Top 14 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds: An Overview (with Pictures)

You can find a playful pal, a snuggle buddy, and a loyal friend in dogs-the reason you may prefer a dog over any other pet. But dogs shed, which can be a put-off for dog fanciers with allergies or those who loath the mess.

The truth is, there isn’t a 100% hypoallergenic dog because all dogs must lose some hair. But there sure is a dog that doesn’t make much hairy mess.

If you are looking for a light-shedding pup that doesn’t irritate your allergies-you have options. Keep reading.

The 14 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

1. Poodle

As far as canines go, poodles are some of the most intelligent and most esteemed breeds as in today’s shows, with only six others in the world being more popular than them.

Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. These dogs have dense coats and rarely shed, although you should prepare to brush the puffy curls daily unless you clip the fur short.

2. Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers are AKC’s “monkey dogs” for a reason-take one look at them, and you’ll understand why. This tiny but feisty dog is full of spunk, energy, and charm and still complements all these by shedding so little!

These dogs are wiry-haired and don’t require too much grooming, just bi-weekly brushing, and two-yearly coat trimming.

3. Australian Silky Terrier

This dog breed has distinctive long, flowing silky coats, and you wouldn’t believe that it’s your ultimate allergy-friendly pup by looking at it. The Silky Terrier is a Yorkshire Terrier’s close relative and is easy to groom and maintain, just like the cousin.

However, their long hair predisposes them to tangles and mates, so it would be best not to take advantage of the infrequent shedding as an excuse to ignore an occasional but good brushing session.

4. Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo dog breeds are Italy’s irreplaceable “truffle dogs,” donning a dense and curly coat that can leave you wondering how they see ahead. Everything about these dogs is fancy-their name, teddy bear features, and dispositions.

These medium-sized dogs are generally easy-going, and you can always put them to work with their high energy and endurance! This dog’s curls behave more like human hair than animal fur, meaning that the pup is fully hypoallergenic and low maintenance.

5. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are athletic and energetic and the best example of a dog that lives up to its name. These medium-sized dogs love water and are ardent swimmers who can fight waves for long without tiring.

This breed has a tightly curled coat that’s waterproof and hypoallergenic. Portuguese Water Dogs are loyal and eager to please; no wonder they were President Obama’s family dogs!

6. Brittany

Brittany is a dog breed from France and was previously known as Brittany Spaniels before the AKC dropped the “Spaniel” title. This breed is energetic and versatile, primarily because they bred it as a gundog and bird hunter.

Brittanys have a dense coat that protects them while on trails and keeps shedding at a minimum. You wouldn’t keep up with Brittany if you aren’t the active and energetic type of parent.

7. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise means “fluffy white dog” in French, and you would agree that the French didn’t leave much to the imagination when naming this breed. Thanks to their mild temperaments and cuddly features, these little cotton balls are every family’s best choice.

These dogs will indeed watch over your household with their alertness and curiosity and still give you an easy time maintaining it because they rarely shed. How can they, when breeders intended them to be hypoallergenic?

8. Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is among the oldest Terrier breed, and people once described it as “the farmer’s friend, gentleman’s favorite, and the poor man’s sentinel.” These dogs are super-affectionate and low-shedding, making them excellent pets for anyone.

If you can offer the Irish Terrier constant attention, space to move, and patience, expect a fun and easy-to-maintain dog by your side. This pup only requires a little grooming of its tight, wiry hair to keep it in shipshape.

9. Bedlington Terrier

Here’s the perfect choice for a dog fancier that wants a low-shedding pup that looks like a lamb too. The Bedlington Terrier originated from England as a hunter’s sidekick and a vermin killer.

These pups still possess excellent hunting skills, although you can mostly find them in dog shows these days. Bedlington terriers are energetic and appear graceful in their sheep’s clothing with the notable poof at the head’s top.

You can ensure a low maintenance cut by grooming this dog in a tip-top shape like in dog shows or trying a short clip.

10. Havanese

Do you want a white-coated dog just like the Bichon Frise? The Havanese could be the perfect fit. Plus, it comes in various colors and markings with a soft silky coat that rarely sheds.

Havanese dogs are the only breeds native to Cuba, so be sure you’ll be enjoying an incomparable breed that also exempts you from allergies and too much vacuuming.

11. Miniature Schnauzer

Both the Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers are hypoallergenic, only that you face dogs of varying sizes. These pups have bushy eyebrows, long beards, soft double coats, and rough, continuously growing hair that requires regular trimming. The good thing is that their hair is low-shedding and won’t put you to a sneezing fit.

12. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu may look like a mini-lion, but there’s nothing fierce about this pup. This dog breed is a lover and has won over royals with its light-shedding fur.

This “lion dog” has naturally long hair that requires a good bit of maintenance. But, you can choose to trim the coat short for a more teddy-bear-like look.

• Related Read: 17 Small Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed (with Pictures)

13. Yorkshire Terrier

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a Yorkshire Terrier. Yorkshire Terriers have glowy floor-length coats just like their cousins, the Maltese. However, they are hypoallergenic because they have hair that looks more human-like than dog fur, although they require daily brushing and regular baths.

Yorkshire Terriers require high maintenance, but they make up for it through their vast personalities. Plus, you can tie their hair in a petite bow if you want!

14.  Maltese

You may know the Maltese as the “lap dog” with long white hair, but it’s among the lowest-shedding dog breed you can ever find.

Although these dogs may shed so little, don’t mistake that for low maintenance as they require daily brushing and regular grooming to maintain their trademark all-white silky long hair.

Final Thoughts

Your love for dogs shouldn’t end with too much vacuuming or sneezing fits when you can own any of these dogs to alleviate your allergies-or at least save you the effort and money on lint rollers.

Now that you have a handful of low-shedding dog options, which one would you prefer?

Related reads

• 12 Shaggy Dog Breeds (with Pictures)
• 3 Alaskan Dog Breeds That Originated in Alaska (with Pictures)
• 10 Most Beautiful Dog Breeds (with Pictures)

Featured Image: Eudyptula, Shutterstock