If you're a dog lover but also a neat freak, you're in luck because there are many low shedding dog breeds out there. These breeds are perfect for people with allergies or who simply don't want to deal with a lot of dog hair.
One of the best things about low shedding breeds is that they require less grooming than their high shedding counterparts. For example, the Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, has a short, smooth coat that sheds very little.
The size of a dog doesn't necessarily determine how much it sheds. The Maltese, a small breed, has a silky white coat that sheds very little, while the Standard Poodle, a medium to large breed, has a low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming.
If you're looking for a small low shedding breed, consider the Bichon Frise, which has a soft, curly coat that requires regular grooming but sheds very little.
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Small Breeds
Small Breeds are perfect for apartment living or those with limited space, offering companionship and joy without the sneezes.
They're ideal for apartment living or for those with limited space, making them a great fit for various lifestyles.
These diminutive breeds offer all the love and personality of their larger counterparts without the constant need for vacuuming.
Puli
The Puli is a unique and fascinating breed. They're known for their distinctive corded coat, which is virtually non-shedding when properly maintained.
You'll want to keep an eye on their coat care, as it requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangling. They are energetic dogs that make great playmates for most children.
Their loyalty is also a notable trait - you can count on them to be fiercely protective of their family.
Medium Breeds
Medium breeds offer a great balance between size and energy, making them perfect for active lifestyles. They combine the ease of care associated with smaller hypoallergenic dogs with a bit more size.
These breeds are a great option for those who want a playful companion for outdoor adventures. They also make loyal friends that are just the right size for snuggling on the couch.
Top 10 Medium Sized
Medium breeds offer a great balance between size and energy level, making them perfect for active lifestyles or snuggling on the couch. One of the best medium-sized breeds is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, which has a soft, silky coat that sheds minimally.
These friendly and energetic dogs need regular exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy. They have a medium, silky coat that mats easily and sheds little to no hair.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a great family dog, adaptable to apartment life, and has a temperament that's friendly, devoted, happy, intelligent, and exuberant. With a high energy level, they need vigorous daily exercise to stay satisfied.
Another medium-sized breed that's low-shedding is the Airedale Terrier, known as the "King of Terriers", which has a hard, wiry coat that sheds very little. They're intelligent and versatile, making them a great addition to many homes.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized breed that's popular for its low-shedding and somewhat non-allergenic qualities, with low dander and a striking wavy blue-gray coat. They're active, devoted, and versatile, making them a great choice for families.
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The Yorkshire Terrier, or "Yorkie", is another medium-sized breed that sheds minimally, despite their small size, they're full of personality and energy. To keep their coat looking its best, they need regular brushing and grooming.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a low-shedder with a wiry coat that's perfect for those who dislike the sight of family fur around the home. They're intelligent and spirited, making them a great addition to many families.
The Cairn Terrier is a small, hardy breed with a wiry coat that sheds minimally, they're known for their spirited and loyal nature. With a unique, curly coat that sheds minimally, the Bedlington Terrier is another great medium-sized breed that's perfect for families.
The Standard Poodle is a highly intelligent and trainable breed that has a curly coat that's hypoallergenic. They're active and love being part of the family, making them a great choice for many families.
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Medium Sized Options
Medium-sized breeds offer a great balance between size and energy, making them perfect for active lifestyles. They're not too small and not too large, which means they're great for snuggling on the couch or joining you on outdoor adventures.
If you're looking for a medium-sized breed that doesn't shed too much, you have plenty of options. Medium dog breeds that don't shed are a great choice for those who want a pet that's easy to care for without the hassle of excessive shedding.
It's worth noting that all dogs will shed to some extent, but some breeds shed a lot less than others. Low-shedding breeds are a more accurate term than "non-shedding", and even some of these breeds require daily grooming to remove loose hair.
Some medium-sized breeds are better suited for certain lifestyles than others. For example, if you live in a small apartment, a breed that requires daily grooming might not be the best choice.
To help you make an informed decision, it's essential to consider the grooming needs of a breed before bringing it home. Daily or weekly brushing might be necessary to keep your pet's coat in good condition.
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Large Breeds
Large breeds can make wonderful pets for families who want a bigger companion without the mess of shedding hair. These dogs have a protective and loving nature that's perfect for guarding your home and being a hiking partner.
Some large breeds are actually hypoallergenic, meaning they don't shed much and are suitable for people with allergies. They bring companionship and joy to those with more space in their homes and hearts.
Portuguese Water
These dogs are a great choice for active families, as they require regular exercise to stay happy.
They have a curly coat that's virtually non-shedding, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs are intelligent and athletic, excelling in dog sports like agility and dock diving.
Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat, including trimming or clipping every few months.
Their high trainability makes them a joy to work with, and with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, they'll thrive in a loving home.
Whippet
The Whippet is a popular and energetic dog, perfect for families who want a lively companion without the hassle of excessive shedding.
Their short and fine coat minimizes shedding, making them a great choice for those with allergies or a preference for low-maintenance grooming.
A weekly brush is all it takes to keep your Whippet in tip-top shape, removing dead or loose hairs and helping to prevent skin irritations.
However, their short coat also means their skin can be prone to small injuries and tears, so it's essential to keep an eye on their skin condition.
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Bouvier Des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a rugged-looking breed with a dense, wiry coat that sheds very little.
They are known for their calm demeanor, which is a great asset for a family pet.
Hairless Breeds
If you're looking for a truly non-shedding dog, hairless breeds are an excellent option.
These unique breeds are naturally non-shedding due to their lack of hair. Some hairless breeds, like the American Hairless Terrier, Xoloitzcuintli, or Peruvian Inca Orchid, don't require brushing at all.
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However, hairless dogs often need protection from the sun and cold temperatures.
Some hairless breeds may have a small amount of hair on their head, tail, or feet, which can be easily maintained with minimal grooming.
The Chinese Crested is another breed that sheds hardly at all in its hairless variety.
Cross-Breeds
Labradoodles are a popular low-shedding breed, originally developed as hypoallergenic guide dogs.
They come in three different coats: Hair Coat, Wool Coat, and Fleece Coat, with Fleece and Wool being the lowest shedding varieties.
Labradoodles have a straight, wavy, curly coat with little to no shedding.
Their temperament is intelligent, social, affectionate, devoted, playful, and great with families and first-time dog owners.
Maltipoos are another low-shedding cross-breed, with a medium to long, wavy, curly coat that's hypoallergenic.
They're affectionate, adaptable, loyal, cuddly, playful, gentle, intelligent, and great for families and first-time dog owners.
Maltipoos are also easy to train, but can have separation anxiety.
All cross-breed dogs, like Labradoodles and Maltipoos, require regular brushing to promote healthy skin and remove dead and loose hair.
Regular grooming will help keep their coat looking its best and prevent matting.
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Care and Grooming
Regular brushing is a must for low-shedding dog breeds, helping to remove loose fur and dander while distributing natural skin oils throughout the coat.
Proper grooming practices can improve skin health and reduce flaking in your low-shedding dog.
Bathing your dog with a mild, dog-appropriate shampoo can further reduce the amount of allergens they produce.
However, over-bathing can lead to dry skin, increasing dander production, so be sure to find a balance.
Professional groomers are skilled in handling various coat types and can offer services like hair trimming, which can further reduce shedding and allergen accumulation.
Investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can significantly decrease airborne allergens in your home.
Frequent cleaning of bedding, dog beds, and places where your dog spends a lot of time can help reduce allergen levels.
Using air purifiers in key areas can make your home more comfortable for everyone.
Choosing the Right Breed
Choosing the right breed is crucial to ensure a happy and healthy relationship with your new best friend. Research and choose a breed that aligns with your lifestyle and personality.
Consider factors such as grooming requirements, exercise needs, and temperament to make an informed decision. Grooming requirements can vary greatly between breeds, so it's essential to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle.
Non-shedding dogs produce fewer allergens, which can be a relief for those with allergies. This makes them an ideal choice for families with allergy sufferers.
Ultimately, choosing a non-shedding dog can make pet ownership more enjoyable and manageable for many people. They require less cleaning and vacuuming, as they don't leave behind as much hair on furniture, floors, and clothing.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a non-shedding dog breed:
These breeds are just a few examples of the many non-shedding dog breeds available. Consider factors such as grooming requirements, exercise needs, and temperament to find the perfect breed for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the calmest dog breed that doesn't shed?
The Maltese is a calm dog breed that doesn't shed, making it a great choice for those with allergies or a preference for low-maintenance grooming. This gentle and affectionate breed is perfect for a quiet and peaceful home.
What is the best non-shedding dog for seniors?
For seniors, consider a low-shedding breed like a Poodle or a "Doodle" mix, which requires regular grooming but produces less dog hair. These breeds are often a great fit for seniors who want a low-maintenance companion.
Sources
- 28 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed: A Guide for Allergy Sufferers (dognerdly.com)
- Nature of Home (thenatureofhome.com)
- Medium Low-Shedding Dog Breeds (petinsuranceaustralia.com.au)
- American Animal Hospital Association (aaha.org)
- 20 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds: Our Picks for a Fur-Free ... (vetniquelabs.com)
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