25 dog breeds that don’t shed (that much)

People who are allergic to dogs, but still love them, have surely wondered if there are any ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs that won’t trigger their symptoms, and while there are more breeds of dogs than you might think that don’t shed too much, one of the most common pet-related myths is that dog hair is what causes the allergies. But it’s not – it’s actually the pet dander (the skin flakes that they shed). True, dogs that don’t shed as much release less of this dander, but, “while you may have less dog hair with a non-shedding dog, no dog breed is hypoallergenic,” the Mayo Clinic warns. If you do have a dog allergy, they recommend bathing your pet every week to remove dander, as well as considering getting a smaller dog, which will produce less dander. Fortunately, many of these dogs that don’t shed a lot are on the smaller side. So whether you’re allergic to dogs or would just rather have a dog that doesn’t shed massive amounts of fur, check out this list of dogs that don’t shed a lot.

According to the American Kennel Society (AKC), this toy-sized terrier breed boasts a wiry coat that sheds minimally and, for the most part, seasonally. (All dogs, and you, yourself, shed some hair every single day.) As an extra added bonus, its coat and skin give off very little perceptible ‘doggy’ odour. The German name means ‘monkey-like,’ which may refer to the Affenpinscher’s appearance as well as its intelligence and good humour. But please note that in France, the breed is referred to as ‘Diablotin Moustachu,’ which means moustachioed little devil!

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The aristocratic-looking Afghan hound is a ‘special breed for special people,’ according to the AKC. On the one hand, its long, silky coat is breathtakingly gorgeous and shed only minimally. That said, its crowning glory requires twice-per-week bathing and brushing to maintain its luxurious look and feel. In addition, Afghans are emotionally aloof but incredibly agile and energetic, meaning they require regular exercise (perhaps even agility training) to reach their true potential as happy household pets.

There are dogs that don’t shed, and then there are dogs that don’t even have hair. The American hairless terrier is one of the latter. And yes, that means it doesn’t shed. It’s also very friendly and low maintenance, requiring only a daily walk and an occasional bath to keep its skin clean.

The Barbet is a mid-sized water dog, which means it was bred to retrieve hunted game, including ducks from water. The Barbet is indigenous to France, dating back to the 16th century, and probably the rarest on this list of dogs that don’t shed a lot, but perhaps that should change considering how intelligent and calm this adorable muppet-like breed is. Just be sure to give your Barbet enough exercise to keep him happy – and please be aware that the Barbet is affectionately referred to as the ‘mud dog’ since he enjoys romping through any kind of water, including muddy water.

A member of the hound family, the Basenji is perfect for anyone who appreciates the affable, almost comic personality of a hound but doesn’t relish the distinctive odour and shedding habits for which many hounds are known. Its short, fine coat sheds minimally, requires little care beyond occasional brushing, and gives off very little ‘dog’ smell. As an extra added bonus, the Basenji is surprisingly quiet for a hound, making it an ideal ‘apartment dog’ just as long as you’re willing to take it out for daily exercise and play

‘Bedlingtons are lithe, energetic Englishmen,’ according to the AKC, with a ‘crisp, curly coat’ that sheds only minimally and requires little in the way of grooming beyond brushing (to prevent matting) and occasional trimming. Small-sized, affable, and incredibly energetic, the Bedlington is one of the top choices for an active, fun-loving family on this list of dogs that don’t shed.

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Friendly, great with kids, and not particularly demanding in terms of its exercise needs, the Bichon Frise sheds very little and makes a great apartment or city dog. Although it doesn’t shed very much, it does require regular grooming to keep its fur fluffy, clean, and matt-free.

Despite being toy-sized, the Brussels Griffon isn’t your typical pampered purse puppy. The ‘Griff’ likes to assert its outsized personality and garner attention with its fringy beard and moustache and it’s soulful almost-human-looking eyes. Some Griffs have a smooth coat (like a Pug), and some have a rough coat (like a Schnauzer), but none of them shed more than minimally, although all require regular grooming as well as daily walks and plenty of attention.

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The hairless variety of the Chinese Crested isn’t exactly hairless in that it has tufts of fur on its feet and head that require regular trimming. But you won’t have to deal with much in the way of shedding, and this is true even for the ‘powderpuff’ variety of Chinese Crested. With low exercise needs and a reserved demeaner for anyone but its own ‘pack’ (i.e. you and your family), the Chinese Crested is a great doggie for apartment dwellers and anyone with low mobility.

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