The best non-shedding dogs, listed

OK, so technically, all dogs shed. But there are some breeds with hair instead of fur—like Poodles and Bichon Frisés—that shed almost nothing compared to your average furry breed.

These dogs are commonly dubbed "non-shedding" or "hypoallergenic," even if those terms aren't accurate. It means they're less likely to trigger allergies than a fluffy Husky or a shaggy German Shepherd.

Let's discuss more in our non-shedding dogs list, what to consider before you seek one out, and what you can try if your current pup is triggering allergies.

Do note: if you have severe allergies to dogs or fur, please talk to a healthcare professional first.

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Factors to consider when choosing a non-shedding dog

Not all dogs who shed less share the same temperament, size, or exercise needs. So when you're on the hunt for a hypoallergenic pup, you should think about more than just how little they shed or how cute they are (though those are both pretty important).

Size and living space requirements

When choosing the right dog for your living space, it's important to consider not just how little they shed but also their size and maintenance needs.

• Small non-shedding dogs like Poodles (Toy and Miniature), Bichon Frisés, Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers are perfect for flats and small houses. They need less space, exercise, and food, making them economical and easy to manage. But they can be more fragile and sometimes more prone to barking, which is worth considering if you have kids or live in close quarters.

• Medium non-shedding dogs such as Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, and Basenjis offer a good balance between manageability and companionship. They need moderate exercise and space, fitting well in smaller homes while having enough size and stamina for active lifestyles.

• Large non-shedding dogs like Poodles (larger Standard) and Giant Schnauzers provide excellent companionship. They're great exercise partners with calm, gentle temperaments. But they need more space and exercise and come with higher food and care costs.

Temperament and family compatibility

Each breed, and every individual dog, has unique personality traits. Some dogs are great with kids and other pets, while others may prefer a quieter household. (More on those breeds below!)

When buying from a breeder, make sure they're reputable. This gives you a better chance of bringing home a well-tempered pup and minimises the risk of hereditary health issues.

Grooming and maintenance needs

Non-shedding dogs may not leave fur all over your house, but they still need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and mat-free. Be ready for consistent grooming sessions and haircuts.

Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any skin issues or parasites, keeping your furry friend in top shape. If you're not keen on doing it yourself, professional grooming services are a great option.

But it's important to maintain grooming between sessions to prevent matting and make your groomer's job easier. A dog with a heavily matted coat is more likely to have their skin nicked during a professional grooming session.

Why your mixed breed might not be hypoallergenic

A note before we launch into our list of breeds:

When it comes to mixed breeds, especially when they're not purchased from a reputable breeder, "non-shedding" or "hypoallergenic" guarantees can get dicey.

Technically, dogs with hypoallergenic parent breeds, such as Poodles or Bichon Frisés, are more likely to inherit low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats. But that doesn’t mean common mixes, like Labradoodles or Goldendoodles, are hypoallergenic.

Here's where it gets tricky: mixed breeds can inherit any combination of traits from their parents. That means your Goldendoodle can lean quite a bit more "Golden" than "Poodle," and their coat can, too.

How do I know if my mixed breed is hypoallergenic?

You only know if your dog is likely hypoallergenic if it’s a back-cross (F1B) or tested beforehand. So, what does back-cross F1B mean? It gets a little complicated, but let's use a Goldendoodle as an example.

An F1B backcross is a breeding term that’s most commonly reserved for Doodle dogs. The F means “filial” and the B means “backcross”. It’s a fancy way of saying a mixed breed, like a Goldendoodle, is bred with one of the pedigree breeds they come from, like a Poodle.

Here’s what the breeding process may look like:

• F1 dog: A pedigree Golden Retriever is bred with a pedigree Poodle. The resulting puppies are an equal mix of both breeds.

• F1B dog (more likely to be hypoallergenic): A Goldendoodle is bred with a pedigree Poodle. The result is a dog that’s roughly 75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever.

Why do breeders do this?

It's so they can somewhat control the characteristics of the mixed breed they're producing.

For example, here are differing qualities between an F1 and F1B dog, which are ones a breeder may or may not want for a Goldendoodle:

The bottom line? It's important to do thorough research and ask plenty of questions before bringing the dog home to make sure they’re a good fit.

Whatever pedigree or mixed breed dog you choose, be realistic about your family's allergen sensitivity.

Now, let's dive into some breeds known for shedding less than average!

The best non-shedding, non-moulting dogs

Maltese

• Size: Small (4–7 lbs)

• Temperament: Gentle, playful, and affectionate

• Great for: Families, seniors, apartment dwellers

• Not ideal for: Those with little time for grooming

Maltese dogs have long, silky hair that doesn’t shed much. They were favourite lap dogs of royalty and often accompany their owners everywhere. Maltese make excellent pets for those who enjoy having a devoted, affectionate companion.

Yorkshire Terriers

• Size: Small (7 lbs)

• Temperament: Bold, intelligent, and affectionate

• Great for: Individuals, families, and apartment dwellers

• Not ideal for: Homes with very young children

Yorkshire Terriers—aka Yorkies—have fine, silky hair that sheds very little. They're known for their bold and intelligent nature, making them great companions for those looking for a small yet lively pet. Yorkies are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size and moderate exercise needs.

Shih Tzus

• Size: Small (9–16 lbs)

• Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, and outgoing

• Great for: Families, seniors, apartment dwellers

• Not ideal for: Very active households

Shih Tzus have a long, flowing coat that sheds minimally. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them perfect lap dogs. Shih Tzus thrive in calm environments where they can be the centre of attention.

Bichon Frisés

• Size: Small (12–18 lbs)

• Temperament: Cheerful, playful, and affectionate

• Great for: Families, apartment dwellers

• Not ideal for: People who prefer lower-maintenance dogs

Bichon Frisés have a double coat that reduces allergen spread. Known for their cheerful disposition, they were often circus performers due to their playful and trainable nature.

These dogs make great pets for families and apartment dwellers. However, their social and active personalities mean they thrive on regular interaction and mental stimulation, so they require regular attention and enrichment to stay happy and healthy.

Havanese

• Size: Small (7–13 lbs)

• Temperament: Social, affectionate, and great with children

• Great for: Families, apartment dwellers

• Not ideal for: Those who prefer more reserved dogs

Havanese dogs have long, silky coats that shed minimally. They're known for their social and affectionate nature, making them great companions for families and those living in small spaces.

Cairn Terriers

• Size: Small to medium (13–18 lbs)

• Temperament: Spirited, intelligent, and friendly

• Great for: Active individuals, families

• Not ideal for: Sedentary households

Cairn Terriers have a wiry coat that sheds minimally. They're spirited and intelligent, perfect for active individuals who enjoy spending time outdoors. They're great companions for hiking and camping, and they excel at dog sports like agility. These friendly, energetic dogs thrive in environments where they get plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers

• Size: Medium (30–40 lbs)

• Temperament: Friendly, energetic, and alert

• Great For: Families, active households

• Not Ideal For: Those who prefer a calm pet

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers have a soft, wavy coat that sheds minimally. Known for their enthusiastic "Wheaten greetin'," these dogs warmly welcome family and friends. With their friendly and energetic nature, they're perfect for active households.

Portuguese Water Dogs

• Size: Medium (35–60 lbs)

• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, and loyal

• Great for: Active families, outdoor enthusiasts

• Not ideal for: Sedentary lifestyles

Portuguese Water Dogs have a curly coat that minimises shedding and dander. Historically, they worked on fishing boats, herding fish into nets and retrieving lost tackle.

Today, they're also perfect for active families and individuals who enjoy outdoor activities and need a loyal companion.

Poodles

• Size: Small to large (Toy: 4-6 lbs, Miniature: 10-15 lbs, Standard: 40-70 lbs)

• Temperament: Smart, friendly, and full of energy

• Great For: Families, active individuals

• Not Ideal For: Those who dislike regular grooming

Poodles have a curly coat that traps dander, making them near-hypoallergenic. They're incredibly intelligent and can learn tricks quickly, often excelling in agility and obedience competitions.

Poodles make great pets for active families and generally love being part of family activities. Their three size variations allow them to fit well in different living environments.

Miniature or regular Schnauzers

• Size: Small to large (Miniature: 11–20 lbs, Standard: 30–50 lbs, Giant: 55–85 lbs)

• Temperament: Alert, spirited, and friendly

• Great for: Families, active individuals, and experienced dog owners

• Not ideal for: Sedentary households

Schnauzers have a dense, wiry coat that sheds minimally, making them hypoallergenic. They're known for their alert and spirited nature, with sizes ranging from Miniature to Giant.

Whatever the size, their friendly and intelligent personalities make them excellent companions, though they require regular mental and physical stimulation to stay out of mischief.

Other popular non-shedding dogs

Basenji

• Size: Medium (20–24 lbs, 16–17 in tall)

• Temperament: “Barkless”, intelligent, affectionate with family but often aloof with strangers.

• Great for: Experienced pet parents who have an active lifestyle, a sense of humour and a securely fenced garden.

• Not ideal for: First-time pet parents.

Bedlington Terrier

• Size: Small (17–23 lbs, 15–17.5 in tall)

• Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, gentle.

• Great for: Pet parents who are home often and can provide consistent training and early socialisation.

• Not ideal for: Households where the dog is left alone for long periods.

Chinese Crested Dog

• Size: Toy (8–13 lbs, 11–13 in tall)

• Temperament: Highly affectionate, lively, playful, sensitive, and social.

• Great for: Pet parents who can be home often.

• Not ideal: Pet parents with a busy schedule that leaves the dog alone for long periods.

Coton de Tulear

• Size: Small (8–15 lbs, 9–11 in tall)

• Temperament: Affectionate, clownish, lively. Forms strong bonds with family.

• Great for: First-time pet parents, apartment dwellers, seniors, or families.

• Not ideal for: Pet parents who are away from home for long hours (they’re prone to separation anxiety).

Lhasa Apso

• Size: Small (Around 12–18 lbs, 10–11 in tall)

• Temperament: Confident, independent, assertive, and alert.

• Great for: Pet parents who like consistent training and families with older children.

• Not ideal for: Pet parents with young children or those who can’t commit to daily grooming.

West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

• Size: Small (13–20 lbs, 10–11 in tall)

• Temperament: Confident, hardy, happy, and intelligent.

• Great for: First-time pet parents and families who want a spirited, active companion.

• Not ideal: Pet parents seeking a non-barking dog.

Grooming and maintenance tips for non-shedding dogs

Non-shedding dogs require plenty of grooming and maintenance to keep their coats healthy and prevent matting. Here are some important tips to keep your less-furry friend looking and feeling their best!

• Regular brushing: Frequent brushing prevents matting and keeps your dog's coat healthy. Aim for a few times a week to maintain a smooth, tangle-free coat.

• Professional grooming: Technically, you could cut your dog's hair yourself with the proper tools. But if you'd rather leave haircuts to the pros, schedule regular visits with a professional groomer. They can trim your dog's coat, ensuring it stays in optimal condition and reducing the risk of matting.

• Quality grooming products: Invest in high-quality grooming products and tools. Using the right brushes, shampoos, and conditioners tailored for non-shedding breeds will help your pup maintain their coat's health and appearance.

• Diet and hydration: A balanced diet, along with proper hydration, supports healthy skin and a shiny coat. Supplements can also be beneficial. (Ask your vet before you buy anything!)

Managing allergies with non-shedding dogs

If you find yourself sneezing despite having a supposedly non-shedding dog, don’t worry—there are ways to manage your allergies without rehoming your pup.

• Regular cleaning and vacuuming: Frequent cleaning helps reduce allergens in your home. Vacuum carpets, furniture, and floors to remove pet hair and dander.

• Use of air purifiers: Air purifiers can effectively remove pet dander from the air, improving indoor air quality.

• Bathing schedules to reduce dander: Regularly bathing your dog reduces the amount of dander they produce, which can help alleviate allergy symptoms.

• Consultation with your vet: Speak with your vet for personalised advice on managing pet allergies. They can provide tailored solutions and possible treatments to help you live comfortably with your furry friend. They might even refer you to an allergist for more information.

Choosing a dog that sheds less can be a game-changer for allergy sufferers and those seeking a tidier home. However, it's crucial to consider their size, temperament, grooming needs, and activity levels to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

Even with the most well-bred dog, unexpected health issues can arise. That's why dog insurance can provide such powerful peace of mind.

Pet insurance is designed to cover the costs of accidents and illnesses, so you're financially prepared to pursue whatever treatment your dog needs.

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