What Dog Breeds Do Not Shed? A Practical Guide for Dog Owners

Do any dog breeds truly not shed?

All dogs lose hair as part of normal skin turnover. Hair growth follows a cycle of growth, rest, and release. Some breeds release hair slowly and trap loose strands within the coat. Owners experience almost no visible shedding. These dogs fall into the low shedding group rather than a zero shedding group.

Why some dogs shed less

Shedding levels depend on coat structure and growth pattern.

Key factors include
• Hair length and texture
• Presence or absence of an undercoat
• Growth cycle length
• Grooming frequency

Dogs with curly or wiry coats often hold loose hair until brushing. Dogs with dense undercoats release hair seasonally.

Low shedding dog breeds explained

The following breeds rank among the lowest shedders seen in veterinary practice. Each section outlines coat type, care needs, and suitability for families.

Poodle

Poodles shed at a minimal level. The curly coat traps loose hair and skin flakes.

What you should know
• Coat grows continuously
• Requires clipping every six to eight weeks
• Daily brushing reduces matting
• Common sizes include toy, miniature, and standard

Poodles suit families with allergies and owners prepared for grooming commitment.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise dogs feature a soft, curly coat with low hair release.

Key points
• Minimal visible shedding
• High grooming needs
• Regular bathing supports skin health
• Friendly temperament suits families

Without grooming, mats form close to the skin and raise infection risk.

Maltese

The Maltese breed sheds little due to a single layer coat.

Important details
• Long hair grows continuously
• Daily brushing prevents knots
• Tear staining requires routine cleaning
• Small size fits apartments

Owners often keep the coat trimmed short for easier care.

Portuguese Water Dog

This breed gained attention due to low shedding and athletic ability.

What matters
• Curly or wavy coat
• Minimal hair on furniture
• Requires active lifestyle
• Regular professional grooming

This breed suits active households rather than sedentary homes.

Schnauzer

Miniature, standard, and giant Schnauzers shed at a low level.

Veterinary notes
• Wiry outer coat with soft undercoat
• Hand stripping or clipping maintains coat quality
• Facial hair needs routine cleaning
• Alert and protective temperament

Schnauzers suit owners seeking a robust dog with limited shedding.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs feature dense curls and low shedding.

What owners should expect
• Curly coat traps loose hair
• Frequent brushing prevents matting
• Historically used for truffle hunting
• Intelligent and active

This breed suits owners who enjoy training and outdoor activity.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

This terrier sheds far less than most terriers.

Key facts
• Silky coat without undercoat
• Regular brushing required
• Friendly personality
• Medium size

Without grooming, skin irritation develops under tangled hair.

Other low shedding breeds to consider

Several additional breeds shed at low levels.

Examples include
• Havanese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Shih Tzu
• Afghan Hound
• Basenji

Each breed brings unique grooming and exercise needs. Shedding alone should not guide breed choice.

Are low shedding dogs hypoallergenic?

The term hypoallergenic often causes confusion. Allergies stem from proteins in saliva, skin cells, and urine. Hair simply carries allergens. Low shedding dogs spread fewer allergens through the home. Allergy symptoms still vary between individuals.

Veterinary advice for allergy prone households
• Spend time with the breed before adoption
• Maintain strict grooming routines
• Wash bedding weekly
• Use HEPA air filtration

For households with severe allergies, consult an allergist before adoption.

Coat care requirements for low shedding dogs
Low shedding does not equal low maintenance. Most low shedding breeds need more grooming than heavy shedders.

Essential care steps
• Daily or frequent brushing
• Professional grooming every four to eight weeks
• Regular ear cleaning
• Skin checks for redness or infection

Neglected coats cause pain, skin disease, and behavioural stress.

Puppy coats versus adult coats
Some breeds shed more during puppyhood. Coat texture changes between six and twelve months of age. Owners often mistake this phase for permanent shedding. Adult coat patterns settle after maturity.

Shedding myths that mislead dog owners
Several myths persist.

Common myths
• Short hair dogs shed less
• Low shedding dogs need less grooming
• Allergies disappear with the right breed

In practice, short coated breeds often shed heavily. Grooming demands rise with low shedding coats. Allergy control depends on management rather than breed alone.

Choosing the right dog beyond shedding
Breed choice should factor lifestyle, time, and budget.

Questions to ask yourself
• How much time suits daily grooming?
• How active is your household?
• Are children present?
• What size dog fits your space?

Veterinary behaviour consults often involve dogs chosen for shedding alone rather than suitability.

Health considerations in low shedding breeds
Some low shedding breeds face inherited conditions.

Examples include
• Skin allergies in terriers
• Ear infections in floppy eared breeds
• Eye issues in small companion dogs

Routine health checks reduce long term risk. Learn more about preventive care.

Adoption and ethical breeding

Many low shedding dogs enter rescue due to grooming neglect. Adoption offers a chance to give these dogs stable care.

Responsible steps
• Research breeders carefully
• Avoid puppy farms
• Consider breed specific rescue groups

Australian guidelines on responsible breeding appear on the RSPCA website
https://www.rspca.org.au

Grooming costs to plan for
Low shedding dogs often incur higher grooming costs.

Typical expenses include
• Professional grooming every six weeks
• Specialised shampoos
• Brushes and clippers

Over a year, grooming costs exceed savings from reduced cleaning at home.

Low shedding dogs and home visits

Low shedding dogs still benefit from veterinary care at home, especially for anxious breeds. Home visits reduce stress during exams and grooming related skin checks.

Summary for dog owners
No dog avoids shedding entirely. Several breeds shed so little that owners rarely notice hair loss. These breeds require consistent grooming and care. Allergy control improves with management rather than breed choice alone. Choose a dog based on lifestyle, commitment, and health awareness rather than shedding alone.

Trusted sources:
RSPCA Australia
https://www.rspca.org.au

Australian Veterinary Association
https://www.ava.com.au

American Kennel Club breed shedding research
https://www.akc.org

Mobile veterinary care overview

Preventive pet health checks