What dogs do not have undercoats? Expert Advice

Included In This Article:

  • Single-Coat vs. Double-Coat Dogs
  • Single-Coat vs. Double-Coat Dog Grooming
  • Grooming Your Own Dog
  • List of Dogs That Don’t Shed Extensively
  • Other Breeds that are Considered “Non-Shedding”
  • NOTE: AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some links in this article are from companies that pay us a small commission if you choose to purchase a product from them. We have selected these products because we believe that they provide good value.

    Short-coated dogs shed, long-coated dogs shed, double-coated dogs shed, single-coated dogs shed, smaller dogs shed, bigger dogs shed – all dogs shed!

    Shedding is a natural cycle in dogs where they get rid of dead hair and make room for new hair to grow. Hair changing depends on the season – lighter fur in warmer weather and thicker when the temperatures get colder.

    The good news is there are dog breeds that shed a lot less than others. Less shedding dogs are medically termed hypoallergenic meaning their undercoat dead skin does not produce allergens that cause allergic reactions. These dogs are very commonly referred to as “non-shedding” which is an acceptable term if you understand that it means the dogs shed less than other breeds but again, there is no such thing as a dog that will never shed any hair.

    Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Excessively

    Poodles are the best dogs for owners who have allergies. Even during their shedding season, they hardly ever shed because the lustrous dense and curly hair coat can easily be groomed and keeps pretty much tangle-free. They are also very smart, alert and make perfect family pets.

    “Small in size with a big personality” is the best way to describe this wonderful breed. Yorkshire Terriers are blessed with a beautiful long coat that may shed a bit during shedding season but this is easily controlled with regular grooming and brushing.

    A purebred Dachshund comes in different coat types such as long-haired, short-haired and wire-haired. All three coat types are smooth and shed very little. Long-haired Dachshunds are known to shed a bit, but that is only during their shedding period. However, the other two coat types don’t shed that much.

    Shedding is never a problem with Boston Terriers since their smooth and short hair is also easily brushed and groomed. No excessive shedding, quiet in nature and other family-friendly characteristics make the Boston Terrier a perfect breed for those who live in apartments and/or have allergies.

    You may find it bizarre that the Shih Tzu breed has long, silky hair yet is still categorized as hypoallergenic. However, they need proper diet, physical exercise and grooming to keep them this way. Their long coat needs brushing every 2-3 days. You can opt to clip their hair close to the body in which case you don’t have to brush as frequently.

    A perfect family dog with a lovely soft coat that doesn’t shed much. However, you have to regularly brush their overcoat if you want to avoid even a little bit of shedding. The majority of Miniature Schnauzer dog owners keep their hair trimmed.

    With no distinct undercoat, the Bichon Frise is considered a “non-shedding” breed. Their thick and fluffy overcoat looks fabulous but it needs to be properly groomed and brushed otherwise shedding can be a problem. However, if you brush them regularly you more than likely will not see any shedding.

    Other Breeds Considered “Non-Shedding”

  • Airedale Terrier
  • Australian Terrier
  • Bedlington Terrier
  • Border Terrier
  • Boston Terrier
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Chinese Crested
  • Greyhound
  • Havanese
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Maltese
  • Miniature Poodle
  • Norfolk Terrier
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Silky Terrier
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
  • Standard Poodle
  • Welsh Terrier
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Wire-haired Fox Terrier
  • Maltese

    Though they have long, straight, white silky hair, they don’t leave their hair on your furniture. Malteses do, however, need daily brushing, regular bathing and frequent grooming to avoid the hair matting. The Maltese does not have an undercoat. These little dogs are intelligent, energetic, playful and loving.

    Top 10 Dog Breeds That Don’t shed or smell | Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

    What exactly defines the hair type of single coated dog breeds? And how is this different from double coated dogs. This is a question that does matter if you are about to choose a new dog for the household.

    So let’s examine the main differences so that you can be well-informed when deciding on your next puppy.