15 Great dog breeds who shed little to none
Love dogs but hate the pet hair? You’re in luck!
There are a TON of beautiful dog breeds with great personalities and characteristics that would make perfect additions to homes of all kinds. Whether you suffer from allergies or just hate messes, prefer a small, medium, or large-sized dog, there is a virtually non-shedding breed that will fit perfectly with your lifestyle.
Categorized by size, here are 15 awesome dogs breeds and a brief synopsis of their characteristics, according to Dog Channel and the American Kennel Club (AKC):
(Click the links above to find out more information about whether a certain breed is right for you!)
Small
1. Bichon Frise
AKC description: “Playful, curious, peppy”
If you’re looking for a pint-size companion that’s compact enough for apartment living, this may be your guy.
2. Italian Greyhound
AKC description: “Alert, playful, sensitive.”
These mini-Greyhounds are very affectionate, but due to their delicate limbs, may do best in a home with adults and older children. (Want a bigger version? Check out Greyhounds.)
3. Maltese
AKC description: “Charming, gentle, playful.”
If you hate shedding but love fluff, this cuddly lapdog is a great option.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
AKC description: “Friendly, smart, obedient.”
Popular for a reason, these dogs are obedient, loyal, and versatile, thriving in both city and country environments. (Note: this breed comes in standard and giant sizes, too!)
5. Yorkshire Terrier
AKC description: “Affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish.”
If you’re looking for a big personality in a small package, you may want a confident and tenacious Yorkie. (Note: this can make them difficult to train, though!)
Medium
6. Irish Terrier
AKC description: “Bold, dashing, tenderhearted.”
Though he can be known as a “daredevil,” this spunky dog can also make a great companion for children. (As always, exercise caution on an individual basis.)
7. Portuguese Water Dog
AKC description: “Adventurous, affectionate, athletic.”
As insinuated by his name, this swimmer would be a great companion for sea and lakeside living.
8. Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
AKC description: “Deeply devoted, friendly, happy.”
Though they don’t shed, they do need regular grooming- but their cheerful loyalty will more than compensate for the extra effort.
9. Tibetan Terrier
AKC description: “Affectionate, loyal, sensitive.”
A perfect companion for snow bunnies who love winter sports, this dog is bred to walk easily through snow.
10. Whippet
AKC description: “Affectionate, calm, playful.”
Although they love to lounge while indoors, once Whippets are outside, they’ll need a lot of space to sprint–and a fence to keep all that energy contained! (Also, best for homes without small animals, including cats.)
Large
11. Doberman Pinscher
AKC description: “Alert, fearless, loyal.”
If you’re looking for a light shedder that will love your family while keeping them safe, this pup may be the perfect fit. (Too big for you? Check out Miniature Pinschers, or “min-pins.”)
12. Standard Poodle
AKC description: “Active, proud, very smart.”
This bright breed needs room to roam and is also a great playmate for children. (Prefer a pocket-sized poodle? There’s also miniature and toy poodle breeds.)
13. Irish Water Spaniel
AKC description: “Brave, hardworking, playful.”
These dogs are protective, trainable and eager to please, and of course, love being in water!
14. Bouvier Des Flandres
AKC description: “Strong-willed, even-tempered, courageous.”
This protective working breed makes a great guard dog and may try to herd the family into a group- but that can be a good, right?
Video: 38 Breeds of Non Shedding Dogs
15. Wirehaired Pointing Griffin
AKC description: “Devoted, friendly, trainable.”
This dog is charming yet rugged and great for athletic owners, as he can withstand the elements: frigid temperatures, muddy ground, and thick brush. Plus, he’s a great swimmer!
Poodle Hybrids
If you have your heart set on a breed that tends to shed, remember there are tons of poodle hybrids out there, from Chi-Poos (Chihuahua/Poodle) to Aussie-Poos (Australian Shepherd/Poodle) to Saint Berdoodles (Saint Bernard/Poodle). These mixes generally tend to be lighter shedders, as well!
ALWAYS CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES! Just knowing what breeds have a low capacity for shedding may help you find a great light-shedding mutt (or even purebred) at your local shelter. And of course, you should always check out breed-specific rescues–every dog deserves a good home!