Best Hypoallergenic Small Dogs That Don’t Shed – Top 10 Non-Shedding Breeds (2024)

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You’re drawn to breeds like Bichons for their curls and companionship, yet fear fur on your furniture.

Let’s discuss the top 10 hypoallergenic little lovelies that offer low-maintenance coats and maximum snuggles.

From Chinese Cresteds to curly Portuguese pups, discover special breeds blending affection and minimal shedding.

Discern versions fitting your lifestyle and space, from apartments to adventures.

Bond with a fluffy or wire-haired buddy ball of love.

Popular Non-Shedding Small Dogs

When looking for a small hypoallergenic dog, two top choices are the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu.

Both make wonderful companions for allergy sufferers as they shed minimally.

Their small size also makes them well-suited for apartment living, although they still require daily walks and playtime.

Bichon Frise

When it comes to popular non-shedding small dogs, you’re looking at the Bichon Frise.

This fluffy white breed originating from France stands 9-12 inches tall and weighs 12-18 pounds.

Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular brushing and trimming to prevent mats and keep their adorable teddy bear appearance.

Lively and affectionate, the Bichon Frise thrives on human interaction.

Their moderate activity level and minimal shedding make them an excellent companion for allergy sufferers seeking a cuddly lap dog.

With consistent training and grooming, these non-shedding curly pups will bring years of joy.

Shih Tzu

Continuing discussing the Bichon Frise, you’re now learning about the Shih Tzu.

Despite their long, silky coats, these affectionate little dogs rarely shed, making them ideal pets for allergy sufferers seeking a small companion.

The Shih Tzu’s sweet, outgoing temperament endears them to all.

Their long, flowing coat requires diligent daily brushing and regular bathing to prevent mats and tangles.

Train them positively, keeping sessions short and fun with tasty treats.

Healthwise, monitor their eyes and facial folds.

Their moderate activity needs are met through indoor play and daily walks.

Overall, the Shih Tzu’s minimal shedding, manageable grooming, and delightful personality make them a top choice for those desiring a hypoallergenic toy breed.

Unique Non-Shedding Breeds

You should also consider some unique non-shedding breeds like the hairless Chinese Crested or the nearly hairless Xoloitzcuintli.

Both shed minimally and produce little dander, making them ideal choices for allergy sufferers seeking a small hypoallergenic dog.

Their appearance and grooming needs differ markedly from other breeds, so be sure to research them fully before deciding if they’re right for you.

Chinese Crested

You’ll then come across the truly unique Chinese Crested.

This hairless or powderpuff breed stands out with its mane of silky hair and hairless body.

The minimal shedding coat makes it ideal for allergy sufferers.

Regular skin care is essential for the hairless variety to prevent sunburn, rashes, or acne.

Their exercise requirements are moderate, needing short walks or indoor play.

Training challenges can arise from their stubborn side, requiring patience with positive reinforcement techniques.

Overall, an affectionate toy breed well-suited to apartment lifestyle suitability, getting along well with respectful children and other pets when properly socialized.

Similar breeds are the toy poodle, biewer terrier, or Australian silky terrier, which also have low shedding coats.

Xoloitzcuintli

You have likely never encountered the unusual-looking Xoloitzcuintli. This hairless or nearly hairless breed originating from Mexico stands out as an ancient, loyal companion while shedding negligibly.

Its name means dog of the god Xolotl. The Aztecs held these hairless dogs in high religious esteem.

Requiring special sun protection, regular bathing, and moisturizing for healthy hairless skin, the Xolo sheds little with proper care.

Bold yet sensitive, this intelligent breed bonds deeply to its family.

Symbolizing healing and protection, the Xoloitzcuintli preserves an ancient lineage of hypoallergenic companionship.

Minimal Shedding Terriers

You’ll be happy to know there are a couple of wonderful terrier breeds that shed minimally and would make fantastic small companion dogs.

The Scottish Terrier and West Highland White Terrier are lively, loyal terriers with wiry coats that require brushing but don’t shed much.

Their charming personalities and moderate exercise needs make these terriers great choices as hypoallergenic house pets.

Scottish Terrier

Before meeting the Scottish Terrier, you’re imagining its wire coat requires little grooming while scarcely shedding all over your place.

In truth, this tenacious terrier’s wiry, weatherproof coat needs brushed weekly and hand stripped twice yearly to remove dead hair.

Confident, courageous, and affectionately devoted, this digger demands ample daily exercise like walking, playing fetch, or earthdog trials to channel its determination.

Ensure proper socialization and obedience training to curb chasing small animals.

Schedule annual exams to monitor for orthopedic, retinal, bladder, and skin disorders.

Overall, this compact, sturdy breed makes a delightful, minimal-shedding companion when provided proper care.

West Highland Terrier

Often, you’re pleasantly surprised by the West Highland Terrier’s minimal shedding from their long, thick double coats.

Requires weekly brushing and combing to reduce loose hairs.

Trim hair around eyes to avoid irritation.

Bathe every 6-8 weeks with mild dog shampoo.

Hand strip coat twice yearly for best texture.

The energetic and happy Westie temperament delights families.

Their self-assured, lively nature makes training enjoyable.

Daily walks and play satisfy exercise needs for these compact low-shedders.

Regular grooming maintains the adorable face with shaggy eyebrows and lush white coat.

Managing expectations around low pet dander helps ensure a wonderful life together.

Small Curly Coated Dogs

The small, curly-coated breeds like the Bolognese and Lagotto Romagnolo make great companions for people with allergies.

Their coats consist of continuously growing hair rather than fur that sheds seasonally, so they release little dander into homes.

Proper grooming is essential for these breeds to prevent matting and keep their stunning curls looking tidy.

Bolognese

You’ve learned about minimal shedding terriers. Now, let’s discuss the Bolognese and their distinctive fluffy coats.

With a hypoallergenic coat that resembles lamb’s wool and a gentle, loving temperament, the Bolognese makes an ideal companion for those seeking a low-shedding small dog breed. Their fluffy coat requires regular grooming to maintain its distinctive curly appearance and reduce shedding.

Lagotto Romagnolo

You’d be picking up where we left off with another curly-coated breed that doesn’t shed much: the Lagotto Romagnolo.

Originally from the Romagna area of Italy, this charming dog has a distinctive woolly coat in solid colors like off-white, brown, or roan.

Daily brushing and monthly trims keep their coat clean and free of mats.

Friendly and eager to please, Lagottos make delightful family dogs when provided enough mental stimulation and activity.

Do watch for hip dysplasia and eye issues in the breed.

With good Lagotto Romagnolo characteristics of low shedding and high affection, proper training, and health care ensures years of joy with this curly canine companion.

Ancient Non-Shedding Breeds

As you explore ancient breeds, consider the Basenji and the Lhasa Apso.

Both shed minimally, producing less dander.

Their longevity and small size also make them ideal choices if you seek a hypoallergenic lapdog.

Basenji

The Basenji, one of the most ancient hypoallergenic breeds, will interest you.

This curious breed with its short, sleek coat sheds minimally, making it a great choice for those seeking a non-shedding small dog.

Known for its cat-like grooming habits, the Basenji keeps itself exceptionally clean and odor-free.

Originally bred for hunting in central Africa, these petite pups retain a strong prey drive but adapt well to apartment living with daily walks and indoor playtime to satisfy their exercise needs.

Their independent and aloof personality has endeared them worldwide.

Lhasa Apso

You’re now looking at another ancient breed that doesn’t shed – how about the Lhasa Apso?

This hardy dog from Tibet features a long, dense coat requiring regular grooming to prevent mats.

Standing 10-11 inches tall yet packing lots of personality into a small frame, the Lhasa Apso bonds deeply with its family while remaining aloof with strangers.

Lhasa Apsos need daily moderate exercise like a 20-30 minute walk.

Their coat also necessitates regular grooming to prevent painful mats.

But they reward their owners with unwavering loyalty and are excellent watchdogs despite their small stature.

Silky Haired Little Dogs

Among the top hypoallergenic breeds are the Havanese and the Maltese, two silky-haired little dogs perfect for those seeking a small, non-shedding companion.

Both exhibit an affectionate and gentle temperament despite their lively nature, making them well-suited for homes with children.

Their long, silky coats require regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting.

Havanese

Two silky-haired little dogs to consider are the cheerful, affectionate Havanese and the gentle,

playful Maltese.

Both require regular brushing and trimming of their long, silky coats to prevent matting and shedding.

Smart and eager to please, Havanese thrive with positive reinforcement training. Daily walks and play fulfill their exercise needs.

Regular teeth brushing and eye/ear cleanings keep Havanese healthy, though luxating patellas can occur.

Scheduling annual vet checkups monitors any health issues.

Maltese

Coming off of the Havanese, you’d find the Maltese to be another silky-haired little dog that’s hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed.

This ancient breed originating from the Mediterranean is a true non-shedder, making them ideal for allergy sufferers seeking a small companion.

Their long, straight, white hair requires regular brushing and combing to prevent mats and keep the coat looking its pristine best.

Given their gentle and affectionate temperament, Maltese thrive when kept indoors and given ample opportunities to play and interact with their loved ones.

Daily short walks and indoor play sessions suit their modest exercise needs.

With proper coat care and attention, the Maltese makes a devoted hypoallergenic companion.

Low Shedding Schnauzers

You should also consider the two sizes of Schnauzer available if looking for a low-shedding small dog breed.

Both the Giant Schnauzer and the Miniature Schnauzer shed minimally, produce low levels of pet dander, and require regular grooming to maintain their distinctive beards and coats.

Their energetic and loyal personalities make Schnauzers a popular choice amongst those seeking a hypoallergenic companion.

Giant Schnauzer

Coming from the silky-haired little dogs, you’re moving on to the Giant Schnauzer, one of the low-shedding Schnauzer breeds.

As a large, spirited dog originally bred to herd cattle, the Giant Schnauzer needs plenty of exercise and firm, positive training to channel its energy properly.

Its harsh, wiry coat requires regular stripping to remove dead hairs.

Affectionate and loyal guard dogs, Giant Schnauzers can be strong-willed but respond well to consistent leadership and make devoted companions when properly socialized and trained.

Pay attention to health issues like hip dysplasia.

Overall, the Giant is an active breed requiring an experienced owner able to provide structure, activity, and coat care.

Miniature Schnauzer

Seven. You’re looking at a low-shedding, spunky little schnauzer known as the Miniature Schnauzer.

With minimal shedding and moderate grooming needs, the Mini Schnauzer makes an excellent hypoallergenic housemate.

Their small size belies a bold, tenacious spirit characteristic of all Schnauzers.

Daily walks, play sessions, and training activities keep this busybody entertained.

Reward good behavior with praise and treats to nurture their eagerness to please.

If properly socialized, these extroverts get along well with kids, other pets, and strangers alike.

Schedule regular vet checkups to monitor for health issues like eye/heart disease.

With proper care, your Mini Schnauzer will remain a loyal companion for years.

Hypoallergenic Poodle Types

You should consider a Toy Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog if you are looking for a small hypoallergenic dog breed.

Both Poodle types have minimal shedding, courtesy of their curly, low-dander coats.

Their small size makes them ideal pets for city dwellers and people with limited space.

Toy Poodle

Experience one of the most popular non-shedding breeds with the Toy Poodle, an active and intelligent hypoallergenic dog perfect for allergy sufferers.

Though small, the Toy Poodle is a vivacious and sturdy companion when provided daily exercise and play.

Their cute curly coat requires regular professional grooming and clipping to prevent matting.

Be prepared for the commitment of frequent brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning to maintain the Poodle’s stylish look.

With consistent training and socialization starting young, the Toy Poodle develops into an eager to please, affectionate family dog.

Consult with your veterinarian regarding preventative care to ensure your Toy Poodle lives a long, healthy life.

Portuguese Water Dog

You’re next going to meet the Portuguese Water Dog, one of several hypoallergenic Poodle types perfect for people with allergies.

These smart, athletic dogs love water activities like swimming and retrieving.

Their single coats don’t shed but require frequent brushing and clipping.

Consider Portuguese Water Dogs if you seek a loyal, loving companion with minimal dander to trigger allergies.

Keep their minds and bodies active through training, games, and daily walks or jogs.

Regular baths, brushing, and trims maintain the curly PWD coat while reducing allergy-causing dander.

With proper care and exercise, Portuguese Water Dogs make fantastic hypoallergenic family pets.

Rare Small Non-Shedders

The Affenpinscher is a small, sturdy monkey-like dog from Germany with a wiry coat that requires regular grooming.

The Brussels Griffon is an affectionate toy breed with a minimal shedding coat that comes in both smooth and rough varieties.

Affenpinscher

After discussing the popular Toy Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog hypoallergenic poodle types, you’ll find that the Affenpinscher is another rare small non-shedder worth considering.

This sturdy German breed with its wiry coat and monkey-like expression is a delightful companion.

Providing regular grooming and affection will keep this confident, playful pup content.

Moderate daily exercise satisfies an Affenpinscher’s needs.

Trace this breed’s origins to 17th-century ratters and farm dogs.

With minimal shedding and devoted companionship, the endearing Affenpinscher makes a fantastic hypoallergenic choice.

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is another rare small hypoallergenic breed that doesn’t shed much.

With its charming, almost human expression and sturdy build, this loyal little dog makes an excellent companion for city living.

Due to the minimal shedding from its rough or smooth coat, the Brussels Griffon is a great choice for allergy sufferers.

Daily walks and indoor play will satisfy this breed’s moderate exercise needs.

The loyal and affectionate Brussels Griffon prefers to be around family and is fairly easy to train.

Regular grooming and brushing are essential to maintain the coat and keep shedding to a minimum.

The Brussels Griffon’s small size and minimal exercise needs make it well-suited for apartment living.

Grooming for Non-Shedding Dogs

Regular grooming is your key to maintaining your non-shedding dog’s coat and reducing shedding.

As a veterinarian, I recommend establishing a regular grooming routine tailored to your dog’s coat type.

Use a slicker brush and comb for curly or wooly coats, while a bristle brush works best for silky fur.

Brush against the grain to remove dead hair before brushing with the grain to distribute oils.

Trim the fur around the eyes and sanitary areas as needed.

Bathe your dog monthly or when dirty using a mild hypoallergenic shampoo.

Invest in quality grooming tools like clippers, scissors, and dryers for at-home maintenance.

Stick to a schedule and make grooming relaxing.

Proper techniques keep coats healthy, minimize shedding, and help manage allergies.

Your dog will feel and look their best with routine care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)