Top 20 Shedless Dogs W/ Reasons Why for Our Selection

If keeping half a dozen lint rollers isn’t your thing, small shedless dogs are the perfect pet for you. These non-shedding or hypoallergenic breeds are becoming more popular with households. They produce less dander which is excellent for people with various allergies. Many pet owners are willing to spend thousands of dollars just to get these canines. Since dog shedding is a pain, a breed that saves you from the cleaning and endless brushing is heaven-sent.

Take note that no dog breed is a hundred percent hypoallergenic. They will still shed a little as part of the natural hair authenticdogs02-20nt course, but there are some that work well with allergy-sufferers. If you don’t see yourself vigorously removing those fur spots on your furniture, check out these dog breeds:

1. Maltese Terrier

This gorgeous and silky breed is no doubt a “fairytale dog” for its adorable appearance and playfulness. Although their hair is lush, they shed very little and you won’t find any strand on your furniture. Aside from that, they are loving and playful which makes them a perfect lap dog.

Malteses don’t have an undercoat, the reason why they’re small shedless dogs. They thrive on apartments but they can be intolerant of active kids if they are pampered too much. Still, they can be trained to suit a family with children.

This breed is very easy to groom, despite having a seemingly high-maintenance coat. They don’t drool and their small size contributes to the hassle-free bathing and brushing.

When you get a Maltese, you’ll not just have a nice, non-shedding coat. You’ll also have a ball of energy and an attention-seeking pet.

2. Tibetan Terrier

A cousin of the Maltese breed, Tibetan Terriers might look fluffy but they don’t shed. Unlike Malteses, they require more grooming to prevent their shaggy coat from matting.  The Tibetan Terrier breed has a double coat which is surprising given the fact that they don’t shed. And even if they don’t shed a lot, you have to brush their coat regularly and trim the excess hair on their ears and eyes.

This dog breed isn’t actually a “terrier”. This misnomer was established due to their small size and fluffy coat that has a similarity with that of the usual terriers. Tibetan Terriers don’t have the common sharp and twitchy behavior. They were bred to be companions of monks and herdsmen back in the days and are known to be gentle and demanding of a constant company.

3. Brussels Griffon

Another fluffy but non-shedding dog on this list is the Brussels Griffon. They shed a bit but still recognized as one of the best hypoallergenic breeds. The coat of Griffons can both be wiry and smooth depending on the dominant ancestors. They are said to be a mix of Spaniel, Affenpinscher, and Pug. Nevertheless, they are easy to groom but will require more attention than the first two listed breeds here.

Griffons are also dubbed as the “monkey face” due to their very expressive nature that is sometimes compared to humans. They are friendly and loving, but Griffons tend to trust one person only (some kind of favoritism). This breed doesn’t like rowdy kids too.

You have to train this breed since they have an affinity to barking in the slightest noise they hear.

4. Shih Tzu

This household favorite dog is definitely a catch if you want one that looks cute but doesn’t shed too much. Their hair will only fall off if you brush their coat. And as part of their regular hair authenticdogs02-20nt process, make sure to brush them regularly to prevent any skin issues or matted spots. Since their coat is made up of hair instead of fur, Shih Tzus are definitely one of the shedless dogs.

Shih Tzus hail from a royal background, having been kept by Chinese royal families in the past. They look snobbish due to their long and elegant hair plus their name that means “Little Lion”. But truth be told, there’s nothing fierce about this breed. They are gentle, friendly, and certified lap dogs. Some Shih Tzus tend to be Velcro dogs too – following their owner in every room, including the bathroom.

5. Poodle

The dog with beauty and brains, as many call them. Poodles are easy to spot with their curly hair and prominent snoot. These dogs are almost as popular as Shih Tzus and a crowd favorite due to their non-shedding coat and a high level of intelligence. And even if their coats are thicker, Poodles are loved since they don’t have the distinct doggy smell. Poodles are regular winners on best-in-shows and despite the very appealing coat, they are easy to groom.

Don’t be fooled by the movie depictions. Poodles aren’t just couch potatoes. They are very active and are bred to do real jobs. Before they became status symbols of celebs, Poodles used to be water retrievers.

The toy, miniature, and regular poodles are non-shedding and share the same behavior and personality.

6. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

As one of the terrier breeds, the soft-coated wheaten dog is the combination of a fluffy coat and a vibrant personality. Their wavy coat sheds very little, something that is typical among its cousin breeds. They are very easy to groom, but their agile and jumpy personality can make them soiled if you let them romp around a muddy yard.

You have to groom their coats regularly to keep its nice look. Watch out because Wheaten Terriers are messy eaters and they will wipe their mussy beards on the couch or carpet.

The Wheated breed was first used in Ireland as a farm dog. They are tasked to keep the herd on track and to hunt vermins that pester the area. Aside from doing real jobs, Wheaten dogs are lauded for their high adaptability skills, be it in the countryside, city, or as a family dog.

7. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise or “lap dog” in French is a bubbly and an intelligent dog breed. They shed minimally, possibly because of their hairy coat and small bodies. Bichons have black and lively eyes that look dazzling when their facial hair is trimmed well. They are sometimes mistaken to be poodles due to their curly coat.

Even though they are small and almost toy in size, they aren’t recognized as such by the AKC. They belong to the non-sporting group as a toughie dog. They are used as companions of French sailors after they were fetched from Tenerife. And true enough, Bichons have an affinity for water. Watch out since their white coat can get really muddy as they stomp on puddles on your backyard.

Aside from being an apartment companion, Bichons are excellent family dogs. They have a high tolerance with kids and other canine pets.

8. Kerry Blue Terrier

Can’t get enough of curly coats? The Kerry Blue Terrier has a similarity to Poodles and the Wheaten Terrier. They have the same short tail and unique coat that doesn’t shed easily. Don’t be confused, since the Kerry Blue is born black and the blue shade on their coat will start to show up once they turn two.

Kerry dog hair can be as smooth as the human hair if properly groomed. They don’t shed but you have to brush them regularly to remove the old hair.

They shed very little and even better than Malteses and Shih Tzus. Take note that this breed grows a beard that has to be trimmed to avoid food from sticking when they eat. However, other dogs don’t sit well on this breed and they’re likely to show aggression. This makes them a good watchdog, but not a co-existing pet.

9. Havanese

Who wouldn’t fall in love on this charming dog? Havanese is a lively and affectionate dog and they are usually dubbed as the “Velcro breed” as they tend to be clingy to their owners. Although one of the small shedless dogs, they have a vibrant gait and a very friendly personality that attracts large crowds of pet owners.

Havanese is initially bred for the Cuban aristocrats to be lap dogs. But they aren’t just aesthetic pets; they are highly trainable to be assistant dogs and circus performers.

One prominent characteristic of the Havanese breed is their affection toward their owners and strangers. They don’t like being left alone in the backyard or locked inside the house alone. It’s best to have them accompanied with another dog if the owner has to leave regularly.

10. Chinese Crested

No fur, no shedding! If you’re not a fan of fluffy breeds, the Chinese Crested Dog might be for you. This breed is a powderpuff dog, meaning it only has hair on some parts including the tail, feet, and on top of their heads. These hairs don’t shed a lot still which is excellent for easier grooming.

The Chinese Crested dog shares some terrier behavior like agility and alertness. This breed actually came from Africa, but after the Chinese traders let them on the ship to hunt critters, they were then called as the Chinese Crested.

Even if this breed is almost hairless, you still have to groom them properly. Their tufts can become matted and soiled, especially those on the feet.

If you are to own a Crested, make sure that you keep them warm by winter. As much as they have a high tolerance for heat, they can die when exposed to very low temperatures.

11. Irish Water Spaniel

Flappy ears and a Poodle-like coat, the Irish Water Spaniel sheds very little and are incredibly friendly family pets. Still, they have to be groomed regularly to maintain the top knot coat.

Irish Spaniels are goofy dogs as much as intelligent and active. Sometimes, this fun-seeking attitude can be a pain during training. This breed doesn’t bark, but when it does, it is to warn the owners for a possible threat. Although the Irish Water Spaniel is a great family dog, it tends to have its favorite persons.

The Irish breed was used to be water retrievers, so there’s no doubt that it thrives on a place near a body of water. They might also love wading on the flood and the mud outdoors. They have webbed feet too which makes them master swimmers. Irish Spaniels love swimming and they will dive in a pool of water given a chance.

12. Labradoodle

Do you like a Golden Retriever sans the heavy shedding? The cross-breed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle will be the answer. They bear the semi-curly coat and the golden color. The best thing here is they usually inherit the low-shedding characteristics of their Poodle ancestors. However, take note that there’s a wide variety for this cross-breed and it’s important that you seek a trusted breeder.

If possible, get a second generation mix or a pup with both Labradoodle parents. Check, too, if the parents have the non-shedding quality and if the puppy has a high chance of inheriting this characteristic. Labradoodles can be an unpredictable breed so you should be willing to take a chance if ever.

Labradoodles possess the friendliness and eager-to-please personality of Golden Retrievers which makes it very popular and in-demand.

13. Schnauzer

For someone looking for a protective dog that doesn’t shed, the Schnauzer will be the best breed. They have the iconic walrus-like mustache and a fluffy coat that makes them an elegant pet. Schnauzers are complete packages: intelligent, affectionate, protective, clownish, and most of all, non-shedding. Their hairy coat won’t shed unless you brush it (which you should do regularly).

This breed is known to have a heart for humans, always wanting company even if their owners are just going to the bathroom. But don’t ever consider them as a softie, these boys are loveable but they can be aggressive if need be. Take note that Schnauzers have been favorite police, detection, search and rescue, and drug dogs. They have a soft spot, but they are toughies when it comes to doing real jobs.

14. Border Terrier

Again, the terrier breeds never fail to amaze us with their non-shedding family. The Border Terrier is another one from the umbrella breed to possess the non-shedding quality. This small pooch is a master hunter and popular among families due to their friendly and hypoallergenic nature. A weekly brush is usually enough to maintain their coat and remove old hairs.

But as much as they are non-shedding and low maintenance dogs, Border Terriers aren’t for everyone. They have very strong hunting instincts even for domesticated rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs. You should have enough patience to deal with their antics.

Border Terriers should be supervised over time. Keeping them occupied with enough exercise will tame their urge to climb fences and hunt your hamster pet. Still, you have to be watchful of their clever ways.

15. Affenpinscher

Somewhat similar to the Brussels Griffon, the Affenpinscher was bred to be smaller to be ladies’ companion. They shed minimally and don’t drool and are considered as one of the best hypoallergenic dogs in the world. Affenpinschers are small but always full of energy. Their wavy hair is one of the reasons why they became famous to pet owners, not to mention their shiny black coat.

Affenpinschers are very affectionate dogs, but they can be challenging to train. They are doting to their owners, but they have very low tolerance to rowdy kids. Affenpinschers can be aloof to strangers too, but given proper socialization, they can be friendly.

Currently, Affenpinscher is a rare breed. If you’re bent to have this dog, make sure to seek a trusted breeder. They may produce dander from time to time so always brush them to prevent the hair from sticking somewhere else.

16. West Highland White Terrier

The Westies, as they are fondly called, are active dogs that are known for their affectionate and loyal personality. These lap dogs have double coats which is quite surprising since they are one of the small shedless dogs. They have snow white hair which is similar to its small terrier cousins. Westies are fairly easy to groom, but you have to keep an eye on their hair to avoid matting and the dirt from seeping in.

West Highland Terriers are well-loved because they are great family dogs. They also have a high tolerance with kids but with a gentle aloofness with strangers. Westies are bred for hunting and ratting so expect that they will be romping and targeting moving objects inside and outside the house.

Just like any terrier, they will bark, dig, and chase critters. They can be friendly with cats, but there would be lots of chasing that will take place first.

17. Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear or “cotton for short” in French is another fluffy and non-shedding breed. They are smart and playful but they don’t require a lot of physical activity. Like their adorable appearance, Coton de Tulears are very sweet-natured dogs which have very low hunting instincts. This breed is related to Maltese and Bichon Frise but they have their unique personality and style.

Coton de Tulear is well loved due to their easy to groom coat that sheds very little. They are also excellent travelers which they sustained from their seafaring days as a company for ladies during long ship journeys.

This breed doesn’t demand attention. They will usually sleep when their humans are outside or if there’s nothing else to do. They don’t bark a lot too, but they will talk to their owners with their distinct vocalization sounds.

18. Greyhound

This hunting dog may look intimidating, but they are actually great with families –their minimally shedding coat as one reason. They are dubbed as the Ferraris of the dog world because of their running prowess that can be as fast as 45 mph. As an ancient breed, Greyhounds are associated with the dogs of Egypt.

Greyhounds have a very thin coat that’s easy to groom. Although they shed a little, it’s not enough to spread swaths of hair all over your house. They are very easy to groom and won’t require too much brisk brushing.

19. Ibizan Hound

A cousin of Greyhounds, the Ibizan hound is outstanding for its minimal shedding and a thin coat that’s very easy to groom. They are both playful and stubborn but highly trainable as a family dog. Ibizan Hounds may look intimidating due to their confident gait, but they are very welcoming even to strangers and other dogs.

Ibizan Hounds aren’t notorious for barking, but they can be clever escape artists. They have a very strong wanderlust instinct, stemming from their hunting nature.

20. Basenji

The barkless dog – Basenjis are known to be a quiet and reserved breed. They shed a little and almost effortless to groom. They share some similar features with Akitas and Shiba Inus, but don’t be fooled because this dog came from Congo.

Basenjis are very family-friendly and highly adaptable for households with kids. Since they don’t bark or howl, they are excellent options for small apartments and novice owners. But beware because this doggo has a high prey instinct together with their high energy levels.

Also, they are known to be super show dogs that will cooperate well. Still, they will use their wits to get your attention.

These big and small shedless dogs are excellent picks as pets due to their easy-to-groom coats. Just make sure that their personality suits your preference as well.

Do you want to go on and on with non-shedding doggos? Here’s a longer list!