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20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair

Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. Updated: September 2, 2024
20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair
Dogs

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Many people are allergic to dog hair and can't live with a dog that is constantly shedding hair all over the house. This doesn't mean they can't have a dog, but some dog breeds do not shed hair. Or at least they shed relatively very little. This doesn't mean these are hypoallergenic breeds, but the risk of an allergic reaction is much lower.

Some people prefer dogs that don't shed hair due to hygiene reasons or a lack of time. Some dogs, especially those that lose lots of hair, need to be brushed on a daily basis, and not everyone can find the time to do so. Therefore, we at AnimalWised want to help you find breed that most suits your needs. Read on and discover 20 dog breeds that don't shed hair.

You may also be interested in: Dogs That Don't Smell - The Least Smelly Dogs
Contents
  1. Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds?
  2. Boston Terrier
  3. Bichon Frise, Bolognese and Maltese
  4. Greyhound
  5. West Highland White Terrier
  6. Water Dogs
  7. Yorkshire Terrier
  8. Dachshund
  9. Schnauzer
  10. Shih Tzu
  11. Basenji
  12. Coton de Tulear
  13. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
See more >>

Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds?

Allergies to dogs mean that so many potential dog guardians are unable to care for our canine friends because of health issues. Many people believe it is because they are allergic to dog hair, but this is not actually the case. In reality, they are allergic to certain proteins which can be found in the dog's saliva or in their dander (material shed from the body, often small flakes of skin).

Some claim there is a solution. They claim there are some dog breeds which are naturally hypoallergenic. They believe that dogs which shed less will not agitate those with dog allergies. However, this is a myth. The allergy is to the protein and, since every dog breed has saliva and skin, they still have the possibility of causing an allergic reaction. Even hairless dog breeds can aggravate allergies.

However, it is true that dander and saliva can attach itself to the dog's hair. This means that those with milder allergies will not likely be as agitated by a dog which sheds less hair. These breeds are known to shed no or very little hair:

  1. Boston Terrier
  2. Bichon Frise
  3. Maltese
  4. Greyhound
  5. West Highland White Terrier
  6. Poodle
  7. Barbet
  8. Spanish Water Dog
  9. Portuguese Water Dog
  10. Lagotto Romagnolo
  11. Irish Water Dog
  12. Frision Water Dog
  13. Cantabrian Water Dog
  14. Yorkshire Terrier
  15. Dachshunds
  16. Schnauzers
  17. Shih Tzu
  18. Basenji
  19. Coton de Tulear
  20. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

As we have stated, some of these dogs will shed some hair. However, when compared to others, it will be minimal. Also, we need to remember that breed is only one factor. Giving them food rich in omega-3 and brushing them regularly are also vital if we want to prevent hair loss. Our article on which type of dog brush to use to do so should help.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a dog breed with a soft and short coat, minimal odor, and easy to train. This dog is quiet, doesn't bark much and loves being in a family with small children, which makes them one of the best dog breeds for beginners.

Owing to the characteristics of their coat, Boston Terriers barely shed any hair at all, making them a breed that is suitable for those who don't have time to brush them or to be constantly cleaning up after them. What more can you ask for?

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Boston Terrier

Bichon Frise, Bolognese and Maltese

Bichon dogs have lots of curly, hair - not fur - but they practically don't shed at all. There are many different Bichon dog breeds, including the popular Bichon Frise and the Bolognese dog. But do Maltese shed or other types of Bichon dogs shed?

Bichon dogs do not shed, but they do require lots of care and attention. These breeds need to be brushed daily with special brushes, which will be recommended to you by a canine groomer. You should also pay special attention to looking after their eyes, tear ducts and nose to keep them looking tidy.

Now you know do Maltese shed, we Bichon dogs have sensitive skin; check out our article on why do Maltese dogs scratch themselves for more information.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Bichon Frise, Bolognese and Maltese

Greyhound

A greyhound's hair is so short that, from a distance, they don't look like they have any hair to shed at all. They are active and extremely noble dogs, making them perfect for those with large outdoor spaces who want to enjoy their agility and physical ability.

Despite the fact that greyhounds require high amounts of daily exercise, they are also suitable for flats and smaller houses as long as you meet their physical requirements. If you let them, greyhounds can become one of the laziest dog breeds! These dogs can't stand being locked away in small spaces for many hours on end, so if you decide to get a greyhound you should bear in mind that you need to respect their exercise hours.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Greyhound

West Highland White Terrier

Commonly known as a Westie, these small white dogs also have silky smooth hair, although it doesn't grow as much as the Yorkie or Shih Tzu. Their outer coat is coarse and is often removed via stripping, rather than having to clip them.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - West Highland White Terrier

Water Dogs

Water dogs such as the Poodle don't shed any hair at all, making them ideal for people who are allergic to dogs. Of course, as with Bichon dogs, the fur of water dogs requires specific care and attention.

The hair of water dogs is extremely curly, almost woolly. You'll need to brush them every day to prevent it from getting tangled and hurting the animal. Ask a dog groomer about the best shampoo for water dogs and for a recommendation on the type of brush you should buy. You must also take special care when you clean a water dog's ears.

However, not all water dogs will shed very little. Some may shed a normal amount or even more than average as is the case with the American Water Spaniel. Although there are others, some of the most popular water dog breeds which shed very little include:

  1. Poodle
  2. Barbet
  3. Spanish Water Dog
  4. Portuguese Water Dog
  5. Lagotto Romagnolo
  6. Irish Water Dog
  7. Frision Water Dog
  8. Cantabrian Water Dog

Water dogs are very affectionate and make perfect guard dogs. As such, if you're looking for a dog that will help to protect your home, or a great pet for children, any water dog breed would be a perfect choice.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Water Dogs
Image: Poodle

Yorkshire Terrier

The last of these 5 dog breeds that don't shed hair is the Yorkie. Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with a long coat, but they rarely shed any hair. You will need to brush your Yorkie regularly to prevent their hair from getting tangled and dirty. These dogs are sociable, but they are extremely territorial. Being such a possessive breed, it's essential to train them from a young age and provide them with the socialization that they need.

You must follow a few daily hygienic routine guidelines and make sure you keep their eyes, tear duct, snout and teeth very clean. As with all small and miniature breeds, Yorkshire Terriers have a tendency to suffer from an accumulation of plaque. As such, you should brush their teeth following the vet's instructions.

Yorkshire Terriers are prone to particular behaviors such as shaking and barking a lot. Here you can learn more about caring for this special breed.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Yorkshire Terrier

Dachshund

One of the smallest dog breeds which doesn't shed much hair is the Dachshund. They are an incredibly loyal dog, but can also be mischievous. Their coat is short and dense and usually comes in variations of black, tan or white. However, there are many other colors.

Some Dachshunds have been noted for their ability to display the merle pattern. However, this is also linked with certain genetic issues. For this reason, double dapple breeding Dachshunds is something which should be avoided to help prevent developmental problems.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Dachshund

Schnauzer

Just as there are different types of Poodle according to their size, there are three types of Schnauzer. They are the Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer. However, despite the difference in size, their coat and other physical characteristics are very similar.

All types of Schnauzer have a double coat, with a wiry guard hair on top and soft undercoat. However, this dog is also known to be groomed, often being shaved to give them a certain style. Shaved Schnauzers will have a softer coat, but all will still shed relatively little.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Schnauzer

Shih Tzu

Another small dog breed which doesn't shed very much is the Shih Tzu. Similar to the Yorkshire Terrier, the Shih Tzu is a dog with long silky hair and they only tend to shed when brushing. Brushing, however, needs to be carried out regularly. If this does not happen, their long hair will become tangled easily. Due to the impracticality of its length, the Shih Tzu is often groomed. If you want to see what options are available, our article on the 7 best Shih Tzu haircuts will show you what to expect.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Shih Tzu

Basenji

One of the world's oldest dog breeds, the Basenji is also one of the most playful and loving. They have a distinctive howl which they use to communicate with each other and with other dogs. Additionally, they do not shed very much. Their coat is very short and come in many different coat colors and patterns. However, they all have white paws.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Basenji

Coton de Tulear

As you may be able to tell from the name, the Coton de Tulear is a white dog with a soft and fluffy coat. They are often said to be hypoallergenic because they shed very little, despite its soft and fluffy texture. Their coat is so well-known for having a lack of dander, they are said to not smell, although this will depend on various factors. Despite this, they will need bathed and groomed, especially if we want to keep their beautiful coat nice and white.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Coton de Tulear

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

Now that you know answers to whether there are hypoallergenic dog breeds or do Maltese shed, we come to our final dog on our list of dogs which don't shed hair. It is the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier. As their name suggests, their coat is lovely and soft. It is also curly and can come in a range of colors, but the classic is the golden Wheaten color.

These dogs do not shed very often, but they do require careful maintenance. They are also known for staining their eyes and other parts of their fur, so we need to be careful with hygiene issues. They are a wonderfully loyal and energetic dog, but do need to be trained carefully to avoid fear or aggression.

20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair - Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

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Faith
I have had over 15 yorkies in our family in the last 20 years and none have ever shed any hair.
I prefer to keep their hair cut two times a year in early spring around easter after cold weather stops then again in late summer around September between the hot scorching sun season and fall when colder weather starts. That way their hair grows in over the cold season to keep them warm. Yorkies are inside dogs and should not ever be left outside unattended because of their small size and being easy prey for large birds such as hawks , coyotes or other such predators. They are super affectionate and very smart loveable dogs that love being a tiny lap dog and being pet. They are picky eaters but once you find a food they like that gives them the nutrition needed by a small dog they are very easy to attend to and do not seem to over eat. I leave dry food out all day long that they pick on and feed them wet canned food once a day in smaller amount except when they are convelescent or pregnant and those I feed the wet food twice a day in morning and evening. One thing about yorkies is that if they do not have food accessible to eat as needed their blood sugar can drop and they become glycemic which is dangerous as they can easily become like a diabetic person on shock. So you must keep food and water accessible to them. They are a very very smart and obedient breed and dont take very much to train when training begins when they are young. They do even easily adapt to living in alternate homes between the family. It is nice to have two they keep each other company and play together when they are left alone, which is good for their health. Only when small puppies as with any other breed they must be taught what not to chew on and given ample supply of chews or other toys to chew on while they are teething and even afterward to play with. Yorkies have been used as emotional support dogs also due to their gentle and protective nature. They hardly bark at all unless their is a stranger near but once they are told that it's okay with the stranger they calm down but they normally will not attack rather they take a guard stance and bark as warning. Yorkies think they are big dogs but they do become accustom with larger dogs in the home, even though I myself prefer to only keep smaller dogs in my home. They are great dogs with children and elderly because of their size affection and playfulness as well as protectiveness. Once having a yorkie many say they would never have any other type of dog. They do not shed at all. If you let their hair grow long it should be brushed lightly to not mat but their hair is generally very straight. Yorkies tear duct regularly accumulate sleep in the corner of their eyes daily which is normal. Their body's clean their eyes daily and you must use the tip of your finger every day for every few days to clean the sleep out of their eyes gently, even if it accumulates and hardens a little it must gently be removed regularly. They have hair like humans and do not shed at all and are a hypo allergenic breed. They do not have pet dander because they do not have fur. In between their two yearly hair cuts it is good to bathe them around every to eight weeks but over bathing or using mot gentle shampoos can cause dry skin. I use lavendar shampoos for them, lavendar naturally repeks pests such as fleas abdcticks. And i also use a conditioner to help prevent dryness . Very desirable breed usual weights range from 2 to 7 pounds and it's a breed that although they need food accessible all the time they do not overeat and are very easy to care for. The phrase yorkie lovers has been used many times in relation to this breed because yorkies are lovers...they are very affectionate. There are the traditional dark blackish brown with dark tan reddish hair around their faces and paws . They have a history of being bred originally in England as a mill rodent catcher. There is also an Australian silky terrier that
Steve
We have a Maltese and a Havanese. Neither shed much in general but both are shedding a lot right now coming out of winter. They both require daily brushing/ combing.
Person
You could also get a cockapoo
Image: Poodle
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20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair