The Top 5 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

The Top Low-Shedding Dog Breeds: Bringing a dog into your home is one of life’s greatest joys but for many prospective dog owners, the thought of dog hair on furniture, clothes, and carpets is a real concern. If you or a family member has allergies, or you simply prefer a cleaner home, a low-shedding dog breed can be a game-changer.

It’s important to note: no dog is completely hypoallergenic, but some breeds shed so little that they’re often much easier to manage for allergy sufferers and clean freaks alike.

In this guide, we’ll explore five of the best low-shedding dog breeds. These dogs not only minimize the fur floating around your home but also come with incredible personalities and traits that make them wonderful companions.

The Top 5 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

1. Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)

When it comes to low-shedding breeds, the Poodle is at the top of nearly every list—and for good reason.

Shedding Profile:

Poodles have curly, dense coats that trap shed hairs rather than releasing them into the environment. This means you won’t find fur tumbleweeds under your couch or on your clothes. However, their coat does require regular grooming to prevent matting.

Personality:

Highly intelligent, energetic, and eager to please, Poodles excel in obedience training. They’re often described as one of the most trainable dog breeds. They bond closely with their families and are great with kids and other pets.

Grooming Needs:

• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.
• Regular brushing (2–3 times per week).
• Monthly ear cleaning (especially in Toy and Miniature Poodles).

Whether you opt for the Standard (larger and more athletic), Miniature (mid-sized and adaptable), or Toy (tiny and affectionate), Poodles make excellent low-shedding pets.

2. Portuguese Water Dog

Best known for their close association with former U.S. President Barack Obama, the Portuguese Water Dog is a robust, intelligent, and non-shedding breed that thrives on activity.

Shedding Profile:

These dogs have tight, curly or wavy coats similar to Poodles. They shed very minimally, and what hair they do lose is usually caught in their curls, requiring regular grooming to prevent knots and matting.

Personality:

Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic, loyal, and adventurous. Bred to assist fishermen, they are strong swimmers and love water. They’re great for active families and excel in agility, obedience, and water sports.

Grooming Needs:

• Brush several times a week.
• Trim every 6–8 weeks.
• Clean ears regularly, especially after swimming.

For allergy-sensitive homes that also crave an energetic companion, this breed is a top contender.

3. Basenji

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, low-shedding breed that also happens to be famously clean, meet the Basenji—also known as the “barkless dog.”

Shedding Profile:

The Basenji has a short, fine coat that barely sheds. These dogs are meticulous groomers—similar to cats—and rarely produce a noticeable doggy odor.

Personality:

Basenjis are intelligent and independent, with a feline-like aloofness. They’re alert, fast, and curious, but they’re not always the cuddliest of breeds. They also don’t bark but may make yodel-like sounds known as “baroos.”

Grooming Needs:

• Weekly brushing to remove dander and loose hairs.
• Occasional bath (rarely needed).
• Nail trimming every 3–4 weeks.

For apartment dwellers or those looking for a smaller, less hairy roommate, the Basenji fits the bill.

READ ALSO: 5 Dog Training Myths You Should Ignore

4. Bichon Frise

Fluffy, cheerful, and charming, the Bichon Frise looks like a walking cotton ball but you’d be surprised at how little fur this breed actually leaves behind.

Shedding Profile:

The Bichon has a double coat: a soft undercoat and a curly outer coat. Loose hairs get caught in the undercoat rather than falling out onto your floor. This makes them one of the most allergy-friendly breeds when groomed properly.

Personality:

These dogs are affectionate, playful, and get along well with children and other pets. They’re known for their “happy-go-lucky” demeanor and are very social.

Grooming Needs:

• Daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.
• Regular ear cleaning and tear stain removal.

With their bright personalities and minimal shedding, Bichons are ideal for families and those who want a tidy home.

5. Shih Tzu

A royal favorite in ancient China, the Shih Tzu is a low-shedding companion dog that’s perfect for apartment life and people who enjoy lap-time and low fur.

Shedding Profile:

Despite their long, flowing coats, Shih Tzus shed very little. Like the Bichon and Poodle, the hair they do lose often gets caught in their coat, which requires consistent grooming to prevent matting.

Personality:

These dogs are affectionate, loyal, and surprisingly sturdy for their small size. They tend to be good with children, happy to cuddle, and equally content lounging around or going on short walks.

Grooming Needs:

• Daily brushing to avoid tangles.
• Regular eye cleaning (they’re prone to tear stains).
• Hair trimming every 4–8 weeks.

With proper grooming, a Shih Tzu can be an ideal pet for those who want minimal shedding and maximum charm.

FAQ

Are low-shedding dogs truly hypoallergenic?

No breed is completely hypoallergenic. However, low-shedding breeds tend to produce less dander (the primary cause of allergic reactions) and less hair that spreads dander around the home.

Do low-shedding dogs require less grooming?

Surprisingly, no. Many low-shedding breeds actually require more grooming than heavy shedders. Since the loose hairs don’t fall out naturally, they must be removed through brushing and regular trimming.

What is the difference between shedding and dander?

• Shedding refers to the release of hair.
• Dander is made up of tiny, even microscopic flecks of skin shed by cats and dogs. It’s the most common allergen.

Even a low-shedding dog can cause allergies if they produce a lot of dander.

Can I reduce shedding in any dog breed?

Yes! Regardless of the breed, you can reduce shedding with:

• Regular brushing.
• A healthy, omega-3-rich diet.
• Bathing with a quality deshedding shampoo.
• Routine vet check-ups (excessive shedding can signal health issues).

Are small dogs more likely to be low-shedding?

Not always. Shedding isn’t related to size—there are large breeds like the Portuguese Water Dog that barely shed, and small breeds like Chihuahuas that shed quite a bit.

How often should I groom a low-shedding breed?

Most low-shedding breeds require weekly brushing at a minimum, and some (like the Poodle or Bichon Frise) may need professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to keep their coats clean and healthy.

Which low-shedding breed is best for apartment living?

The Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and Toy Poodle are all excellent apartment companions. They’re small, relatively quiet, and have low exercise requirements—perfect for city life.

Can I find low-shedding dogs at shelters?

Yes! Many shelters and rescues have Poodles, mixes (like Labradoodles or Maltipoos), and even purebred low-shedding dogs. Mixed-breed dogs with Poodle or Bichon lineage may inherit those desirable coat traits.