Do you enjoy the company of a canine companion, but not the extra grooming and allergies that can come with it? Then you should seriously consider turning your attention to non shedding dogs. These dogs are the perfect fit for those slightly allergic to pet dander, as well as for busy people lacking the time to pick up after a furry mess. Let’s deep dive into some popular breeds that come with this convenient feature.
If you’re tired of cleaning up dog hair or are sneezing from allergies, non-shedding breeds might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Dogs that don’t shed can help keep your home clean and make breathing easier for those with sensitivities. So, what are the best non-shedding dog breeds? These dogs aren’t just for people with allergies. They also make great pets for anyone who wants a tidy home. You’ll read about breeds picked for their hypoallergenic coats and loving natures. Ready to find your new best friend? Keep reading!
1. Bichon Frise: A Low Maintenance Friend
- Gentle and happy
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-shedding coat
The Bichon Frise is a playful, small dog with a fluffy white coat. Their hair grows continuously and doesn’t shed. This makes them a great choice if you or your family have allergies. Regular grooming is a must, but their sweet nature makes them a joy to care for.
This adorable breed, well-known for its “snowball” poof of wavy hair, is a great option when looking into non shedding dogs. Their full hair coverage comes without the problematic undercoat connected with severe shedding and matting. With such a breed, weekly brushing and occasional cleaning around the eyes suffice to maintain a tidy look.
2. Maltese
- Origin: Italy
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 7-9 pounds
- Coat: Pure white, silky
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
The Maltese is a charming small dog known for its long, white, silky coat that doesn’t shed. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone with allergies.
You might be surprised by how lively and playful these little dogs are. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and are always eager to play and learn new tricks.
Their friendly nature makes them great companions. These dogs bond closely with their owners and are often very affectionate. They love following their humans around the house and are happy to be included in family activities.
Maltese dogs are also very social and get along well with other pets. They are small enough to live comfortably in apartments, but they still need regular walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy.
Because of their long, flowing coats, Maltese dogs need regular grooming. This helps keep their coat clean and free from tangles. Despite the extra grooming effort, many owners feel it’s worth the time for such a loving and beautiful pet.
These intelligent dogs are easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement. With their charming looks and friendly disposition, the Maltese remains a popular choice for many dog lovers.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
- Medium-sized with tight, low-shedding curls.
- Lively and athletic, great for active families.
- Known for intelligence and loyalty.
- Loves any water-related activities.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a fantastic addition to any active family. They were originally bred to assist fishermen, and this history shows in their love for water and natural swimming abilities. Their coat, either curly or wavy, is hypoallergenic.
You’ll find that they are not just lively but very smart too. This makes them amazing at learning new tricks and tasks, a big plus if you enjoy training your dog. Their eager-to-please nature brings loads of fun to playtime and exercise sessions.
If you’re an active person who enjoys outdoor fun, this dog can be your perfect match. Imagine having a four-legged friend who is always ready for a long walk, a run, or a dip in the water. They require consistent mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
4. Shih Tzu
- Size: Small
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-16 years
- Coat: Long and flowing
- Personality: Playful, friendly
The Shih Tzu is famous for its adorable face and big dark eyes. These little dogs have a long history, originally cherished by Chinese nobility. Known as “Lion Dogs,” Shih Tzus are great pets for all ages.
Their long, double coat sheds very little, making them a good choice if you have allergies. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat looking its best. Brushing them daily helps prevent tangles and mats.
Shih Tzus love to play and tend to be friendly with everyone, including other pets. Despite their small size, they have big personalities and can be quite expressive. Your Shih Tzu will surely bring a lot of joy and mischief into your life. If you’re looking for a playful and affectionate companion, the Shih Tzu might be the perfect fit.
For more information, visit The Spruce Pets.
5. Havanese
- Size: Small
- Weight: 7-13 pounds
- Coat: Single coat, hair rather than fur
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
The Havanese is a delightful, small dog breed that doesn’t shed much. Perfect for allergy sufferers, their single coat consists of hair that grows continuously. This means less shedding compared to other breeds.
These pups are friendly and great with families. They love being around people and other pets, making them ideal companions. Their playful nature and loyalty make them a hit with everyone.
Training a Havanese can be a bit of a mixed bag. They’re smart and eager to please, but can sometimes be a little stubborn. Patience and positive reinforcement work wonders with these little fluffballs.
One thing to keep in mind: Their long hair does require regular grooming to prevent matting. So, if you’re ready to put in the grooming time, a Havanese could be the perfect addition to your home. For more information, check out this guide on Havanese Dogs.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
- Small and spunky
- Protective nature
- Hypoallergenic
Okay, you want a small dog, right? One that’s hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed much. Meet the Yorkshire Terrier. Yorkies are famous for their protective nature. Despite their small size, these little guys make excellent watchdogs.
Their fur feels more like hair and doesn’t shed much. This is great for folks with allergies. Plus, they’re super cute! Just remember, Yorkies need regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best.
Yorkies are also super playful and full of energy. They love to explore and will keep you on your toes. Got a small apartment? No problem, they adapt well to small living spaces. Just be sure to give them plenty of love and attention.
Yorkies aren’t just fluffy companions; they’ve got a big personality packed into a tiny body. So if you want a dog that’s as spunky as it is adorable, this breed might just be for you.
7. Cairn Terrier
- Small and sturdy
- Shaggy double coat
- Minimal shedding
- Spirited and playful
- Adaptable to various homes
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds. This little dog has a shaggy double coat, giving it an adorable, scruffy look.
Though it seems like it might shed a lot, the Cairn Terrier’s hair doesn’t shed much at all. Weekly brushing and monthly baths keep its coat in good shape.
This breed is lively and loves to play. Daily walks and playtime are essential to keep them happy. Cairn Terriers are adaptable and can fit into different home environments, as long as they get enough attention and activities to keep them busy.
Because of their minimal shedding, Cairn Terriers are a good choice for people who want a furry friend without the extra fur on their furniture. They are also a good match for individuals or families looking for an active, playful pet.
8. Basenji
- Origin: Africa
- Size: Medium
- Coat: Short and fine
- Activity Level: High
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
The Basenji is a unique breed with some interesting quirks. Known as the “barkless dog,” they make a curious yodel-like sound instead of barking. This may be appealing if you’re looking for a quieter pet.
These dogs have a sleek, muscular build, and they’re quite agile. If you love jogging or hiking, a Basenji might be your ideal companion. But be mindful—they’re escape artists. A well-secured yard is a must.
Basenjis are pretty clean dogs. Their grooming needs are minimal, thanks to their short coat. You won’t have to spend a lot of time vacuuming fur off your furniture.
An odd fact: Basenjis tend to clean themselves like cats. You’ll often see them licking their fur. It’s a behavior you might not expect from a dog, but it sure helps with that no-shed appeal.
9. Kerry Blue Terrier
- Energetic and playful
- Non-shedding hypoallergenic coat
- Loyal and protective
- Requires regular grooming
Kerry Blue Terriers are known for their energetic and playful nature. These dogs love to be part of an active family that can match their enthusiasm. They’re loyal, protective, and always ready for some fun.
One of the best features of the Kerry Blue Terrier is its non-shedding coat, making this breed suitable for people with allergies. However, their curly coat does require regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
These dogs are also quite intelligent and need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. If you enjoy engaging in activities with your dog, the Kerry Blue Terrier could be a great fit. Socialization is important for them to develop a stable attitude towards strangers and other animals. Owning a Kerry Blue Terrier isn’t just about having a pet—it’s adding a lively and loving member to your family.
10. Poodle
The poodle offers diversity in both size and color options. Regardless of the variation, all poodles have one common trait – they are non shedding dogs and hypoallergenic. In spite of the requisite grooming related to frequent combing and trimming, the breed’s witty personality and gentle temperament make all the extra grooming efforts worthwhile.
Characteristics of Poodles:
- Non-shedding coat
- Requires regular grooming
- Highly intelligent and family-friendly
Understanding Non-Shedding Dog Breeds
There’s a lot to know about non-shedding dog breeds, especially if you or someone in your family has allergies. Not all dogs are completely hypoallergenic, but some breeds shed less and produce fewer allergens.
What Makes a Dog Breed Non-Shedding?
Non-shedding dogs have coats that release less fur and dander into the environment. Dander is the tiny bits of skin attached to pet hair that often trigger allergies. Breeds like the Poodle and the Bichon Frise are known for their low-shedding coats.
Some dogs have hair that grows continuously, much like human hair. This means they require regular grooming but shed minimally. Breeds with curly or woolly textures, like the Poodle, trap shedding fur in their curls. This reduces the amount of hair released into your home.
Common Misconceptions About Non-Shedding Dogs
Many people think non-shedding dogs don’t shed at all, but that’s not true. All dogs shed to some extent. What’s important is that these breeds shed less and typically produce less dander, which can help minimize allergic reactions.
Also, while no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, breeds like the Wheaten Terrier are less likely to cause problems for those with mild allergies. It’s essential to spend time with a dog before bringing it home to see how your body reacts.
Another misconception is that non-shedding dogs don’t need grooming. In reality, they often need more frequent grooming to prevent matting and to remove trapped hair. This helps keep allergens at a manageable level and your dog’s coat healthy.
Care and Maintenance for Non-Shedding Dog Breeds
Taking care of a non-shedding dog means less hair all over your house but still requires some grooming and mindful feeding. These breeds need proper grooming routines and balanced diets to stay healthy and happy.
Grooming Essentials
Even though non-shedding dogs like the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise won’t leave piles of fur on your couch, they still need regular grooming. Brushing at least two to three times a week can prevent mats and tangles, especially in breeds with long or curly hair.
Bathing every four to six weeks can also keep their coat clean and reduce any skin issues. Don’t forget regular ear cleaning and nail trimming. Long hair around their eyes or paws should be trimmed to avoid irritation and infections.
Diet and Nutrition Tips
Feeding your non-shedding dog a balanced diet is crucial for their health. High-quality dog food that caters to their age, size, and activity level is the best choice. Some breeds may be prone to allergies, so watch for any signs of food intolerance like itching or digestive issues.
Always provide fresh water and consider adding omega-3 fatty acids to their diet to promote a shiny coat. It’s also essential to monitor their weight, as some non-shedding breeds can be prone to obesity. Healthy treats and portion control will help keep them at a healthy size.
Health Considerations for Non-Shedding Breeds
Non-shedding dog breeds can be wonderful for allergy sufferers, but they come with their own unique health concerns. It’s essential to understand these issues and take preventive measures to ensure your dog’s well-being.
Common Health Issues
Non-shedding breeds often struggle with skin problems. Their dense coats can trap dirt and moisture, leading to infections. Regular grooming is vital. You might notice your dog scratching more than usual which might indicate skin issues. Poodles, for instance, are known for sensitive skin and may need special shampoos.
Another common problem is ear infections. Breeds like Schnauzers and Bichon Frises have hair that grows in their ears, making them prone to wax build-up and infections. Regular ear checks and cleaning can help prevent this.
Some non-shedding breeds also face respiratory issues. For example, Shih Tzus have flat faces, which can lead to breathing difficulties. Monitor their breathing, especially during exercise, to prevent any serious issues.
Preventative Care and Vet Visits
Routine vet visits are crucial for non-shedding breeds. Your vet can catch issues early and help manage chronic conditions. Aim for at least two vet check-ups a year. Diet plays a significant role in maintaining your dog’s health. High-quality, nutrient-rich food helps keep their skin and coat healthy. Consider discussing dietary options with your vet to ensure your furry friend gets the best nutrition.
Grooming is another key aspect. Regular baths, brushing, and professional grooming help keep their coats clean and skin healthy. For breeds like Yorkshire Terriers or Maltese, a professional groomer can manage intricate grooming needs.
Exercise is essential too. Adequate physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and prevents issues like joint problems. Breeds like Miniature Schnauzers need regular walks and playtime to stay fit and happy.
West Highland White Terrier: Minimal Furry Traces
This appealing breed, fondly called “westie”, is characterized by its soft white coat. Though it does have a long top coat, this breed’s shedding is unobtrusive for most individuals. Known for its alertness, friendliness, and intelligence, the “westie” is veering towards the hypoallergenic side of the fur spectrum, making it more tolerable for those with sensitive allergies.
American Hairless Terrier: An Allergy Safe Bet
For those looking to completely avoid shedding and who may have severe pet allergies, we have the American hairless terrier. Totally devoid of fur except for a few whiskers, this breed is dander-free. While they may have a bit of fuzz as puppies, they rapidly shed it and remain hairless. Engaging, intelligent and in need of active companionship, this breed could be the perfect pet for someone allergic to the typical canine dander.