Top 12 dogs who shed least Breeds: Intelligent, Calm, and Healthy Choices

Choosing dogs who shed least minimally can make a significant difference for allergy sufferers and those who prefer a cleaner living environment. Small Hypoallergenic breeds are known for their low-shedding coats, which not only help reduce allergens but also minimize the amount of pet hair around the home. In this guide, we provide detailed overviews of 12 dog breeds that are renowned for their minimal shedding. These breeds vary in size, personality, and coat types, but all share the common trait of dogs who shed at least very little. From the intelligent and versatile Poodle to the affectionate and playful Coton de Tulear, these breeds offer a range of options for prospective pet owners seeking a hypoallergenic companion.

1. Poodle

Known for their hypoallergenic coats that dogs who shed least minimally. Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They are highly intelligent, trainable, and excel in various dog sports and activities. Poodles are active, and alert, and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They are also known for their friendly and loyal nature, making them excellent family pets.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Non-Sporting
• HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder (Miniature), over 15 inches (Standard)
• WEIGHT: 10 to 70 pounds depending on the size
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, trainable, active, alert
• ENERGY LEVEL: High
• COAT AND COLOR: Curly, dense coat; various colors including white, black, apricot, and grey
• LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years

2. Bichon Frisé

The Bichon Frisé has a curly, non-shedding coat that makes it hypoallergenic. They are playful, social, and affectionate dogs, making them great companions for families and individuals. Their fluffy, white coats require regular grooming to maintain their appearance and health. Bichons are known for their cheerful disposition and get along well with children and other pets.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Non-Sporting
• HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Playful, social, affectionate, friendly
• ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
• COAT AND COLOR: Fluffy, curly coat; white (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream)
• LIFE SPAN: 14 to 15 years

3. Maltese

Maltese dogs have long, silky hair that dogs who shed least very little, making them suitable for allergy sufferers. These small, gentle dogs are known for their playful and fearless nature. Despite their elegant appearance, Maltese dogs are robust and lively, enjoying both playtime and cuddles. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat free from tangles and mats.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Toy
• HEIGHT: 7 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 4 to 7 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Gentle, playful, affectionate, fearless
• ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
• COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky coat; pure white
• LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years

4. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers have a distinctive, wiry coat that dogs who shed least minimally. They are spirited, friendly, and highly obedient, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. These dogs are known for their intelligence and can be easily trained. dog Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat’s texture and prevent matting.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Terrier
• HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 11 to 20 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Spirited, friendly, obedient, intelligent
• ENERGY LEVEL: High
• COAT AND COLOR: Wiry, double coat; salt and pepper, black and silver, or solid black
• LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years

5. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, have hair similar to human hair, which sheds very little and makes them a hypoallergenic breed. These small dogs are known for their bold, confident personalities and affectionate nature. Yorkies require regular grooming to keep their long, silky coats looking their best. They are energetic and enjoy both playtime and relaxation with their owners.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Toy
• HEIGHT: 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 4 to 7 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Bold, confident, affectionate, intelligent
• ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
• COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky coat; blue and tan
• LIFE SPAN: 11 to 15 years

6. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus have long, flowing coats that shed minimally, making them suitable for people with allergies. These dogs are affectionate, outgoing, and playful, enjoying both companionship and playtime. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat’s health and appearance. Shih Tzus are adaptable and do well in various living environments, including apartments.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Toy
• HEIGHT: 9 to 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, outgoing, playful, loyal
• ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
• COAT AND COLOR: Long, flowing coat; various colors including gold, white, brown
• LIFE SPAN: 10 to 18 years

7. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs have curly coats that dogs who shed least very little, making them a great option for those with allergies. These medium-sized dogs are intelligent, energetic, and versatile. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain their coat’s condition. Portuguese Water Dogs are excellent swimmers and have a strong work ethic, originally bred for working on fishing boats.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Working
• HEIGHT: 17 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 35 to 60 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, energetic, loyal, affectionate
• ENERGY LEVEL: High
• COAT AND COLOR: Curly, dense coat; black, white, brown, or combinations
• LIFE SPAN: 10 to 14 years

8. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos have long, flowing coats that dogs who shed least minimally, making them suitable for people with allergies. These small, sturdy dogs are known for their independent and loyal nature. Originally bred as sentinel dogs in Tibetan monasteries, Lhasa Apsos are alert and make excellent watchdogs. They are also affectionate and can be very devoted to their families.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Non-Sporting
• HEIGHT: 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 12 to 18 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Independent, loyal, alert, affectionate
• ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
• COAT AND COLOR: Long, flowing coat; various colors including gold, white, black, and multi-color
• LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years

9. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a small breed known for its soft, cotton-like coat that dogs who shed least very little, making it hypoallergenic. These dogs are affectionate, playful, and good with children and other pets. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and to keep it looking its best. Coton de Tulears are known for their friendly and sociable nature, often forming strong bonds with their families.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Non-Sporting
• HEIGHT: 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 8 to 13 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, playful, social, friendly
• ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
• COAT AND COLOR: Soft, cotton-like coat; white (may have slight shadings of light grey or light tan)
• LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years

10. Havanese

Havanese dogs have a silky coat that dogs who shed least minimally, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. These small, sturdy dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. Havanese are highly social and enjoy being around people, making them excellent companions. They are also intelligent and easily trainable, excelling in various dog sports and activities.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Toy
• HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, affectionate, intelligent, social
• ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
• COAT AND COLOR: Silky, long coat; various colors including white, black, cream, and sable
• LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years

11. West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, have a coarse, double coat that dogs who shed least minimally, making them suitable for those with allergies. Regular grooming, including brushing and occasional professional trims, helps maintain their coat’s condition. These small, sturdy dogs are known for their lively and friendly nature.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Terrier
• HEIGHT: 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 15 to 20 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Confident, friendly, lively, loyal
• ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
• COAT AND COLOR: Coarse, double coat; white
• LIFE SPAN: 13 to 15 years

12. Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terriers have a soft, wavy coat that dogs who shed least minimally, making them hypoallergenic. Regular grooming, including brushing and trimming, is necessary to maintain their coat’s health and appearance. These medium-sized dogs are known for their intelligence, energy, and versatility. Kerry Blue Terriers are loyal and affectionate with their families, making them excellent companions.

Breed Overview:

• GROUP: Terrier
• HEIGHT: 17.5 to 19.5 inches tall at the shoulder
• WEIGHT: 33 to 40 pounds
• PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, energetic, loyal, affectionate
• ENERGY LEVEL: High
• COAT AND COLOR: Soft, wavy coat; blue (with shades of black to light gray)
• LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years

Which breed of dogs shed the least?

Among the dog breeds that dogs who shed the least, the Poodle is often considered one of the top breeds due to its hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally. Poodles come in three sizes—standard, miniature, and toy—and all have the same low-shedding, curly coat.

What are the smartest dogs who shed least?

The Poodle is widely regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds overall and also happens to be low-shedding. They are highly intelligent, trainable, and excel in various dog sports and activities. Poodles’ hypoallergenic coats make them a great choice for those looking for a smart and low-shedding companion.

What is the calmest dog breed that doesn’t shed?

The Shih Tzu is known for its calm and friendly demeanor. Shih Tzus have long, flowing coats that shed minimally, making them suitable for people with allergies. They are affectionate, outgoing, and adaptable, thriving in various living environments including apartments.

What is the healthiest non-shedding dog?

The Portuguese Water Dog is often considered one of the healthiest non-shedding breeds. They are known for their robust health and active lifestyle. With proper care, regular exercise, and grooming, Portuguese Water Dogs can live long, healthy lives. Their curly coats shed very little, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

Haseem Ali

I’m Haseem Ali, a passionate writer focused on dog diet, health, training, lifestyle, and care. I’m dedicated to sharing expert advice and practical tips to help fellow dog owners provide the best for their furry friends. When I’m not writing, I enjoy spending time with my own dogs and exploring new pet-friendly activities.