Hey there, fur parents and dog enthusiasts! As a fellow canine lover, I can tell you this – the joys of sharing your home with a four-legged friend are immeasurable. Yet, we have to admit, there is one downside that might have you reaching for the lint roller more often than you’d like: dog hair.
Dog hair on your clothes, on your furniture, on your car seats, even finding its way into your morning coffee – we’ve all been there. But what if I told you that there are dog breeds that shed minimally or not at all?
If your enthusiasm for dogs is hindered by an aversion to shedding, or perhaps an allergy, you’re in luck. Today, we’re diving into a list of dogs that don’t shed (or barely shed) so you can enjoy the cuddles without the extra fluff.
Poodles (All Sizes)
First on our list are Poodles, which come in three sizes – standard, miniature, and toy – yet all are hypoallergenic and shed minimally. Not only are Poodles known for their intelligence and agility, but their curly, dense fur also works in favour of those who aren’t fans of constant sweeping and vacuuming.
Bichon Frise
With their round, fluffy appearance and joyous personality, Bichon Frises are irresistible. These dogs have a double coat – a soft, dense undercoat and a curly outer coat. The magic is that the hair they shed gets caught in the outer coat instead of landing on your floors and furniture.
Schnauzers (All Sizes)
Much like Poodles, Schnauzers come in three sizes: giant, standard, and miniature. Regardless of the size, Schnauzers are an excellent choice for those looking for low-shedding dogs. Their double coat, consisting of a wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat, hardly sheds.
Basenji
Known as the “barkless dog,” Basenjis have another neat characteristic – they are one of the few breeds that don’t shed. Their short, fine coat requires little maintenance, meaning fewer hair tumbleweeds around your house.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus, adorned with long, silky hair, is often assumed to be heavy shedders. In reality, these little dogs are low-shedding. They do require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best, but you won’t find much hair around the house.
Yorkshire Terrier
These tiny terriers are another breed with human-like hair rather than typical dog fur. This means the Yorkshire Terrier is a low-shedding breed. Their beautiful, silky coats do require regular grooming, but these small companions won’t leave much of a trace on your couch.
Maltese
Maltese dogs are known for their stunning white coats, which are surprisingly low-shedding. Their hair is straight and silky, and with regular grooming, they can maintain their famous glamorous look without covering your home in hair.
Portuguese Water Dog
A breed that came to fame as the chosen dog of the Obama family, Portuguese Water Dogs are hypoallergenic, and like Poodles, their curly fur doesn’t shed much. They’re fun-loving, friendly, and perfect for active families.
Of course, remember that every dog is unique. Some dogs of these breeds might shed a little more than usual, while others might shed even less. Also, while these breeds are low-shedding, no dog is entirely hypoallergenic. Dander, which is attached to pet hair, is what causes most pet allergies and dogs always produce it to some degree.
If you’re hunting for a new fur baby and shedding is a concern, these breeds should definitely be on your radar. Still, shedding or not, every dog brings a whirl of joy, love, and positive energy. As the quote says, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”― Roger Caras
