Maltese are big in personality and small in size. Energetic and agile, the Maltese is highly trainable but not necessarily wonderful with small children. That said, if you are past the young-kids stage and looking for miniature dogs that don’t shed, a Maltese could be for you. They have no undercoat, so they have no need to change their coat, even on a seasonal basis. These wee ones rank high among the cutest white dog breeds.
The Chinese crested is a pint-sized pup that tips the scales at eight to 12 pounds. The Powderpuff Chinese crested, the fluffier of the two varieties, has a soft, silky coat that sets it apart from the hairless variety, which has hair only on its head, tail, and ankles. With a body of soft, smooth skin, neither shedding nor doggy odor is an issue. Cresteds are affectionate with family, highly adaptable, and eager to please. And while they need daily walks and play, they’re somewhat lazy dogs and expert nappers.
You might not realize it from looking at Lhasa apsos, with their small stature and elegantly coiffed, floor-length, center-parted hair, but these non-shedding dogs were bred a thousand years ago in Tibet to serve as sentinels at Himalayan palaces and monasteries. A quintessential lapdog, the Lhasa apso is known as a somewhat complex dog; fun and funny with its family but aloof with strangers, according to the American Kennel Club. Lhasa apsos like going for walks, but they are also perfectly happy to sit on your lap or lie beside you on the sofa. Although the Lhasa apso doesn’t shed much at all, its hair may take some work, mostly shampooing and brushing, along with trips to the groomers.
Native to Cuba, these dogs offer owners spunky charm and a coat that doesn’t shed, which means you’ll spend less time lint-rolling the furniture and more time romping with your playful pooch. The Havanese’s coat requires weekly brushing and regular baths to stay clean and healthy. You won’t mind the one-on-one time, though. These are affectionate, loving doggos who take well to adults and kids alike. They’re even friendly to strangers (though they like to think of new people are future best friends.)
You’ll recognize the West Highland white terrier (aka Westie) by its bright, white double coat. Unlike other lapdogs, these are floofy pups. The coat, which doesn’t shed, is actually a bit hard to the touch. Your pooch will need regular grooming—the American Kennel Club recommends making a trip to the doggy hairdresser every four to six weeks. A sturdy little breed, the Westie is intelligent, loyal, and happy; and its curiosity and independent streak make it highly entertaining. Originally, Westies were bred to hunt rodents underground, but they’re also known for being challenging to train.
Hypoallergenic Dogs: Do They Exist?
Let’s start with a reality check: There is no such thing as a completely non-shedding dog—even so-called hairless breeds. Like humans, all dogs shed at least a little hair at one time or another. Because dog hair can trigger allergic reactions in humans, that means that truly hypoallergenic dog breeds do not exist.
Even if there were a dog breed that didn’t shed at all, they still wouldn’t be hypoallergenic. That’s because most dog allergies are caused by dog dander, not the hair they shed. Dander is the dead skin that falls off the dog, depositing itself all over the house and wafting through the air into your nose and eyes in the process. All dogs produce dander, but some dogs create a lot less dander. Low-shedding dog breeds are considered to be best for allergy sufferers, which means they don’t produce as many allergens through flaky dead skin and dander as other breeds do.
So, which dogs shed less? Read on to learn more about 25 low-shedding breeds.
Pronounced “coTAWN day two-LEE are” this dog is also known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar. They have an affectionate temperament and soft, long white coats. Although they do not shed, they should be groomed regularly. Brushing several times a week with a special pin brush will maintain a full, mat-free coat.
The Bichon Frise resembles a miniature Poodle with its white color and soft, curly coat. This breed is ideal for people with allergies, as the coat is low-allergen to most. Grooming is a must for this breed to prevent any mats, since their hair will continually grow but not shed. This is a naturally friendly, playful breed, and a perfect dog for a first-time owner.
This breed is a lively, friendly companion that displays great affection for their owners and family. They are lightly energetic and will be satisfied with a daily walk. Although their lack of a coat makes them unsuitable for hunting, they do have a strong hunting instinct. Occasional baths will keep this breed’s skin healthy and looking its best.
This breed comes in three sizes – toy, miniature, and standard, as well as two varieties: hairless and coated. The hairless Xolo has smooth, protective skin and the coated has a short, flat coat. They have moderate exercise and grooming needs. Coated Xolos should be brushed occasionally, and like the Chinese Crested, hairless Xolos should always have their skin protected in harsh temperatures: sunblock in the summer and proper covering or dog clothing in the winter. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook
Afghan Hounds can be independent, but sweet and loyal. They resemble Greyhounds in terms of body shape and size. They have a high energy level, and therefore require regular exercise. Their coats are long and silky, and although they don’t shed, they should be bathed and brushed at least twice a week to maintain the softness and luxuriousness of their coat.