Looking for a small canine companion without the constant battle against fur tumbleweeds in your home? You're not alone. Small dog breeds that don't shed offer the perfect solution for allergy sufferers, apartment dwellers, and anyone who prefers spending time with their pet over cleaning up after them. These delightful companions combine the joys of dog ownership with minimal hair maintenance, making them increasingly popular choices for modern pet parents.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll introduce you to 25 small dog breeds known for their minimal shedding. From curly-coated cuties to silky-haired companions, you'll discover the perfect small, low-shedding dog to match your lifestyle, living situation, and personal preferences. Let's explore these wonderful breeds that prove good things truly do come in small, fur-free packages!
Understanding "Non-Shedding" Dogs
Before we dive into our list, it's important to understand what "non-shedding" really means. Technically, all dogs shed to some degree—it's a natural process of hair growth and renewal. However, breeds labeled as "non-shedding" or "hypoallergenic" typically shed very minimally, with hair that often remains trapped in their coat rather than falling onto your furniture and floors.
Many of these breeds have hair rather than fur, which grows continuously like human hair and requires regular grooming to prevent matting. This continuous growth cycle means less shedding but does require maintenance through regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. For allergy sufferers, these breeds may produce fewer allergens, though no dog is completely hypoallergenic since allergies can also be triggered by dander, saliva, and urine proteins.
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Learn More1. Bichon Frise
The Cheerful Powder Puff
The Bichon Frise is often one of the first breeds that comes to mind when discussing small dog breeds that don't shed. These cheerful little dogs have a soft, curly white coat that captures loose hair within their curls rather than releasing it around your home. Their playful, affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
Key Characteristics:
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Height: 9-12 inches
- Temperament: Playful, curious, affectionate
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Grooming Needs:
While Bichons don't shed, their curly double coat requires regular maintenance. Plan for daily brushing to prevent mats and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Many owners opt for a "puppy cut" to simplify maintenance while preserving the breed's characteristic fluffy appearance.
2. Maltese
The Elegant Lap Dog
With a history spanning over 2,800 years, the Maltese has long been cherished as a companion dog. Their single layer of silky, white hair grows continuously and sheds very little, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a small dog breed that doesn't shed. These elegant little dogs are known for their affectionate nature and regal appearance.
Key Characteristics:
- Weight: Under 7 pounds
- Height: 7-9 inches
- Temperament: Gentle, playful, affectionate
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Grooming Needs:
The Maltese's long, silky coat requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Many owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" for easier maintenance. Regular bathing and eye cleaning are also important to keep them looking their best. Despite these grooming needs, their minimal shedding makes them a popular choice for allergy sufferers.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
The Tiny Terrier with a Big Personality
Yorkshire Terriers, or "Yorkies," may be small in size, but they're big in personality. These spirited little dogs have a single coat of fine, silky hair that's more similar to human hair than typical dog fur. This means they shed very minimally, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a small dog breed that doesn't shed.
Key Characteristics:
- Weight: 7 pounds or less
- Height: 7-8 inches
- Temperament: Brave, determined, energetic
- Energy Level: Moderate to high
- Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
Grooming Needs:
While Yorkies don't shed much, their silky coat requires regular care to prevent tangles. Daily brushing is recommended, and many owners opt for a shorter cut to simplify maintenance. Their hair grows continuously, so regular trimming is necessary to keep it at a manageable length.
4. Toy Poodle
The Intelligent Companion
Poodles are perhaps the most famous non-shedding dog breed, and the Toy variety packs all that intelligence and elegance into a small package. Their curly, dense coat traps loose hair, preventing it from spreading around your home. Toy Poodles are highly intelligent, trainable, and make wonderful companions for active individuals and families.
Key Characteristics:
- Weight: 4-6 pounds
- Height: 10 inches or less
- Temperament: Intelligent, active, proud
- Energy Level: High
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Grooming Needs:
While Toy Poodles don't shed, their curly coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is recommended, along with regular brushing at home. Many owners opt for the classic "poodle clip" or a simpler "puppy cut" for easier maintenance.
5. Shih Tzu
The Little Lion Dog
The Shih Tzu, whose name means "little lion" in Chinese, has a long, luxurious coat that sheds very minimally. These charming little dogs were bred to be companions, and their friendly, outgoing nature makes them excellent family pets. Despite their regal appearance, Shih Tzus are playful and affectionate companions who thrive on human interaction.
Key Characteristics:
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Height: 9-10 inches
- Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, affectionate
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Grooming Needs:
The Shih Tzu's long, flowing coat requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Many owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" for easier maintenance. Regular bathing, eye cleaning, and ear care are also important aspects of Shih Tzu grooming.
6. Havanese
The Charming Cuban Companion
The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese is a small, sturdy breed with a silky, non-shedding coat. These cheerful, intelligent dogs are known for their playful nature and strong bond with their families. Their adaptability makes them suitable for various living situations, from apartments to larger homes.
Key Characteristics:
- Weight: 7-13 pounds
- Height: 8-12 inches
- Temperament: Playful, intelligent, social
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Grooming Needs:
The Havanese's silky coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Daily brushing is recommended, though many owners opt for a shorter cut to simplify maintenance. Their coat can be left long and flowing or corded for a distinctive look.
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View Guide7. Miniature Schnauzer
The Spirited Watchdog
The Miniature Schnauzer combines a friendly, outgoing personality with a wiry coat that sheds very little. These smart, energetic dogs make excellent companions for active families and individuals. Their distinctive beard and eyebrows give them a charming, expressive appearance that many find irresistible.
Key Characteristics:
- Weight: 11-20 pounds
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Temperament: Friendly, obedient, alert
- Energy Level: Moderate to high
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Grooming Needs:
The Miniature Schnauzer's wiry coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming every 5-8 weeks. Hand-stripping (plucking dead hair) preserves the wiry texture, though many pet owners opt for clipping instead. Their distinctive beard requires regular cleaning to prevent food buildup.
8. Chinese Crested
The Elegant Exotic
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the Hairless (with hair only on the head, tail, and feet) and the Powderpuff (with a soft, silky coat all over). Both varieties shed minimally, making them excellent choices for those seeking a small dog breed that doesn't shed. These affectionate, lively dogs form strong bonds with their families.
Key Characteristics:
- Weight: 8-12 pounds
- Height: 11-13 inches
- Temperament: Affectionate, lively, alert
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 13-18 years
Grooming Needs:
Grooming needs vary by variety. The Hairless requires skin care, including moisturizing and sun protection. The Powderpuff needs regular brushing to prevent mats. Both varieties benefit from regular bathing and dental care.
9. Basenji
The Barkless Wonder
The Basenji is known for its unique yodel-like sound instead of barking and its cat-like grooming habits. Their short, fine coat sheds minimally, making them a good choice for those seeking a small dog breed that doesn't shed much. These independent, curious dogs have a strong prey drive and require secure environments.
Key Characteristics:
- Weight: 22-24 pounds
- Height: 16-17 inches
- Temperament: Independent, intelligent, curious
- Energy Level: High
- Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
Grooming Needs:
The Basenji's short coat requires minimal grooming. Occasional brushing with a soft brush or grooming mitt helps remove loose hair and distributes skin oils. Like cats, Basenjis are fastidious self-groomers, which contributes to their minimal shedding.
10. Brussels Griffon
The Expressive Companion
The Brussels Griffon comes in smooth or rough coat varieties, with the rough-coated version shedding very little. These small, expressive dogs have an almost human-like face and form strong bonds with their owners. Their sensitive nature makes them best suited to homes where they'll receive plenty of attention and companionship.
Key Characteristics:
- Weight: 8-10 pounds
- Height: 7-10 inches
- Temperament: Sensitive, affectionate, curious
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Grooming Needs:
The rough-coated Brussels Griffon requires weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping to maintain coat texture. The smooth-coated variety needs less grooming but may shed more. Both varieties benefit from regular facial cleaning around their distinctive beards.
Additional Small Dog Breeds That Don't Shed
Beyond our top 10, there are many other wonderful small dog breeds that shed minimally. Here's a quick overview of 15 more options to consider in your search for the perfect low-shedding companion:
11. Lhasa Apso
Originally bred as Tibetan temple guards, these long-haired dogs shed minimally and make loyal, independent companions.
12. Coton de Tulear
Known for their cotton-like coat, these playful dogs shed very little and are excellent family companions.
13. Affenpinscher
These "monkey-faced" terriers have wiry coats that shed minimally and charming, confident personalities.
14. Bolognese
Related to the Bichon Frise, these fluffy white dogs shed very little and form strong bonds with their owners.
15. Scottish Terrier
With their distinctive profile and wiry coat, Scotties shed minimally and make loyal, independent companions.
16. West Highland White Terrier
These bright, friendly terriers have white wiry coats that shed very little and require regular grooming.
17. Silky Terrier
Similar to Yorkies but slightly larger, these dogs have silky coats that shed minimally and spirited personalities.
18. Border Terrier
These small but sturdy terriers have wiry coats that shed minimally and adaptable, friendly temperaments.
19. Cairn Terrier
Made famous as Toto in "The Wizard of Oz," these terriers shed very little and have bold, curious personalities.
20. Löwchen
The "Little Lion Dog" has a long, wavy coat that sheds minimally and a playful, affectionate nature.
21. Xoloitzcuintli (Toy)
The hairless variety of this ancient Mexican breed naturally doesn't shed and makes a loyal, calm companion.
22. Japanese Chin
These elegant lap dogs have silky coats that shed minimally and cat-like grooming habits.
23. Miniature Pinscher
These small, energetic dogs have short coats that shed minimally and confident, spirited personalities.
24. Italian Greyhound
These elegant sighthounds have short, fine coats that shed minimally and affectionate, sensitive natures.
25. Toy Fox Terrier
These small, athletic terriers have smooth coats that shed very little and playful, intelligent personalities.
Choosing the Right Non-Shedding Small Dog for Your Lifestyle
While all the breeds on our list share the common trait of minimal shedding, they vary significantly in temperament, energy levels, and care requirements. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right small, non-shedding dog for your lifestyle:
Activity Level
Some breeds, like the Yorkshire Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer, have higher energy levels and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Others, like the Shih Tzu and Maltese, are more content with moderate activity and plenty of cuddle time.
Living Space
While all these breeds are small, some adapt better to apartment living than others. Consider noise levels (Basenjis are quiet, while Yorkies can be barkers) and exercise needs when choosing a breed suitable for your living situation.
Grooming Commitment
Non-shedding doesn't mean no maintenance. Long-haired breeds like the Maltese and Shih Tzu require daily brushing and regular professional grooming. Short-haired or hairless varieties like the Basenji or Chinese Crested require less brushing but may need other specialized care.
Family Compatibility
Some breeds, like the Bichon Frise and Havanese, are known for being excellent with children. Others, like the Brussels Griffon, may prefer adult-only households. Research each breed's typical temperament and consider your family dynamics.
Allergy Considerations
If allergies are your primary concern, consider arranging to spend time with the specific breed before committing. Individual reactions can vary, and some people may still react to certain "hypoallergenic" breeds.
Longevity and Health
Small breeds often live longer than larger dogs, with many on our list having lifespans of 12-15 years or more. Research common health issues for any breed you're considering to prepare for potential long-term care needs.
Finding Your Perfect Small, Non-Shedding Companion
Small dog breeds that don't shed offer the best of both worlds: all the love and companionship of a canine friend without the constant battle against fur. Whether you're drawn to the playful Bichon Frise, the elegant Maltese, or the spirited Yorkshire Terrier, there's a perfect small, low-shedding breed waiting to become part of your family.
Remember that while these breeds may require less vacuuming, they still need regular grooming, quality nutrition, veterinary care, and plenty of love and attention. The time you save on cleaning up fur can be spent building a strong bond with your new best friend.
Consider reaching out to breed-specific rescues or responsible breeders to learn more about the breeds that interest you. Taking the time to find the right match for your lifestyle will ensure a happy, harmonious relationship for years to come.
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