Low-Shedding Dog Breeds: The Complete List
If you want a dog that doesn’t cover your sofa in fur, this list of low-shedding breeds is your starting point. Each breed listed loses minimal hair compared to typical breeds.
What Makes a Breed Low-Shedding
Three factors: coat type (hair vs. fur), shedding cycle (some breeds shed continuously, others seasonally), and undercoat presence (most heavy shedders have a dense undercoat). Low-shedding breeds typically have hair coats without thick undercoats.
Top Low-Shedding Breeds
- Poodle (all sizes) — The benchmark for low shedding.
- Bichon Frise — Loose hair stays in the coat until brushed.
- Maltese — Silky hair, very low shed.
- Shih Tzu — Long coat with minimal loose hair.
- Yorkshire Terrier — Hair coat, sheds very little.
- Italian Greyhound — Short, fine coat with low shedding.
- Whippet — Short coat, low maintenance and low shed.
- Schnauzer — Wiry coat sheds minimally.
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier — Single coat, low shed.
- Portuguese Water Dog — Curly or wavy coat, minimal shed.
- Lagotto Romagnolo — Curly coat, very low shed.
- Coton de Tuléar — Cotton-soft coat, almost no shed.
Low-Shedding vs. Non-Shedding
All dogs shed some. ‘Low-shedding’ just means you’ll find significantly less hair on furniture and clothing compared to typical breeds. None are truly hair-free.
Allergy Considerations
If allergies drive the choice, focus on dander (skin cells), not just hair. Low-shedding breeds usually produce less dander, but spend time around the specific breed before committing.