14 dogs that don’t shed much

Long to share your home with a cute, canine companion, but break out into a flurry of sneezes at the sheer sight of one? You're not alone. Of course, rather than commit to a life of endless Piriton, you could always consider dogs that don't shed.

Yes, they do exist. Well - sort of. While there’s no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic dog, there are breeds that shed less than others (meaning less pet dander) - which tends to make them much more suitable to those who are sensitive to dog fur. 

Even if you don’t suffer from allergies, you might just be looking for a dog that fits in with your lifestyle - and doesn’t cover your sofa (or your favourite pair of black jeans) in mounds of fluff. 

While we’d happily wear it like a badge of honour, we know it’s not for everyone. So, pet allergy sufferers and house-proud pet parents alike, rejoice! Here, we'll share a list of some of the small, medium, and large dog breeds that don't shed. Chuck out those lint rollers, folks. You won’t be needing them here… 

Small dogs that don't shed

Love small dogs, and not sniffling all day? Who doesn’t! Get to know these small dog breeds that don't shed - and prepare to fall head over paws in love…

Lhasa Apso

Up first: the cute Lhasa Apso, a low-shedding dog that, even during shedding season, sheds very little! They have a long, pretty glorious coat that will require a bit of maintenance, though - and so any prospective pet parents will need to prepare for regular trips to the doggy groomers.

Fun fact: the Lhasa Apso has a very royal background. It's true - they were originally bred to serve as guard dogs (we know, it's hard to believe!) in the palaces of the Himalayas. And pet parents tell us, they certainly haven’t forgotten their regal roots…

Brussels Griffon

While there are two types of Brussel Griffon, it's the rough-coated Griffon that pet parents sensitive to pet dander need to know about. Rough-coated Griffons are low-shed dogs, and even during shedding season, these little cuties shed little to no fur. 

Rough-coated Griffon owners should know these pups are a little high maintenance when it comes to grooming, however: their coarse coat will need a regular brush to keep them looking neat and tidy, and they will need the occasional clipping down at the groomers.

These little pups are intelligent, fun-loving, and endlessly loyal (we mean it - they won't want to leave your side). Better yet, the Brussel Griffon is seriously adorable. I mean, what could be cuter than a dog with a little beard? 

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is pretty iconic - they are distinctly unique and almost instantly recognisable. They are also a very low-shed, low-dander dog - which will be welcome news for house-proud pet parents and allergy sufferers alike!

They are mostly hairless, with feathery hair on their tail, feet, head, and ears. Their au naturale appearance also means they are pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming - they'll need regular bathing to keep their skin clean and free of issues, and a regular brush (on their furry bits) to keep them free of tangles. 

They'll also need a healthy dose of SPF in the summertime, and likewise in winter, a fluffy, warm coat to keep them cosy.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise: aka, an actual teddy bear in real-life dog form. This cotton candy-headed floof sheds very little, and its dense, fluffy coat is low-allergen to most. 

Pet parents will need to pay a small price for a dog this cute (and this low-allergen), though - your Bich will need to be brushed regularly (ideally every day), with a monthly bath and clipping (or else, a monthly trip to the groomers). Bichons are incredibly affectionate, so you can be sure that in return, they’ll give you lots of love and affection - minus the fur and fluff. 

More good news: the low-shedding Bichon is also known to be a particularly clean pup with no odor, meaning they are a great choice for those seeking dogs that don’t shed or smell. 

Coton de Tulear

If you’re looking for cute dogs that don’t shed, look no further than the Coton de Tulear.

Much like Yorkshire Terriers, the Coton de Tulear’s fur grows more like hair than fur - and it’s very low-shedding, which means unlike traditional fur, their soft, white coats shouldn’t trigger allergies. 

These fluffy little dogs are excellent family dogs - they are super affectionate, chill, and happiest when surrounded by their pack. They get along well with kids and other pets, too.

Bedlington Terrier

No, that's not a lamb you're seeing - it's a Bedlington Terrier! These charming little pups have a curly coat that is an unusual mix of soft and harsh hair - with virtually no shedding whatsoever. 

That said, their coat does grow quickly and pet parents to these lamb-like cuties will need to factor in at least bi-monthly trips to the groomers. Most pet parents opt for a short-clipped style, to keep their pooch's locks manageable and lower maintenance.

As well as being one of the small dogs that don't shed, they are also one of the easiest dog breeds to take care of - good news for pet parents and dog sitters all around. 

Medium dogs that don't shed

Small dogs too small, but not quite up to the challenge of a big dog? Then get ahold of these medium-sized dogs that don't shed: 

Portuguese Water Dog

Like some of the other pups on our list, the Portuguese Water Dog has a coat that is more like hair than fur which continuously grows.

While this means they barely shed at all, they are fairly high-maintenance and will need regular grooming and clipping. Most pet parents opt for a lion clip (where their face and back legs are shaved), or a retriever clip (where their hair is trimmed evenly to about an inch across the body).

Despite going down in US presidential history (the Portuguese Water Dog was made famous by the Obama’s White House dogs, Bo and Sunny!), these low-shedding dogs are incredibly friendly, fun-loving, and eager to please - and make excellent family companions!

Lagotto Romagnolo

Ever heard of the Lagotto Romagnolo? These loyal, lovable pooches have a thick, wooly coat that is low-shed. A working breed at heart, they are true balls of energy that love to run, play and keep active.

They also love the water - their name comes from Romagnol can lagòt, which literally means ‘water dog’!

They're loyal, loving, and - thanks to their low-shedding nature - are an ideal option if you’re scouting out dogs that don't shed much. 

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is another pup that is pretty iconic: they have a soft, dense blue coat that is low-dander and low-shedding. 

They also have a pretty adorable beard-and-tache thing going on - which, doesn't add to their low-shedding nature, but certainly adds to their overall appeal (at least if you ask us). 

Another working dog on our list, they are loyal, hard-working pups that are equally happy with a task to complete as they are hanging out at home with their pet parents.

Irish Water Spaniel

These thick, curly coated cuties have a water-repellent double coat that has minimal shedding, making them mostly suitable for pet parents and families with pet allergies. 

As the name would suggest, these pups were bred to be excellent swimmers, and today they still love a swim and splash around in the water. 

Despite their elegant exterior, these dogs are quite the goofball! They are active and playful with bucketloads of energy - if you're looking for a low-shed dog that'll fit right into the family, the Irish Water Spaniel may be just the ticket…

Large dogs that don't shed

Big fan of big dogs? Even bigger fan of big dogs that don't shed? Say no more. 

Giant Schnauzer 

The Giant Schnauzer sports a pretty iconic pair of eyebrows, plus a wiry coat that doesn't shed heavily. 

While they don't shed much, ‘low maintenance' is certainly not a word you would use to describe the Giant Schnauzer. They need regular grooming and brushing, and their eyebrows and beard will need to be regularly trimmed so that your dog's adorable face doesn't disappear under a sheet of fur...

They are (as the name would suggest) the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds, and can stand at around 27.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 95 pounds. They are loyal and courageous, and make excellent guard dogs and canine companions to boot!

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a medium-large breed of dog that is independent, intelligent - and every bit as gracious as they look. Seriously, the Afghan's long, shiny hair is a thing to behold: they look almost ready to walk the catwalk!

While these adorable hounds do not shed much, and are often categorised as a hypoallergenic dog, they do require quite a bit of grooming (c'mon - you don't get locks that luscious without a bit of work).

Weekly- or bi-weekly brushing and bathing will help keep their luxurious coats looking fabulous and in tip-top condition. 

Bouvier Des Flandres

Meet the Bouvier Des Flandres: these big, bold dogs are truly fearless, and were originally bred for herding and farm work. They can weigh up to 100 pounds (and we're certain a good percentage of that is pure fur and floof!). 

The Bouvier has a thick, fluffy double coat, and while it may look like a lint roller's worst nightmare, they are a low-shedding breed. 

While they have a big and burly exterior, make no doubt about it - these pooches are massive softies. They are super affectionate and loyal and create strong bonds with their pet parents and families. They're also excellent with children!

Airedale Terrier

These sweet terriers don't shed much - they also don’t drool much. But they do require some grooming and their short, wiry fur will need to be brushed regularly. They will need to be stripped of their old fur about four times per year. 

As well as being a low-shedding large breed, Airedale Terriers - or, the “King of Terriers”, as they are affectionately known - have stellar personalities. They are fun-loving, playful, and confident dogs - they are also highly intelligent!

If you’re looking for large dogs that don't shed, the Airedale Terrier breed is definitely worth considering! 

So, while hypoallergenic and zero-shed dogs aren’t really a thing, there are definitely some cute, low-shedding breeds out there to consider (emphasis on the cute). If you’re welcoming home one of these pups soon, make sure you’re fully prepared with our handy puppy training guide.