Living with dogs brings joy and companionship, but the constant battle against fur on furniture, clothes, and floors can be tiring. Many dog lovers spend hours cleaning up pet hair, especially during shedding seasons when some breeds seem to leave a new dog’s worth of fur behind each week. The good news is that several wonderful dog breeds naturally shed very little or not at all, making them perfect for people with allergies or anyone who prefers a cleaner home.
In this article, I present 12 fantastic dog breeds that don’t shed, proving that you can enjoy a furry friend without the actual fur problems. These breeds make great pets for families, singles, and apartment dwellers looking for a cleaner pet experience.
Poodle
Among the smartest dog breeds in the world, Poodles combine brains with a virtually non-shedding coat that traps loose hair. They come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), but all require regular grooming to prevent the matting of their continuously growing hair. Poodles are playful, active dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and excel at learning tricks and commands. Their intelligence and energy make them great family pets for active households who can provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Bichon Frise
Cheerful and full of personality, the Bichon Frise looks like a living cotton ball but sheds very little thanks to its unique coat. These small dogs have a friendly nature that makes them excellent companions for families and singles alike. Bichons occasionally burst into sudden circles of running, showing their playful spirit and joy. Their gentle temperament and moderate exercise needs make them perfect for apartment living and homes with children or older adults.
Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to work alongside Portuguese fishermen, these intelligent water-loving dogs have waterproof, non-shedding coats that need regular grooming. They’re strong swimmers with webbed feet and high energy that requires daily exercise to prevent boredom. Portuguese Water Dogs learn quickly but think independently, needing consistent training to channel their intelligence. They make loyal family companions who usually get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized.
Maltese
For over 2,000 years, the Maltese has been prized as a companion dog, with a silky white coat that grows continuously and doesn’t shed. Despite looking delicate, these small dogs are surprisingly sturdy and confident, often not realizing how small they are. Maltese dogs form strong bonds with their people and can become anxious if left alone for long periods. Their moderate exercise needs can be met with indoor play and short walks, making them ideal for apartment living and families with gentle children.
Yorkshire Terrier
Don’t let their tiny size fool you—Yorkshire Terriers pack more personality into their small frames than many dogs triple their size. These pocket-sized companions have fine, silky hair instead of fur, which grows continuously and rarely sheds. Yorkies have strong personalities—brave, determined, and sometimes stubborn—stemming from their history as working ratters in English factories. Their coat needs regular brushing and professional grooming while their loyal nature makes them excellent alert watchdogs who quickly become attached to their owners.
Shih Tzu
Once treasured by Chinese emperors, the regal Shih Tzu brings royal heritage to any home without the royal mess of shedding. Their name means “little lion,” though there’s nothing fierce about these friendly companions whose personality focuses entirely on being with people. Their long coat doesn’t shed much but needs daily brushing and regular grooming to prevent painful mats. Shih Tzus are generally good with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs with lower exercise needs than many breeds.
Schnauzer
Instantly recognizable by their distinctive bearded faces and bushy eyebrows, Schnauzers offers personality with practically no shedding. These German dogs come in three sizes (miniature, standard, and giant), all sharing the same wiry coat texture that needs regular grooming. Schnauzers are smart, alert dogs that make excellent watchdogs while still being affectionate with their families. Their strong prey drive means they need secure fencing to prevent chasing small animals, a throwback to their ratting heritage.
Brussels Griffon
With expressive eyes and an almost human-like face, the Brussels Griffon brings a huge personality in a small package with minimal shedding. These distinctive dogs have a wiry, dense coat that barely sheds, making them excellent for people with allergies. Brussels Griffons form incredibly strong bonds with their owners, earning them the nickname “velcro dogs” because they follow their people everywhere. They need moderate exercise with daily walks, making them well-suited for apartment living with attentive owners.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Prized for their exceptional nose that can sniff out rare truffles worth thousands of dollars, Lagotto Romagnolos offers valuable skills alongside their non-shedding coats. These Italian dogs have thick, curly fur that doesn’t shed and needs regular brushing and trimming every few months to prevent matting. Lagottos are intelligent working dogs with an incredible sense of smell, making them natural at scent games and activities. They form strong bonds with their families who provide the daily exercise and mental challenges they need to thrive.
Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting a distinctive rat-like tail and curly topknot, Irish Water Spaniels combine unique looks with minimal shedding. These uncommon dogs have a curly, liver-colored coat that’s naturally water-repellent and sheds very little, though it needs regular brushing. Originally bred for retrieving waterfowl, they have webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers even in cold water. Irish Water Spaniels show two sides—playful at home but reserved with strangers—while their high energy levels demand daily exercise and mental challenges.
Chinese Crested
Often mistakenly thought of as delicate, Chinese Cresteds are surprisingly tough dogs that happen to shed almost nothing. These eye-catching canines come in two varieties—the nearly naked Hairless and the fully-coated Powderpuff—with both types making excellent companions for people with allergies. Despite their exotic appearance that turns heads, these dogs are hardy and adaptable to various living situations. Chinese Cresteds are sensitive, devoted dogs that form intense bonds with their people, often shadowing them throughout the day.
Havanese
Cuba’s only native breed brings tropical charm to the non-shedding dog world with their sunny disposition. The Havanese sports a luxurious, non-shedding coat that can be kept long or clipped short depending on the owner’s preference. Bred specifically as companion animals, these friendly dogs have a people-oriented personality that thrives on human interaction. Havanese are naturally playful and quick learners, eagerly showing off tricks while requiring only moderate exercise through daily walks and play.
15 Toxic Positivity Phrases to Retire (Replace with Real Talk)
15 Toxic Positivity Phrases to Retire (Replace with Real Talk)
14 Gentle Dog Breeds for Homes with Toddlers
