Medium Size Dogs That Do Not Shed

Any dog with hair will shed, and medium-sized dogs (16 to 22 inches high) can have more hair to worry about than smaller ones. However, there are dog breeds that shed minscule amounts, making them particularly indoor-friendly pets. These breeds are characterized as "low shedding." Special coat characteristics of low-shedding breeds reduce an owner's clean-up requirements, particularly when the dogs are kept regularly groomed.

  1. Shedding and Grooming

    • Grooming is an important factor in determining how healthy a dog's coat is and how much shedding will occur. Dog breeds range from low grooming needs, which must be remembered occasionally, to high grooming needs, which reoccur on a daily basis. Beyond leaving behind less hair, some low-shedding dogs may also be better for allergy-ridden owners when groomed properly. Shedding likelihood and grooming needs together give a picture of how much maintenance a particular pet will be.

    Low Shedding, Low Grooming Needs

    • Some dog breeds are low shedding because they possess less hair. These breeds also have very low grooming needs. The Xoloitzcuintli breed is also known as the Mexican hairless dog due to its notable variety without fur. The Basenji is a short-haired hound with high energy that seldom barks. Whippets are fast-running hounds with a short, easy-to-care-for coat and high exercise needs.

    Low Shedding, Medium Grooming Needs

    • Low-shedding breeds with more hair have a variety of fur types. The wiry coats of standard schnauzers and Irish terriers require daily brushing and at least a yearly professional trim. The tousled fur of the Tibetan terrier must be brushed daily to avoid tangles. The hard and dense coats of the Airedale terrier, Welsh terrier and Black Russian terrier require weekly to monthly attention. Kerry blue terriers and soft-coated wheaten terriers have softer coats that do not shed when brushed and trimmed regularly.

    Low Shedding, High Grooming Needs

    • Long, thick and curly or wiry coats on other dog breeds require extra attention to grooming despite characteristic low shedding. The Portuguese water dog's curly or wavy coat needs daily brushing and regular monthly trims. The dense fur of the standard poodle will mat together if not brushed daily and clipped weekly. The fur of the puli grows into long cords that hardly shed but require extensive daily upkeep for appearance.