There are dozens and dozens of small dog breeds available today. Many were bred to be lap dogs and are extremely laidback. Others are hunting dogs and can be extremely active. There are also quite a few breeds that do not shed. Instead, these breeds typically require regular haircuts as their hair just doesn’t stop growing.
Non-shedding dogs can be useful for a variety of reasons. If you just can’t stand dog hair, a dog that doesn’t shed is a good option. They aren’t necessarily hypoallergenic, however. Those with dog allergies are allergic to dander, not hair.
We’ll take a look at many of the popular smaller dog breeds that do not shed in this article.
The 17 Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
1. Basenji
The Basenji is a truly strange, unique dog. They do not have a distinctive odor and shed very minimally. Their coat is fine and doesn’t require any care besides the occasional brushing. They do not require trims, unlike many of the other dogs on this list.
They are sometimes known as the “barkless dog”, though they aren’t truly silent. They are extremely quiet, however, making them suitable dogs for apartments.
2. Bolognese
While this breed isn’t quite as popular as some others, their distinctively fluffy coat makes them stand out from the crowd. They do not shed. Instead, they do require daily grooming to remove the dead hairs, similarly to a Poodle.
This tiny breed originated from a small town in Italy called Bologna, hence their name. They are extremely people-oriented and make great house pets. They also get along with most other pets.
3. Chinese Crested
This breed doesn’t shed much simply because it doesn’t have much hair to shed. Much of its body is hairless. Some of them are covered in very fine hair, but even this sheds minimally and hardly even counts. However, because they are hairless, they require extra care. They are more exposed to the weather and often require sunscreen and similar protective measures.
4. Havanese
The Cuban dog is known for their large personality. Their coat doesn’t shed at all, but it does require frequent brushing. They are prone to getting dirty due to their energetic nature, so we generally recommend regular washing as well.
These dogs are quite social and adaptable. They do well just about anywhere, including in cities and apartments. They are smart and trainable, making them suitable for first-time owners.
5. Lhasa Apso
This small dog is extremely calm and laid back. They do enjoy short walks and require some daily exercise. However, they also enjoy plenty of time to lounge in their owner’s laps. They don’t shed, but their coats do require regular maintenance. They will need to be groomed often, as their coat doesn’t stop growing. You can avoid daily brushing if you choose to give them a “puppy cut,” which involves keeping their hair shorter. This is often done in companion animals, though showing dogs requires the full, long coat.
6. Poodle
Poodles come in many sizes, including toy and miniature. Both of these small dogs do not shed, though their coats do require maintenance. They need to be brushed often and will require regular clippings as well. Some require bathing, depending on how much time they spend in the water.
Even though toy and miniature Poodles are smaller, they are just as intelligent and athletic as their full-sized versions. They require quite a bit of time and attention to stay happy. Regular training and mental stimulation are necessary.
7. Shih Tzu
This is probably one of the more popular small dogs that do not shed. They were bred to be lap animals and still retain many of these traits today. Their hair does not shed much at all. You will need to brush it daily, however. Many people choose to give these dogs “puppy cuts” to reduce the amount of maintenance their hair needs.
These gentle companions can get along with children as long as they are supervised. Rough children can hurt them, which may cause these dogs to bite.
8. Xoloitzcuintli
This ancient breed is from Mexico. They are rare and come in both hairless and coated varieties. Both versions don’t shed very much in the least, making them suitable for people who are looking for a non-shedding dog.
They do require a bit more care due to having no hair, though. They are more exposed to the elements and may need things like sunscreen to stay healthy. They are affectionate with their families, but they can be a bit noisy. They are active but generally well-behaved at home.
9. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is an interesting dog. Many people say they look quite similar to the Ewoks from Star Wars. These dogs are extremely tiny and stand at less than a foot tall. They can only reach 10 pounds, though many are much shorter.
This dog is extremely confident and proud. They are independent and extremely difficult to train for this reason. Their coat is dense and shaggy. However, they do not shed, and their coat actually requires very little care. They can be a bit willful, so we don’t recommend them for first-time owners.
10. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is completely non-shedding. They don’t shed at all. However, their hair does grow continuously and needs frequent grooming. You should plan on brushing them daily and taking them to get a trim often.
These are true personality dogs. They are known for their unique personality quirks and friendly nature. They can get along with children and other dogs. Usually, they befriend just about everyone they meet. Their small size makes them perfect for city dogs. They are also quite trainable.
11. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon comes in two different varieties. But neither of them sheds. They do need a bit of regular grooming but are usually low-maintenance when compared to other breeds on this list. They don’t have very high exercise needs. Most thrive on a short walk or even some playing in an indoor area.
They are loyal dogs that need the company of people to be happy. They do not do well when left at home for extended periods and prefer to have someone with them at all times. They can be prone to isolation anxiety for this reason.
12. Coton De Tulear
This fluffy dog has a distinctive coat that doesn’t shed. This breed only reaches up to 13 pounds. Their coat is said to look like cotton, which is exactly where they get their name from. They were bred to be lap dogs, which is exactly what they act like today.
They are fun dogs to be around. They have unique vocalizations and can be a bit noisy, though it usually isn’t the regular barking you’re used to hearing from a canine. They can also walk on their hind legs in many cases.
13. Maltese
The Maltese is one of the smallest dogs out there. They only weigh up to 7 pounds and are covered by a silky coat. Their long-white coat has made them a pretty popular lap dog. The coat does need regular brushing to prevent mats and regular baths, as they can get a bit dirty with all that hair.
14. Miniature Schnauzer
This miniature dog is cheerful and makes a great family dog. They are smart and train easily, even for first-time owners. They are adaptable and can live just about anywhere as long as their needs are met. They aren’t as high-maintenance as some other dogs, but they do require weekly brushing and regular trips to the groomer.
15. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is known for its unique appearance and big personality. They are bold and confident. They are aloof with strangers but absolutely love their family. They still have strong hunting instincts, which can make things complicated in homes with cats. They are decently active and require regular walks. However, due to their smaller size, meeting their needs isn’t actually that difficult.
16. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier is absolutely adorable. They look like white puffballs. However, they do not shed very much in the least and require little care when compared to other dogs on this list. They are compact, little dogs, but they are surprisingly sturdy. They were bred to hunt small animals, like rats and other rodents, so they’re built practically.
They don’t require as much pampering as other breeds and will chase just about anything that moves. As they were bred to hunt independently, they aren’t particularly easy to train. However, they are very loyal and try very hard at training time. Their attention span just isn’t quite as good as other dogs when it comes to training.
17. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a popular little dog that weighs no more than seven pounds. This little dog may seem pampered, but it is a true terrier. They can be a bit active and enjoy running around. They have large personalities, which makes them quite popular. As adaptable dogs, they are well suited for life just about anywhere. Their fur is similar to human hair, so they don’t shed much in the least.
They can be a bit difficult to train due to their independent nature. However, they love their people and are typically well-behaved.
Related Reads:
Featured Image Credit: Jacek Korzeniewski, Shutterstock
