Top Dog Breeds That Don't Shed

Schnauzers are intelligent, energetic, and loyal dogs that come in three sizes: miniature, standard, and giant. Their distinctive two-layer coats contribute to their minimal shedding, making them an excellent choice for allergy-prone individuals. These dogs were originally bred in Germany for roles such as guarding and ratting, which speaks to their versatility and robust nature.

Known for their unique shape and loyalty, Schnauzers are charming companions who form strong bonds with their families. However, they do require regular grooming to maintain their coats and keep them looking their best, including trimming their characteristic mustache and beard.

Poodles are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and distinctive curly coats, which come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. These elegant dogs were originally bred in Germany as water retrievers, and their name is derived from the German word "pudel," meaning "to splash in water." Poodles are hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coats, which produce minimal dander, making them ideal for people with allergies.

Their curly fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting and to keep them looking their best. Poodles are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions, showcasing their keen intellect and versatility.

Scottish Terriers, affectionately known as Scotties, are small, sturdy dogs with a distinctive wiry coat that sheds very little. Originating in Scotland, these dogs were bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms, demonstrating their determination and resilience. Scotties are known for their square-shaped heads, large pointy ears, and expressive eyes, which give them a unique and endearing appearance.

Loyal and protective, Scottish Terriers form strong bonds with their families but can be quite independent and sometimes aloof with strangers. Their hypoallergenic coats require regular grooming and trimming about twice a year to maintain their texture and appearance.

Brussels Griffons are charming and sociable dogs with two coat types: smooth-haired and rough-haired. The rough-haired variety is particularly suitable for people who experience allergies thanks to its minimal shedding. Originating from Brussels, Belgium, these small dogs were initially bred to hunt and eliminate vermin in stables, showcasing their agility and tenacity.

Brussels Griffons are known for their expressive faces, often compared to those of Ewoks from Star Wars, which adds to their appeal. They're affectionate and thrive on human companionship, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their wiry coats looking their best and to minimize shedding.

Whippets are elegant and gentle dogs known for their sleek, athletic build and incredible speed. Originally bred for hunting small game and racing, these dogs are prized for their agility and endurance. Whippets tend to be docile and friendly, making them excellent companions for anyone looking for a dog. Their short, silky coats shed very little, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

These dogs have minimal grooming needs, usually requiring just a light wipe-down to keep their coats clean and fresh. While they're low-maintenance in terms of grooming, Whippets do require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy activities like running and playing fetch, which help them burn off energy. Thankfully, Whippets are equally known for their calm temperament indoors and enjoy lounging with their owners after a good run.

The Puli is a unique and energetic breed distinguished by its distinctive corded coat that resembles dreadlocks. Originating from Hungary, Pulis were bred as herding dogs and are celebrated for their agility and spirited nature. Their curly, woolly coats rarely shed, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies.

While the Puli's coat is hypoallergenic, it requires significant grooming to prevent matting and maintain its unique appearance. Regular care involves separating and cleaning the cords to prevent them from becoming tangled. Despite their high-maintenance grooming needs, Pulis are low-shedding and can be kept with shorter coats for easier upkeep.

Pulis thrive on mental and physical stimulation and excel in agility and obedience training. They enjoy activities that challenge their minds and bodies, making them perfect for active families who can keep up with their energy levels.

The Saluki is an elegant and independent breed known as the royal dog of Egypt. With their long, slender bodies and graceful movement, Salukis were originally bred for hunting in the deserts of the Middle East. Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming and shed very little, making them suitable for people with allergies.

Salukis have a longer, feathered coat around their ears and tails, which adds to their distinctive appearance. While they are generally low-maintenance in terms of grooming, regular brushing helps keep their coats in good condition. Salukis bond strongly with their owners but can be aloof with strangers, reflecting their independent nature.

These dogs require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. They enjoy running and need space to stretch their legs, making them ideal for active families or individuals with access to open areas.

Goldendoodles are a popular crossbreed between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, known for their cheerful and active nature. These dogs are great for families with young children, as they generally have a friendly and social temperament. The Goldendoodle inherits its hypoallergenic coat from the Poodle side, resulting in a curly coat that sheds minimally.

Goldendoodles' coats require regular grooming and clipping to keep them manageable and prevent matting. They're both low-shedding, intelligent, and highly trainable, making them excellent candidates for service and therapy dogs. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being involved in family activities, whether it's playing in the yard or going for a walk.

Scottish Deerhounds are gentle giants known for their calm and docile nature. Originating from Scotland, these dogs were bred to hunt large game such as deer. They have long, wiry coats that shed very little, making them suitable for allergy-prone individuals.

Despite their size, Scottish Deerhounds are known for being quiet and faithful companions. Their coats require weekly brushing to prevent matting and to keep them looking their best. These dogs are affectionate and bond closely with their families, but they also enjoy having space to roam and explore.

Scottish Deerhounds need regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness, making them ideal for families who can provide ample outdoor time.

Komondors are a distinctive and protective breed, instantly recognizable by their long, corded coats that resemble dreadlocks. Originally bred in Hungary to guard livestock, Komondors are intelligent and possess strong protective instincts. Their thick, curly coats shed very little, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.

The Komondor's coat requires diligent grooming to prevent matting and to keep the cords clean and healthy. Regular maintenance involves separating and untangling the cords to preserve their unique appearance. Although their grooming needs are extensive, Komondors are low-shedding and offer hypoallergenic benefits.

These dogs are fiercely loyal and form close bonds with their families, making them excellent guard dogs. They need ample space to roam and regular exercise to stay fit and content.

Kerry Blue Terriers are smart, people-oriented dogs with a distinctive blue-gray coat that sheds very little. Originating from Ireland, these terriers were initially bred for hunting and herding, showcasing their versatility and working abilities. Their coats are soft and wavy, requiring regular grooming to keep them mat-free and looking their best.

Kerry Blue Terriers are known for their athleticism and energetic nature. They thrive on physical activities and mental stimulation, making them excellent companions for active families. Despite their energetic demeanor, they are also affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners.

These dogs need consistent training and socialization from an early age to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults.

The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile and hardworking breed with a curly, woolly coat. Originating in Spain, these dogs were bred for herding, hunting, and water work, showcasing their adaptability and range of skills. Their hypoallergenic coats require minimal maintenance, typically needing just a yearly clip.

Spanish Water Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation and enjoy activities such as agility, obedience, and herding trials. These dogs are loyal and form strong bonds with their families, making them excellent companions.

Despite their rugged appearance, Spanish Water Dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The Xoloitzcuintli, AKA the Mexican Hairless, is a breed with a known history dating back over 3,000 years. Revered by the Aztecs and other civilizations, these dogs were once thought to have healing powers and were often used in rituals. Xolos come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard, and have two coat varieties: hairless and coated. The hairless variety is particularly suited for people with allergies, as they do not shed.

Xolos are known for their sensitive and intelligent personalities. They form strong bonds with their families and are highly loyal and protective. These dogs thrive on structure and consistency and respond well to gentle training methods. Despite their somewhat fragile appearance, Xolos are athletic and enjoy regular physical activity.

Caring for a Xoloitzcuintli involves regular skin care for the hairless variety to prevent dryness and sunburn. The coated variety, while still low-shedding, requires minimal grooming.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a sturdy and dignified breed, easily recognized by its distinctive, silky coat and unique topknot on its head. Originating in the border region between Scotland and England, these terriers that lightly shed were bred to hunt otters and badgers, demonstrating their tenacity and agility. Their non-shedding coats make them an excellent choice for allergy-prone individuals.

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families, yet they maintain a sense of independence. Their calm demeanor sets them apart from other more energetic terrier breeds. Regular grooming is required to keep their coats healthy and free of mats, but their shedding is minimal.

These dogs are known for their deep, baritone bark, which makes them excellent watchdogs despite their small size. They adapt well to various living environments, whether in the city or the countryside and appreciate the regular grooming that's required to keep their coats healthy and free of mats.

The Chinese Crested is a unique and affectionate breed that's quite famous for its distinctive appearance with two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless variety has smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and feet, while the powderpuff variety has a full, soft coat. The hairless variety is especially suitable for people with allergies, as it doesn't shed.

Chinese Cresteds are playful and loving, forming strong bonds with their families. They're known for their devotion and often enjoy being close to their owners. Despite their delicate appearance, these dogs are quite sturdy and enjoy regular playtime and exercise.

Caring for a Chinese Crested involves regular skin care for the hairless variety to prevent dryness and sunburn and grooming for the powderpuff variety to keep their coats tangle-free.

The Bolognese is a charming and intelligent breed with a fluffy, non-shedding coat. Originating from Italy, this ancient breed has a history dating back to Roman times, when the nobility favored them for their affectionate nature and captivating appearance.

Bolognese dogs are known for their easygoing and playful personalities. They thrive on human companionship and form strong bonds with their families, often becoming very attached to their owners. These dogs are also famous for their intelligence and can be quite clever, making them enjoyable and engaging pets.

Regular grooming is essential to keeping their coats free of mats and tangles. Daily brushing is recommended to maintain their fluffy appearance and prevent potential skin issues.

The Welsh Terrier is a lively and intelligent breed, resembling a small Airedale Terrier. Originally bred in Wales for hunting foxes, otters, and badgers, Welsh Terriers are tenacious and full of energy. Their wiry coats shed minimally, making them a suitable choice for allergy-prone individuals.

Welsh Terriers have a calm, outgoing, and noble appearance, with a strong and sturdy build. They form strong bonds with their families, often displaying a playful and affectionate demeanor. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coats in good condition and to minimize shedding.

These dogs require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They excel in activities such as obedience, agility, and hunting trials.

The Lowchen, often referred to as the "Little Lion Dog," is a cheerful and affectionate breed with a long, flowing coat. Originating in Europe, this breed has been a beloved companion since the Middle Ages. The Lowchen's coat sheds very little, making it a great option for people with allergies.

Lowchens are known for their playful and outgoing nature. They form strong bonds with their families and get along well with children and other pets. Their long coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best. Despite their luxurious appearance, Lowchens are relatively low-maintenance dogs.

The Lowchen enjoys being the center of attention and thrives on human companionship. They're intelligent and quick to learn, excelling in obedience and agility training.

The Sealyham Terrier is a small but sturdy breed with a distinctive white, wiry coat that sheds minimally. Originally developed in Wales for hunting otters, badgers, and foxes, Sealyham Terriers are beloved for their bravery and tenacity. Despite their hunting background, they make affectionate and loyal companions. In fact, Sealyham Terriers form strong bonds with their families and have lively and playful personalities. Thanks to their deep, resonant bark, which belies their small stature, they're excellent watchdogs.

Sealyham Terriers have expressive faces often hidden behind their lavish tufts of hair. Their coats require regular grooming to keep them free of mats and maintain their distinctive appearance. These dogs are adaptable and can thrive in both city and country living environments.

The Affenpinscher is a small breed with a distinctive appearance, often described as looking like a cross between a monkey and a dog. Originating in Germany, these dogs were initially bred to hunt and eliminate vermin in homes and stables. Their harsh, dense coats shed minimally, making them suitable for people with allergies.

Affenpinschers are known for their fearless and confident nature. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and exhibit a lot of attitude. They form strong bonds with their families and are very loyal, often becoming quite attached to their owners. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coats in good condition and to minimize shedding.

These playful dogs enjoy regular exercise and mental stimulation. Affenpinschers excel in agility and obedience training, showcasing their intelligence and eagerness to please.

The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a versatile and energetic breed known for its silky, wheat-colored coat that sheds minimally. Originating from Ireland, these terriers were bred for farm work, including herding and guarding livestock. Their hypoallergenic coats are ideal for people with allergies, as they produce less dander and shed infrequently.

Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers are friendly and outgoing, forming strong bonds with their families and getting along well with children and other pets. Their coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their soft texture. Despite their fluffy appearance, they are relatively low-maintenance in terms of shedding.

These terriers thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation, making them perfect for active families. They excel in obedience and agility training, showcasing their intelligence and enthusiasm.

The Coton de Tulear is an easygoing and affectionate breed with a soft, cotton-like coat. These dogs were named after the city of Tulear in Madagascar, where they were bred to be companion animals for the nobility. Their hypoallergenic coats shed very little, making them ideal for people with allergies.

Coton de Tulears are playful and sociable, forming strong bonds with their families. They're excellent with children and other pets. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coats free of mats and to maintain their fluffy appearance.

These dogs thrive on human companionship and enjoy being the center of attention. Intelligent and quick to learn, they excel in obedience and agility training.

The Schnoodle is a charming and intelligent crossbreed resulting from the mix of a Schnauzer and a Poodle. This breed combines the best traits of both parent breeds, including its hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally. Schnoodles are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, making them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.

Schnoodles come in a variety of sizes, depending on whether the Schnauzer or Poodle parent was miniature, standard, or giant. Their coats can vary from wavy to curly, and regular grooming is necessary to keep them looking their best and to prevent matting.

Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please, Schnoodles are highly trainable. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation and excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Schnoodles are also known for their playful and energetic demeanor, forming strong bonds with their families and getting along well with children and other pets.

Historically, the Lagotto Romagnolo was specifically bred for truffle hunting in Italy. They're known for their dense, curly coat that sheds very little, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies. The Lagotto Romagnolo is not only hypoallergenic but also highly versatile and intelligent.

Lagottos are friendly and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their families. They are excellent with children and other pets, making them great family dogs. Regular grooming is required to keep their curly coats free of mats and tangles.

These dogs are highly trainable and excel in various activities, including obedience, agility, and, of course, truffle hunting. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation and enjoy being active.

The Basenji is a unique breed, often referred to as the "barkless dog" because of its unusual vocalizations that sound more like yodels. Originating from central Africa, Basenjis were bred for hunting and are celebrated for their keen senses and agility. Their short, fine coats shed very little, making them an excellent choice for allergy-prone individuals.

Basenjis are known for their independence and intelligence. They form strong bonds with their families but can be somewhat aloof with strangers. These dogs are highly active and require regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Regular grooming is minimal—they require occasional brushing to keep them looking their best.

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful and playful breed instantly recognizable by its fluffy, white coat. Originating from the Mediterranean region, these dogs were popular with European nobility and are known for their charming and friendly nature. Their curly coats shed very little, making them ideal for people with allergies.

Bichon Frises are social and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their families and getting along well with children and other pets. Their hypoallergenic coats require regular grooming to prevent mats and keep them looking pristine. Daily brushing and regular visits to a professional groomer are recommended.

These dogs thrive on human companionship and enjoy being the center of attention. They're intelligent and quick to learn, excelling in obedience and agility training.

Affectionately known as the Yorkie, the Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed with a big personality. Originating from England, these dogs were initially bred to catch rats in textile mills. Their long, silky coats are hypoallergenic and shed very little, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies.

Yorkies are known for their spirited and affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being involved in all aspects of family life. Despite their small size, they are bold and confident, often exhibiting the attitude of a much larger dog. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coats looking their best and free from tangles.

Choosing a dog breed that sheds minimally can make a world of difference for individuals with allergies. From the loyal Schnauzer to the lively Yorkshire Terrier, each breed offers unique traits and characteristics that make them wonderful companions. These hypoallergenic dogs not only help reduce allergy symptoms but also bring joy, affection, and loyalty into their owners' lives.