Having a dog brings so much joy but it can quickly become overwhelming when you find hair all over your clothes, furniture, and floors. If you want to enjoy the companionship without constantly battling shed fur, a low-shedding breed might be the perfect fit. Join Nexus-pets as we explore the 10 best dog breeds known for shedding less and keeping your home a little cleaner.

Criteria for Selecting Low-Shedding Breeds

• Coat Type and Shedding Patterns: Choose breeds with curly or single-layer coats, such as Poodles or Basenjis, which naturally shed less. Hairless breeds shed almost no hair but require special skin care. Be aware some low-shedding dogs may shed more during seasonal changes or due to health issues.
• Grooming Needs and Maintenance: Consider how much grooming a breed requires. Curly and long-haired breeds need frequent brushing and regular professional grooming. Short-haired or hairless breeds usually need less grooming but may require skin care or occasional baths.
• Temperament and Suitability for Families: Select breeds that fit your lifestyle. Some low-shedding dogs are energetic and need exercise, while others are calmer and adapt well to apartments. Also, consider how well the breed interacts with children and other pets, and its trainability.

The Top 10 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

1. Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)

Poodles are renowned for their intelligence and ease of training, making them highly adaptable and energetic companions. Their distinctive curly coats are hypoallergenic and effectively trap loose hairs, significantly reducing shedding around the home. However, maintaining their beautiful coat requires frequent professional grooming sessions every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent mats and tangles. With proper care, poodles can live a long, healthy life, typically ranging from 10 to 18 years.

2. Portuguese Water Dog

Known for their spirited and loyal nature, Portuguese Water Dogs have a unique wavy or curly coat that repels water, reflecting their history as fisherman’s assistants. Their coat demands daily brushing to avoid tangling, paired with monthly professional grooming to maintain its texture and health. These intelligent dogs are active and thrive in families who can provide regular exercise and mental stimulation. They generally live between 11 and 13 years.

3. Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzers are alert and dependable, well-suited for active owners who appreciate their lively temperament. Their wiry coat sheds very little but requires special grooming techniques such as hand-stripping to maintain its coarse texture, along with consistent brushing to keep it clean and mat-free. With a lifespan of 13 to 16 years, this breed combines durability with manageable shedding.

4. Bichon Frise

Playful and affectionate, the Bichon Frise is a favorite among families due to its friendly disposition and small size. Their soft, fluffy white coats are curly and prone to matting without daily brushing and regular grooming appointments. Despite this grooming commitment, their hypoallergenic coat sheds minimally, making them a great choice for allergy-sensitive households. They typically live 12 to 15 years.

5. Lhasa Apso

Loyal and intelligent, the Lhasa Apso boasts a long, flowing coat that sheds very little. This breed requires frequent brushing to prevent tangles and regular trimming to keep their coat manageable and neat. Their playful yet protective nature makes them excellent companions for families or individuals alike. Lifespan usually ranges from 12 to 15 years.

6. Bedlington Terrier

Recognizable by their distinctive lamb-like curly coat, Bedlington Terriers are smart, curious, and sociable dogs. Their coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats and monthly haircuts to maintain its unique appearance. Though their grooming routine requires commitment, they reward owners with a hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally. Bedlingtons generally live between 11 and 16 years.

7. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is an athletic and hardworking breed, known for its dense, curly coat that sheds very little. This coat type requires thorough weekly grooming to remove loose hairs and prevent matting. These intelligent dogs excel in active households and outdoor environments. Their lifespan typically spans 12 to 13 years.

8. Bolognese

Bolognese dogs are calm and affectionate, with a silky white coat that requires less maintenance than other curly-coated breeds. Though their coat is low-shedding, daily brushing is recommended to keep it clean and tangle-free. Their gentle temperament and moderate exercise needs make them excellent companions for apartment dwellers. They live on average 12 to 14 years.

9. Chinese Crested

Available in two varieties—hairless and powderpuff—the Chinese Crested is well-known for minimal shedding. The hairless variety requires special attention to skin care, including moisturizers and sun protection, due to their exposed skin. Both types are affectionate and sensitive dogs that bond closely with their owners. Their lifespan ranges from 13 to 18 years.

10. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are beloved for their quirky and friendly personalities combined with a short, smooth coat that sheds very little. While their grooming needs are minimal, daily cleaning of their facial folds is essential to prevent irritation and infections. This breed suits owners looking for a low-maintenance pet with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has given you a solid starting point in your search for a low-shedding dog. Now that you’re familiar with some of the top breeds, take the next step by doing further research, speaking with breeders, or visiting a local shelter. Finding the right companion is an exciting journey, and with a little effort, you’ll soon find the perfect dog to call your own.