24 Great Family Dogs That Don't Shed (Very Much)
Allergy sufferers who are dog lovers, we feel your pain! There's nothing sadder than yearning for a dog and knowing that if you bring one into your home you're going to have to suffer for it. Itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose and hives are no joke, but you can avoid that mess with one of the following dogs that don’t shed. From little puppies pretty much made to fit perfectly in your lap, to super loyal breeds that are great watchdogs and the most easily trained examples of man's best friend, these are all wonderful breeds that shed the least.
And that means not only will they not trigger an allergy attack, you also won't be forever sweeping up after them, as Dr. Kathryn Dench, veterinarian and chief scientific advisor for Paw Origins, explains. "Non-shedding dogs are often favored by people with allergies because they produce less dander, which is the main allergen for many pet owners. While it's important to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, certain breeds are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. These breeds are also easier to maintain in a clean household as they leave less hair around."
Below, you find perennially popular breeds like poodles, French bulldogs and Yorkshire terriers, along with rarer dogs you might not be familiar with, including the white and fluffy coton de Tulear, the hairless Xoloitzcuintle and the basenji, which hails from Africa. You'll find all the info you need about all two dozen from trusted pet experts Dr. Dench and DVM Jessica Thompson, so you can start looking into adopting your favorite breed ASAP!
More Info for Dog Lovers
Poodle
Whether you like them sized standard, miniature, or toy, poodles are one of the most hypoallergenic dogs around, shedding "very little," according to Dr. Dench. They're also incredibly smart, very trainable and lovey-dovey with their people, including the younger members of the family. "I've found them to be generally healthy, although they can be prone to hip dysplasia and certain genetic conditions," Dr. Dench adds.
Their curly coat does require regular, rigorous grooming, even if you don't opt for the glamorous Continental clip for which they're famous. The national dog of France, the poodle actually got his start as a duck retriever in Germany some four centuries ago.
Height: over 15 inches (standard)
Weight: 60-70 pounds (standard)
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
West Highland White Terrier
Good news for people with allergies or asthma who can't get enough of cute little dogs: the AMA has reported that the West Highland White Terrier has relatively low dander. They also don't shed much and their double coat is "hard," so you won't need to bathe your Westie very often. They do need monthly trips to the groomer and daily combing.
Bred to catch rats in Scotland, Westies first appeared in the 16th century. But they are lovers as much as hunters, and shower their family, including kids, with adoration. All that personality comes with a price, however. "Westies can be very stubborn," cautions Dr. Thompson. In other words, you'll need some patience at training time.
Height: 11 inches
Weight: 15-20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Shih Tzu
The affectionate and adorable shih tzu, which means "little lion" in Mandarin, sheds only minimally. But the time you save on vacuuming up hair will be spent grooming: a long-haired shih tzu will need daily brushing and a bath every few weeks. Or, you can always opt for a more carefree puppy cut. "Regardless," Dr. Thompson says, "they tend to have many dental issues and ear infections, but regular brushing and ear cleaning can help prevent these problems."
Developed to laze on the lap of Chinese emperors, this ancient breed is a "great, cute little family dog that enjoys companionship," Dr. Thompson adds. They're especially good with kiddos, and because they don't need much exercise, they're ideal for seniors and people who live in apartments.
Height: 9-10.5 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Maltese
Dating back some 2,800 years, this beautiful little white dog was beloved not only on the island south of Sicily for which he's named but also by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and even the Egyptians. Celebrated for his charm and devoted disposition, the Maltese makes a surprisingly good watchdog, doesn't need much in the way of exercise and lives a long life.
"They shed very little, making them ideal for people with allergies," Dr. Dench says. Although their typically "long, silky coats require regular grooming," she adds. That includes daily bushing to prevent tangles as well as regular baths.
Height: 7-9 inches
Weight: under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Standard Schnauzer
First seen in Germany in the Middle Ages, the standard schnauzer found favor as a farm dog in Bavaria, herding, hunting, guarding and eliminating vermin. Easily distinguished by his long, luxurious beard (schnauzer means "whiskered snout" in German), these dogs "are known for their robust and spirited nature," says Dr. Dench. "They have a wiry coat that requires regular grooming but sheds minimally." In particular, their double coat must be hand-stripped rather than clipped, or it will start shedding.
Courageous, intelligent and athletic, this breed is both affectionate and protective, easily trainable and especially good with children. Like all working dogs, this playful pup does need a good deal of exercise to flourish.
Height: 18.5-19.5 inches
Weight: 35-50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
Portuguese Water Dog
With a curly coat that doesn't shed and is non-allergenic, the Portuguese water dog is an ideal choice for folks who get the sneezes from pet dander. The breed is also "energetic and loves water," Dr. Dench says, "making them perfect for active families." Those families should count on their Portie needing extensive and regular (at least weekly) grooming to keep their dog's hard-working coat looking its best.
Bighearted and fond of kids (though they may be too boisterous for the littlest members of the family), Porties were traditionally used by Portuguese fishermen to do everything from retrieve lost tackle to carry messages between ships. Nowadays they still serve on the sea as heroic water rescue canines.
Height: 20-23 inches
Weight: 42-60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
French Bulldog
One of the world's most popular pooches, French bulldogs are "happy, charismatic and fun little dogs," says Dr. Thompson. However, she notes, "They tend to require more veterinary care than other dogs similar their size. Veterinary visits for skin, ears, dental disease and breathing issues are common."
Like all flat-faced breeds, Frenchies don't do well in hot weather (or cold, for that matter). Keeping them indoors on days with extreme temperatures is crucial. For this extra diligence, you'll be rewarded with a famously friendly, clever and playful pup that gets on well with kids as well as other dogs. Frenchies, so named for their country of origin, shed minimally and only require weekly brushing.
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: less than 28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Coton de Tulear
Named for the cottony look and feel of their gorgeous coat and a Madagascar seaport town, the coton de Tulear is also known as the "Royal Dog" of the nation. The breed is a favorite of Malagasy nobility there—though how this floofy little cutie ended up on the isolated island off the African coast to begin with is anybody's guess.
According to Dr. Dench, cotons are "charming and affectionate dogs" that are "excellent companions and adapt well to different living environments." With a frisky, carefree attitude, they're natural clowns who delight all with their antics. But this breed also bonds closely with its humans and can be remarkably sensitive to its people's moods.
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 9-15 pounds
Life Expectancy: 15-19 years
Lhasa Apso
With a lineage reaching back ten centuries, the Lhasa apso was bred to guard the interior of palaces and monasteries in the Himalayas. They have retained their watchful natures and are intensely protective of their families, while remaining reserved with strangers. Smart and surprisingly comical, "Lhasa apsos are independent and loyal dogs with long, flowing coats that require regular grooming," Dr. Dench says.
If you choose to let your Lhasa's lovely locks grow long, you'll need to bathe him, at a minimum, every two weeks, and then dry and brush his coat. He'll also need to be brushed at least once between baths, but for all that upkeep you'll be blessed with a gorgeous doggo that won't cause a reaction in people with allergies.
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Bedlington Terrier
This breed, which was developed in early 19th-century England to hunt rats in mines (and, tragically, for use in dog fights), is about as non-shedding as a dog with fur can get. However, that "curly, wool-like coat requires regular grooming to keep them looking in tip-top shape," Dr. Thompson says. This includes a trip to a professional groomer every two months like clockwork, and a good brushing by the pet parent once or twice weekly.
Bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy, and plenty of fun, Bedlington terriers are nearly Tigger-like in their vivacity, charm and enthusiasm. But they never tip over into boisterous behavior, unlike Pooh Bear's pal. When it's time to chill out they love their cuddles, and can make good, alert watchdogs for families.
Height: 15-17.5 inches
Weight: 17-23 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-16 years
Yorkshire Terrier
Cherished by discerning dog people everywhere, "The Yorkie is a small, fun dog breed known for their long, silky coat and bold personality," Dr. Thompson says. "They are affectionate and energetic, making them great companions. They require regular grooming to keep their coat long and tangle-free or you can have it shaved down in a cute puppy cut."
Despite its size and decidedly dainty appearance, this breed came of age in the 19th-century textile mills and coal mines of northern England, where they hunted rats. Fast forward to today, and the Yorkshire terrier infinitely prefers the comfy laps of city slickers. They are hypoallergenic, seldom shedding a strand of their human-like hair.
Height: 7-8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
Bichon Frise
Great with kids, other dogs and just about everyone they meet, the bichon frise is a curious, cheerful and keen canine. "They make excellent family pets," Dr. Dench says. "In my clinic, I've seen many bichons who enjoy being the center of attention and are generally healthy, though they can be prone to dental issues."
This breed comes from the Mediterranean area, where it was a favorite subject of the Spanish painter Goya, and was beloved by European nobles as far back as the 13th century. (Its name is a modification of the term bichon à poil frisé, which means “curly-haired lapdog in French.) The bichon frise sheds very little and is considered hypoallergenic, though all that fluff requires regular groomer visits to stay free of mats.
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Chinese Crested
According to Dr. Thompson, there are two different varieties of the Chinese crested: hairless and powderpuff. "I’ve known a few of these dogs as patients and they are always a joy to see at the veterinary hospital," she says. "The hairless variety requires regular skin care such as baths and doggy lotion, and the powder puffs require frequent brushing to avoid matted fur. There is little shedding amongst this breed."
Loyal and loving lap dogs, Chinese cresteds are so old it's not sure where they originated, but it's thought they are the descendants of Mexican hairless dogs that may have been bred to be a smaller size by the Chinese. No matter where he comes from, there's little doubt this doggo makes a wonderful companion for families.
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-18 years
Havanese
The Havanese is the only dog native to Cuba and was named after the country's capital city. When Fidel Castro took over the island nation in 1959, wealthy Cubans fleeing the revolution brought their dogs with them, spreading the breed's popularity worldwide. Dr. Dench terms them "playful and affectionate, with a silky coat that requires regular grooming." That includes a daily brushing session, unless you choose to clip your Havenese's coat short.
Merry and outgoing, this breed befriends kids, strangers, and other dogs alike. They're also easily trained thanks to their intelligence and need to please, and have only moderate exercise requirements, so they're great city canines.
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-13 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Basenji
The beautiful and quite fastidious basenji—he enjoys grooming himself, like a cat—comes from Africa, where he predates the pharaohs. This breed doesn't bark, instead producing more of a very unique yodeling sound. But be aware that this fellow's ancestors were hunters, so he needs a good deal of daily exercise to burn off his considerable energy.
According to Dr. Thompson, the basenji is a "low-shedding," dog, with a "nice short fur coat that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. They're a fun, compact and active family dog, but are wary of strangers," she adds. Intelligent, independent and graceful, this isn't the most lovey-dovey breed, but they are good with kids.
Height: 17 inches
Weight: 24 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
Scottish Terrier
Originally a farm dog bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and rats in the Scottish Highlands, this breed hit a high mark Stateside in the 1930s, when everyone from Humphrey Bogart to President Roosevelt and Bette Davis had one. It's no wonder—Dr. Dench calls them "independent and confident dogs with a distinctive beard and wiry coat. They are known for their loyalty and can be quite reserved with strangers, making them excellent watchdogs."
Scotties, as they're affectionately called by their many fans, shed minimally, but as another double-coated breed, their hair should be hand-stripped by a groomer regularly. Their working dog background and energetic nature mean they do best with both daily walks and play every day.
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 19-22 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 years
Brussels Griffon
Small in stature but big on personality, the Brussels griffon is a sensitive soul that bonds deeply with his people. Though this is not the right dog for manhandling by littles, they are super smart, sociable and easily trained, making them ideal buddies for grownups. Griffs, which hail from the European capital for which they're named, come in two types of coats, smooth, and rough.
"Rough coats can require regular brushing and some grooming appointments," Dr. Thompson says, "while the smooth coat requires very little upkeep." The smooth coat does shed for about a week or so in spring and fall, though the rough coat doesn't really shed at all.
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 8-10 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Xoloitzcuintle
This noble beastie goes back thousands of years, to the days of the Aztecs, to whom they were sacred. Still beloved to this day in their native Mexico, they combine a serene, yet doting, demeanor with a protective nature, making them superb companions and watchdogs.
"They come in different sizes—toy, mini, and standard," Dr. Thompson says of this very unique breed. "Grooming isn’t a big issue; however you want to ensure their skin is well taken care of with moisturizing products and dog-specific sunscreen to prevent sunburns." There is a coated variety of Xoloitzcuintle, but if you're looking for a hypo-allergenic canine, the hairless is your best bet.
Height: 18-23 inches (standard)
Weight: 30-55 pounds (standard)
Life Expectancy: 13-18 years
Kerry Blue Terrier
According to Dr. Dench, "Kerry blue terriers are spirited and intelligent dogs with a soft, curly coat that requires regular grooming and sheds minimally." That dense, beautiful coat is the breed's hallmark; it starts off a deep ebony and usually fades to its traditional gray by the time the dog is about 18 months old.
Named for the county in Ireland he calls home, the Kerry blue terrier made for an excellent and versatile farm dog, and was also used to hunt game and for retrieving waterfowl. He's still a fine watchdog and a faithful addition to the home.
Height: 18-19.5 inches
Weight: 33-40 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Irish Water Spaniel
With a curly and water-resistant coat that looks similar to a poodle's, the Irish water spaniel sheds very little and is a solid choice for anyone with allergies. He's the largest, and one of the oldest and rarest of the spaniel breeds, and was originally developed on the Emerald Isle to retrieve fowl for hunters on land and in the water. Strong and spritely, this dog needs loads of exercise and particularly enjoys water-based playtime.
"These dogs are highly trainable and make excellent companions for active families," Dr. Dench says. "Health-wise, they are generally robust but can be prone to hip dysplasia and certain thyroid issues. In my experience, their energetic nature and playful demeanor make them wonderful pets for those who can meet their exercise needs."
Height: 21-24 inches
Weight: 45-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Lagotto Romagnolo
More lately trained to sniff out truffles in their native Italy, the lagotto Romagnolo dates to at least the Renaissance, when they were used as waterfowl retrievers. Despite their rugged working dog background, these puppers are total lovers, cozying up happily with their people as well as other dogs, and they often live long lives.
"Meeting one of these dogs is a pleasure," says Dr. Thompson. "They are happy, affectionate and wonderful family dogs. And they tend to be very healthy." Their tightly-curling double coat of hair is waterproof, and sheds only minimally, although it needs to be trimmed regularly.
Height: 17-19 inches
Weight: 28.5-35 pounds
Life Expectancy: 15-17 years
Bolognese
Another fleecy, white little lapdog (are we sensing a trend here?), the Bolognese is "calm and affectionate, with a coat that needs regular grooming," Dr. Dench says. "They shed very little and are generally healthy, though they can be prone to dental issues and certain genetic conditions." If the upkeep that comes with a longer coat doesn't appeal, you can keep your pooch's hair trimmed down to about an inch.
Closely related to the bichon frise and cousins to the Maltese and Havanese, this Italian breed was developed centuries ago and is surprisingly chillaxed for a little dog. Low-key and laid-back, the Bolognese is nonetheless so dedicated to his family that he may suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 6-10 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Miniature Schnauzer
This bright-eyed fellow with the wonderful eyebrows is the most popular of the three schnauzer breeds and probably counts in his gene pool the standard schnauzer, the affenpinscher and the poodle. No matter their ancestry, minis are excellent dogs for families thanks to their affable and obedient personalities, general good health and long lives (although Dr. Dench notes they can be "prone to pancreatitis").
"They shed very little," she adds, but like their bigger cousin, minis need careful grooming due to their wiry topcoat and soft undercoat. These fearless and tough little dogs love kids as much as they do roughhousing, so have no fear bringing one home if you have children. Despite their size, they're plenty sturdy.
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 11-20 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Border Terrier
This little scamp is said to generally shed minimally, with a qualification: during his twice-yearly shedding season, he'll need to go to a groomer to get his wiry outer coat and soft undercoat hand-stripped. But really, isn't the extra effort worth it for this face? This breed is as genial as it looks, too, notes Dr. Dench, who terms them "affectionate and intelligent dogs that make excellent companions."
A happy-go-lucky but surprisingly durable and determined dog, the border terrier was developed in the north of England, near the Scottish border, to hunt foxes and vermin for farmers. To this day, the breed remains easily trained and even-keeled in temperament.
Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 13-15.5 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
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