Breeds That Don't Shed

Dog breeds that don't shed, also called non-shedding or minimally shedding breeds, still shed a small amount of hair, much like humans do. But they shed significantly less than other breeds and are often chosen by those with allergies. Although knowing which breeds don't shed can help narrow your search for your ideal dog, make sure the dog is a good match for your lifestyle.

  1. Poodle (Toy, Miniature and Standard)

    • The three separate breeds of poodles are the toy poodle (6 to 9 lbs.), the miniature poodle (15 to 17 lbs.) and the standard poodle (45 to 70 lbs.). Their coats are single layered and easy to maintain, unless the poodle is kept in a show cut, and they only need to be bathed and groomed every six to eight weeks. Some owners groom their poodles themselves. Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs and are a good choice for those seeking a high-energy, outdoor-loving breed.

    Bichon Frise

    • The bichon frise is a small breed that weighs only 7 to 12 lbs. and is active, intelligent and social, with an average life expectancy of 15 years. They have a thick double coat, and are a little more high maintenance than most other breeds that don't shed. They need to be bathed and professionally groomed once a month. Due to their small size and moderate energy level, they're a favorite of those who live in small apartments.

    Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard and Giant)

    • As with poodles, there are three separate breeds of schnauzers: the miniature schnauzer (10 to 15 lbs.), the standard schnauzer (30 to 45 lbs.) and the giant schnauzer (55 to 80 lbs.). Their short, wiry coats are easy to maintain and only need to be clipped twice a year. The hair around the eyes and mouth should be trimmed regularly and the whiskers kept clean of food debris.

    Other Breeds That Don't Shed

    • Other breeds of dogs that don't shed are Bedlington, Kerry blue and soft-coated wheaten terriers, the Chinese crested, the Irish water spaniel, the Maltese and the Xoloitzcuintli (also known as the Mexican hairless). Some mixed-breed dogs can shed less or not at all, but there's no guarantee that a hybrid of a non-shedding breed and another breed will not shed. Each litter, and even each puppy in the litter, can inherit the genes from the parent that sheds.