20 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed Hair

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 articles on how to brush a dog's hair and which type of dog brush to use to do so should help.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Image: Poodle

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Our article on how to get rid of tear stains in dogs might help to look after dogs such as the Wheaten Terrier.

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