15 Adorable Dogs That Don’t Shed
Hypoallergenic dogs are dogs that don’t shed as much as other breeds. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, these breeds are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Whether you have sensitivities to pets or you simply don’t want dog fur all over the house, this list of non-shedding dogs is for you.
1. Poodle
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Poodles are intelligent, friendly, and highly adaptable dogs. This breed is known for its curly, hypoallergenic fur that hardly sheds. Poodles are easy to train and make excellent family pets.
The poodle breed has three categories; standard, miniature, and toy so there is a size to suit most families. Poodle coats rarely shed but they do need regular grooming as they are prone to matting.
Height: 24cm+
Size: Small - Large
Character: Intelligent, adaptable, active
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
2. Miniature Schnauzer
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Miniature Schnauzers are protective companions that love to play. These dogs have a serious expression but a cheerful nature. Miniature Schnauzers hardly shed and they are known for having a bushy beard and fluffy, forward-pointing ears.
Miniature Schnauzer’s coat colours include black, pepper, salt and white, and silver and black. Their coats require daily brushing to prevent knots and their beard, ears, and eyebrows benefit from a regular cleaning too.
Height: 30-26cm
Size: Small
Character: Independent, friendly, affectionate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
3. West Highland White Terrier
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West Highland White Terriers are affectionate companions that thrive in a home environment. These little dogs have low shedding white coats that need to be brushed daily.
Westies are highly social dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They are highly adaptable so can suit most lifestyles and they are easy to train.
Height: 23-30cm
Size: Small
Character: Loyal, playful, outgoing
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
4. Bichon Frise
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The Bichon Frise breed is easy to recognise with its white, curly hair. These fluffy dogs are great for cuddling as they shed very little hair and have been bred to be hypoallergenic.
Bichons are intelligent, confident, and fun-loving dogs. They are outgoing, friendly, and highly adaptable. Bichon Frise dogs love to be the centre of attention. These dogs require frequent grooming and are prone to allergies and skin issues.
Height: 23-28cm
Size: Small
Character: Playful, intelligent, social
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
5. Maltese
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Maltese are tiny dogs that are affectionate, loyal, and playful. Their hypoallergenic coat and loving nature make them perfect lap dogs. Due to their small size, Maltese don’t require much daily exercise and they are best suited to homes with older children.
Maltese are known for their soft white coats that can be trimmed short or kept long and flowing. These dogs need to be brushed daily to keep their hair silky and free from dirt/ tangles.
Height: 20-25cm
Size: Very Small
Character: Lively, social, affectionate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
6. Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus are charming dogs that are known for being friendly and loving. Their extroverted nature means they are very social and thrive on human company. Shih Tzus are a good choice for first-time owners as they are eager to please and loyal.
Shih Tzus have long, silky hair that is low shedding. If not trimmed, their coat will reach the ground. The luxurious coat of the Shih Tzu needs to be brushed regularly to keep it free from tangles.
Height: 20-30cm
Size: Small
Character: Social, adaptable, energetic
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
7. Scottish Terrier
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Scottish Terriers are easy to recognise with their beard, eyebrows and long hair under their body. These terriers have a wiry coat that is weather-resistant and rarely sheds.
Scottish Terriers are independent, intelligent, and confident dogs. They are highly loyal and thrive in a home environment. Although Scotties can be serious and reserved, they are also very playful, mischievous, and highly adaptable dogs.
Height: 25-28cm
Size: Small
Character: Affectionate, intelligent, gentle
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
8. Portuguese Water Dog
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Portuguese Water Dogs have curly, waterproof coats that are hypoallergenic. Their coat can be trimmed short or they can be given a “lion cut” where the hair is left longer at the front.
Portuguese Water Dogs are obedient, courageous, and affectionate. As these medium-sized dogs are considered a working breed they are quick learners, diverse, and energetic.
Height: 43-57cm
Size: Medium
Character: Intelligent, brave, obedient
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
9. Lhasa Apso
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The Lhasa Apso is an independent, playful, and loving breed. These small dogs have long, flowing hair that is parted down the middle and reaches the floor. Lhasa Apsos do not shed and many owners clip the hair shorter to make it easier to manage.
Historically, Lhasa Apsos were watchdogs in monasteries which is why they are known for being protective, loyal, and full of attitude. These little dogs have a mischievous side and love to entertain.
Height: 23-28cm
Size: Small
Character: Loving, loyal, adaptable
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
10. Afghan Hound
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If you’re looking for a large, long-haired dog that is low shedding the Afghan Hound is a great choice. These elegant dogs have a long silky coat that is fine in texture.
Afghan Hounds are confident, energetic, and loyal. This breed is child-friendly, pet-friendly and highly adaptable so suits many homes and lifestyles. Afghan Hounds need access to a secure garden and they need lots of exercise each day.
Height: 63-73cm
Size: Large
Character: Loyal, playful, adaptable
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
5 Friendly Dogs That Don’t Shed
Discover these five friendly breeds that don’t shred.
1. Bedlington Terrier
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Bedlington Terriers are easy to recognise thanks to their long, wedge-shaped head and their thick, linty coat. Often described as looking like lambs, Bedlington Terriers are known for being confident, sweet-natured, and confident.
They are natural entertainers and love to be around people. The low shedding coats of these terriers are relatively low maintenance but need to be clipped regularly.
Height: 38-44cm
Size: Small
Character: Friendly, adaptable, playful
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
2. Affenpinscher
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Affenpinschers are small dogs with big characters. They have a distinctive appearance with a rough short coat and a monkey-like face. Affenpinscher’s coats hardly shed but are dense and coarse giving these dogs a scruffy look.
These little dogs are easy to train as they are very people-oriented and eager to please. Affenpinscher is a great first-time dog for people looking for a small, social, and entertaining dog that does not shed.
Height: 23-30cm
Size: Small
Character: Mischievous, affectionate, intelligent
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
3. Lagotto Romagnolo
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The Lagotto Romagnolo is an energetic working dog native to Italy. These small dogs have an excellent sense of smell and are known for being excellent retrievers. Lagotto Romagnolos have a waterproof woolly coat that is full of curls.
Although these dogs are well suited to a working environment they also thrive in a home environment too. The Lagotto is friendly, good-natured, and loves to be around people. They also have a natural affinity for children and are calm around other animals.
Height: 41-46cm
Size: Small
Character: Active, outgoing, intelligent
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
4. Havanese
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Havanese are fantastic companions, particularly for elderly owners who are home all day and would like a small dog that does not shed. These dogs are people-orientated, they thrive on attention.
Havanese have long, silky hair that rarely sheds but they do require brushing each day. Many owners clip the coat shorter to make it more manageable.
Height: 20-28cm
Size: Small
Character: Gentle, affectionate, social
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
5. Yorkshire Terrier
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Yorkshire Terriers have fine hair that is silky soft and similar in texture to human hair. These small dogs have big personalities, they have outgoing natures and thrive on being around people.
Yorkies are highly adaptable but they tend to be territorial in nature so are excellent watchdogs. These confident dogs are easy to train and are known for being great with other pets and children.
Height: 25-28cm
Size: Very Small
Character: Social, affectionate, lively
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
What Dogs Don’t Shed And Smell?
Hypoallergenic dogs like the ones listed above are ideal for indoor living as they hardly shed and they do not have a strong or unpleasant smell.
While any dog can smell, there are some features that can make some dogs smell more than others, this includes:
A Thick Coat - a heavy coat can contribute to a dog’s odour as they pick up a lot of bacteria and they increase the likelihood of skin infections.
Skin Folds - dogs with skin folds are prone to experiencing skin infections as the folds are warm and moist creating a perfect environment for bacteria growth. This can lead to bad odours and discomfort for the dog.
Floppy Ears - similar to skin folds, dogs with floppy ears are prone to ear infections and these can produce a strong odour.
Susceptibility To Skin Conditions - some dog breeds are more prone to experiencing skin conditions than others. These can include inflammation and allergies and can contribute to unpleasant odours.
If the smell is a big concern, avoid dogs with these features. You can also help keep your dog clean with regular grooming and visits to the groomer.
Found The Perfect Dog Breed For You?
If you’ve found a non-shedding dog that suits your lifestyle and family, use Puppies to find a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.
Remember that owning a dog is a long-term financial commitment. That is why it is important to think carefully about the one-off, monthly and annual costs. To learn more, read our report on the costs associated with looking after a dog.
