Non-Shedding Small House Dogs

With the exception of few hairless breeds, all dogs shed. Many dogs, however, are considered to be non-shedding or low-shedding dogs and are good companions for people who have allergies or simply do not like cleaning up after their dogs. Non- or low-shedding dogs fall under four categories: hairless, non-shedding, low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic dogs are not a myth, but neither are they officially called that by the American Kennel Club or any organization dedicated to allergy sufferers. However, there is sufficient anecdotal evidence to suggest they really do exist. Understand, however, that non-shedding is not synonymous with hypoallergenic. It's not the fur that causes allergies, it's the dander and saliva. The fur simply aggravates the problem by acting as a vector for the allergens.

  1. Hairless Dogs

    • Hairless dogs are completely hairless with the exception of a small tuft on the top of their heads and the tips of their tails. The list of hairless breeds includes the Xoloitzcuintli, better known as the "Xolo," the Chinese crested, the Mexican hairless, the Peruvian hairless, and the American hairless terrier, a relatively new breed of dog that was developed from the hairless rat terrier. All of these dogs, with the exception of the Xolo, are small breeds. The Xolo does, however, come in three AKC recognized sizes, including toy and miniature in addition to the standard size. They also come coated or non-coated. Hairless dogs feel like velvet or suede to the touch.

      Although hairless dogs do not have coats, they still produce skin cells (dander) and saliva, which is the origin of most allergens related to dogs. Additionally, their exposed skin requires extra care by the owner, including more frequent bathing than coated dogs; the application of sunscreen and moisturizer; and care of intermittent skin disorders such as acne, rashes and infections. Additionally, they need sweaters and other outerwear to keep them from getting too cold or wet and to protect their skin from drying out as a result of exposure to the cold.

    Non-Shedding Dogs

    • Two distinct coat styles fall under the non-shedding breed category: rough-coated and long-coated. Neither of these types of coats shed, but they need to be cut every six to eight weeks or they will continue to grow to an unmanageable length. Small dogs that fall under the non-shedding category include the Bedlington terrier, bichon frise, Maltese, toy and miniature poodles, Havanese, shih tzu, West Highland white terrier, miniature schnauzer, cairn terrier, lowchen, border terrier, wire-haired fox terrier and the Yorkshire terrier. Also, hybrids of these breeds can be non-shedding. Dogs with the name "poo" or "doodle" in the title, such as the Malti-poo or Labaradoodle, are also most likely non-shedding. All of these dogs should be brushed and may lose some hair when brushed but, in general, they do not shed unless they develop a health issue, such as a pest infestation. They need regular haircuts or their fur will become matted, which is a health concern onto itself. Matting is painful and provides safe haven for a variety of parasites and fungal infections.

    Low-Shedding Dogs

    • Dogs considered to be low-shedding dogs still shed, but the shedding can be easily controlled with weekly brushings and occasional trips to the dog groomer. These breeds include the basenji, wheaten terrier, Italian greyhound, and whippet. The non-AKC recognized lagotto romagnolo is also low-shedding. The puppies of mixed breeds of these or the dogs listed above are also likely to be low-shedding. Owners of these dogs can use special tools to remove the undercoat, which causes much of the problems for allergy sufferers.

    Hypoallergenic Dogs

    • A number of small dogs shed somewhat but are considered to be hypoallergenic, so that, with frequent grooming, they could be suitable for some people with allergies. Small dogs considered to be hypoallergenic include the affenpinscher, Australian terrier, Brussels griffon, Cairn terrier, Cesky terrier, dandie Dinmont terrier, Glen of Imaal terrier, and the Norfolk terrier. Non-AKC recognized breeds include the Italian Bolognese and the French Coton de Tulear. It is also worth noting that mixed breeding resulting in puppies of any of these dogs may also be considered hypoallergenic and either low-shedding or non-shedding. Consider, too, that there are some dogs born to medium-sized mothers that are exceptionally small, especially the females, and if you add those dogs to the list, it would be substantially longer. The puli and the kerry blue terrier are two such dogs.

    Considerations

    • If it is important to you because either you or someone in your family is seriously allergic to dog dander, it is best to stick with a purebred dog that has a reputation for being hypoallergenic. There is no guarantee that puppies born of two dogs, one of which is low-shedding, will also be low or non-shedding. For example, the "Goldendoodle" may be a funny name, but golden retrievers are not hypoallergenic and so goldendoodle puppies may or may not be low or non-shedding. This is true of other such mixed breeds. Your chances of getting a non-shedding dog who is the product of two non-shedding parents, however, are good. If you are opting for a mixed-breed dog, be sure you know what breeds are mixed in so you can make an educated decision.