When it comes to finding the ideal furry friend, temperament is only one of the factors that should be considered, including size. Shedding is one of the major concerns for many. In case you like the thought of having a dog around but not having to wash the dog hair all the time, then you are at the right place. When choosing a type of breed that sheds low, it means that one can spend less time with the vacuum and more time with them. On top of that, it is easier to maintain a clean home with the convenience of services such as mobile dog grooming, where they come to your doorstep.
This guide will present you with the finest small dog breeds that don’t shed much; therefore, it will be a great companion in the home of allergy patients and people who just love to keep a clean place to live. These pups demonstrate that you need not compromise on character or love to own a low-care coat. We are going to discuss some of the most popular and cute small dog breeds that will fill your home with joy, not fur.
The Awareness about Hypoallergenic Dogs
We should explain what a hypoallergenic dog is before we give the breed. No dog can be said to be 100% hypoallergenic since all dogs produce dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine, which are the main causes of allergies. But those dogs that do not shed or have a small amount of shedding do not spread as much dander around.
They are low-shedding dogs whose coats are usually in the form of hair. This hair possesses a higher growth cycle; hence, it does not fall out as often. This is what makes them a far better option for individuals whose allergies are mild to moderate. Their coats should still be groomed regularly to keep them healthy and reduce dander.
The Best Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
These are 10 of the best small dog breeds that don’t shed, are quite friendly, and may be appropriate for several lifestyle choices.
1. Poodle (Miniature & Toy)
- Personality: Smart, Prideful, Educable.
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
- Weight: Toy: 4-6 lbs; Miniature: 10-15 lbs
Poodles are also reputed to be intelligent and classy-looking. The Miniature and the Toy breeds are both excellent non-shedding pets. Their curly coats are thick and have a hairy appearance, and trap loose dander and hair; thus, it does not spread around your home.
The poodle’s hair is always growing, and thus they have to be groomed professionally every 4-6 weeks to avoid matting. They are very trainable and are keen on pleasing, thus being the best pets in the family. They are very playful and loving, and hence will fit well in any home.
2. Bichon Frise
- Character: Playful, Curious, Peppy.
- Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
- Weight: 12-18 lbs
Bichon Frises are flying cotton balls with their fluffy white coats and cheerful attitude. They are referred to as curly lapdogs in French, and this properly describes them. They have a double coat, composed of a dense inner hair and a more coarse and curly outer coat, which is actually little more than trapped, shed hair.
Bichons are familiar with being loving, lovely, and good with children and other pets. They love the company of man and may even develop separation anxiety when left without it for too long. It is necessary to brush the dog every day to avoid the mats, as well as groom the dog regularly
3. Maltese
- Character: Soft, Flirtatious, Coy.
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Weight: Under 7 lbs
The Maltese is a traditional lapdog whose long and silky white hair does not shed. These are dogs that have been loved for centuries due to their beauty and their sweetness. They are charming and romp about the home, in spite of their glamorous look.
The single layer of their hair also needs to be brushed daily to avoid tangles and mats. A lot of proprietors choose a puppy cut, as it makes their hair shorter and easier to handle. The Maltese dog is an obedient breed, and it makes a good low-shedding companion with its family.
4. Shih Tzu
- Characteristics: Loving, Extroverted, Frivolous.
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
- Weight: 9-16 lbs
The Shih Tzu can be described as a robust and active miniature dog that originally was reared to serve the Chinese royalty and that has a long and flowing coat that is double coat. They do not shed much, but their long hair, like the Maltese’s, requires daily grooming to keep it tangle-free. The coat care could be made a bit easier using a shorter clip.
Shih Tzus are considered to be friendly and trusting. They are glad to meet strangers and enjoy associating with other animals. Being a companion is their primary aim in life, and they are very good at it, as they will sleep on your lap for hours.
5. Havanese
- Personality: Smart, Leviathan, Humorous.
- Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
- Weight: 7-13 lbs
Being the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese is a jovial and hardy small dog with a soft and smooth coat, which may be in waves or curls. This is a non-shedding coat that should be brushed regularly; otherwise, it gets messy. Havanese are social and can be trained and usually excel in dog sports such as agility as well as obedience.
They are so loving and survive on being with the family. Their playful nature and loving disposition make them one of the best small dog breeds that should be in a family with children.
6. Coton de Tulear
- Temperament: Cute, Gay, Happy-go-lucky
- Life Expectancy: 15-19 years
- Weight: 8-15 lbs
The Coton de Tulear, so-called by reason of its cotton-like coat, of the port of Tulear in Madagascar, is an excellent, low-shedding household pet. Their long and soft hair is said to be hypoallergenic, and it is necessary to brush it several times a week to avoid matting in dogs.
Cotons are very playful, affectionate, and intelligent. They also possess a strange kind of habit, which is that they walk on their hind legs to make their owners happy. They also get along with all people, including children and other pets, and their main wish is to be among their people.
7. Scottish Terrier
- Personality: Self-possessed, self-reliant, impulsive.
- Life Expectancy: 12 years
- Weight: 18-22 lbs
The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is a dignified-looking dog that has a weather-resistant and wiry double coat. The matted surface of the outer coat is hard and wiry, the undercoat soft and thick. This mixture leads to low shedding.
Scotties are self-assured and chastened. They may be somewhat shy towards strangers, but those who are loyal to their families are like vultures. To keep the texture and health of their coat, they need to be brushed frequently and groomed professionally or even stripped by hand a few times per year.
8. Miniature Schnauzer
- Temperament: Friendly, Smart, Obedient.
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Weight: 11-20 lbs
The Miniature Schnauzer is a small breed of dog that has a characteristic beard and eyebrows. Their topcoat and undercoat are very wiry; hence, shedding is minimal. They are smart and active, and want to please, and hence they are highly trainable.
These dogs are very watchful; they are quick to be alert and immediately bark at strangers. They are loving relatives as well, who like participating in everything. Their coat should be kept in better condition by regular grooming, clipping, or hand-stripping.
9. Basenji
- Personality: Independent, Smart, Poised.
- Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
- Weight: 22-24 lbs
The Basenji is a special kind of dog due to a number of reasons. It is the so-called barkless dog (it is yodeling like a cat, called a barroo) because of its grooming habits, which are like those of cats. Their short, fine hair does not shed easily, and very little care is necessary.
Basenjis are smart and self-reliant, and this is at times a difficult thing to train. They are active and require lots of physical activity in order to be happy. The Basenji is a good companion to an active owner who likes clean, quiet, and intelligent company.
10. Affenpinscher
- Personality: Self-assured, notoriously adventurous, and bravado.
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Weight: 7-10 lbs
This breed with a monkey-like face (Affenpinscher, in German, translates to monkey-terrier) is amusing and cute. Their heavy, shaggy coat is said to be hypoallergenic and has little shedding. Their shaggy coat will be brushed weekly so that it is not matted.
Affenpinschers are gregarious, daring, and capricious. They are big dogs in a small-bodied package and may be protective towards their family. They become friendly with other pets that they grow up with, and their cute mischiefs are a source of unending entertainment.
Give Your Low-Shedding Dog the Glossy Glow
It may be easier to pick a small breed of dog that does not shed; however, low shedding does not imply that the dog will never need grooming. Regular dog brushing and professional grooming are necessary for all breeds on this list to maintain healthy, clean coats without mats.
Professional grooming services are used to keep the coat of your dog in good shape, including bathing, dog haircuts, trimming of dog‘s nails, etc. Find your perfect low-shedding furry friend that fits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best small dog breeds for a first-time owner?
The Bichon Frise and Miniature Poodle are excellent choices for first-time owners. They are intelligent, eager to please, and relatively easy to train. Their affectionate and friendly nature also makes them wonderful companions.
Which small, non-shedding dog is the calmest?
While all dogs have individual personalities, the Maltese and Shih Tzu are generally known for their calm and affectionate temperaments. They are content to be lap dogs and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, making them great for owners who prefer a more serene companion.
Do non-shedding dogs need haircuts?
Yes, most non-shedding dogs have hair that grows continuously, much like human hair. They require regular haircuts (every 4-8 weeks) to prevent their coat from becoming matted and unmanageable. This is an essential part of their grooming routine.
