Some people want a loyal furry friend but can’t deal with the rolling tumbleweeds of hair or the sneezing fits that regular shedding can cause. What if you could enjoy all the joy of a dog, with hardly any shed hair on your furniture and clothes?
Non-shedding dogs are not just for people with allergies. They’re also great for those who want less cleaning and maintenance, or who live in apartments.
This guide covers the best non shedding dogs, from small non shedding dogs for city life to big dogs that don’t shed for active families.
Let’s meet 21 amazing breeds that will keep your love for dogs high—and your lint roller use low.
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise captures the hearts of many with its round, white fluffy coat and bright eyes. This charming little dog comes from Mediterranean roots and became famous in France and Spain as a companion dog for nobles.
Bichons are small, usually weighing between 10 to 18 pounds, and can adapt well to apartment living.
Their curly, puffy coats trap loose hair, which means they hardly shed at all.
Weekly brushing and regular grooming prevent tangles or matting and keep their coat looking fresh.
Bichons are playful, gentle, and great with children or other pets. Their outgoing personality and low shedding rate make them one of the most popular small non shedding dogs.
2. Maltese
Maltese dogs have a long, silky white coat that drapes to the floor, yet you’ll never find clumps of hair around your home. With origins dating back to the ancient Mediterranean, they were bred as trusted companions.
They usually weigh under 7 pounds, which makes them perfect for those seeking small dogs that don’t shed.
Despite their glamorous look, regular brushing is a must to avoid knots. Maltese are lively, affectionate, and bond quickly with their owners.
They also adapt well to city apartments or small houses. Their minimal shedding and loving attitude put them among the best non shedding dogs for all ages.
3. Poodle
The Poodle, available in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, leads the pack for non shedding hypoallergenic dogs.
With French and German lineage, their tight, curly coats barely drop a hair. Poodles range from a tiny 6-pound toy to a regal 70-pound standard, so there’s a perfect size for nearly every living situation.
All Poodles need regular grooming to prevent matting, but their low dander levels make them a top pick for allergy sufferers.
These dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and keen to retrieve or play. Good with kids and other animals, they’re perfect for families who want a dog that won’t fill the house with fur.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs worked alongside fishermen for centuries in Portugal, herding fish into nets and retrieving gear from the water.
They’re medium sized dogs that don’t shed, weighing about 35 to 60 pounds. Their curly or wavy coats trap loose hair, which makes them a smart pick for those wanting a big dog with no shedding issues.
They enjoy active households, love water, and need regular grooming to prevent mats. Portuguese Water Dogs are loyal, obedient, and affectionate, just right for families needing a robust, low-maintenance companion.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are affectionate house dogs with ancient Chinese roots. Their long, luxurious coats were bred to be non shedding even Chinese royals didn’t want fur everywhere.
They usually weigh between 9 to 16 pounds, making them ideal for people searching for small dogs that don’t shed.
Regular brushing and grooming keep their hair free of knots. Shih Tzus are laid-back and friendly, bonding closely with just about anyone.
They’re good for all living situations, from big homes to small apartments.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
This tiny terrier weighs just 5 to 7 pounds but packs a big personality. Yorkshire Terriers, often called “Yorkies,” have a silky, human-like coat that hardly sheds.
They were bred in England to catch rats in mills, but today they’re famous as companion animals worldwide.
The Yorkie’s coat grows rather than sheds, so trimming and combing are a must. Their playful, confident nature makes them great for families with children or older adults.
Their hypoallergenic coats make them one of the best non-shedding dogs on the planet.
7. Basenji
Basenjis are an ancient African hunting breed known for clean habits and almost no shedding.
Their short, fine hair stays close to the body and barely falls out, making them a dream for allergy sufferers.
They weigh 20 to 25 pounds and are best for those who want medium sized dogs that don’t shed.
Basenjis rarely bark but may make other fun sounds, like yodels or howls. Their independent, active demeanor needs regular exercise and mental stimulation.
With minimal grooming required, they’re a solid fit for first-time dog owners seeking easy-care, non shedding dogs.
8. Chinese Crested
With its unique appearance, the Chinese Crested stands out in any crowd. This breed comes in two varieties: Hairless (with exposed skin except for tufts on head, feet, and tail) and Powderpuff (with a silky, low-shedding coat).
Either way, they’re excellent non shedding hypoallergenic dogs. Small and lightweight, they usually top out at 10-13 pounds.
Powderpuffs need regular brushing, while Hairless dogs need skin care routines to protect against sun and dryness.
Energetic, gentle, and loving, they bring a splash of personality to any home.
9. Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers come from Ireland and are famous for their striking blue-gray coats. Averaging about 33-40 pounds, these medium sized dogs are prized for their non shedding and hypoallergenic coats.
Their soft, wavy hair is lush but doesn’t fall out; instead, it grows and needs regular trips to the groomer.
Kerrys are smart, independent, loyal, and protective. They do best with active families who love long walks or outdoor play.
Their low shedding makes them a great choice for mild allergy sufferers wanting a pet with real style.
10. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are unmistakable, with their lamb-like faces and curvy heads. From northern England, they weigh 17 to 23 pounds and have a soft, curly coat that keeps hair trapped.
Regular grooming and clipping keep the curls free of tangles.
These terriers love to play, run, and snuggle with their humans.
They’re gentle with kids and social with other pets. Bedlington Terriers are among the top medium sized dogs that don’t shed and are easy for allergy-prone households.
11. Havanese
Havanese originated in Cuba as loving lap dogs for local families and even royalty. Small (weighing 7 to 13 pounds), they’re sturdy, social, and playful.
Their long, flowing coat is more like hair than fur and doesn’t shed in clumps like other breeds.
Regular brushing keeps the coat soft and free from mats, while occasional trims can manage length.
Havanese blend well into city apartments or homes with children and pets. Their friendly nature and fur-free home make them stand out among small non shedding dogs.
12. Lagotto Romagnolo
Bred in Italy to hunt truffles, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a curly-coated medium sized dog with little-to-no shedding.
Weighing 24 to 35 pounds, Lagottos are rare in the US but catching on with active families. Their beloved curls keep shedding minimal and require regular combing.
Lagottos love exercise, learning tricks, and sniffing around outdoors.
Affectionate and easy to train, they’re an excellent pick for people who want an energetic, non shedding hypoallergenic dog.
13. Schnauzer
Schnauzers come in three handy sizes: Miniature (11-20 pounds), Standard (30-50 pounds), and Giant (60-85 pounds).
Their wiry, double coats make them top contenders for best non shedding dogs across all sizes.
All schnauzers need consistent clipping and brushing to prevent mats and remove loose hairs, but loose fur rarely falls out on its own.
These dogs are loyal, fun, and protective. They do well in active households and can handle city or rural life without leaving hairy trails everywhere.
Schnauzers suit families needing both big dogs that don’t shed and those wanting a small companion.
14. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds steal the spotlight with their long, silk-like hair and elegant build. They’re tall, weighing 50 to 60 pounds, and famous for their regal presence.
While their beautiful coats look like a nightmare for shedding, Afghan Hounds surprise many people with proper grooming, their hair falls out very little.
Regular baths and brushings are needed to keep the coat free of mats.
Afghan Hounds are independent, loyal, and sometimes aloof but make devoted companions. They’re a unique choice for those seeking large non shedding dogs with a dramatic flair.
15. Coton de Tulear
Native to Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is known for its cottony-soft white coat. Weighing 8 to 15 pounds, the Coton’s gentle, playful personality fits almost any home.
Their coat is light, hypoallergenic, and non shedding with routine brushing.
Cotons need regular grooming to avoid tangles but shed almost none of their minimal hair.
These dogs are cheerful, loving, and easy to train, making them great for anyone wanting a friendly, low maintenance companion.
16. Lowchen
The Lowchen, or “Little Lion Dog,” is a rare toy breed with a low-shedding silky coat. These dogs weigh about 10 to 18 pounds, love to play, and enjoy plenty of attention from their families.
Their wavy manes require brushing and occasional trims, but they drop very little hair. The Lowchen is great with kids, loves to be a lap dog, and fits in well in most homes.
Their unique look and personality make them a favorite among small non shedding dogs.
17. American Hairless Terrier
As the name hints, the American Hairless Terrier is a breed with little to no fur—no shedding here. This all-American breed weighs about 12 to 16 pounds, with smooth, bare skin that needs sunscreen if outdoors.
This breed is one of the top non-shedding hypoallergenic dogs for people with severe allergies.
Lively, alert, and playful, they’re friendly with children and great for those who prefer a truly fur-free environment.
American Hairless Terriers adapt well to small apartments, provided they get plenty of exercise and affection.
18. Cockapoo
Cockapoos, the original poodle mix, combine the best qualities from their Cocker Spaniel and Poodle heritage especially their low-shedding coat.
Depending on parents, Cockapoos weigh 10 to 30 pounds and vary in curliness.
Most Cockapoos shed far less than a purebred spaniel, and with routine brushing, you’ll rarely find much dog hair.
Energetic and affectionate, they love families, kids, and adaptable to any home size. Cockapoos often top lists of medium sized dogs that don’t shed and are popular among allergy sufferers.
19. Labradoodle
Labradoodles were developed as hypoallergenic guide dogs by crossing Labrador Retrievers with Poodles.
Their coats can be wooly or fleece-like, typically shedding little. Weighing from 30 to 65 pounds, Labradoodles rank high among large non shedding dogs.
They need consistent brushing and grooming, especially if their coat leans more to the poodle side.
Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and active perfect for families or people needing a low-shed dog with an outgoing personality.
20. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a lively, curly dog originally bred for retrieving in Ireland’s lakes and rivers.
Weighing 45 to 68 pounds, this athletic breed has a curly, waterproof coat that locks in loose hair, keeping shedding to a minimum.
Weekly brushing and professional grooming keep their curls in top condition. Irish Water Spaniels are intelligent, love a job, and thrive with active families or singles.
They suit those needing big dogs that don’t shed and enjoy time outdoors.
21. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier comes from Ireland and stands out with its soft, silky, wheat-colored coat.
This medium-sized breed weighs 30 to 40 pounds and is known for its affectionate, fun-loving spirit.
Their gentle waves don’t shed like other terriers, but they need brushing to avoid mats. Wheatens are friendly, loyal, and happy in any home environment.
Their low-shedding hair makes them favorites for allergy-prone dog lovers.
Conclusion
Non-shedding dogs change the lives of busy people, allergy sufferers, city dwellers, and anyone wanting less cleaning and more enjoyment with their furry best friend.
When picking one of these breeds, routine grooming keeps their unique coats beautiful and mat-free.
Ready for a life with less fur and more fun? One of these non shedding hypoallergenic dogs could be the newest member of your family.
