What Kind of Dog Is Good for Indoors That Does Not Shed Much Hair?

When choosing a dog, consider your lifestyle needs, your schedule and your personality. If you live in an apartment, or have little time to walk your new companion, certain breeds will be better for you than other, more active types. A dog that is kept indoors is much easier to have around if she does not shed a lot of hair as well. Dogs that do not shed much are also good choices if you are prone to allergies or asthma.

  1. Shedding

    • All dogs shed some hair. The length of a dog's fur does not indicate how much will shed, however, or whether it will cause more allergies. Labrador retrievers, for example, have short, compact coats, but shed profusely all year long. Longhaired dogs, such as the Maltese, Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terriers shed minimally. Other low-shedding dogs include standard poodles, Portuguese water dogs and Airedale Terriers.

    Activity and Size

    • Just because a dog does not shed much does not mean it will do well being confined indoors. Dogs that adapt well to an indoor lifestyle tend to be smaller ̵1; usually weighing 20 pounds or less. Not all small dogs are good indoor dogs, however. A Jack Russell terrier grows only to be about 15 pounds, but needs a lot of running and activity to be happy. Yorkshire terriers, Shih Tzus and Maltese are small dogs, weighing around 7 to 15 pounds that need limited exercise and that shed minimally.

    Considerations

    • Longhaired dogs may not shed much, but they require regular grooming and daily brushing to prevent mats. Small dogs sometimes have an unfair reputation for being yappy or neurotic. These traits are a usually a result of poor training. If you want your dog to be well-trained, you must commit the time to develop your pup.

    Exotic Breeds

    • The xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican hairless dog, may be another option for a low-shedding, indoor dog. With hair tufts only on the head and tail, the dog needs minimal grooming. In addition, the dog has a tranquil demeanor and makes an excellent companion. The Chinese Crested is another almost hairless dog that works well for people with allergies. Their skin may be prone to dryness and rashes.