Top 10 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
Top 10 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds: Perfect Companions for a Fur-Free Home
For many dog lovers, the joy of having a furry companion can be overshadowed by one thing — fur, and lots of it.
Hair on the couch, hair on your clothes, and hair floating through the air like dandelion seeds. If you’ve found yourself constantly reaching for the lint roller, you may be wondering if there’s a better way.
The good news?
Some dog breeds shed far less than others, making them ideal for allergy sufferers, neat freaks, or anyone who simply wants to cut down on cleaning time.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 low-shedding dog breeds, what makes them special, and what you need to know before bringing one into your home.
Why Do Some Dogs Shed Less?
Shedding is a natural process where dogs lose old or damaged hair to make way for new growth.
The amount of shedding depends on:
- Coat type (single vs. double coat)
- Breed genetics
- Health and diet
Low-shedding breeds often have hair that grows continuously (like human hair) rather than fur that falls out seasonally.
These dogs may still require regular grooming, but they won’t leave tumbleweeds of fur behind.
1. Poodle
Size: Toy, Miniature, and Standard varieties
Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, highly trainable
Best For: Families, singles, allergy sufferers
Poodles are famous for their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats. Their curly hair traps loose strands, meaning you won’t find them all over your home. However, that same coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats.
Why they’re great:
- Available in different sizes to suit any lifestyle.
- Excellent for people with mild pet allergies.
- Extremely smart and eager to please.
2. Bichon Frise
Size: Small (5–10 kg)
Temperament: Playful, cheerful, affectionate
Best For: Apartment living, families with children
The Bichon Frise is a happy-go-lucky companion with a soft, curly coat that hardly sheds. Like the Poodle, their hair continues to grow and needs professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to keep it manageable.
Why they’re great:
- Gentle and sociable, making them great with kids.
- Adaptable to city or suburban life.
- Minimal shedding makes them easier to live with indoors.
3. Maltese
Size: Small (3–4 kg)
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, loyal
Best For: Singles, seniors, indoor living
The Maltese has a stunning, silky white coat that sheds very little. They’re also one of the oldest toy breeds, known for their loyalty and loving nature. Their flowing locks need regular brushing to avoid tangles, but you won’t find piles of hair around your home.
Why they’re great:
- Compact size perfect for small spaces.
- Loving and people-oriented personality.
- Great option for first-time dog owners.
4. Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, Giant)
Size: Varies from 5 kg (Miniature) to 45 kg (Giant)
Temperament: Alert, spirited, loyal
Best For: Active owners, families
Schnauzers have a distinctive bearded look and a wiry coat that doesn’t shed much. Regular hand-stripping or clipping keeps their coat healthy and neat.
Why they’re great:
- Come in three sizes to match your home and lifestyle.
- Naturally protective and make good watchdogs.
- Minimal shedding compared to many breeds of similar size.
5. Shih Tzu
Size: Small (4–7 kg)
Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, adaptable
Best For: Families, seniors, apartment living
Shih Tzus have a luxurious double coat that, surprisingly, doesn’t shed much. Their long, flowing hair requires regular brushing, but because it grows continuously, loose strands tend to fall out less frequently than other breeds.
Why they’re great:
- Calm and adaptable to different environments.
- Affectionate and good with children.
- Low-shedding despite their dense coat.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
Size: Medium (16–27 kg)
Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, loyal
Best For: Active families, water lovers
The Portuguese Water Dog has a dense, curly coat similar to the Poodle’s, which sheds very little. Historically bred to work on fishing boats, these dogs are athletic and need plenty of exercise.
Why they’re great:
- Great for active households.
- Water-resistant, low-shedding coat.
- Highly trainable and intelligent.
7. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Size: Medium (14–20 kg)
Temperament: Friendly, spirited, playful
Best For: Families, experienced dog owners
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier sports a silky, wavy coat that sheds minimally. They’re known for their joyful nature and signature “Wheaten greetin’” — a bouncy welcome for everyone they meet.
Why they’re great:
- Low-shedding, single-layer coat.
- Affectionate and loyal companions.
- Adaptable to different living environments.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Size: Small (2–3 kg)
Temperament: Bold, affectionate, confident
Best For: Singles, couples, allergy sufferers
Yorkies have a fine, silky coat that resembles human hair. They shed very little, but their locks need frequent brushing to avoid tangles. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and a fearless spirit.
Why they’re great:
- Compact, travel-friendly size.
- Minimal shedding — ideal for tidy homes.
- Spirited and loving companions.
9. Basenji
Size: Medium (9–11 kg)
Temperament: Independent, intelligent, quiet
Best For: Active owners, those wanting a low-odor dog
The Basenji is known as the “barkless dog” because of its unique yodel-like sound. They have a short, fine coat that sheds very little and requires minimal grooming.
Why they’re great:
- Clean and low-odor — almost cat-like in grooming habits.
- Minimal shedding.
- Energetic and playful without being overly vocal.
10. Lagotto Romagnolo
Size: Medium (11–16 kg)
Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, eager to please
Best For: Active families, allergy sufferers
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed originally used for truffle hunting. Their dense, curly coat is wool-like and sheds minimally.
Why they’re great:
- Hypoallergenic coat similar to a Poodle’s.
- Intelligent and easy to train.
- Active and affectionate family companions.
Tips for Living with a Low-Shedding Dog
While these breeds shed less, it’s important to remember:
- Low-shedding doesn’t mean no grooming. Many of these dogs require regular brushing, clipping, or professional grooming.
- Hypoallergenic is not a guarantee. People with severe allergies should spend time with the breed before committing.
- Diet and health matter. A healthy dog will have a healthier coat and shed less.
Whether you’re an allergy sufferer, a neat freak, or just someone who doesn’t want to be constantly vacuuming, low-shedding dog breeds offer a great balance between companionship and cleanliness.
From the playful Poodle to the bold Basenji, there’s a perfect match for every lifestyle.
When choosing your next furry friend, consider not just their shedding level but also their temperament, energy needs, and compatibility with your home.
With the right match, you’ll have a loyal, low-shedding companion for years to come.
