10 Small Dogs That Don’t Shed

Most dog owners are familiar with the hassle of cleaning up after a shedding pup. While shedding old or damaged fur is a natural process in many dogs, hair and dander can exacerbate allergies and asthma. Fortunately, there are several small dogs that don’t shed.

Bichon Frise

These cute, powderpuff pooches are known to be playful and energetic. Their name translates to “curly lap dog” thanks to their thick, soft fur. They have a downy undercoat and a thick, silky outer coat that comes in various shades of white, buff, and cream.

Despite its luxurious coat, the Bichon Frise doesn’t shed. It’s a popular choice of hypoallergenic dog, but you should keep in mind that the breed is relatively high-maintenance. You have to groom and bathe your pup regularly to keep a bichon’s coat looking its best.

Bolognese

This toy dog makes an ideal companion dog thanks to its affectionate nature. Its name derives from the city of Bologna in Northern Italy, from where the breed originates. They have a single coat of curly, silky fur that’s most often snow-white in color.

Bolognese are hypoallergenic small dogs, and they tend not to shed when healthy and well-groomed. However, like the Bichon Frise, you must bathe and brush a Bolognese at least twice per week to maintain its downy coat.

Brussels Griffon

Also known as the Griffon Bruxellois, this toy dog breed originated in Belgium. They were originally kept to kill rats, mice, and other small household pets. Nowadays, people value these dogs for their loyal and affectionate nature.

The Brussels Griffon can have one of two coats types, including a long, wiry coat or a short,  soft coat. No matter what kind of fur it may have, the Brussels Griffon is hypoallergenic and won’t shed with regular grooming.

Chinese Crested

One of the most surefire ways to find small dog breeds that don’t shed is to look for hairless varieties. However, keep in mind that while you may not need to worry about grooming, you should pay special attention to caring for and protecting a hairless dog’s skin.

Chinese Crested dogs can be hairless, or you can find fluffy powder puff varieties with a long, silky coat. While the hairless Chinese Crested won’t shed, you may see minimal shedding with a powderpuff pooch.

Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers were first bred in Germany as working dogs for farms. Nowadays, most people value the breed for its intelligence and loyalty. Some miniature schnauzers can even make a good guard dog.

This breed has a double coat, including a soft undercoat with a long, wiry overcoat. Despite being relatively hairy, mini schnauzers rarely shed. While they don’t require as much maintenance as breeds like the Bichon Frise, you should brush your schnauzer’s coat at least once a week to help prevent dander and shedding.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu has long been prized for its unique looks. The breed was originally reserved for Chinese royalty, but nowadays, you can find Shih Tzus living in households worldwide. It’s an energetic, outgoing breed that makes a great companion dog.

While they might not look like small dogs that don’t shed, the long, luxurious coat of a Shih Tzu is hypoallergenic. As long as you start a bi- or even tri-weekly grooming routine, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up clumps of long, silky hair.

Scottish Terrier

Sometimes called “Scottie Dogs,” this breed originated as a hunting dog in the United Kingdom. They have a double coat to keep them warm in even cold and wet conditions, including a downy undercoat and a thick, wiry overcoat. They’re characterized by the distinguished “mustache” around their snout.

Scottie dogs are resistant to shedding, making them a good choice of hypoallergenic pets. They’re also low maintenance and need minimal grooming to keep comfortable. However, it’s good to note that Scotland Terriers may not fare well in warm, muggy climates.

Toy Poodle

Poodles are known to be one of the most intelligent breeds in the world. They’re easy to train and make great family pets, though they can be stubborn at times. Toy poodles are just as smart as the larger breeds, and they can be easier to manage for inexperienced owners.

Poodles have long been prized for their soft, curly fur. Many people don’t know that in addition to its unique looks, poodle fur is also odorless and hypoallergenic. With regular grooming and upkeep, you won’t have to worry about shedding in warm weather.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or “Yorkies,” are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They were originally bred for hunting small animals such as rats, badgers, and foxes. Now, most households enjoy their Yorkies’ company as a family pet.

This dog breed has a long, soft coat that’s almost similar to human hair in texture. Its fur is resistant to shedding, though it requires daily upkeep to stay silky and unmatted. Yorkies also need regular bathing to keep dirt and debris from getting tangled in their long, luxurious locks.

Xoloitzcuintli

More commonly known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, this breed dates back more than 3,500 years. They served as both guard dogs and hunting dogs to the Aztec people. Nowadays, this breed is known for its energy, its intelligence, and its protective nature.

The Mexican Hairless Dog has little to no hair on its body, making it an ideal choice of hypoallergenic dog breed. Like other hairless breeds, however, its skin requires careful protection from the elements.

In Conclusion

If you or a family member is sensitive to pet hair and dander, you may want to opt for small dogs that don’t shed. The ten breeds covered here shed little to no fur, allowing you to enjoy the company of your four-legged friend even during the summer months. No matter what dog you choose, you should be sure to do your research and find the right fit for your household and lifestyle.