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Not everyone enjoys cleaning up copious amounts of dog hair. If you are looking for a small dog with equally small amounts of shedding hair, you are in luck. From small dogs that don’t shed at all, to dogs who shed minimally, here are the dog breeds you need to know about to help you decide which breed is right for you.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Affenpinscher puppies.
For people who love hounds but don’t enjoy their distinctive odor and shedding habits, the Basenji might be the perfect small dog breed. The Basenji sheds very minimally, and its short, fine coat requires little care beyond the occasional brushing. Basenjis are also famously quiet, which makes them an ideal dog for apartments – as long as they get daily exercise and playtime.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Basenji puppies.
The Bichon Frise is truly a non-shedding small dog breed. These playful and affectionate dogs are an ideal dog breed for people with allergies, but they are not maintenance-free. The Bichon Frise’s hair grows continuously, requiring frequent grooming, brushing, and the occasional bath in order to keep up with their powder-puff looks.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Bichon Frise puppies.
Like the Bichon Frise, the distinctive fluffy coat of the Bolognese is composed of hair rather than fur. The Bolognese does not shed, although dead hair must be brushed out regularly, and the coat requires daily grooming to keep these lovable lap dogs looking their best.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Bolognese puppies.
Despite its small size, the Brussels Griffon is not a dog that requires pampering. Both smooth-coated and rough-coated varieties of the Brussels Griffon thrive with regular grooming and are minimal shedders. Their small size means that a daily walk and indoor play is usually enough to satisfy their exercise needs, and this loyal little dog does best with families who are frequently home.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Brussels Griffon puppies.
One way to avoid shedding is to select a small hairless dog breed. Chinese Crested come in two coat types: hairless and powderpuff. Hairless Chinese Crested have hair on their heads, tail, and feet, while the powderpuff is covered with a coat of fine hair that sheds very minimally. Hairless dog breeds require extra care and attention when it comes to their skin. Without hair, they need protection from the sun and cold and are more prone to skin irritations.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Chinese Crested puppies.
The Coton de Tulear has a distinctive, long, fluffy coat that is considered hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers and those who want a small dog that doesn’t shed. Coton de Tulear do require daily grooming to maintain their coats, but their lighthearted and gentle natures make the effort worthwhile.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Coton De Tulear puppies.
These native Cuban dogs offer owners both their patented spunky charm and a coat that doesn’t shed, which means less time spent lint rolling the furniture and more time romping with the playful Havanese. Their coat requires weekly brushing and regular baths to keep them clean and healthy.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Havanese puppies.
Maltese have charmed their human counterparts for three millennia. This ancient dog of Malta has not changed much over the past 28 centuries, perhaps in part because their long, white coats shed very little, making them an ideal lap dog. Their coats do require regular brushing to prevent mats from forming, and an occasional bath removes any unwanted dirt and debris from their long, silky hair.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Maltese puppies.
This small dog breed from Tibet makes an excellent companion. Calm yet playful, the Lhasa Apso enjoys brisk walks and resting in their owner’s lap. Lhasa Apsos don’t shed, but their coats do require maintenance. Many owners keep their Lhasa Apsos clipped in a “puppy cut” to avoid daily grooming and brushing of their long hair.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Lhasa Apso puppies.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a smart, trainable, and cheerful little dog that strongly resembles his Standard Schnauzer cousin. This Terrier sheds very little, and their adaptability makes them at home in the city or the country, as long as their people are close by. To keep Miniature Schnauzers looking their best, incorporate weekly brushing and regular grooming into their schedule.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Miniature Schnauzer puppies.
Most people think of Poodles when they hear about small dogs that don’t shed, and with good reason. Poodles are non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Miniature and Toy Poodles offer these qualities in petite, intelligent packages that differ only in size from Standard Poodles. All Poodles are highly intelligent, making them easy to train, and they are an active, proud breed. Their hair does require regular grooming.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Poodle puppies.
The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is a Terrier breed known for its boldness, confidence, and big personality. The wiry, weather-resistant coat sheds very little, although they do need regular brushing, grooming, and the occasional hand-stripping to keep their coats healthy and to maintain the breed outline. Scotties are clever and independent dogs with strong prey drives, which means owners must take care around smaller animals.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Scottish Terrier puppies.
The Shih Tzu is another breed with a long pedigree. The favored house pet of the Tang Dynasty, these “little lions dogs” come in a variety of colors and patterns. Their long, silky hair is very low-shedding and looks exceptionally regal when brushed out, befitting their royal ancestry. This Toy breed is sturdy and lively, with a carriage often described as arrogant, due to their proudly held heads and curling tails. Shih Tzu were bred to be house pets, and their gentle, trusting nature makes them exceptional companions.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Shih Tzu puppies.
The coarse, white hair of the West Highland White Terrier, referred to affectionately by fans of the breed as Westies, sheds very little. This sturdy little dog is intelligent, loyal, happy, and highly entertaining. They are curious dogs with moderate energy levels and an independent streak common among all Terriers, that can make training a challenge at times.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for West Highland White Terrier puppies.
Also known as the Mexican Hairless, the Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient and rare breed of dog that can be hairless or coated. Hairless varieties retain a small amount of hair on their heads, and the coated variety has a very short, fine coat that sheds minimally. As with any hairless breed, the Xolo needs a little extra attention when it comes to their skin to protect them from the elements. Xolos make attentive watchdogs and affectionate companions, and while they enjoy physical activities like walks and vigorous play, they are well known for their tranquil personality around the home.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Xoloitzcuintli puppies.
Sprightly, tomboyish, and affectionate, the Yorkshire Terrier, often called the Yorkie, is a Toy breed full of personality. These spunky lap dogs are the seventh most popular dog breed in America, and for good reason. Yorkshire Terriers do not shed, and their silky coats are beautiful when brushed out daily, which is made easy by their small size. Don’t be fooled by their regal carriage – Yorkies have working-class roots. These fearless terriers hunted rats in English clothing mills, although today they are just as happy to sit on their owner’s lap as they are running down a rodent.
If you think this breed is right for you, check out the AKC Marketplace for Yorkshire Terrier puppies.
Having such a small amount of fur means this dog is as low maintenance as they come. You won’t have to worry about brushing the Peruvian Inca’s coat or any other complex grooming. Of course, you have to take extra caution to protect the dog’s exposed skin, especially when you’re heading outside. Regular baths and moisturizing are also recommended.
These spunky lap dogs are the seventh most popular dog breed in America. Many people refer to this breed as a big dog in a small body because it has such a great personality. Weighing no more than seven pounds in most cases, the Yorkshire is an adventurous troublemaker and a hearty companion.
Thought to be of German origin and less than a foot tall, this intelligent toy breed is also known as a monkey terrier. Fans of Star Wars movies find similarities between the appearance of this dog and the Wookies or Ewoks. Affenpinschers are low-maintenance due to their nearly odorless and dense, low-shedding coat. Aside from regular stripping (removing old fur to prevent shedding), your small canine requires a bi-weekly brushing with a slicker brush and comb to stay shiny and neat.
This breed’s most amazing feature is not only its slender yet graceful physique but also its minimal hair. However, it does have a ton of personality! Peruvian Inca Orchids have been around humans for years and were probably among the earliest domesticated dog breeds. It’s truly part of Peruvian cultural history and is a fine example of a non-shedding dog.
The Yorkie has a long silky coat. With such long coats, one might think the Yorkshire terrier would shed a lot, but this assumption is wrong. The texture of the Yorkshire terrier’s coat is similar to human hair; they do not shed, and their silky coats look lovely when brushed daily.
This dog breed kind of looks like a cross between a dog, a pony, and a mythical creature. Chinese Cresteds are renowned lap dogs, so theyre most happy when cuddling with the family. You can choose between two varieties, the hairless and the Powderpuff, and Vetstreet dubs them both hypoallergenic (though those who need a true no-shed breed should opt for a hairless Crested).
According to the American Kennel Club, Yorkies are often named the most popular dog breed in various American cities. Its easy to see why: Theyre adorable, great with kids, and have plenty of personality. Rover.com also credits their popularity to how little they shed. Because Yorkies hair grows at the same rate all year long, who need a heavier coat come winter.
If you suffer from allergies, you might assume that getting a furry friend is out of the question entirely. But that’s not necessarily true. Hypoallergenic dogs exist, and many people with allergies find that they can live peacefully with a hypoallergenic breed. We’ve rounded up some information on the best hypoallergenic dogs so you can start exploring.
A former Belgian street dog, the Brussels Griffon is a quirky, adorable companion. With an expressive visage thats often compared to a human face, these dogs are known for their intelligence, sense of humor, and self-importance. Dog Time notes that neither smooth nor rough-coated varieties shed much, but stripping their coat makes them even friendlier to people with allergies.
West Highland Terriers were originally bred for hunting and ratting, according to Dog Time, which means theyre pretty independent thinkers. But their silly personality will always win you over at the end of the day. Plus, theyre not high-shedding.
Top 10 Dog Breeds That Don’t shed or smell | Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
Do you want a dog but start coughing and sneezing whenever you are near one? Pet allergies are very common, especially in people who have other allergies or asthma. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 10% of people in the U.S. are allergic to dogs.
While there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, these 15 small dog breeds have low or non-shedding coats that produce less dander. Here are the best small dog breeds for allergy sufferers.
Affenpinschers are an adorable, cuddly, and petite Pinscher dog breed. Also known as Monkey Terriers, these dogs originate from Germany, with “Affe” meaning ape or monkey in German. They are active, adventurous, and playful. Because Affenpinschers weigh less than 10 lbs and easily adjust to new environments, they are perfect apartment dogs, bag dogs, travel companions.
Originally bred to hunt rats in homes and around farms, Affenpinschers need short, lively play sessions or leisurely walks every day to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. While they make excellent watchdogs, they will bark at just about anything. They are also high-strung and tend to tremble when they are excited.
Affenpinschers absolutely adore their humans and love being around other family pets. Have babies, toddlers, or young preschool-aged children? The Affenpinscher may not be right for your family. These proud and sensitive pups hate roughhousing and being held against their will.
Basenjis, also known as African Barkless Dogs, are hunting dogs that originated in Central Africa. They are known for their large pointed ears and short, tightly curled tails. While Basenjis cannot physically bark, they can laugh, growl, whine, yodel, and even scream. Their medium build (22-24 lbs) makes them excellent city-slickers. They are also ideal for allergy sufferers because they lick themselves clean like cats.
Basenjis are independent thinkers known for their intensely loyal, mischievous, stubborn, and reserved personalities. Without an hour of daily exercise, they will bolt out of open doors or climb over chain link fences to find something fun to do. Bred to hunt reed rats, Basenjis also have a strong prey drive and will chase backyard chickens, pet cats, and young children. For this reason, it is important to keep them on a leash and introduce them to other people and animals at an early age.
The Bichon Frise (which means ‘curly lap dog’ in French) comes from the Barbet, a Mediterranean water dog. Weighing no more than 18 lbs and averaging 9.5-11.5 inches in height, Bichon Frises are perfect for apartment dwellers and people with young children or other pets. As the American Kennel Club states, “They operate under the assumption that there are no strangers, just friends they have not met yet.” These gentle, sensitive house dogs love learning new tricks, especially when high-quality dog treats are offered as rewards.
Bichon Frises enjoy racing from one room to the next and bouncing off the furniture before they snuggle next to you on the sofa. While they are not dominant dogs, they have a stubborn streak and are notoriously difficult to potty train. Bichon Frises also have a very high-pitched bark. Work long hours away from home? Bichon Frises crave human companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety when they are left for long periods.
The Bolognese is an easy-going, devoted dog with a pure white coat that is soft and fluffy like cotton. Bolognese dogs love spending time with their owners whether they are taking a stroll around the block or playing with their kids in the backyard. Their small size (5.5-9 lbs) and cheerful personalities make them ideal apartment dwellers and easy travel companions.
Bolognese dogs require moderate exercise to prevent excessive barking and destructive chewing. They are shy around strangers and will bark at nearly anything that moves. The Bolognese is also hard to housebreak and prone to separation anxiety. Have kids? These adorable little white fluff balls can get hurt if played with too rough and are likely to bite if frightened.
Border Terriers are happy and energetic little dogs with an easy-to-maintain wire coat. They typically weigh no more than 12-15 lbs. Border terriers easy-tempered nature makes them amicable to both city and country life, and their small stature makes them great travel companions. Given their energetic nature, Border Terriers need a good dose of daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy – either a long daily walk or run in the dog park will keep them content at home. Bred as hunting dogs, Border Terriers also have a strong instinct to chase squirrels and other small animals. For this reason, it is wise to always keep these adorable pups on a high quality dog leash when out and about.
The Brussels Griffon (also known as Griffon Bruxellois) was named after the city of Brussels, Belgium. These adorable little pups weigh anywhere from 5-15 lbs and have oversized, self-important, and comedic personalities. Brussels Griffons small size and positive disposition make them wonderful apartment dwellers, easy travel companions, and loving four-legged companions. Have a city job that requires you to leave your apartment for endless hours on end? If so, a Brussels Griffon may not be your ideal canine companion. These big-hearted dogs are more sensitive to loneliness than other dog breeds on our list.
The Chinese Crested is a high-spirited and sweet-tempered little dog that typically weighs 10-13 lbs. When a Chinese Crested falls in love with you, he will stay glued to your side and will hug your neck tightly with his paws. Are you a couch potato or occasional couch surfer? A Chinese Crested will curl up beside you for hours without moving a muscle.
With that said, Chinese Cresteds are “cat-like” and will climb fences or walls to escape confinement. They are also nervous and timid with new people and new situations. They are prone to separation anxiety and tend to bark a lot. Chinese Cresteds are difficult to housebreak, and unneutered males will excessively mark their territory. While these exotic-looking dogs can lie in the 100-degree sun for hours, they despise the cold. They will need a dog hoodie or dog coat for chilly walks.
Coton De Tulears were named after the city of Tuléar, Madagascar. These happy-go-lucky companion dogs weigh anywhere from 8-13 lbs and have clownish, curious, and affectionate personalities. They are people-oriented Velcro-dogs that thrive on attention. Coton De Tulears are perfect for families with young children and other pets. They love talking to their humans in grunts and growls.
Coton De Tulears are great apartment pets, but they should not be left alone for long periods. If they are unhappy or bored, they will vent through destructive chewing and excessive barking. Coton De Tulears are also slow to housetrain and should be socialized as puppies.
Havanese dogs are small (7-13 lbs), intelligent, and spirited dogs with a friendly and social disposition. Although Havanese dogs can keep up during adventures and outdoor excursions, they are not overly energetic or excitable and do nicely with modest daily exercise and in smaller residences.
Havanese dogs small stature and disinclination to bark excessively make them wonderful city dwellers and travel companions. Because they get quite attached to their human companions, Havanese dogs should not be left alone all day.
Maltese dogs are a toy dog breed known for their gentle and affectionate disposition and long, silky hair. Their petite stature and adaptable nature make them wonderful apartment and city pets. On average, Maltese weigh anywhere from 2-8 lbs when fully grown.
Maltipoos are a cross between Maltese dogs and Toy or Miniature Poodles. They tend to inherit both the gentle disposition of their Maltese ancestors and the energy of their Poodle relatives. Routine, modest exercise will keep your Maltipoo happy and healthy.
Lhasa Apsos, meaning “Bark Lion Sentinel Dog, have been employed as watchdogs in Tibetian palaces and monasteries since 800 B.C. They are known for their floor-length, flat-hanging coats and feathery, curly tails. These 13-15 lbs dogs are smart, confident, and comical. They are similar to willful toddlers and will listen to you only if you build a strong bond with them.
Lhasa Apsos also like to run around the apartment by themselves or play with dog toys in a fenced yard. Many Lhasa Apsos prefer to be the only dog and are naturally suspicious of anything new or different. Want a kid-friendly dog? The Lhasa Apso has a sharp, loud bark and will bite if he is bullied or badgered.
Standing 12-14 inches tall and tipping the scale at 20 lbs, Miniature Schnauzers have warm and spunky personalities. They are famous for their walrus-like beards and expressive eyebrows. While Miniature Schnauzers are extroverted and independent, they are wary of strangers. Miniature Schnauzers easily adapt to city or country life as long as they get an hour of exercise every day.
If a Miniature Schnauzer chooses you as his favorite person, he will always want to touch you or be near you. Miniature Schnauzers are also dig-into-the-sand stubborn and they will pretend they cannot hear you if they are bored. They tend to bark at larger dogs without worrying about the consequences and chase after smaller animals. This swagger can get them into big trouble, so it is up to you to keep them on a leash.
Standard Poodles are incredibly intelligent, and Miniature and Toy Poodles are no different. Miniature Poodles are very smart, easily trainable, and quite sociable. They have a gentle disposition and rarely make good guard dogs.
Miniature Poodles are known for their athleticism and agility and are usually lovers of water and swimming – they were bred for duck hunting after all. They are built for the outdoors and therefore make excellent outdoor adventure companions. Whether youre going on a hike or planning a trip to a lake, poodles will absolutely love joining the adventure.
Shih Tzus are small and sturdy dogs. They are known for their outgoing and alert temperament and beautiful, flowing, and silky locks. Although Shih Tzus are incredibly loyal to their dog owners, they are also incredibly social and will gladly curl up against a stranger if it means getting a few extra cuddles in!
Shih Tzus small size and easy-going nature make them wonderful apartment and city dogs. Similar to Dachshunds, they can be prone to stubbornness. For this reason, they need routine training at an early age to prevent disobedience later in life.
Yorkshire Terriers are one of the smallest dog breeds, weighing no more than 7 lbs as adults. Yorkies are loving, affectionate, and feisty dogs and tend to bark more excessively than other dog breeds.
Yorkies petite size makes them popular “purse dogs” and travel companions. Given their tiny stature, only light exercise is needed to keep them fit and happy. Yorkshire Terriers are adaptable to their surroundings and will gladly be toted around town or in a subway in a high quality and comfortable dog carrier bag or dog purse.
While fur carries allergens like tree pollen or dust, it does not usually trigger an allergic reaction. Pet dander, which is like dandruff in humans, and saliva are the main culprits. Dander becomes airborne quite easily and can be breathed in. Saliva and dander are also very sticky. They can collect on bedding, clothing, and furniture.
As the American Lung Association elaborates, “For that reason, short-haired or hairless animals contribute dander and allergens to indoor air pollution just as effectively as long-haired animals do.”
If you suffer from allergies and/or asthma, we recommend researching non-shedding dog breeds to find the dog that best matches your personality and lifestyle. Consider getting a proper allergy test, and arrange to spend time with your preferred dog breed to make sure that it does not trigger an allergy or asthma attack.
Finding adorable and high quality puppy-themed baby gifts for you or a new parent isnt always easy. Are you a soon-to-be mom looking to spoil your newborn with cute clothes and/or design your little ones new nursery with dog-themed decor? Need to find a budget-friendly baby shower gift for a dog lover in your life.
Mike and I (Steph) have an adorable 9 month old boy and a rambunctious 3.5 year old toddler. We are also madly in love with our longhaired dachshund Django—our first child! Weve bought and been gifted countless dog-themed baby gifts, toys, and accessories over the years.
In this DJANGO Dog Blog article, we round up our favorite 21 puppy-themed baby gifts that are sure to elicit oohs and aahs when unwrapped. Scroll down for dog-themed baby clothes and accessories, dog-themed toys for babies and toddlers, and dog-themed home and nursery decor.
Frenchies are bright, playful, and adaptable, so it is not surprising they are Americas second favorite dog breed.
Despite the breed’s popularity, it is hard to find a dog harness that fits the French bulldogs unique shape. With a barrel chest, square-shaped head, large bat ears, and flat face, many dog harnesses are too tight around the neck or chest. Others are too loose and allow your Frenchie to slip free.
In this DJANGO Dog Blog article, we discuss how much exercise your French bulldog needs. We also examine what features to look for when buying a harness for your Frenchie.