12 Actual Low Shedding Dog Breeds

Low shedding dog breeds are not the same as non-shedding dog breeds. Every dog sheds to some degree: shedding is a normal, biologically necessary process that removes old, damaged, and excess hair from the coat. What varies between breeds is the volume of hair shed, the frequency, and whether that hair ends up visibly distributed across furniture, clothing, and floors. The breeds in this guide shed so minimally that most owners never notice loose hair in their homes under normal circumstances. They achieve this through three main mechanisms: growing hair continuously rather than cycling through a shed phase, lacking an undercoat entirely, or being hairless and having no coat to lose at all.

Why Dogs Shed and What Determines Shedding Volume

Shedding is controlled by the hair growth cycle, which moves through four phases: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding), with the duration of each phase determined primarily by genetics and influenced by daylight hours, temperature, health, and nutrition.

Heavy-shedding breeds like the German Shepherd, Husky, and Golden Retriever have short anagen phases, meaning individual hairs reach their maximum length quickly and move into the shedding phase in large numbers, particularly during spring and autumn. Low-shedding breeds have extended anagen phases: the hair keeps growing for longer before transitioning, which means far fewer hairs are in the shedding phase at any given time. Breeds whose hair grows continuously, like the Poodle and Maltese, essentially have an indefinitely long anagen phase, so the coat accumulates until it is cut rather than shedding onto surfaces.

Coat structure also matters significantly. Double-coated breeds carry both a longer outer guard coat and a dense, soft undercoat that blows out seasonally in dramatic volume. Single-coated breeds lack the undercoat entirely, which eliminates the seasonal shedding event that coats sofas and floors in short fine hairs. Hairless breeds have no coat structure at all and cannot shed in the conventional sense, though they do shed skin cells and require dedicated skin care as a result. Understanding the full science behind dog coat biology helps owners choose a breed whose maintenance needs genuinely suit their lifestyle, and the companion guide to hypoallergenic dog breeds covers how shedding relates to allergen levels in detail.

Low Shedding Breed Comparison by Size and Coat Type

Small Low Shedding Dog Breeds

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small companion breed with a long, luxurious double coat that sheds very little because its hair grows in a continuous cycle similar to human hair, depositing almost nothing onto furniture or clothing when brushed regularly.

Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds and carry a flowing coat in a wide variety of colours and patterns. Despite having both a long outer coat and an undercoat, the Shih Tzu’s hair growth cycle produces very little loose hair. Most of what does shed gets caught by the surrounding long coat before reaching the floor, particularly when owners brush daily. Many owners clip the coat short in a puppy cut that reduces brushing time significantly while preserving the breed’s low-shed character. Shih Tzus are affectionate, sociable, and calm, adapting well to apartment living and making excellent companions for adults and older children. Lifespan runs 10 to 18 years. Common health concerns include brachycephalic airway issues, dental disease, and hip dysplasia.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise carries a densely curled double coat that traps dead hair and dander within the coat structure rather than releasing it freely, making it one of the most consistent small low-shedding breeds despite its full, fluffy appearance.

Bichons weigh 12 to 18 pounds and produce a characteristically round, powder-puff silhouette. The outer coat’s corkscrew curls catch loose hair from the undercoat before it distributes through the home, which means minimal visible shedding under normal circumstances. The trade-off is intensive grooming: without daily brushing, the trapped hair becomes matted quickly, and professional grooming every four to six weeks is required to maintain the coat’s shape. Bichons are cheerful, gentle, and highly social. They are among the best small dogs for families with children and adapt readily to apartment living. Lifespan is typically 14 to 15 years. Potential health concerns include skin allergies, bladder stones, and patellar luxation.

Maltese

The Maltese is one of the lowest-shedding breeds in the world, carrying a single-layer silky white coat with no undercoat that grows continuously and releases almost no loose hair into the environment throughout the year.

Maltese weigh 4 to 7 pounds and grow a floor-length coat of fine, straight, pure white hair when kept in full length. The complete absence of an undercoat eliminates the seasonal shed event, and the continuously growing single layer produces minimal loose hair. Daily or every-other-day brushing prevents tangles. Many owners prefer the puppy cut, which keeps the coat at two to four inches and reduces grooming commitment dramatically. Maltese are affectionate, playful, and bold, bonding closely with their primary person. They suit quieter households and those with older children given their small, fragile build. Lifespan is typically 12 to 15 years. Health concerns include dental disease, patellar luxation, and hypoglycaemia in very small individuals.

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier has a fine, silky, continuously growing single-layer coat that functions biologically more like human hair than typical dog fur, shedding almost nothing under any circumstances and making it one of the most practically low-maintenance coats among small breeds despite its dramatic visual impact when kept long.

Yorkies weigh under 7 pounds and carry a tan-and-steel-blue coat of silky, straight hair that grows from the skin in a single layer with no undercoat. The hair growth cycle produces near-zero shedding: loose hairs, when they occur, remain caught in the surrounding coat until brushing removes them. Weekly brushing is sufficient for most owners, with regular trimming every six to eight weeks for those who prefer a shorter style. Yorkies are spirited, curious, and deeply loyal to their person. They make excellent apartment dogs, require moderate daily exercise, and adapt well to urban living. Lifespan is typically 13 to 16 years. Health concerns include patellar luxation, dental disease, and a collapsing trachea.

Medium Low Shedding Dog Breeds

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a medium-small breed with a uniquely lamb-like appearance produced by a thick, curly coat of mixed soft and harsh hair that sheds very little year-round, making it one of the most distinctive low-shedding breeds in the terrier group.

Bedlington Terriers weigh 17 to 23 pounds and stand 15 to 17 inches tall. Their pear-shaped head, arched back, and tasselled ears give them a silhouette unlike any other breed. The coat comes in blue, sandy, liver, blue and tan, sandy and tan, and liver and tan. Its texture, a blend of soft and coarse hair that forms characteristic round tufts on the top of the head and muzzle, does not shed in conventional cycles and requires trimming rather than shedding management. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks maintains the breed’s characteristic shape.

Despite their gentle, lamb-like appearance, Bedlington Terriers are athletic, spirited, and fast. They retain a strong hunting instinct and have historically competed as racing dogs. In the home they are affectionate, playful, and loyal, forming close bonds with their family. They can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods and respond best to households that are home frequently. Common health concerns include copper toxicosis, a serious liver condition specific to the breed for which DNA testing is available and essential. Lifespan runs 11 to 16 years.

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog carries a single-layer coat in either a tight curl or a loose wave that sheds minimally throughout the year, with no seasonal blowout, making it one of the most reliably low-shedding medium-sized breeds for active households.

Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds. Their curly-coated variety provides the strongest low-shedding profile: the tight curls trap dead hair within the coat until grooming removes it. The wavy variety sheds slightly more but still far less than most medium-sized double-coated breeds. Regular brushing two to three times per week and professional trimming every six to eight weeks keep the coat healthy and mat-free. These dogs are highly energetic, intelligent, and loyal. They were bred to work alongside Portuguese fishing crews, retrieving gear from the water and carrying messages between boats, which gives them both exceptional swimming ability and a strong work ethic. At least an hour to an hour and a half of vigorous exercise daily is needed to keep a Portuguese Water Dog content. Lifespan averages 11 to 13 years.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a single-layer, silky, wavy coat with no undercoat that sheds far less than double-coated breeds of comparable size, producing minimal loose hair in the home while requiring consistent grooming to prevent the soft, continuously growing coat from matting.

Wheaten Terriers weigh 30 to 45 pounds and carry a warm, wheaten-gold coat that distinguishes them immediately from other terriers. The single-layer coat grows continuously without the seasonal undercoat blow that fills homes with short fine hairs. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent mat formation, and professional grooming every six to eight weeks maintains coat health. These are energetic, affectionate, and exuberant dogs known for their enthusiastic greetings. They suit active families well and require significant daily exercise and mental stimulation. Health concerns include protein-losing nephropathy and enteropathy, for which breeders offer DNA screening. Lifespan is typically 12 to 14 years.

Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer carries a wiry, dense outer coat with minimal shedding, as the harsh guard hairs tend to stay in place rather than releasing freely, making the breed a reliable medium-sized option for owners who want a low-shed dog with the intelligence and structure of a working breed.

Standard Schnauzers weigh 30 to 50 pounds and are the original Schnauzer, the template from which the Miniature and Giant were developed. Their wiry salt-and-pepper or solid black coat requires hand-stripping or clipping to remove dead outer coat, but sheds very little loose hair into the home between grooming sessions. Schnauzers are alert, spirited, and highly trainable. Their natural suspicion of strangers and confident, assertive personality make them effective watch dogs as well as loyal family companions. They require moderate to vigorous daily exercise and consistent obedience training from puppyhood. Lifespan runs 13 to 16 years. Health considerations include hip dysplasia and certain cancers.

Large Low Shedding Dog Breeds

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound carries one of the most visually spectacular coats in the dog world, a long, silky, single-layer coat with no undercoat that sheds remarkably little despite its dramatic length, making it a surprisingly practical choice for owners willing to commit to an intensive grooming routine.

Afghan Hounds are large sighthounds weighing 50 to 60 pounds, with a long, narrow head, hip bones set high on the body, and a coat that historically protected them from the cold and rough terrain of the Afghan mountains. The coat’s single-layer, fine-textured hair grows continuously and sheds very little into the environment, but it tangles and mats exceptionally easily. Daily brushing is not optional: skipping even two to three days allows the fine coat to form tight, painful mats that require professional intervention to remove. Monthly baths are also necessary to keep the coat clean and free of debris.

Temperamentally, Afghan Hounds are intelligent, dignified, and aloof with strangers, becoming warm and playful with those they know well. They retain strong sighthound prey drive and will chase anything that moves rapidly, making a securely fenced yard essential. They are one of the fastest dog breeds in the world and require regular running exercise rather than leash walks alone. Lifespan is typically 12 to 18 years. Health concerns include cataracts, hypothyroidism, and sensitivity to anaesthesia due to their low body fat percentage.

Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle is the largest low-shedding breed in mainstream popularity, combining near-zero coat shedding with top-tier trainability and versatile athleticism that suits everything from family life to competitive dog sports, therapy work, and service roles.

Standard Poodles weigh 40 to 70 pounds and stand over 15 inches at the shoulder. Their dense, curly coat grows continuously and sheds almost nothing into the environment. The curl structure holds dead hair within the coat until it is brushed or combed out during grooming sessions, which should occur every two to three days to prevent matting. Professional grooming every four to six weeks maintains the coat in any of the breed’s recognised clip styles. Standard Poodles are among the most intelligent dog breeds in the world and require significant mental stimulation alongside physical exercise. They excel in agility, obedience, field work, and therapy roles. Lifespan is 10 to 14 years. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and Addison’s disease.

Hairless Low Shedding Dog Breeds

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: hairless, which carries tufts of hair only on the head, paws, and tail and sheds almost nothing, and the powderpuff, which has a full soft double coat that also sheds very minimally, making both varieties reliably low-shedding in different ways.

Chinese Cresteds weigh 8 to 12 pounds. The hairless variety requires attentive skin care in place of coat management: daily moisturising, regular bathing, and sunscreen application when outdoors prevent the exposed skin from drying, burning, or developing acne. The powderpuff variety has a silky undercoat and soft outer coat that sheds very little and needs brushing two to three times per week. Both varieties are affectionate, playful, and deeply bonded to their owners. They are sensitive dogs that do not tolerate cold weather well and suit indoor, apartment-friendly living. Lifespan is typically 13 to 18 years. Health concerns include dental disease, patellar luxation, and lens luxation.

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog or Xolo, is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world, available in three sizes and two coat varieties, with the hairless version producing zero shed and the coated version producing only minimal short-coat shedding year-round.

Xolos come in toy (10 to 15 pounds), miniature (15 to 30 pounds), and standard (30 to 55 pounds) sizes. The hairless variety has smooth, tough skin with a small amount of hair on the top of the skull in some individuals. The coated variety carries a very short, flat, dense coat that sheds minimally compared to any double-coated breed. The breed traces its history in Mexico back at least 3,000 years and was considered sacred by the Aztecs, associated with Xolotl, the god of lightning and death, who was believed to use the dogs to guide the dead through the underworld.

Xolos are calm, loyal, and attentive. Unlike many ancient breeds, they are reasonably trainable when handled with consistency and positive reinforcement. Hairless individuals need sunscreen for outdoor exposure and protection from cold temperatures. Skin care involves regular bathing, moisturising, and checking for skin infections or acne. The breed is recognised by the AKC and remains rare outside of Mexico and the United States Southwest. Lifespan is typically 13 to 18 years. The Xolo is generally a healthy breed with few documented hereditary conditions. Those interested in similarly ancient domestic animals with unusual characteristics can explore more through the guide on the world’s most unusual pets.

How to Manage Shedding With Any Dog

Even the lowest-shedding breeds benefit from consistent grooming, and maintaining a regular routine from puppyhood dramatically reduces the small amount of shedding these breeds do produce while keeping the coat in the healthiest possible condition.

• Brush curly and wavy coats every two to three days using a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent mat formation before it begins: once a mat sets, it is far harder to remove than to prevent.
• Schedule professional grooming every four to eight weeks for breeds with continuously growing coats, as at-home brushing alone cannot maintain the coat structure indefinitely.
• Bathe low-shedding dogs every three to four weeks to remove accumulated dander, skin oils, and environmental debris that the grooming routine alone cannot address.
• Trim nails every three to four weeks, as low-shedding breeds that are predominantly indoors often do not wear their nails down naturally through outdoor activity.
• For hairless breeds, moisturise exposed skin daily using a pet-formulated lotion and apply dog-specific sunscreen before any prolonged sun exposure.
• Use a slicker brush or rubber grooming mitt on shorter-coated low-shedding breeds like the Basenji or coated Xolo to remove the minimal loose hair before it settles on furniture.
• Run a HEPA air purifier in the rooms the dog uses most, as even the lowest-shedding breeds distribute some dander through normal activity and skin cell renewal.