Dogs are great, but they can be a significant nuisance to their owners. Unfortunately, wading through dog hair is too often considered part of the daily grooming routine, as it’s inevitable that our canine friends shed all over us every day.

There’s no such thing as a non-shedding dog. Every dog sheds at least a little. But there is a great diversity of low shedding dog breeds. It’s not a good idea to get a dog just based on how much he sheds, though. 

We made a list of 15 different low shedding dog types for you – so you will find one depending on your preferences. There are small dogs or larger ones; some are full of energy, and others are… kind of lazy.
Nevertheless, there is for sure one of your favorites on the list.

Which dog sheds the least?

1. Schnauzer

Schnauzer dogs shed very little or almost no hair at all. This is especially true of the miniature Schnauzer variety of dogs. The parent dog breeds of Schnauzers are German Pinscher, Affenpinscher, and Miniature Poodle – so you can see why they shed very little; those three-parent dogs have hardly any body hair, to begin with!

Schnauzers have a wiry coat, not silky or soft like most other breeds.

As far as fur shedding goes, their coat does not mat either. So if you’re looking for a good breed that doesn’t shed much and will suit your in-home environment well, look into these wonderful animals for adoption!

2. Bichon Frise 

This small dog breed sheds very little, so it’s ideal for any living environment where you want to keep the house clean. It has a double coat, so it is very fluffy and can appear bigger than it is. This dog breed will require regular grooming, though. 

Bichons are well known for their intelligence and devotion towards their owners. They are easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times.

Bichons have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and need plenty of exercise in walks, playtime, or physical activities. So take your bichon for some daily exercise and keep its coat healthy with regular brushing. You should also trim its nails every week to avoid them from getting too long.

3. Poodle

Poodle is a highly intelligent dog, and due to its unique structure of hair, it is hardly shedding and does not require daily brushing or grooming.
Poodles are popularly known as hypoallergenic (even though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic) dogs due to their coat doesn’t shed much hair compared to other dogs. This dog breed has a double coat consisting of a short, straight topcoat and a dense undercoat that is soft as silk. A Poodle’s fur needs occasional grooming and attention, not daily brushing and combing like other dogs.

4. Poodle Hybrids

A variety of different breeds can be combined with the poodle to get a low-shedding dog. Most poodle hybrids like the Goldendoodle or Labradoodles shed much less than the average purebred dog.

5. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is a gentle and quiet dog breed. Shih Tzu’s hair is less dense than other dogs, making it suitable for an apartment pet. In addition, because of its minimal shedding coat, this dog doesn’t need daily brushing but only weekly grooming to stay clean and beautiful.

6. Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire terriers are very energetic and playful and awesome dogs for apartment living. They are one of the most popular dog breeds, and some people have more than one Yorkie.
Their coats don’t shed much at all, making them perfect for those who want a puppy with little maintenance required. A tiny Yorkie doesn’t need as many baths and brushings as other bigger dogs do – they tend to be clean and groom themselves.

They love to play games like fetch and tug-of-war, run around outside in fenced yards or walk on leashes… they like the outdoors just as much as they enjoy being inside! So a small outdoor space for a Yorkshire terrier will be fine.

If you want a tiny dog with less shedding and very little exercise required, this is an excellent option for you.

7. Maltese 

Maltese shed very little since they have very fine hair. So if you’re looking for a dog that won’t shed much, this is your answer.

Maltese are energetic and intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They can be taught to play fetch or tricks. Maltese usually bond well with other people, but they are also territorial, so it’s best if you only have one per household. If you don’t balance their energy levels with activities outside of the home, they will often get destructive in your house.

8. Cairn Terrier

Cairn terriers, or “cairns” for short, are medium-sized dogs that are very playful and energetic and great with children. They are often referred to as a “loyal companion.” However, they don’t shed much so they can be a great pet if you’re looking for a dog that won’t leave your couch covered in hair.

9. Italian greyhound

Another dog that sheds very little is the Italian greyhound. They are more active than most other dogs but get rid of their energy within 1 or 2 daily walks. These dogs are perfect as companions for runners.

10. West highland white terrier aka Westie

This dog breed sheds very little, but they need weekly grooming. Westies are intelligent dogs that respond well to training.

They are pretty active, love to be around people, and will often follow their owners from room to room. Westie’s bathe themselves and generally stay clean, so there isn’t much grooming required for this breed unless your dog lives outdoors and gets filthy frequently!

11. Irish water spaniel

The Irish water spaniel is a low-shedding dog breed that stays relatively clean on its own. However, you should still brush and comb this dog’s hair every few weeks to prevent mats.
This medium-sized breed is very active, so they need plenty of exercise and love snuggling on the couch or in bed with their families. They have a great temperament and get along well with children, other dogs, and strangers – making them an excellent family pet!

12. Airedale Terrier

Airedale terriers are an excellent breed for apartment living and also have a short coat that sheds very little. They are energetic but calm down once they’re adequately trained.
These dogs love playing games like fetch and going on hikes or runs with their owners. When it comes to grooming, Airedales will need daily brushing and combing their hair because of how thick it is. However, this breed doesn’t shed much, so you should only do thorough grooming about once every few weeks – not the frequency required by many other breeds.

13. Bedlington Terrier

Another terrier that doesn’t shed much is the Bedlington terrier. They are a small, active breed that is very smart and loves to play games.
If you’re looking for a dog that won’t shed much and wants attentiveness from its owner, this can be a great choice. This dog will live longer than most others since they have a lot of energy and exercise needs built into their daily routine. Bedlington terriers are also easy to train, making them great companions for people who want an obedient, high-energy pet!

14. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese water dog has a short coat and little shedding, plus a very low prey drive, and they’re good with children. What a dream husband this dog would be! They love playing fetch and swimming, making them perfect for water sports lovers.

15. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

They are also known as Staffy or amStaff. This dog sheds little, except for one time each year. This breed is loyal and playful. It’s one of the strongest dog breeds out there, and it is very courageous.

What is shedding?

What does “shedding” mean when talking about dogs? It’s pretty simple: it’s just loose hair being released by the follicles due to friction from an activity.

It’s a myth that shorthaired dogs will shed less than long-haired breeds. While shedding is most visible in heavily-coated animals, short-haired canines also lose hair—it’s just not as noticeable and may fall out on the dog’s bedding or furniture instead of your clothes.

Also, female dogs tend to be less “shaggy” around their private areas, ears, and paws than males. Animal experts are unsure why this is the case; it could be a protective measure, so certain parts aren’t irritated by constant contact with the ground.

Other factors that can increase shedding include stress, allergies, hormonal changes (like having a heat cycle), and medical issues like Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism. Also, leaving your dog alone too much will cause it to feel anxious, which makes them “lose” more hair.

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