20 Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

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If you’re a dog lover but also value a clean and fur-free home, finding a small dog breed that doesn’t shed can be a game-changer. These low-shedding breeds are perfect for those who want a canine companion without the constant battle against pet hair. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 20 small dog breeds that don’t shed, so you can find the perfect furry friend for your home.

Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

By reading this article, you will learn:
– 20 small dog breeds that don’t shed.
– Examples of small dog breeds that don’t shed include Affenpinscher, Australian Terrier, Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Border Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Cairn Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cesky Terrier, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Havanese, Irish Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Chin, Lagotto Romagnolo, and Lhasa Apso.

1. Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a small, spunky breed known for its wiry coat that doesn’t shed much. These little dogs are full of personality and make great companions. They’re also relatively easy to groom, requiring regular brushing to keep their coat looking its best. Affenpinschers are intelligent and curious, making them a joy to train and entertain.

Insider Tip: Affenpinschers can be a bit stubborn, so early socialization and consistent training are key. They thrive when given mental stimulation and plenty of playtime.

2. Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a small, sturdy breed that is both hypoallergenic and low-shedding. They have a thick, wiry coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Australian Terriers are known for their loyalty and intelligence, making them great family pets. They are also active and energetic, so daily exercise is important to keep them happy and healthy.

Insider Tip: Australian Terriers have a strong prey drive, so it’s important to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside. Their instinct to chase small animals can be difficult to control.

3. Basenji

The Basenji is a unique breed known as the “barkless dog” because they produce unusual vocalizations instead of barking. They have a short, fine coat that requires minimal grooming and sheds very little. Basenjis are intelligent and independent, which can make training a challenge. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, they can be well-behaved and loving companions.

Insider Tip: Basenjis are highly active and require plenty of exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Regular playtime and mental stimulation are essential for their well-being.

4. Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a small, curly-haired breed that is often compared to a lamb because of its unique appearance. Despite their curly coat, Bedlington Terriers shed very little and are considered hypoallergenic. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and should be trimmed every few months. Bedlington Terriers are intelligent and energetic, making them great companions for active individuals or families.

Insider Tip: Bedlington Terriers have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals, so it’s important to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside.

5. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy breed that is known for its hypoallergenic coat. These dogs have a double coat consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and a curly, coarse topcoat. Bichon Frises shed very little and are considered a good choice for allergy sufferers. However, their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Bichon Frises are friendly, affectionate, and great with families and children.

Insider Tip: Bichon Frises are social dogs and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They thrive in homes where they have plenty of human interaction and companionship.

6. Bolognese

The Bolognese is a small, white breed that is known for its non-shedding coat. They have a long, fluffy coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Bolognese dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and make excellent companions. They are often described as “velcro dogs” because of their strong attachment to their owners. Bolognese dogs are generally good with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families.

Insider Tip: Bolognese dogs thrive on routine and consistency. They appreciate a stable environment and can become stressed by sudden changes.

7. Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a small, energetic breed that is known for its wiry coat and minimal shedding. They have a dense, weather-resistant double coat that requires regular brushing to keep it in good condition. Border Terriers are intelligent, independent, and make great companions for active individuals or families. They excel in various dog sports and activities, including agility and obedience.

Insider Tip: Border Terriers are natural diggers, so it’s important to provide them with a designated digging area or supervise them closely when outside to prevent them from escaping.

8. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is a small breed with a distinctive, almost human-like expression. They have a rough or smooth coat, both of which shed very little. Brussels Griffons require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. These dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and make great companions. They thrive on attention and enjoy being the center of their owner’s world.

Insider Tip: Brussels Griffons can be stubborn and may have a strong prey drive. Early socialization and consistent training are important to ensure they are well-behaved and sociable.

9. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is a small, sturdy breed known for its shaggy, weather-resistant coat. They shed very little and require regular brushing to prevent matting. Cairn Terriers are intelligent, independent, and make great companions for active individuals or families. They have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals, so it’s important to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside.

Insider Tip: Cairn Terriers are alert and vocal, making them excellent watchdogs. However, this can also lead to excessive barking if not properly trained and socialized.

10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, affectionate breed that is known for its long, silky coat. Although they have a luxurious coat, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed very little. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy. These dogs are friendly, gentle, and make excellent companions for individuals or families of all ages.

Insider Tip: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to certain health issues, including heart problems and syringomyelia. Regular veterinary care and health screenings are important to ensure their well-being.

11. Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier is a small, long-bodied breed that is known for its soft, wavy coat. They shed very little and require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. Cesky Terriers are intelligent, loyal, and make great companions. They are generally good with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families.

Insider Tip: Cesky Terriers are active dogs and require regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Daily walks or play sessions are important to keep them happy and healthy.

12. Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a small breed that is known for its unique appearance and minimal shedding. They come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Hairless Chinese Cresteds have very little hair, while powderpuff Chinese Cresteds have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming. These dogs are affectionate, playful, and make great companions for individuals or families.

Insider Tip: Chinese Cresteds are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it’s important to protect them from hot or cold weather. They may require extra layers or sunscreen to keep them comfortable.

13. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a small, fluffy breed that is known for its cotton-like coat and minimal shedding. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best. Coton de Tulears are friendly, affectionate, and make great companions for individuals or families. They are generally good with children and other pets, making them a popular choice for families.

Insider Tip: Coton de Tulears are social dogs and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They thrive in homes where they have plenty of human interaction and companionship.

14. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small breed that is known for its unique appearance and minimal shedding. They have a double coat consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh, wiry topcoat. Dandie Dinmont Terriers require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. These dogs are intelligent, independent, and make great companions for individuals or families.

Insider Tip: Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals. They should be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside.

15. Havanese

The Havanese is a small, fluffy breed that is known for its hypoallergenic coat. They have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Havanese dogs shed very little and are considered a good choice for allergy sufferers. They are friendly, playful, and make excellent companions for individuals or families of all ages.

Insider Tip: Havanese dogs are social and thrive on human companionship. They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of attention and mental stimulation.

16. Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is a small, energetic breed that is known for its wiry, red coat. They shed very little and require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. Irish Terriers are intelligent, independent, and make great companions for active individuals or families. They have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals, so it’s important to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside.

Insider Tip: Irish Terriers are active dogs and require plenty of exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They excel in various dog sports and activities, including agility and obedience.

17. Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a small, elegant breed that is known for its short, smooth coat. They shed very little and require minimal grooming. Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, gentle, and make great companions for individuals or families. They are generally good with children and other pets, making them a popular choice for families.

Insider Tip: Italian Greyhounds are sensitive to cold weather and may require extra layers to keep them warm during the winter months. They should be supervised when outside to prevent them from escaping.

18. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a small, toy breed that is known for its silky coat and minimal shedding. They require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. Japanese Chins are affectionate, gentle, and make great companions for individuals or families. They are generally good with children and other pets, making them a popular choice for families.

Insider Tip: Japanese Chins are sensitive to heat and should be protected from hot weather. They may require extra shade or air conditioning to keep them comfortable.

19. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a small breed that is known for its curly, water-repellent coat and minimal shedding. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy. Lagotto Romagnolos are intelligent, active, and make excellent companions for individuals or families. They excel in various activities, including scent work and agility.

Insider Tip: Lagotto Romagnolos are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They enjoy learning new tricks and participating in interactive games.

H3. **Case Study: The Perfect Companion – Meet Lucy, the Affenpinscher

Lucy, the Affenpinscher, is a small dog breed that doesn’t shed. She has been the ideal companion for Sarah, a busy professional who loves dogs but doesn’t have much time for grooming.

Sarah’s day starts early, and she often finds herself rushing from one meeting to another. With her hectic schedule, she needed a low-maintenance dog that wouldn’t leave a trail of hair behind. That’s when she discovered the Affenpinscher breed.

Lucy is a lively and playful little dog who doesn’t require much grooming. Sarah can easily keep her coat neat and tidy with just a quick brush every now and then. This has been a game-changer for Sarah, as she no longer needs to spend hours cleaning up dog hair or dealing with excessive shedding.

Not only is Lucy hypoallergenic and non-shedding, but she also has a friendly and affectionate personality. She loves to curl up on Sarah’s lap after a long day, providing the perfect stress relief. Lucy has brought so much joy and happiness into Sarah’s life, proving that small dog breeds that don’t shed can be the perfect companions for busy individuals.

If you’re someone like Sarah who wants a small dog that doesn’t shed, consider exploring the Affenpinscher breed. They are not only adorable and low-maintenance but also make wonderful companions for those with a busy lifestyle.

20. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a small breed that is known for its long, luxurious coat. Although they have a long coat, Lhasa Apsos shed very little. However, their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Lhasa Apsos are intelligent, independent, and make great companions for individuals or families. They have a strong protective instinct and make excellent watchdogs.

Insider Tip: Lhasa Apsos can be stubborn and may require patient, consistent training. Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-behaved and sociable.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a small dog breed that doesn’t shed, there are plenty of options to choose from. These low-shedding breeds are not only great companions but also offer the benefit of minimal hair cleanup. Remember that even though these breeds shed less, regular grooming is still necessary to keep their coats in good condition. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced pet lover, one of these small dog breeds is sure to be the perfect fit for your home.

So, if you’re tired of constantly vacuuming up dog hair or dealing with allergies, consider adopting one of these small dog breeds that don’t shed. They will bring joy, companionship, and a fur-free home into your life.


Christopher Hayes, a renowned veterinarian and canine expert, is the perfect authority to shed light on the topic of small dog breeds that don’t shed. With over 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine, Christopher Hayes has dedicated their career to understanding and caring for our furry friends.

Having worked in various animal hospitals and clinics, Christopher Hayes has encountered numerous dog breeds and has a deep understanding of their specific needs and characteristics. They have also conducted extensive research on the topic of shedding in dogs, studying various breeds and their coat types.

Christopher Hayes has a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science from a prestigious university, where they specialized in small animal medicine. They have also published several articles in reputable journals, sharing their knowledge and insights on dog breeds, health issues, and grooming practices.

Combining their practical experience and academic background, Christopher Hayes provides valuable information and expert advice on small dog breeds that don’t shed. Their expertise and passion for animals make them a trusted source for all things related to our canine companions.

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