If you love dogs, however, don’t really love cleaning up hair or keen on lots of grooming, you might be looking for a furry friend that is a little “less furry.” You might even get the sniffles because of allergies but would love to add a forever friend to the family and household without having watery eyes and having hair everywhere.
To be honest, all dogs shed. However, this list should give you an idea about the dog breeds that shed the least for those who want to keep grooming etc. to a minimum. While this is not a list of dogs that are completely hypoallergenic, it will give you an idea of the breeds that shed very little.
The Least Shedding Dog Breeds
1. Chinese Crested Dog
2. Italian Greyhound
3. Löwchen
4. Dachshund
5. Chihuahua
6. Schnauzer
7. Komondor
8. Whippet
9. Goldendoodle
10. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
1. Chinese Crested Dog
These little pooches with the cute topknot come in two varieties. The Chinese Crested breed has both a coated variety and those who look naked. The dogs that have a full coat will have lots of hair, however, surprisingly they don’t shed very much similar to the hairless variety. If grooming is an issue, know that the coated pups require it. While the hairless Chinese Crested really requires hardly any grooming, the skin must be protected. These kooky looking cuties are a great choice if you’re looking for a breed that sheds least.
2. Italian Greyhound
If you are truly looking for low maintenance when it comes to your new doggie, Italian Greyhounds are a great choice and are recognized as one of the lowest maintenance dogs around. These beauties require very little to no grooming and will be another great breed for minimal shedding. An Italian Greyhound’s coat is very short so if you live in a colder climate, make sure to get your new friend a nice warm sweater.
3. Löwchen
When first looking at this picture, you might think it’s a mistake for this breed to be included in the least shedding dogs. It’s not. The Löwchen sports a long, beautiful flowing coat, however these fluffy dogs are one of the breeds considered to be hypoallergenic. They are often seen with a lion cut because their name (Löwchen) means Little Lion in German. The usual cut is short on the hips and legs, with the flowing hair left on the ankles, neck, tail, and head.
4. Dachshund
These darling little “weenie dogs” are really Dachshunds. They commonly have this nickname because they are long with short little legs and resemble a hot dog. The Dachshund breed has super short coats and hardly shed at all. Even though they are small they make great watchdogs but are loving as well. All this combined makes this a great breed when looking for dogs that shed less.
5. Chihuahua
Another little breed that is small but doesn’t think so is the Chihuahua. These precious little guys can have smooth or long coats. Chihuahuas with log coats require very little grooming and surprisingly these dogs shed less than the dogs with a smooth coat. These pocket-sized pals are great, and you’ll love the fact that their shedding is minimal.
6. Schnauzer
Next is another breed from Germany, Schnauzer. There are three separate types of these forever friends, the miniature, standard and giant. All of the Schnauzer “sizes” have very minimal shedding, nonetheless because of their longer coats they will require regular grooming. Being friendly and energetic just adds to the desirability of this dog.
7. Komondor
Here’s another breed that you won’t believe belongs on this list. Komondors are bigger, calm and friendly dogs with a very different coat. Komondors look like they have dreadlocks. Because of this, this breed doesn’t require brushing and shed minimal hair, but they will need regular baths.
8. Whippet
The Whippet breed has short, fine, and silky coats. While they are easy to groom and rarely shed, these pups require a rub down once in a while to keep their coats shiny. These super, fast sweet dogs don’t carry around any doggie odor either. Put that all together and Whippets are a great addition to this list and your home.
9. Goldendoodle
Next is a designer dog. The Goldendoodle breed (aka Groodle) is a mix of the Poodle and Golden Retriever. A little grooming is required with clipping every other month. This beautiful breed’s coat resembles a poodle and they don’t shed. Goldendoodles are quickly becoming one of the favorites for family dogs and could be a great addition to your family.
10. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The coat of a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is coarse and stiff making them look unkempt even if they just came from the doggie salon. Shedding is minimal if at all with this different breed and having a medium-length coat means only occasional grooming. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an active breed that will need exercise all year, but the lack of shedding frees up your time for play with this gentle giant.
It’s quite understandable that people searching for a furry forever friend might want a dog breed that shed the least compared to others. After all, you might not want to always have a lint roller or vacuum at the ready.
Honestly, with breeds that shed less, there will be less maintenance and worry and hair. You could save lots of hours of cleaning as well as grooming time. With allergies, while no dog is completely hypoallergenic, breeds that do not shed as often as others will let you breathe a little easier.
These dog breeds that shed less are a good place to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does non shedding mean?
Non shedding dogs are breeds that don’t have a coat or are entirely hairless. All other breeds with fur will shed, but some shed much less than others.
What is the cheapest non shedding dog?
American Hairless Terriers are the most affordable dogs that are completely non shedding. You can expect to pay a breeder between $800-$1,800 which can still be a big hit on a budget, but they require little grooming and are low maintenance which can save you money in the long run. Adopting non shedding dogs is the cheapest option. Prices for adoption range between $50-$250 regardless of breed.
Which large breed dogs shed the least?
There are several large dogs that hardly shed at all. Some examples would include Irish Water Spaniels, Airedale Terriers, Giant Schnauzers, Standard Poodles, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, and Salukis. Adopting a large four-legged friend doesn’t mean you have to adopt a large mess of shedding fur.
Which medium sized dogs shed the least?
If you’re looking for a medium sized dog but don’t like the idea of hair covering everything in your house, you’ll be pleased to learn that there is a wide selection of breeds that barely shed. Examples would be Tibetan Terriers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Lowchens, and Standard Schnauzers.
What small dogs shed the least?
The least shedding small dogs are Border Terriers, Chinese Crested Hairless, Toy Poodles, Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos, Australian Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Havaneses, Sealyham Terriers, and Shih Tzus.
What is the healthiest non shedding small dog?
There are several incredibly healthy dog breeds that don’t shed. However, the Maltese easily tops the list. Even though this breed has longer fur, they lack an undercoat so shedding is extremely minimal. They live long, healthy, and happy lives with a lifespan of 12-15 years. Coming in next would be Bichon Frises, with Poodles coming in third.
What is the smartest hypoallergenic dog?
Poodles easily take the victory in this category. Their level of intelligence is incredible. They don’t shed and they are a hypoallergenic breed. Their coat does require a lot of time and attention though and regular grooming is an absolute must.
What is the easiest hypoallergenic dog to train?
This is another category that Poodles take the win in. Their high level of intelligence allows them to learn new things with ease. Another thing that makes them easily trainable is their strong desire to please their human. Smaller breeds such as the Toy Poodle may not respond to housebreaking training as quickly as their larger relatives, but it’s more than possible.
What are the best non shedding family dogs?
If you have a family at home, you already have enough to keep up with without having to clean up after a shedding dog. That’s where nonshedding family-friendly dogs shine. Breeds such as Scottish Terriers, Standard Schnauzers, Standard Poodles, Brussels Griffons, and Italian Greyhounds are all hypoallergenic, make amazing family dogs, and hardly shed at all.
What dog doesn’t bark or shed?
Basenjis and Italian Greyhounds are the ideal pet for someone who would prefer a dog that doesn’t shed and rarely barks. They’re the perfect breeds for someone who enjoys both quiet and cleanliness.
