12 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed: The Complete Low-Shedding Guide
Discover 12 dog breeds that don't shed, with size, energy, grooming costs, and allergy-friendliness compared.
If you're tired of finding dog hair in your morning coffee, on your black pants, and woven into your couch cushions, you're not alone. The search for dog breeds that don't shed is one of the most common reasons prospective owners come to us — and it's often driven by more than just cleanliness concerns. Allergies, apartment living, and a preference for low-maintenance grooming all push people toward low-shedding breeds.
But here's what most listicles won't tell you: no dog is truly non-shedding. Every dog loses some hair. The breeds on this list shed minimally — meaning their hair grows continuously (similar to human hair) rather than cycling through growth and shedding phases like a Labrador's coat. This distinction matters enormously for allergy sufferers and clean-freaks alike.
How We Selected These Low-Shedding Breeds
To qualify for our roundup of dog breeds that don't shed (or shed so little you'll barely notice), each breed had to meet all of the following standards:
- Coat type: Hair-like coat that grows continuously rather than a fur coat with seasonal shedding cycles
- Shedding level: Rated 1-2 out of 5 on the AKC shedding scale
- Recognized breed: AKC, UKC, or FCI-recognized breed (or well-established designer cross with predictable traits)
- Dander output: Low dander production relative to breed size — relevant for allergy sufferers
- Owner verification: Consistent reports from breed clubs, veterinary groomers, and long-term owners confirming minimal shedding in practice
We excluded breeds with "moderate" shedding even if they're often marketed as hypoallergenic. We also excluded breeds requiring professional grooming more than every 4 weeks to maintain coat health, since extreme grooming needs can offset the benefit of low shedding.
One important note: the term "hypoallergenic" is somewhat misleading. According to the American Kennel Club, no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic. Allergens come from dander (dead skin flakes), saliva, and urine — not just hair. Low-shedding breeds simply spread fewer allergens around your home because their hair traps dander rather than releasing it into the environment.
The 12 Best Dog Breeds That Don't Shed, Ranked by Lifestyle Fit
We've organized these breeds from smallest to largest, then by energy level within each size group. This isn't a "best to worst" ranking — it's a practical grouping so you can find the right match for your living situation.
Toy & Small Breeds (Under 20 lb / 9 kg)
Size class: Toy (4-7 lb / 2-3 kg, 7-9 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Single-layer silky coat with virtually no undercoat — hair grows continuously and sheds almost imperceptibly
The Maltese has been a companion dog for over 2,000 years, prized specifically for its clean, white, non-shedding coat. Their hair is structurally closer to human hair than to typical dog fur, meaning it grows rather than sheds in cycles. You'll find the occasional strand on a brush during grooming, but almost never on your furniture. They produce very little dander, making them one of the top choices for allergy sufferers in small living spaces.
Why it made the list: Among the lowest shedding-to-size ratios of any breed. A 6 lb Maltese produces dramatically less environmental dander than even a low-shedding large breed.
Size class: Small (12-18 lb / 5-8 kg, 9.5-11.5 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Double coat with curly outer layer that traps shed hair — loose hairs get caught in the curls rather than falling onto surfaces
The Bichon's coat is a marvel of low-shedding engineering. While they do technically lose hair, the curl pattern catches loose strands before they can escape into your environment. This means you'll remove hair during brushing sessions rather than finding it around the house. The trade-off is that Bichons require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks (budget $50-$80 per session) to prevent matting.
Why it made the list: The trapped-shed mechanism means virtually zero hair on furniture and clothing, despite having more total coat than the Maltese.
Size class: Toy/Small (8-12 lb / 4-5 kg, 11-13 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Powderpuff variety has a single-layer silky coat; the Hairless variety has hair only on head, tail, and feet — both varieties shed negligibly
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties, and both are exceptionally low-shedding. The Hairless variety is nearly maintenance-free in terms of shedding (though they need sunscreen and skin care). The Powderpuff has a full but fine, single-layer coat that sheds minimally. Both varieties are popular with allergy sufferers, though the Hairless variety is the more common recommendation from allergists.
Why it made the list: The Hairless variety is arguably the lowest-shedding dog in existence. Even the Powderpuff variety sheds less than most toy breeds.
Size class: Toy (4-7 lb / 2-3 kg, 7-8 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Fine, silky single coat that grows continuously — structurally similar to human hair with no seasonal blow-out
Yorkies are one of the most popular toy breeds in the US, and their non-shedding coat is a major reason why. Their hair is fine and straight, growing continuously like human hair. Many owners keep their Yorkie in a "puppy cut" (1-2 inches all over) to minimize grooming time while maintaining the low-shedding benefit. Left long, the coat requires daily brushing to prevent tangles.
Why it made the list: Extremely low dander production combined with a tiny body size means minimal allergen load in the home. One of the most reliable breeds for allergy sufferers.
Medium Breeds (20-50 lb / 9-23 kg)
Size class: Small/Medium (11-20 lb / 5-9 kg, 12-14 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Wiry double coat with a hard outer layer that holds loose hair — requires hand-stripping or clipping, but sheds almost nothing between grooming sessions
The Miniature Schnauzer's wiry coat is purpose-built for low shedding. The harsh outer coat traps loose hairs, which are then removed during grooming. Between professional sessions (every 5-8 weeks, $45-$70), you'll notice virtually no hair around the house. Schnauzers also tend to produce less dander than similarly sized breeds, though individual variation exists.
Why it made the list: The wiry coat texture is one of the most effective natural shedding-control mechanisms in any breed. Excellent for owners who want a sturdier dog than a toy breed but still want minimal shedding.
Size class: Medium (30-40 lb / 14-18 kg, 17-19 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Silky, slightly wavy single coat that sheds minimally — hair grows continuously and requires regular brushing to prevent mats
Ireland's largest native terrier has a coat unlike any other breed — soft, silky, and slightly wavy, more like human hair than typical terrier wire. They shed very little, though their coat requires brushing 3-4 times per week and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Wheaten are known for their "happy tail" greeting, and even with enthusiastic tail-wagging, you won't see a cloud of hair releasing into the air.
Why it made the list: Fills the gap between small terriers and large low-shedding breeds. Offers a medium-sized, moderate-energy option for families who find toy breeds too fragile but Standard Poodles too large.
Size class: Medium (24-35 lb / 11-16 kg, 16-19 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Dense, curly, wool-like coat that traps shed hair tightly — loose hairs are removed during brushing rather than released into the environment
This Italian water dog is famous as the world's premier truffle-hunting breed, but their remarkable coat deserves equal attention. The Lagotto's tight curls create a virtually shed-proof barrier — loose hairs get so thoroughly trapped in the curl pattern that they're only released during deliberate grooming. According to the AKC breed standard, the coat should be dense, woolly, and tightly curled. Budget $60-$90 per professional grooming session every 4-6 weeks.
Why it made the list: One of the most reliably low-shedding medium breeds available. The tight curl pattern is among the most effective at trapping loose hair of any coat type.
Large Breeds (50+ lb / 23+ kg)
Size class: Large (40-70 lb / 18-32 kg, over 15 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Dense, curly single coat with no undercoat — hair grows continuously and loose strands are trapped in the curls
The Standard Poodle is the gold standard (pun intended) for large, low-shedding dogs. Their curly single coat grows continuously, and the tight curl pattern catches virtually all loose hair before it can escape. Poodles are frequently the base breed for "designer" crosses specifically because of their reliable low-shedding genetics. They require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks ($60-$100 depending on clip style and region).
Why it made the list: The most versatile large low-shedding breed available. Comes in three sizes (Standard, Miniature, Toy) with the same coat characteristics, and ranks as the second-most-intelligent breed according to Stanley Coren's research.
Size class: Medium/Large (35-60 lb / 16-27 kg, 17-23 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Profuse, thick coat that is either curly or wavy — both varieties trap shed hair effectively with no undercoat to blow seasonally
Made famous by the Obama family's dogs Bo and Sunny, the Portuguese Water Dog has a waterproof coat designed for long days in the Atlantic. That same coat is exceptionally low-shedding at home. The curly variety tends to trap hair slightly more effectively than the wavy variety, but both are excellent choices. They require brushing 2-3 times per week and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
Why it made the list: Offers an athletic, water-loving alternative to the Poodle with similar low-shedding properties. Better suited to active outdoor families who want a swimming and hiking companion.
Size class: Large (55-85 lb / 25-39 kg, 23.5-27.5 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Hard, wiry double coat — the harsh outer coat holds loose hair until it's removed by stripping or clipping, resulting in negligible shedding between grooming sessions
The Giant Schnauzer brings the same wiry, low-shedding coat as the Miniature version to a substantially larger dog. Originally bred as a cattle drover and guard dog in Bavaria, they're powerful, intelligent working dogs that happen to leave virtually no hair on your couch. They require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks ($70-$100) and benefit from hand-stripping to maintain the coat's protective texture.
Why it made the list: One of the very few genuinely low-shedding breeds over 55 lb. Fills a critical gap for owners who need a large, protective dog but can't tolerate heavy shedding.
Size class: Large (50-60 lb / 23-27 kg, 25-27 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Long, fine, silky single coat that grows continuously — sheds minimally but requires significant brushing to prevent tangles and mats
The Afghan Hound's flowing coat is one of the most dramatic in the dog world, and it's also one of the least sheddy. Their hair grows continuously like human hair, and while you will find the occasional long strand, they don't "blow coat" or shed in clumps the way double-coated breeds do. The trade-off is substantial grooming commitment: daily brushing of 20-30 minutes and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks ($80-$120 for a full bath and blowout).
Why it made the list: The only long-coated breed that reliably makes low-shedding lists. Proves that dramatic coat length doesn't have to mean dramatic shedding — though it does mean dramatic grooming commitment.
Size class: Large (50-70 lb / 23-32 kg, 23 inches tall)
Key low-shedding trait: Dense, wiry double coat — the hard outer coat traps loose hair, and regular hand-stripping or clipping keeps shedding to near-zero levels
Known as the "King of Terriers," the Airedale is the largest terrier breed and one of the largest low-shedding dogs available. Their wiry coat is similar to the Schnauzer's — loose hair gets caught in the harsh outer coat and is removed during grooming rather than deposited on your floor. Airedales are versatile working dogs originally bred for hunting otters and serving as wartime sentries.
Why it made the list: The largest terrier breed with reliably low shedding. Offers a rugged, athletic option for active owners who want a big dog without the hair.
Side-by-Side Comparison of All 12 Low-Shedding Breeds
| Breed | Weight | Energy Level | Grooming Cost/Session | Grooming Frequency | Allergy Friendliness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maltese | 4-7 lb | Low-Moderate | $40-$60 | Every 4-6 weeks | ★★★★★ |
| Bichon Frise | 12-18 lb | Moderate | $50-$80 | Every 4-6 weeks | ★★★★★ |
| Chinese Crested | 8-12 lb | Moderate | $30-$50 | Every 4-6 weeks | ★★★★★ |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4-7 lb | Moderate | $40-$65 | Every 4-6 weeks | ★★★★★ |
| Miniature Schnauzer | 11-20 lb | Moderate-High | $45-$70 | Every 5-8 weeks | ★★★★☆ |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | 30-40 lb | Moderate | $55-$80 | Every 6-8 weeks | ★★★★☆ |
| Lagotto Romagnolo | 24-35 lb | High | $60-$90 | Every 4-6 weeks | ★★★★☆ |
| Standard Poodle | 40-70 lb | High | $60-$100 | Every 4-6 weeks | ★★★★☆ |
| Portuguese Water Dog | 35-60 lb | High | $60-$90 | Every 4-6 weeks | ★★★★☆ |
| Giant Schnauzer | 55-85 lb | High | $70-$100 | Every 6-8 weeks | ★★★★☆ |
| Afghan Hound | 50-60 lb | Moderate | $80-$120 | Every 4-6 weeks | ★★★★☆ |
| Airedale Terrier | 50-70 lb | High | $65-$95 | Every 6-8 weeks | ★★★★☆ |
Decision Framework: Choosing the Right Low-Shedding Breed for Your Situation
Having 12 options is great — until it becomes paralyzing. Use this decision flowchart to narrow down your top 3 based on your actual lifestyle, not just which dog looks cutest in photos.
- What's your living space?
→ Apartment or condo under 1,000 sq ft: Focus on Maltese, Yorkie, Bichon Frise, or Chinese Crested
→ House with fenced yard: All breeds are viable, continue to step 2
→ Rural property with acreage: Standard Poodle, Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, or Portuguese Water Dog - How much daily exercise can you provide?
→ Under 30 minutes/day: Maltese, Afghan Hound, or Bichon Frise
→ 30-60 minutes/day: Miniature Schnauzer, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Lagotto Romagnolo
→ 60+ minutes/day: Standard Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier - What's your annual grooming budget?
→ Under $500/year: Chinese Crested (Hairless), Miniature Schnauzer (longer intervals between grooming)
→ $500-$900/year: Maltese, Yorkie, Bichon Frise, Lagotto Romagnolo, Standard Poodle
→ $900+/year: Afghan Hound, Giant Schnauzer, Portuguese Water Dog - Do you have severe dog allergies?
→ Yes, confirmed by allergist: Start with Chinese Crested (Hairless), Maltese, or Yorkshire Terrier — spend time with the specific dog before committing
→ Mild allergies or preference for clean home: Any breed on this list will work - Do you have young children (under 6)?
→ Yes: Bichon Frise, Standard Poodle, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier — sturdy enough to handle enthusiastic kids
→ No or older children: All breeds viable, including more delicate toy breeds
Our top 3 picks for the most common scenarios:
- Best overall for apartment allergy sufferers: Maltese — smallest allergen footprint, lowest grooming costs among toy breeds, adaptable to small spaces
- Best for active families with kids: Standard Poodle — highly intelligent, patient with children, athletic enough for hiking and swimming, and reliably low-shedding
- Best for owners who want a large, protective dog: Giant Schnauzer — genuinely low-shedding at 55-85 lb, naturally protective, and highly trainable with positive reinforcement methods
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Approach With Caution
Not every breed that claims to be low-shedding actually delivers. Here's where we clarify some common misconceptions.
Honorable Mentions
These breeds narrowly missed our top 12 but are worth considering:
- Havanese: Silky double coat that sheds minimally, but requires more frequent brushing than most breeds on our list (daily for long coats). Excellent temperament for families.
- Miniature Poodle: Same low-shedding coat as the Standard in a 10-15 lb package. Missed the list only because we wanted breed diversity rather than three Poodle sizes.
- Scottish Terrier: Wiry, low-shedding coat similar to the Schnauzer. Strong-willed temperament makes them less suitable for first-time owners, which kept them off the main list.
- Basenji: Short coat that sheds very minimally and self-grooms like a cat. Missed the list because they do technically shed — just very little — and their independent temperament isn't a fit for every household.
Breeds Commonly Mislabeled as Non-Shedding
- "Hypoallergenic" Goldendoodles and Labradoodles: Only F1B or multigenerational doodles bred back to Poodles reliably inherit the low-shedding coat. An F1 Goldendoodle (first-generation Golden Retriever × Poodle cross) has roughly a 50% chance of inheriting the Golden's shedding coat. Always spend time with the specific puppy or adult dog before committing.
- Shih Tzu: Often listed as non-shedding, but they actually have a moderate shedding level — the long coat simply traps the hair. They shed less than a Husky but more than any breed on our top 12 list.
- Lhasa Apso: Similar to Shih Tzu — long coat traps some hair but they do shed moderately, especially during seasonal transitions.
The Real Cost of Owning a Low-Shedding Dog
Here's what most low-shedding breed articles won't tell you: you're trading vacuuming for grooming bills. Every low-shedding breed on this list requires professional grooming, and those costs add up fast. Here's a realistic annual budget breakdown:
| Expense Category | Toy Breed (e.g., Maltese) | Medium Breed (e.g., Lagotto) | Large Breed (e.g., Standard Poodle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional grooming (annual) | $520-$780 | $720-$1,080 | $780-$1,300 |
| At-home grooming tools | $40-$80 (one-time) | $50-$100 | $60-$120 |
| Shampoo & coat products (annual) | $60-$120 | $80-$150 | $100-$180 |
| Total annual coat care | $620-$980 | $850-$1,330 | $940-$1,600 |
Compare this to a Labrador Retriever (heavy shedder): $0 in professional grooming but potentially hundreds in lint rollers, upholstery cleaning, and air filter replacements. The costs often balance out — it's a question of which type of maintenance you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
Are there any truly non-shedding dogs?
No. Every dog with hair loses some of it — just as humans lose hair daily. The breeds on this list shed so minimally that you'll rarely notice it, but claiming any dog is "non-shedding" is misleading. Even the Hairless Chinese Crested loses the occasional strand from its crest and tail plume.
Do low-shedding dogs cause fewer allergies?
Generally yes, but it's not guaranteed. Dog allergies are triggered by proteins in dander, saliva, and urine — not hair itself. Low-shedding breeds release less dander into the environment because their coats trap it, but they still produce allergenic proteins. The Mayo Clinic recommends spending time with a specific dog before committing, as individual dogs vary even within the same breed.
Can I shave my low-shedding dog to reduce grooming costs?
You can clip breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers, and Bichons short (a "puppy cut" or "kennel clip" at 1/2 to 1 inch), which dramatically reduces brushing time and extends intervals between professional grooming. However, never shave a double-coated low-shedding breed (like some Schnauzers with undercoat) down to the skin — this can permanently damage the coat texture and remove UV and temperature protection. Always consult a professional groomer about appropriate clip lengths for your specific breed.
Which low-shedding breed is best for first-time dog owners?
The Bichon Frise and Standard Poodle are consistently the best low-shedding options for first-time owners. Both are highly trainable using positive reinforcement, adaptable to various living situations, and have well-established breed health testing protocols through responsible breeders. Avoid Giant Schnauzers and Airedale Terriers as a first dog — their strong working-dog instincts and independence require experienced handling.
Do low-shedding dogs need less exercise?
Not at all. Shedding level has zero correlation with exercise needs. A Standard Poodle needs 60+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise despite shedding almost nothing, while an Afghan Hound is relatively low-energy despite its dramatic coat. Always choose based on your activity level first, then filter for coat type.
Where should I look to adopt a low-shedding breed?
Start with breed-specific rescue organizations — the AKC maintains a rescue network directory that connects you with Poodle rescues, Schnauzer rescues, and more. For puppies, look for breeders who perform OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health testing on parent dogs and offer a written health guarantee. Expect to pay $1,500-$3,500 for a well-bred puppy from a responsible breeder, or $300-$600 for a rescue adoption.
A final note: Before choosing any breed based on allergy concerns, spend at least 2-3 hours with the specific dog you're considering. Allergic reactions are individual, and even the lowest-shedding breed can trigger symptoms in sensitive people. If allergies are your primary concern, consult your allergist and consider a trial period before making a long-term commitment.
Jonas Cole
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
