If you love dogs, you’re a member of a popular club. As of 2022, approximately 69 million households in the U.S. have at least one dog as a family member!

But if you’re one of those people that sneeze, cough, and get itchy, watery eyes every time you’re around someone else’s pup, you might think that owning a dog of your own isn’t in the cards.

Good news, allergy sufferers: that’s not true! You need to choose a non-shedding dog instead of a dog that sheds mounds of hair.

Here’s a list of 29 adorable dog breeds that don’t shed that much.

All Dogs Shed (at least a little)

According to Melissa M. Brock, a Board-Certified Veterinarian and author at Pango Pets, “There’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog however, non-shedding dogs produce a lot less dander and dander is what causes most people’s allergic reactions to pets.”   All dogs shed to some degree, but some shed waaaaay less than others. And it’s not about their size, their color, or even the type of coat they have—it’s all about the breed.

The Benefits of Having a Dog That Doesn’t Shed

There are two key reasons to choose a dog that doesn’t shed a lot of dog hair:

1. Less allergic reactions
2. A lot less cleanup

When dogs shed, they produce dander, and for some humans, the sneezing and coughing fits are a direct result of breathing in that dander. By adopting a non-shedding or low-shedding dog, you’ll significantly reduce the amount of dander and allergens released into the air.

Can’t stand dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping your house every day?

With dogs that shed less, house cleaning is a whole lot easier.

Related: The 11 Best Large Breed Dogs For Families 

29 Breeds of DogsThat Don’t Shed Much

Okay, ready to learn about some adorable low-shedding dogs? Here are 29 dog breeds that you are sure to love!

Big Dogs That Don’t Shed

Dog owners with big dogs know that giant pups can be just as lovable as little toy dogs. Here are some of those incredible big dog breeds that barely shed.

Afghan Hound

Considered one of the most ancient dog breeds, the Afghan Hound is a gorgeous creature with long hair and a silky coat. Keeping their coat smooth and silky requires regular grooming, so be prepared for lots of hair brushing or lots of trips to the groomer.

Fun fact: Greyhounds get all the respect for being fast, but Afghan Hounds are almost just as quick, hitting 40 miles per hour!

Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is an adorable and affectionate pup. This big breed can hit 100 pounds, so the Bouvier is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a large, strong dog.

Fun fact: The Bouvier des Flandres was bred from Scottish deerhounds and Irish wolfhounds, so they are excellent farming dogs.

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is one of three Schnauzer varieties to make our list of dog breeds that don’t shed because when it comes to hypoallergenic dogs, Schnauzers are some of the best. This bearded breed needs a lot of grooming and exercise, but in exchange they’ll reward you with loyalty and love.

Fun fact: Giant Schnauzer’s are intelligent, and they often work as police dogs, search dogs and rescue dogs.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel has a commanding presence. This breed has a double coat with both curly ringlets and long, smooth waves. They need vigorous exercise, so be prepared to engage in play with lots of different kinds of dog toys. When they’re inactive, they become bored, which can make them a bit rowdy.  

Fun fact: The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of the spaniel breeds, and as the name suggests, they love to swim!

Poodle

Known for being energetic, the Poodle is easy to spot with its long hair yet curly coat. Regular haircuts are required to keep their coats in tip-top shape. In addition to being fun-loving, poodles are also easy to train.

Fun fact: Poodles can quickly become overweight, so feed them a healthy diet and go easy on the treats.

Medium Dogs That Don’t Shed  

Looking for a medium sized dog to be your new best friend? Here are some wonderful medium sized breeds of dogs that don’t shed much.  

American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is one of many terrier breeds to make this list. Though they are born with hair, all of their hair is gone by about 10 weeks old. Regular baths are required, but their exercise needs are minimal.

Not so (fun fact): Because they’re hairless, this breed is prone to sunburns. You’ll need to apply doggie sunscreen (we’re big fans of K-9 Care’s sunscreen for dogs!) before spending long periods of time outdoors.

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier loves to swim, run and chase prey, but once they’ve had enough activity for the day, they’ll cuddle up next to you for rubs and snuggles. These Terriers have a one-of-a-kind look with their long heads and beards.

Fun fact: Kerry Blue Terriers aren’t born blue—most puppies have dark black hair that fades into a bluish-grey hue over time.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is darling with a curly, wooly coat and affectionate personality. In addition to being a dog that doesn’t shed very much, this Italian water dog loves to swim and is known for being highly intelligent and easy to train. Play fetch and retrieve games iin the water for some special bonding time with this breed. The Hyper Pet Chewz is a water toy for dogs designed for this interactive playtime. 

Fun fact: This breed was originally bred for duck hunting, but are often used to hunt truffles today.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

Even amongst dog lovers, the Peruvian Inca Orchid isn’t widely known. With a look similar to Greyhounds and Whippets, this breed comes in a hairless variety and a short-coated variety with a smooth coat. They’re sleek, they’re affectionate, and require minimal grooming.

Fun fact: Images of this breed exist in pottery and ancient artifacts that date as far back as 750 A.D. 

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog has a distinctive curly coat and floppy ears. This breed is very energetic and requires at least 40 minutes of activity each day. It’s a muscular breed that typically hits a maximum weight of about 60 pounds.

Fun fact: The Portuguese Water Dog became a popular dog breed when the Obamas brought their beloved Bo to live in the White House in 2009. 

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is perfect if you’re looking for a loving companion dog that will be by your side all day. Just don’t leave them alone for too long a time period—they are prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to disruptive behaviors. 

Fun fact: This is a high energy breed, so jumping and face licking is to be expected.

Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is sometimes mistaken for the Poodle, the Lagotto Romagnolo, or the Portuguese Water Dog for its stature and similarly curly coat. This low-shed dog breed requires attention and stimulation, and in return, they are super loyal and protective.

Fun fact: The Spanish Water Dog is sometimes called the “Turkish Dog,” as it’s believed that Turkish traders are to thank for bringing this breed to Spain.

Standard Schnauzer

Wire-haired with a beard and bushy eyebrows, the Standard Schnauzer is known to be brave, intelligent, spirited and devoted to his owners. Unlike the Giant and Miniature versions, the Standard Schnauzer is the original Schnauzer breed.

Fun fact: The Standard Schnauzer makes several appearances in famous works of art, including a few by Rembrandt.

Tibetan Terrier

Many people are surprised when they learn that the Tibetan Terrier is a dog that doesn’t shed very much. This breed has a long and dense coat, but regular grooming with a quality dog brush not only keeps the fur from matting, it helps keep the shedding at bay. They’re fairly calm dogs but they’re also great watchdogs. Unfortunately, finding one can be a challenge because of their rarity.

Fun fact: The Tibetan Terrier has long been considered a symbol of good luck.

Small Dogs That Don’t Shed 

Don’t have a ton of space in your apartment? Hoping for a lap dog that will cuddle up with you on the couch? Do you just prefer small dogs that don’t shed too much?

Here are some low-shedding dogs in small sizes that make excellent family dogs!

Basenji

Though highly active and strong-willed, the Basenji can be somewhat aloof, particularly with strangers. With their short, flat coat and curly tail, they’re a low maintenance breed in terms of grooming.

Fun fact: You’ll need to keep a close eye on this breed—they love to chase and explore, so they often try to escape.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise has long been regarded as one of the best dogs for allergy sufferers. They’re small size makes it easy for them to get plenty of exercise indoors, but you will need to devote time to regular grooming sessions, including bathing and hair trimming.

Fun fact: While most breeds can vary in color, Bichons always have a white coat.

Bedlington Terrier

While some dogs are easily mistaken for other breeds, the Bedlington Terrier is sometimes mistaken for a lamb. This breed has a long face and floppy ears and a curly coat that barely sheds. Like most terriers, the Bedlington is feisty, stubborn and lively.

Fun fact: The Bedlington Terrier is quick on its feet, so you’ll want to keep yours on a leash whenever you’re outdoors.

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is a tiny toy dog with a huge personality. For allergy sufferers, you’ll want to choose the wiry coat over the short coated version, as short coat Brussels shed a bit more. This breed doesn’t need a ton of time outdoors, but they are super easy to put in a dog carrier backpack when you want to take them on the go.

Fun fact:The Brussels Griffon is a great watchdog despite its small size!   

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is loving and loyal, but if it’s a quiet, chill dog you’re looking for, this isn’t the breed for you. Cairn Terriers are playful and feisty, and they love to dig, bark, and stay active.

Fun fact: The most famous Cairn Terrier in the world is undoubtedly the one who played Toto in the Wizard of Oz.

Chinese Crested

There are two different types of Chinese Crested dogs,  but it’s the hairless version of this dog that doesn’t shed. Only the body of the Chinese Crested is hairless, so they still grow long silky hair on their head, tail, and feet.

Fun fact: This breed requires a serious skincare routine, including frequent baths. Choose a dog shampoo for hairless dogs that will be specially designed to keep their hairless bodies clean, mouisturized, and nourished. 

The Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is one of the best breeds for people that suffer from pet and dander allergies. This breed tends to be pretty low maintenance, and they’re known to get along well with humans, kids and other dogs.

Fun fact: The Coton de Tulear needs lots of companionship and doesn’t like to be left alone.

Havanese

The Havanese is a toy breed that tops out at around 13 pounds and about 11 inches high. With a silky coat, this breed loves to interact with humans, so be prepared to spend lots of family time with this pup!

Fun fact: Because they have strong back legs and short arms, this breed tends to look like it’s bouncing more so than walking.

Lhasa Apso

Don’t let their size fool you—the little Lhasa Apso is super strong-willed and needs an owner with an equally strong will to keep him under control. This breed is intelligent and stubborn and tends to be somewhat aloof with people they don’t know.

Fun fact: The Lhasa Apso has origins in Tibet and first came to the United States as a gift from the Dalai Lama.   

Maltese

The Maltese is a tiny toy breed that’s great around other dogs but not necessarily around children. Most weigh no more than four pounds, so they’re super easy to carry, hold, and clean up after.

Fun fact: When billionaire real estate mogul Leona Helmsley died in 2007, she left a $12 million trust to her Maltese named Trouble.  

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is beloved for its wiry coat, mustache, and beard. Whether it’s a comfortable dog bed next to your couch or a walk to the park, this is a sociable breed that loves to spend time doing whatever their humans are doing.

Fun fact: The Miniature Schnauzer is often mistaken for the more recognizable Scottie dog.

Scottish Terrier

Commonly known as the Scottie, what makes the Scottish Terrier a hypoallergenic dog is that instead of shedding their hair, their hair grows into a long coat. This breed is known for being independent and intelligent, so training can require some extra patience on the human’s part.

Fun fact: The dog piece in the classic Monopoly board game is a Scottie.

Shih Tzu

Since Shih Tzus are brachycephalic and have little legs, so they need to exercise in small doses, or they will overexert themselves. You’ll need to walk your Shih Tzu at least two or three times per day, but they’ll curl up on the couch with you for hours when they’re in relaxation mode.

Fun fact: This breed originated in Tibet and gets its name from the Chinese word for “lion.”

Xoloitzcuintli

Pronounced “show-low-eats-KWEENT-lee,” you’ll often hear the Xoloitzcuintli referred to as the Mexican Hairless dog or the Xolo (pronounced show-low, which is so much easier to say). With their pointy ears and graceful movements, this breed makes for an excellent companion dog.

Fun fact: The Xoloitzcuintli is an expensive dog breed, costing as much as $4000 from top breeders. 

Related: 13 of the Most Expensive Dog Breeds 

Yorkshire Terrier

Lovingly known as “yorkies,” Yorkshire Terriers are one of the smallest dog breeds. Topping out at about seven pounds and about seven inches tall, this is the low-shedding dog for you if you want to carry your pup with you everywhere you go.

Fun fact: Yorkies have been featured in many movies, including Meet the Fockers, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, A Fish Called Wanda and Edward Scissorhands.  

What Dog Breeds Shed the Least?

While all dogs shed to some degree, the 29 breeds on this list are the best options if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog to join your family. Some of the dogs on this list are somewhat rare, which means they can be hard to find in shelters. But don’t give up on your search—there are rescues around the country housing loving, low-shedding dogs in need of a forever home. 

You might also be interested in: How To Pick The Perfect Dog For Your Home [Lifestyle Guide] 

Dogs That Don’t Shed:

• Afghan Hound
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Poodle
• American Hairless Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Spanish Water Dog
• Standard Schnauzer
• Tibetan Terrier
• Basenji
• Bichon Frise
• Bedlington Terrier
• Brussels Griffon
• Cairn Terrier
• Chinese Crested
• The Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Lhasa Apso
• Maltese
• Scottish Terrier
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Shih Tzu
• Xoloitzcuintli
• Yorkshire Terrier