Small dogs that don’t shed a lot are the perfect solution for people who want to own a pet but can’t deal with constantly cleaning up hair. It doesn’t matter if you have allergies or just aren’t into vacuuming, there is a small dog out there for you! These breeds of dogs may be tiny, but they still demand attention and playtime. If you want a dog that will cuddle with you on the couch while also being able to run around in the yard at full speed, then these breeds are definitely worth looking into! Are there breeds that don’t shed? The answer is yes! Check out these small dog breeds that don’t shed – perfect for allergy sufferers.
1. Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a small breed of dog of the terrier dog type. The Australian Terrier is known for being very easygoing and friendly. They shed very little so if you have allergies to dogs, this would be a great choice. Australian Terriers shed less than most dogs so you will not have to worry about any serious clean-up or vacuuming multiple times per week or month. While they shed less, it won’t be as nonexistent as with some such as a Shih Tzu.
The Australian Terrier requires maintenance only once every couple of weeks where you will brush them and keep their coat free from tangles or mats which can cause discomfort or pain for your dog if left untreated over time.
They are very active and playful dogs so if you’re looking for a dog that has energy, then the Australian Terrier is the one. They love going on walks or runs where they can burn off some of that excess energy they have stored up inside their bodies.
The downside to their exercise level is they need at least 20-30 minutes of exercise daily which can be difficult if you go away from home often or work long hours during the day. If you don’t either have enough time or access to a safe place for them to run around in, then this might not be the best choice for you.
2. Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is a very special type of dog that sheds little to no hair at all! The Norfolk Terrier is a small breed of dog known for their long and wiry coats which shed little fur. They make great companions, as they are intelligent and lively dogs with keen senses.
Norfolks need daily grooming and cleaning because their coat retains dirt and debris easily. One problem with these terriers is that their coat may become matted if the owner lets them go too long between brushings – but they shed so little that it’s honestly not really noticeable unless you’re closely looking for it. In other words, what you notice more than anything else is how much they love to be petted, and how hard they try to get as much attention from you as possible.
These dogs are very affectionate and sweet, making them the perfect companion for any family. They are great with children, but they can be a little nippy when excited (just like all terriers), so older kids are better suited to handle this breed. If you want an easy-to-care-for dog that doesn’t shed much, then the Norfolk Terrier is for you!
3. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a dog that most people may not know about. This breed is also known as the “water dog” because it originated in Italy and has been used to hunt waterfowl. Lagotto Romagnolos are extremely affectionate, gentle, sweet dogs. They shed very little hair compared to other breeds of dogs, which makes them an excellent choice for people who have allergies or otherwise need to minimize contact with pet dander.
These dogs are bred to be companions rather than working dogs. They are known for their intelligence, but they are also very energetic and will need a lot of exercise to keep them happy.
Lagottos are good with other pets as well as children, which makes them excellent family dogs. Their short coats make it easy to groom them at home. The only major health problem these dogs face is epilepsy, although the risk of this condition can be reduced by not breeding littermates or closely related dogs together.
These charming little water dogs originated in Italy about two thousand years ago and were used to hunt alongside fishermen who would take them into the marshes and along the rivers that run through Italy’s Po Valley region. Lagotto Romagnolos have a large, strong nose that allows them to carry waterfowl out of the water and a curly, waterproofed coat that keeps them warm even in icy waters. This ability to retrieve from both land and water made Lagottos excellent hunting companions, but they also proved useful in locating truffles—a type of edible fungus prized as a delicacy—in the forests.
4. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a very small breed of dog that doesn’t shed much. This is especially great news for people who own allergies. There are several breeds of dogs that shed little hair, but the Italian Greyhound isn’t one to be passed over for this reason alone because it’s also a friendly and toy-sized dog perfect for almost any family.
Italian Greyhounds are not likely to shed all the time so when they do shed their coats aren’t full of loose hairs like many animals’ coats can be. Instead, when they shed their fur flies away in clumps similar to a balloon being popped.
The more often you brush your Italian Greyhound the less hair it will shed. If you don’t have time to brush your dog once or twice a week, try brushing them daily for at least five minutes each day. Brushing also stimulates the natural oils in their skin which makes their coats healthier and shinier with less effort than just washing them with shampoo all the time. A healthy coat brings out an Italian Greyhound’s best features. This breed is one of the easiest dogs to groom because they are so small, making it easier on pet owners with hand/joint issues that might make grooming larger dogs difficult.
These dogs are happy and friendly as long as they aren’t left alone for too long. They do well with older children or other animals, depending upon how their owners treat them. Italian Greyhounds do need a lot of attention so if you work all day this might not be the dog for you even though it doesn’t shed much.
5. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog is an interesting breed. This breed of dog is more like a household pet than a dog used for working purposes. Inca Orchids are lively, smart, and loving dogs that make great companions.
Peruvian Inca Orchid Dogs are unique in that they shed very little making them ideal family pets. These gorgeous dogs shed less than any other breed of dog, even the Silky Terrier. Their hair is also hypoallergenic and repels dirt and bacteria. This makes Peruvian Inca Orchid Dogs absolutely wonderful family pets for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog is a member of the non-sporting group in the American Kennel Club. The breed was developed by breeding small dogs from Peru, such as Pekingese and Chihuahuas. These breeds were then crossed with several other breeds like the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier to create a smaller version of their parents that shed less and were hypoallergenic.
These dogs are great around children and are very intelligent. They are natural watchdogs, but not very good guard dogs due to their size. This breed is naturally wary of strangers, so they are excellent at alerting you when someone enters your property.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog has a long lifespan relative to other breeds, with an average life span of 13-15 years old. They have a very calm temperament even though they are small in stature. The breed’s energy level can be compared to that of a Terrier or Poodle.
6. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced: show-low-eats-queen-tlee) does not shed a lot and is also considered as nonshedding with hair instead of fur. The Xolo Dog comes in three sizes; toy, miniature, and standard which ranges from 13 to 32 lbs. They are known as Mexican Hairless Dogs or Xoloitzcuintles (pronounced: show-loat-eesquintlees).
The Xolos have been around for more than 3,000 years and were found in ancient Egyptian urns containing animal mummies. As you can see the dog is best suited for people who do not shed much and live in hot places because it has no undercoat so it will be a perfect match. This is a great dog for allergy sufferers because there is no hair so there will be no dander and it has a high tolerance to pain which makes it more of a confident dog.
The Xoloitzcuintli was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a non-sporting breed, following its reclassification from the miscellaneous class in 2009.
Xolos are good dogs for apartment living especially if you work because they can adapt to not having a backyard and they don’t tend to bark very often, if at all which is another bonus with an apartment. Although this dog is young, there’s still little known about this breed but what we do know is that they’re nonshedding and hypoallergenic which will put most people at ease!
7. Basenji
The Basenji dog that doesn’t shed a lot is one of the best breeds for people with allergies. If someone has an allergy to dog dander, they can keep this dog in their home without having too much trouble. The Basenji dog sheds very little and it does not shed its undercoat so there are no problems when it comes to brushing this breed of dogs.
These dogs are also known as the African Barkless Dog and they are very smart. They have been used by people from Africa to help with hunting when they were brought to America. The Basenji is a hunting dog that has been around for more than 4000 years. It is one of the oldest breeds of dogs in existence. Being a hunting breed, this dog does have a high level of energy so it will need exercise every day. If it does not get the right amount of exercise, this dog can become destructive or cause problems around a home with chewing on things or even digging up flowerbeds and other places in a yard where it can find something to play with.
8. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier dog breed sheds very little and requires very little grooming. This is a dog that doesn’t shed much and may be easy for some people to maintain.
These dogs are a small breed, so they do shed a little bit, but it’s nothing compared to larger dog breeds. This is a type of terrier breed and all terriers have a lot of hair in their coats around the head and neck. However, this particular terrier type sheds less often than other types of dogs.
These dogs don’t require much grooming either. The American Kennel Club mentions that you should brush the Dandie Dinmont Terrier weekly with a wire brush or rough bristled brush. You should also comb or pull through the fur on his face to keep it free from dirt and to prevent tearing while he hunts small rodents like rabbits and rats.
Their temperament also makes them good pets. They are smart, loyal, and easy-going dogs that like to play with children. They don’t require extensive exercise either, which is great for families that live in the city or who aren’t very active.
9. The Biewer Terrier
is a breed of a small dog that originated in Germany and was bred from Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Poodles. The Biewer Terrier is normally about 13-16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs around 4-8 pounds. The Biewer Terrier shed very little if ever, does not have an undercoat thus won’t shed as much as other dogs do.
The Biewer Terrier is usually black and white with medium-length hair however it can also be black and brown or blue roan. It has a deep chest oval-shaped body with short legs that are bowed, the muzzle short, and square-shaped ears that stand up well over its head.
These dogs are good for people with allergies, they only need to be brushed a few times a week and just need a bath about twice a year. However, the Biewer Terrier was bred from two different dogs so it can have some health problems such as Patellar Luxation which is when the kneecap doesn’t sit correctly in its position. If this problem isn’t treated it can lead to arthritis or lameness. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a dog that will feel like part of your family and won’t shed then the Biewer Terrier may be what you’re looking for!
10. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small-sized breed of dogs from Tibet. It is a member of the Non-sporting group in the American Kennel Club. The Lhasa Apso dogs shed little to no fur, making it a perfect pet for people who have allergies or do not want a dog that sheds everywhere.
Lhasa Apso shed little to no hair throughout the year and require very little grooming compared to other breeds, but they shed heavily once or twice a year with a double coat that replaces their old one in the springtime and again in autumn when it sheds out completely.
These dogs do not require too much exercise but their coats need to be brushed daily. This breed has an average lifespan of 13 years; it can live up to 15 years with proper care and nutrition.
The Lhasa Apso is a very loving, affectionate companion that is great for families, especially if you have kids or seniors! They are highly intelligent and independent, making them more suitable for experienced dog owners who know how to handle stubborn dogs.
They tend to bark at strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs, but they also form strong bonds with their family members so they may get along well with the neighbors if properly socialized when young.
11. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle dog breed doesn’t shed a lot, and there are many reasons why they don’t shed very much. Firstly Most owners of Toy Poodle dogs will have their hair trimmed so it doesn’t get too long. The hair is kept at around one to two inches in length for this reason. Secondly, the hair shed by Toy Poodle dogs is trapped around their coat which means it doesn’t end up on your floor. The only time that owners of this breed will notice any shed hair at all is when they are brushing out the dog, but even then there won’t be very much shed hair to deal with. into the ear.
The only reason you would have to remove shed hair from a Toy Poodle is if their ears were getting clogged up with shed fur. If this does happen, the best way to clean them is with an ear flush product made for dogs, or cotton bud dipped in mineral oil. Be careful when cleaning their ears though not to push anything down into the ear canal or poke too far.
These dogs were bred for their appearance and many owners like to style them in different ways. Their coats need to be touched up every six weeks or so and this requires a professional groomer to do it. You can do some minor grooming at home, but you will need experience with dogs before even considering touching your Toy Poodle’s hair.
If you are thinking of buying a Toy Poodle dog there are a few things you should know about these dogs before going out and getting one yourself. The first thing is the price, which is expensive. However, if you plan on keeping your dog indoors then this shouldn’t put you off because they won’t need any kind of exercise that needs a going outside.
12. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a cottony, white dog breed that does not shed very much. It is perfect for people who are allergic to dogs or do not want their home full of hair.
They will shed some in the spring and fall when they change coats, but other than that it will be minimal shedding throughout the year. The Coton de Tulear’s coat feels like cotton balls all over their body which provides warmth absorbs oils from the skin, and helps prevent sunburns on this pink-skinned breed. They shed even less than poodles because they have hair instead of fur. Their hair has no undercoat so there is nothing coming off of them to bother anyone with allergies around them.
These dogs are considered non-allergenic because their hair does not contain any of the protein that can cause an allergic reaction in people.
The Coton de Tulear is a great dog for anyone to have, especially those who have allergies or don’t want a lot of hair around them all the time. They are good with kids and good watchdogs as well as lap dogs. They do require a lot of attention though so someone who works a lot may not be able to take care of this kind of dog properly. So if you want to get one of these fluffy, cotton ball dogs make sure you give it lots and lots of love!
13. Bolognese Dog
The Bolognese is a small dog breed that doesn’t shed a lot. This is great for people with allergies or who are sensitive to pet hair since they won’t have to deal with shed all over their belongings.
These dogs are bred in Italy and come in different colors, but they are most commonly white. They shed very little so don’t expect the fur to be everywhere! Their coat does not also mat easily so grooming them is easy.
These dogs are very intelligent, but they are slow learners. They are very loyal to their owners and family members. However, it is probably best if older children are the ones looking after these dogs as they can be easily injured by younger children who might not know how to properly handle them.
The average height of an adult Bolognese is between 10 and 11 inches. They can weigh up to 9 pounds, which makes them a suitable pet for people who live in small spaces such as apartments.
14. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier shed very little and doesn’t shed at all during the winter months. In other words, there is no “dog shed coat” to shed in the springtime when other dogs shed their old coats. If you have allergies, a Bedlington Terrier is a good dog breed choice for you. The average canine sheds approximately 100 hairs per day, but a Bedlington sheds very few of those due to its wavy/curly coat.
These dogs are prone to skin and ear infections, so take care of your Bedlington Terrier by regularly checking for ticks and ear mites. Bathe only when necessary using a dog shampoo; overbathing can damage the skin and remove natural oils from the hair. The Bedlington Terrier was a breed originating in the mines of Northumberland, England. It was bred to hunt vermin and run foxes to the ground. It is a calm, gentle dog that makes a good family pet as well as a show dog. In the past, it has been used for badger hunting and bull baiting.
As with all dogs from terriers to spaniels, these dogs need lots of exercises. The Bedlington likes to swim, run, and play. It’s not a breed that can sit around all day because of its high energy.
They are generally healthy dogs with relatively few genetic problems, although they are prone to alopecia X in which the skin loses hair due to poor immune response rather than what is commonly called “hypoallergenic.” According to the American Bedlington Terrier Club, this has been observed mainly in older dogs of both sexes before six years old.
15. Australian Silky Terrier
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small dog breed that is very cute and does not shed a lot. The Australian Silky Terrier has a smooth coat of hair, with some dogs having longer fur on their tail, ears, and around the neck. It is a really cute dog breed.
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small, sturdy, compact, and active breed of dog that was bred to be a companion and show dog. The Australian Silky Terriers’ coat can be any color or markings with minimal white markings accepted for showing by the AKC. Their long coats require grooming at least once or twice a week and shed very little hair which makes taking care of them easy. They shed very lightly throughout their life but need extra grooming when they shed heavily – usually during warm weather months.
16. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier dog that doesn’t shed a lot is one of the most popular small to medium-sized house pets. Their coats are well known for being hypoallergenic, so they’re great for people who suffer from allergies to shed fur. Additionally, Cairn Terriers shed very little compared to other breeds, so if your primary concern is removing dog hair off your furniture then this breed may be ideal for you.
These dogs are famously known for their sprightly and bright personalities, earning them a top spot among American Dog Breeders. These traits make them pleasant companions and great family dogs; the Cairn Terrier’s popularity is sure to continue growing as homemakers realize what a low-shed fur maintenance dog this dog really is.
The Cairn Terrier shed little, but that doesn’t mean they shed not at all. The breed sheds heavily twice per year (similar to most breeds) and lightly throughout the rest of the year.
17. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier, a small to medium-sized dog, was originally developed in the Border Mountains of Scotland during the early 1800s. It was bred to be a multi-purpose hunting dog who could hunt foxes above and below ground as well as trail hares. The Border Terrier is brave, strong-willed, and affectionate. This breed makes a good family dog but may have issues with other pets due to its terrier traits.
The shedless nature of this breed comes from its short coat that has two layers, an undercoat that provides insulation for cold weather, and guard hairs on the outer layer (which shed minimally). They are easy to groom by brushing them once or twice weekly; bathing only when necessary; nails need trimming every month or so; teeth brushing two to three times weekly, and ear cleaning as needed.
As far as exercise is concerned Border Terriers need a daily walk or another form of activity that provides stimulation. They are suited for an apartment if their exercise needs are met through indoor playtime or walks around the building. This breed will bark at suspicious noises but is not usually aggressive unless it has been specifically trained to be so.
18. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a playful, fun-loving dog. It is an excellent companion breed and has been described as “hunters in the shape of toys.” They are extremely active dogs, which means plenty of exercises is essential to keeping them happy and healthy.
In addition to being good with children, Brussels Griffons are intelligent dogs that can learn commands quickly. Although they shed a bit throughout the year, it’s only once a year – during heavy shed season – that things get hectic around your house. You can help minimize this amount of mess by grooming your dog regularly and giving him frequent opportunities to run off some energy. As long as you do both of these things you should find that your home remains clean even when your Brussels Griffon decides to shed.
19. Maltese Terrier
The Maltese Terrier Dog is a very small, compact breed. It is most commonly white in color with black eyes and has fringed ears. The Maltese Terrier Dog has a straight tail that hangs down. They are an intelligent breed of dog known for being easy to train. Their size makes them good dogs for people who live in apartments or lack yard space.
The Maltese Terrier Dog doesn’t shed. However, it does require some grooming to keep its fur in good condition. The best way to groom this type of dog is by using a bristle brush or rubber mitts for stripping or removing dead hair on the surface of their coat. They should be brushed daily to keep their coat mat-free and free of debris. This breed will shed lightly throughout the year, but not heavy like many other breeds that shed continuously.
The Maltese Terrier Dog also requires regular cleaning of the ears and teeth since they are prone to problems with both. Bathing can be done as needed but should never take place more than every two months unless necessary for medical reasons due to skin conditions or allergic reactions to foods. This dog can live in any climate but does best when kept indoors for most of the time and only taken outside sparingly.
20. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested Dog is a popular unique looking dog. They come in two types, the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Chinese Crested shed little to no hair at all! If you have an allergy then this is definitely the breed of dog for you!
The average life span for a Chinese Crested is around 14 years and they weigh anywhere from 16 pounds up to 30 pounds. Although little, they like to eat more than most small breeds.
The Chinese Crested shed little to no hair and this is great news for allergy sufferers. They are often found in black & tan but also come in a variety of other colors and patterns. This dog does shed so regular grooming with a hard brush or metal comb will be needed, especially in the Powderpuff variety which has longer fluffier hair.
21. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier Dog is a breed of dog that does not shed its hair. This means that the West Highland White Terrier Dog will not shed all or any of its fur at any time or season throughout the year. This is one of the most sought after qualities in a pet dog because not only does this make them easier to manage, it also makes them healthier and more comfortable for those with allergies as well as those who want to enjoy the warmth and softness of having their pets lie on top of them like a blanket without sacrificing their own comfort.
West Highland White Terriers were originally bred as hunting dogs and because they shed very little often hunted much better than other hunting breeds. There was no need for these terriers to be smooth coated like many other breeds to keep them clean and free from catching on brambles and wet bracken.
The West Highland White Terrier is the only dog breed indigenous to Scotland and was once known as the ‘Cairn Terrier’. They were bred not for their looks but because of their hunting abilities and their need for a coat that shed very little so it would not interfere with or catch on anything when they were in pursuit of small animals such as rats, squirrels, mice, birds, and other pests.
West Highland White Terriers shed little or no hair throughout the year which makes them an ideal pet for people who suffer from allergies.
22. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small fluffy round little ball of fur that does not shed and it is actually a very friendly and well-behaved pet. The Bichon Frise is a particolored apron – over a white body with dark ears, tail, and nose although they can also be powder-puffed to appear all white.
Unlike their cousin, the Maltese dog who is very small (but sheds excessively), the Bichon Frise temperament makes them suitable for apartment living. However, because of their small size, they do much better in small environments without small children that may pull on its long coat or grab at it roughly. The Bichon Frise weighs between 8 and 18 pounds (4 to 8 kilograms) which means this small non-shedding breed of dogs will be perfect for you if you are looking for a small hypoallergenic small breed of dogs or a small non-shedding breed of dogs for kids!
23. Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu is a small furry friend that has silky, shiny hair. Despite the fact that they do have hair, it doesn’t shed. Shih Tzus are great for people who suffer from allergies and asthma because of their hypoallergenic coats. They also don’t require too much grooming so you can focus on more important things! They need to be brushed regularly so they stay tangle-free and their hair doesn’t become matted.
The Shih Tzu is a friendly, lively, and playful breed. They’re intelligent and eager to please their owner. Their sociable attitude makes them easy to train but they can also be stubborn at times. It takes a while for them to get used to new people or other dogs, so you’ll need someone who’s patient when it comes to training your dog. The average life expectancy of a Shih Tzu is about 10 years, which isn’t too bad if you don’t want a lifelong pet commitment!
24. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small dog that comes from Germany. Within this breed, you have the option to choose whether or not they will have hair. A standard Affenpinscher doesn’t shed, but a Miniature Affenpinscher does shed. This breed was originally used for ratting and some people still use them for this job today.
Affenpinschers have a very distinct look with their mustache and large eyebrows. They can come in black, grey, silver/blue, brown or red coloring depending on if they are hairless or coated. If you are looking for one of these dogs who don’t shed, you should try to find an adult dog since many times the puppies do start to shed.
Affenpinschers are very small, coming in at 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) and weighing around 10-14 pounds (4.5-6.3 kg). They need to be brushed daily because of their hairless variety, but normally only need to be bathed every few weeks or so. This breed is definitely more intelligent than the rest with an estimated intelligence of 81%. Affenpinscher’s will play with you for hours on end if allowed and can even open cabinets up if they want something inside of them! If you want a companion pet who will entertain you for hours on end, then this dog might just be perfect for you!