushing prevents mats.

Coton health is strong, with lifespans often reaching 14–16 years.

Havanese

Few small breeds pack this much personality into such a tidy package. Havanese dogs weigh just 7 to 13 pounds, yet their warmth fills a room.

Their Low-Shedding, Hypoallergenic coat makes dog grooming manageable with brushing three to four times weekly.

Havanese training is straightforward thanks to their eagerness to please.

Good dog nutrition and routine pet healthcare support their impressive 14 to 16-year lifespan.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is the definition of Canine Companionship in a compact frame. This Low-Shedding breed traps loose hair in its long coat rather than scattering it everywhere, making cleanup easier than you’d expect.

Dog Training Tips work best here when you keep sessions gentle and positive.

1. Brush several times weekly to prevent mats
2. Schedule grooming every 4–8 weeks
3. Prioritize Shih Tzu Nutrition and Pet Health Advice for a long, happy life

Other Notable Small Breeds

A few more small dogs deserve a spot on your radar. From the bold Affenpinscher to the sleek Miniature Pinscher, these low-shedding companions cover a range of Small Breed Traits and personalities worth knowing.

Breed	Key Trait
Affenpinscher	Wiry, low-shed grooming needs
Miniature Pinscher	Short coat, minimal upkeep
Miniature Schnauzer	Hypoallergenic, non-shedding double coat
Miniature Poodle	Curly, non-shedding, highly trainable
West Highland Terrier	Bold personality, low-maintenance coat

Top Medium and Large Low-Shedding Breeds

If you want a dog with a bit more presence, medium and large low-shedding breeds are worth a serious look. They bring the same coat benefits without the heavy cleanup, and many are surprisingly adaptable to different lifestyles.

Here are some top picks to explore.

Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle is one of those dogs that genuinely earns its reputation. Its dense, curly coat barely sheds, trapping loose hair and dander close to the body — a real win if allergies are a concern.

But curly coat care is non-negotiable; brush several times a week or mats form fast.

Smart, active, and keen to please, Standard Poodle training is genuinely fun.

Portuguese Water Dog

If the Standard Poodle felt like a lot, the Portuguese Water Dog is a slightly more laid-back option — though still energetic. Built on fishing heritage, this breed’s low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat makes it a solid pick for allergy-prone homes.

1. Minimal shedding thanks to a single-layer coat
2. PWD temperament: loyal, smart, people-focused
3. Needs brushing several times weekly
4. Water Dog health screenings recommended before adopting

Schnauzer (Standard and Giant)

Both the Standard and Giant Schnauzer earn their spot among low shedding dog breeds — their wiry coats trap dead hair rather than dropping it on your floors. That said, coat care matters. Brush twice weekly, and schedule grooming every 6–8 weeks.

Feature	Details
Grooming	Every 6–8 weeks
Allergy Management	Regular baths reduce dander

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

If Schnauzers felt like a step up in size, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier hits a sweet spot. This low-shedding, hypoallergenic breed has a single, silky coat that stays off your furniture.

Wheaten Terrier care involves brushing several times weekly and grooming every four to six weeks. Health screening for kidney and intestinal conditions is strongly recommended.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the most underrated low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog breeds around. With its rich liver-colored curls and legendary water retrieval skills, this breed brings real working history to your home. Spaniel training and dog socialization early on makes a huge difference.

• Sheds minimally year-round
• Needs brushing twice weekly
• Loves swimming and active play
• Wary of strangers at first

Afghan Hound

Few dogs turn heads quite like the Afghan Hound — that long, silky coat looks high-maintenance, but it’s actually a low-shedding, hypoallergenic breed that drops hair slowly rather than in heavy seasonal bursts.

Feature	Details	Owner Tip
Shedding Level	Low, gradual	Brush daily to prevent mats
Grooming Frequency	Several times weekly	10–15 min per session
Exercise Needs	2+ hours daily	Use securely fenced areas
Trainability	Independent nature	Start hound training tips early
Lifespan	12–14 years	Monitor for bloat risk

Sighthound exercise is non-negotiable here — Afghan Hounds have serious energy and a strong chase instinct.

Bouvier Des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres brings serious working dog energy wrapped in a rugged, tousled coat rooted in Flandres origins — this breed was built to herd cattle and haul carts, not sit pretty.

It’s Low-Shedding in the sense that loose hair stays trapped in the coat, but weekly brushing is non-negotiable.

Consistent dog training matters too — these big, smart dogs thrive with clear boundaries.

Grooming and Maintenance Needs

Low-shedding doesn’t mean low-maintenance — it just means different maintenance. Every breed has its own coat quirks, and knowing what yours needs makes a big difference.

Here’s what you should keep in mind regarding grooming and care.

Brushing Frequency by Breed

Not every low-shedding dog needs the same grooming schedule — breed specificity really matters here. Use this as your starting point for coat maintenance:

1. Daily Brushing: Afghan Hounds, Maltese, and Shih Tzus need it every day.
2. Every Other Day: Bichon Frise and Standard Poodles.
3. 3–4 Times Weekly: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers and Bouviers.
4. After Outings: Portuguese Water Dogs, especially post-swim.

Professional Grooming Recommendations

Even low-shedding dogs need professional grooming — home care alone won’t cut it. Most hypoallergenic dog breeds do best on a 4–8 week salon schedule.

Coat Style	Recommended Schedule
Short puppy cut	Every 6–8 weeks
Medium fluffy trim	Every 4–6 weeks
Long or curly coat	Every 2–4 weeks

Book recurring appointments so your groomer can track coat maintenance consistently.

Special Skin and Coat Care Tips

Your dog’s skin is the foundation of a healthy coat. For low-shedding and hypoallergenic breeds, skin care starts with bathing every three to six weeks using a moisturizing shampoo — look for oatmeal or aloe vera.

Grooming tools like slicker brushes support hair maintenance by distributing natural oils.

Coat nutrition matters too, so omega-3 fatty acids keep the skin barrier strong and the fur glossy.

Managing Dander and Allergens

Bathing your low-shedding or hypoallergenic dog weekly cuts dander levels dramatically — studies show coat allergens drop by around 86 percent right after a wash. But that reduction fades fast, so consistent pet grooming matters.

Pair that routine with HEPA air purification, regular household cleaning, and damp dusting for real allergen control. It’s a simple system that genuinely helps with dog allergies.

Choosing The Right Low-Shedding Dog

Finding the right low-shedding dog comes down to more than just coat type. Your lifestyle, living space, and energy level all play a role in making a good match.

Here’s what to think about before you decide.

Best Breeds for Families and Allergies

Finding the right family pet options when allergies are in the picture doesn’t have to be stressful. Hypoallergenic, low-shedding breeds like the Bichon Frise, Havanese, and Miniature Poodle are genuinely kid-friendly dogs — gentle, trainable, and easy to love.

They’re among the top dog breeds for allergy sufferers because they shed minimally, which helps reduce household allergens and keeps family-friendly dogs comfortable for everyone at home.

Apartment and Urban Living Suitability

Living in a city apartment with a dog is very doable — especially if you pick the right breed. Low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs are a natural fit for small spaces.

Activity and Training Considerations

Beyond the apartment question, knowing your dog’s activity and training needs makes a real difference. Small low-shedding dogs like Bichon Frises thrive with short daily walks and mental stimulation through puzzle toys or quick training sessions.

Larger breeds like Standard Poodles need 60-plus minutes of exercise daily. Reward-based dog training works best — these breeds are smart and respond well to consistency.

Matching Breed Traits to Your Lifestyle

Every household tells its own story, and the right breed fits naturally into yours. Think through what your days actually look like before committing to a dog.

• Seniors or homebodies do well with calm, low-maintenance lap breeds
• Active families match better with energetic, hypoallergenic medium breeds
• Allergy-friendly, low-shedding dog breeds suit multi-pet homes with tolerant temperaments

Your lifestyle considerations should always drive breed selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)