If you've ever suffered from pet allergies then a low shedding dog is likely to top your list of dream breeds.
Most allergy sufferers aren’t actually allergic to dog hair itself but to something called dander. Dander is microscopic skin particles that can irritate eyes and noses. All dogs produce this but low shedding dogs produce far less of it.
Let’s take a look at some of the best low shedding fur babies around.
Six low shedding dog breeds
Many people suffer from dog allergies and as a result, low shedding dog breeds seem to be getting popular. Before we get started, it is important to note that no dog is truly hypoallergenic because all dogs shed some allergens (dander). However, some breeds shed a lot less than others.
So, if you are looking for a low shedding dog breed because you are allergic or because you don't enjoy having dog hair all over your sofa but you still love dogs, here is a list you can explore and who knows, you might find your future best friend.
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon is a friendly, affectionate little dog that will make a great addition to the family. These cute pups, with their distinctive white fur and black noses, are considered to be relatively hypoallergenic. They are minimal shedders thanks to their single layer coat but, owners take note, Bichons need regular grooming to prevent matting.
2. Poodle
Poodles have a well-deserved reputation as low shedding dogs. These super intelligent and lively pups have a single coat of curly hair, which is true whether you choose a toy, miniature or standard size, and while there’s no such thing as a dog that doesn’t drop a single hair (just like us humans), it’s unlikely that you’ll find clumps of the stuff around your home.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
The noble Portugese Water dog is a medium dog breed that’s low on shedding. Made famous when Barack Obama took his Portuguese Water Dog to live at the White House, this pup is considered to be hypoallergenic and a minimal shedder. They can bathed every week to keep them fresh and fragrant.
4. Schnauzer
Whether you opt for a dwarf, medium or giant Schnauzer, this lovable breed is low on shedding, low on drooling and considered hypoallergenic. Like many of the dogs on the list, they do require 4-6 weekly grooming sessions as well as regular brushing.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are well known for gracing the stage of Crufts with their elaborately long hair so it may come as a surprise to hear that this famously hairy breed is, in fact, a low shedder. They’re considered to be hypoallergenic and many claim they only drop hair when brushed (the exception to this is when Shih Tzu puppies shed their first coat). It’s also worth noting that, like with all long-haired breeds, if you choose to keep them long, they’ll require daily brushing to avoid matting.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Like Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers are famed for their long, soft fur that grows right the way to the floor. They don’t have an undercoat so their coat sheds very minimally. Keep it long and free flowing like those fancy-looking show dogs or go for the puppy cut which is neat, tidy and easy to maintain. Yorkies are feisty, intelligent little things who despite their dinky size, have bags of personality.
Which breed of dog sheds the least?
If you love dogs but can’t bear the thought of cleaning up dog fur then there are a handful of hairless dogs that will solve the issue completely. One of the most common types of hairless dog in the UK (which you’ve probably spotted on Crufts) is the Chinese Crested dog. This unusual-looking pup is completely hairless other than a little wispy fur on its head and paws, making it one of the lowest shedders around. These affectionate little dogs make great companions and leave no fur on your new white sofa.
Which large breed dogs shed the least?
There a plenty of low-shedding dog breeds and they come in different shapes and sizes. As we mentioned, hypoallergenic dog breeds produce less dander than other dogs, but remember, no dog breeds are 100% hypoallergenic. Certainly, some dogs shed less but the amount of dander produced by dogs varies.
Now, if you are looking for a large dog breed that doesn't shed, have a look at these 10 low shedding dog breeds.
- Afghan Hound
- Bearded Collie
- Belgian Malinois
- Black Russian Terrier
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Komondor
- Old English Sheepdog
- Saluki
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
What medium sized dogs shed the least?
Having allergies doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the possibility of having a dog. Dogs are awesome, and if you are suffering from allergies or don't like dog hair, then low shedding dogs are the best for you. Are you looking for a medium size dog? Here is a list of 8 medium dogs whose coats either don't shed or shed very little.
- Airedale Terrier
- Irish Terrier
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Labradoodle
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Puli
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Tibetan Terrier
What small dogs shed the least?
They are small, they are cute and they don't shed a lot. Yes, you've guessed it, here is a list of small dogs breeds which shed the least:
- Affenpinscher
- Australian Silky Terrier
- Australian Terrier
- Basenji
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bolognese
- Border Terrier
- Brussels Griffon
- Cairn Terrier
- Coton De Tulear
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Fox Terrier
- Havanese
- Lhasa Apso
- Maltese
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Welsh Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli
What is the cheapest low shedding dog?
If you’re keen to get a low shedding dog but are looking to do so on a budget then a Greyhound could be a great option. As their working life ends around the age of three, there are often a number of Greyhounds that need rehoming. An added bonus, is that these dogs are low on grooming needs and require surprisingly little exercise. They’re more likely to curl up on the sofa than pester you to go for long walks.
What breed of dog doesn’t smell?
Much as we love them, we’d be lying if we didn’t admit that all dogs can whiff every once in a while. There are definitely dogs that smell more than others though. Floppy-eared dogs are prone to yeast infections and skin allergies and dogs with very oily skin may smell a little more than others. Whippets, on the other hand, are clean little dogs that produce little skin oil so are considered odourless.
So, there you have it, a list of low-shedding dog breeds. Which one will be your new best friend?
