Shedding can be an inconvenient addition when it comes to finding the right dog. Luckily, there are a variety of dog breeds that do not shed and are hypoallergenic. Allergies can be caused by pet hair making owning a dog a conflicting and confusing process.
Dogs That Don’t Shed
If you are looking for a middle ground, here are some dog breeds that won’t shed.
Poodles
Poodles are considered hypoallergenic and do not shed. Both standard and miniature poodle breeds feature short curls and do not require frequent grooming. Beyond their non-shedding appeal, poodles are highly intelligent and are considered one of the best breeds to own. They are easy to train and are regarded as a designer breed.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is an iconic all-white colored, small dog breed that is non-shedding. Their name literally means “fluffy white dog” in French, but their fluff does not come with all of the fur. They are perfect dogs for the active pet owner as this breed is playful, energetic, and cheerful.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a low-shedding, medium sized dog breed. Their coat features curls that will require regular grooming and maintenance due to its density. However, Portuguese Water Dogs make great family dogs for pet owners because of their demeanor and laid-back attitude.
Giant and Miniature Schnauzers
Both giant and miniature schnauzers are considered great dog breeds that don’t shed. The giant schnauzer may require more regular brushing due to their larger size, however they are both considered hypoallergenic. Their breed is perfect for owners seeking large and small sized dogs.
Wheaten Terrier
Wheaten Terrier’s namesake comes from their coat that feels soft as wheat. It is a hypoallergenic dog breed that has a soft and silky coat that won’t end up shedding around your home. These terriers are playful, faithful, and make sturdy family dogs.
Basenji
This dog breed is one that does not feature small curls or even a fancy coat. The Basenji is an African hunting dog breed that has short hair and sheds little to none. They are regarded as hypoallergenic and can make great family dogs with proper socialization, and lots of daily exercise.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a medium to large sized, low-shedding dog breed. These dogs weigh approximately 50 pounds and make great hypoallergenic companions. They have only one coat, unlike most dogs that shed who have both a top and undercoat.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is known as the smallest dog of the terrier breeds. Plus, they don’t shed and are hypoallergenic dogs. They reach about 7 pounds when they are full grown and feature a long, silky coat. Their coat is steel blue, with tan topknots and can be groomed or left to grow out.
Cairn Terrier
Another terrier breed that won’t shed is the Cairn terrier. The Cairn terrier is a breed from the Scottish Highlands and was originally a working dog to rid estates of critters. They have a wiry coat that comes in a variety of colors like white, tan, and brindle.
Havanese
HavaneseThe Havanese dog breed is a non-shedding, hypoallergenic type and is the National dog of Cuba. They feature a long, silky coat and are affectionate dogs. If you are looking for a dog with a great personality, that won’t shed, consider this hybrid breed.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested dog is a unique, non-shedding breed. It is considered a toy-sized breed and has a hairless appearance on its body depending on its variety. They require monthly bathing and make excellent companion dogs due to their gentle personality.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish terrier is a short-legged, non-shedding dog breed that hails from the Scottish Highlands. They are a sturdy breed, and feature black, brindle, and wheaten coats. Their compact size makes them feisty, playful, and an exceptional dog for owners who require a hypoallergenic breed.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian dog breed that translates to “lake dog from Romagna”. They have a coat that features short curls and are a hypoallergenic breed. Some say their coat is wool-like, or that of a sheep, yet are non-shedding. They are keen and trainable and make great family dogs.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle breed is a hybrid of the Labrador retriever and standard poodle. They have a long lifespan of over 12 years and have great energy and personality. This dog was first seen in the 1950’s and has now become a popular option for non-shedding, large dog breeds.
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a working farm dog breed from Belgium. They weigh approximately 60 pounds and have a loyal, familial temperament. They feature a double coat which will require some grooming but shed significantly less than the average breed and are hypoallergenic.
Maltese
MalteseThe Maltese dog is a toy-sized variety of breed originating in Europe. This iconic dog is hypoallergenic and features an impressive white coat. These dogs are joyful and refined and have a lifespan of over 12 years. This sturdy dog makes the perfect companion for owners who require non-shedding types that are primarily pocket-sized.
Hypoallergenic Dogs
Despite being hypoallergenic, all dogs do shed some amount. However, this list of breeds can be described as low to non-shedding with minimal maintenance to their coat. They are free of dander, and do not produce allergens common to most dog breeds making them great options if you require a hypoallergenic companion. You won’t have to worry about pet hair covering your furniture and space when choosing from the breeds listed above. Plus, non-shedding types come in a wide range of sizes to fit into any home. If you are allergic to pet hair, and dander, these dog breed types shed far less and are known to cause fewer allergies.
Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Shed?
One of the most common misconceptions is that these dogs don’t shed. All dogs shed, but this list of breeds have a specific type of coat that does not allow allergy-causing dander to stick to their fur. Due to their types of coats, they also shed way less and do not produce the proteins in the hair, urine, skin, and mucus that cause allergies. Pet owners can find comfort in bonding with dogs, without the struggle and inconvenience of allergens.