50 Dogs That Don’t Shed (The Ultimate List)

Do you love dogs but suspect you may be allergic to them? Even if you’ve not experienced severe allergic reactions yet, you can take precautions to protect yourself without having to banish canines from your life. Have you ever considered getting dogs that don’t shed?

What happens when you come in contact with a dog? If you experience any of the symptoms below, you are likely an allergy sufferer.

• Bloodshot or watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Rashes or hives where you made contact with a dog
• Dizziness or Disequilibrium

Your symptoms may be mild and subside once you are no longer near the dog. But what to do if the dog is your best friend and a beloved family dog that brings a lot of love and happiness to your entire family? When you see your four-legged companion, it’s hard not to shower her with infinite hugs and unconditional love. But, if pet dander triggers your allergies or asthma, it’s hard to go in for some cuddles without starting a sneezing fit.

If this sounds familiar, you may be investigating how to reduce dog dander. An antihistamine might control the reaction, but that is not a long-term solution. If you go that route, talk to your physician about the safest over-the-counter option.

Some dog owners choose to endure mild allergic reactions because the love of their precious pups outweighs the discomfort. However, all is not lost because there is a middle ground option. Many allergy sufferers seek hypoallergenic dog breeds. These breeds are typically marketed as dogs that don’t shed. However, all dogs shed, some much less than others.

Is it the Hair or the Dander?

In reality, it is not the hair the dogs shed that causes allergic reactions in some people. The biggest culprits are the dander. It comprises tiny, almost invisible bits of dead skin shed by dogs (and cats, birds, rodents and other animals with fur or feathers). The dander is microscopic flecks of skin. Due to how lightweight and small pet dander is, it can remain suspended in the air for an extended period of time and can easily stick to furniture, bedding, fabrics, and many other household items.

All this shows that even dogs with minimal shedding, or those that don’t shed, will still shed dander. Even the cutest Chinese Crested hairless dog and the American Hairless Terrier shed dander and can trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, dog breeds known as hypoallergenic non-shedders need frequent, thorough weekly brushing of their coats to limit a dander buildup. If the weather allows, doing regular grooming of your precious pooch outside could allow less dander to spread through your home.

Can a Dog’s Diet Affect its Shedding?

Fortunately, a well-balanced diet can significantly reduce the amount of dander your doggy dude sheds. According to Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, a small-animal veterinarian in Greeley, CO., ensuring your pet has healthy skin and a shiny, silky coat can be as simple as feeding your pet a nutritious, well-balanced diet.

Dr. Wooten explains it like this: “The skin is the largest organ in the body, and if the body senses chronic, poor nutrition, then it will ‘steal’ nutrients from the skin and hair to feed the vital organs, such as the brain and the heart. This can result in a dull hair coat, hair loss, excessive shedding or dander.” 

Note: Dog Food Care recommends Native Pet Omega Oil.

This is what Veterinarian Dr. Erica Irish says about Native Pet Omega Oil.  She likes that it’s made with limited ingredients, without unnecessary fluff or fillers. She also noted that wild-caught fish oil is a better choice than farmed because it’s more sustainable and contains higher concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

50 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

I would like to repeat that there are no non-shedding dogs. The following list of dogs are known for limited shedding, but only if frequent brushing is a part of regular grooming and if their diets are balanced and complete.

1. Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle grows no higher than 10 inches and weighs between 6 and 9 pounds.

According to most experts, the Poodle originates from Germany, but others state that it has roots in France. Toy Poodles are playful and child-friendly, and their coats can be curly or wavy, and feel wiry or soft.

2. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers could reach heights of 15 to 18 inches when fully grown, weighing between 12 and 14 pounds.

Schnauzers are purebreds originating in Germany and are the perfect breed for families. They love playing and crave attention. These precious pups are also known as Zwergschnauzers, which translates to Dwarf Schnauzer.

3. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus grow only about 8 to 11 inches high, and their weight seldom exceeds 12 or 13 pounds.

The Shih Tzu comes from the word “little lion” in Chinese, which is where their roots are. This old dog breed was bred to resemble lions as depicted in ancient Oriental art. They were originally bred for Chinese royal families during the Ming Dynasty and have a long history of royal connections.

4. Maltese

Maltese are affectionate, playful, and surprisingly fearless despite their small size. They are only 8 to 10 inches high, and they weigh between 6.5 to 9 pounds.

 

Maltese are renowned for their long, silky coats, which they have because they don’t shed. Their hair continues to grow unless it is cut. However, that does not make them low maintenance– they need daily brushing to keep their hair from matting and building up dander.

5. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon has its roots in Belgium. They grow to about 7.5 inches high, and their average adult weight is 9 pounds.

These cute-but-funny face pups are perfect for empty nesters, but they are highly demanding. They love their human family members, but form special bonds with one person, from whom they demand constant attention.

6. West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terriers originated in Scotland. There is quite a difference in size, with males weighing about 18 pounds and females only 14 pounds. Both stand about 10 to 11 inches at the withers.

An exciting bit of the Westies’ history involves their white-colored fur. When Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was hunting foxes, he sadly shot and killed one of his wheaten-colored Cairn terriers. From that point forward, he only bred white highland terriers that would never again be confused with foxes.

7. Bichon Frisé

Bichon Frisé is a cute little white fur ball, believed to have originated in the Mediterranean. They are never taller than about 10 inches, with an average weight of 10 pounds.

Bichon Frisé means Curly Lapdog in French, and they have a history of being the loved family pet of many royal families in Europe. As a highly intelligent breed, they were often trained for circus performances or to lead the blind during the late 1800s.

8. Havanese

Also known as Havanese Habanero, these cutie pies have roots in Cuba. They also stand no higher than 10 inches and weigh around 10 pounds.

Havanese dogs are spirited and friendly and make fitting pets for families with children, and although they might be seen as lapdogs, they’re also highly trainable and intelligent.

9. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is a hardy, happy breed bred over 200 years ago on the Isle of Skye by Captain Martin Macleod of Scotland.

Originally, they were working dogs used for searching out vermin in stone piles (cairns). The Cairn Terrier is now a popular companion pet, with a hypoallergenic and water repellant coat. An interesting fact is that Cairn Terriers’ coats can change color multiple times over several years.

10. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies originated in England, and although they weigh no more than 5 pounds, and are only about 8 inches high, their ancestors were considerably larger.

Originally bred to hunt rodents, Yorkies can make loyal and devoted companion pets. They are the perfect examples of canines with small-dog syndrome. Do not be surprised if your Yorkshire Terrier tries to take on a much larger dog.

Related article: Best Dog Food for Yorkies

11. Australian Silky Terrier

Australian Silky Terriers are easily mistaken for their cousins, the Yorkshire Terriers. Bred in Australia, these Silky Terriers are as bold as the Yorkies, and of similar size.

Australian Silky Terriers, prized for their silky smooth coats, were once known as Sydney Terriers due to their prevalence and popularity in that Australian city.

12. Affenpinschers

Weighing only about 8 pounds and standing no higher than 10.5 inches, Affenpinschers now make loving, playful family companion dogs.

However, they have not shaken the bravado of the rodent hunting days in their countries of origin, Belgium and France. An unmissable characteristic of the little black Affies is their primate-like cuteness, which explains why the American Kennel Club has nicknamed it the “monkey dog.”

13. Bolognese

Not surprisingly, the Bolognese breed has Italian roots. Their approximate 6 pond weight, 10-inch height and fluffy white coat are often mistaken for Maltese, Bichon Frisé or Havanese, but they are a separate breed altogether.

Although they are highly intelligent and renowned little problem solvers, love and attention are what they crave. They form such close bonds that they have severe cases of separation anxiety whenever they are left alone.

14. Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)

Nobody seems too sure about the dog’s true origin, but most records suggest it originates from Germany, France, or Holland. The Löwchen is slightly larger than the Bichon Frisé, weighing about 15 pounds, and standing between 13 and 15 inches high.

Löwchen is German for “little lion” and these brave and loyal pups were bred to catch rats and mice. His history goes way back to 1442, with images of him being found in engravings and paintings.

15. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso dogs have their roots in Tibet, where they were guard dogs of the Royal Palace, despite their small size. They weigh about 14 pounds and stand between 10 and 11 inches high.

Lhasa Apsos are indeed royal dogs, and true to their heritage, they are proud and confident, and serious about protecting their human families. That doesn’t stop them from being affectionate family companions.

Related article: Best Dog Foods for Lhasa Apsos

16. Coton de Tulears

Originating in Madagascar, these fur balls weigh up to 13.5 pounds and stand about 11 inches high.

These little princes of pups, with their soft, long white coats, are known as the Royal Dogs of Madagascar. They are born cuddlers, and would rather curl up on the couch with their favorite humans than spend their days running around for exercise.

17. Biewer Terrier

Biewer Terriers are the German version of the Yorkshire Terrier. Many refer to this little furry creature as German Yorkies. They stand no higher than 9 inches and weigh only about 6 pounds.

The Biewer is an affectionate little bundle of joy that loves to spend time with family and friends. They love life with families, their children, and other pets—the more, the merrier. When they show off their silly sides, it is clear that they love making their humans laugh.

18. American Hairless Terrier

These strange-looking dogs are petite, and they seldom weigh more than 10 pounds and are about 11 inches high at the withers.

Except for eyebrows and whiskers, American Hairless Terriers are true to their name. A native of Louisiana, the American Hairless Terrier is known for being smart, curious, and playful. Although they have no hair, their skins shed dander, so they need frequent baths.

19. Chinese Crested Terrier

If you are looking for a small breed dog that is a little different, the Chinese Crested Terrier might be the one for you. They are tiny and thin at only about 11 inches and weigh no more than 8 pounds.

Not all of them are hairless, though; some have full coats of thin white hair. They certainly make an exotic fashion statement – which is being mostly naked. They shed only dander, require frequent baths, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

20. Border Terrier

Border Terriers weigh about 13 pounds and measure approximately 13 inches at shoulder height.

They were bred as rodent hunters in northeast England, and their prey drive remains strong. They are perfect pets for homes without hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, or other rodents as pets.

21. Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is not to be confused with the smooth-haired Fox Terrier, which sheds quite a lot. These rather strange-looking terriers weigh between 15 and 20 pounds and stand between 13 and 16 inches high.

Wire Fox Terriers have roots in England, where they were bred as Fox Hunter companions. They are intelligent and very active; in fact, they hate being bored. Therefore, active families are the most suitable owners of these terriers.

22. Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka

Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka translates to “Russian Colored Lapdog.” These tiny dogs with a massive name weigh no more than 9 pounds, and they are only 11 inches high.

They are called Bolonka for short, and their roots are not in Russia but France. King Louis IV of France presented a small Maltese-type dog as a gift to the Russian nobility. Sweet, loving, intelligent, and willing to please, a Bolonka is the ultimate house pet for apartment living.

23. Scottish Terrier

Scotties were introduced to America in the early 1890s. They measure approximately 10.5 inches at the withers and weigh about 21 pounds.

Independent and territorial, the Scottie makes a loyal companion. They are dogs that don’t shed, and their hypoallergenic coats and minimal grooming make them all-around great companion dogs.

24. Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terriers originated in England, and their lamb-like appearance could fool you. They stand 16 inches high and weigh about 20 pounds.

Bred in the village of Bedlington in Northumberland, they were initially known as Rodbury Terriers or Rothbury’s Lambs, and renowned for looking like a lamb. They are exceptionally fast, both when running and swimming.

25. Basenji

Basenjis originated in the Congo region of West Africa in the 19th century, where Westerners discovered them. These dogs are relatively small, weighing no more than 24 pounds and standing only about 16 to 17 inches high.

Reportedly, Basenjis are among the top 100 regarding popular family dogs. The fact that they don’t shed may not be the only reason—Basenjis also don’t bark.

26. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

As a breed once owned by Queen Victoria, some believe these 10-inch high pups have Dachshund genes because of their rather long bodies. They can weigh from 18 to 24 pounds.

Dandie Dinmonts were first registered as a distinct breed around 1700 after being named after a funny character in a book. Sir Walter Scott wrote a book in 1814 in which he called one character Dandie Dinmont.

27. Kerry Blue Terrier

With its roots in County Kerry, Ireland, this terrier stands between 17 and 20 inches high and weighs between 24 and 27 pounds.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a fun canine companion, but you can’t just put him in the backyard and forget about him. He is an intelligent, social dog who will only do well when as a family member. Sharing the home with a Kerry Blue will be easier because the breed hardly sheds.

28. Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog which stands between 17 and 20 inches at the withers and weighs between 24 and 27 pounds.

The breed hails from the lake district of England. They were bred to hunt foxes coming after the lambs during lambing season.

29. Saluki 

Lean and long-legged, the Saluki stands 23 to 28 inches high and weighs between 29 and 66 pounds.

One of the oldest breeds known to man, the Saluki originated over 6,000 years ago.  One can see their beautiful and exotic-looking features in ancient scriptures, pottery, and even Egyptian tombs.

30. Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed, weighing between 17 and 31 pounds and standing about 15 inches high.

This fluffy fur ball has been around for over 2,000 years, kept as companion canines for Buddhist monks in Tibet and the guard dogs of nomadic herdsmen. Their nickname was the “Holy Dog,” and they were thought to be “luck bringers.” He is still a popular companion dog because he is considered hypoallergenic, so even allergy sufferers can enjoy a canine friend.

31. Puli

This 30-pound, 16 inches high dog with tightly corded hair has a history going back about 2,000 years.

Magyar tribes people brought Pulis to Hungary for their herding abilities. They worked at herding sheep thousands of years ago. Although they don’t shed, the thick cords of their hair must be brushed out frequently to avoid matting and get the trapped dust out. It’s worth noting that if you wash the Puli, its coat will remain damp for days. Reaching out to a qualified groomer might be a good idea.

32. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Ramagnolo is a medium-sized dog breed, with males and females standing between 16 and 19 inches high at the withers and weighing 24 to 36 pounds.

The Lagotto Romagnolo dog, known as the Water Dog of Romagna, is a pure breed dog that comes from the Romagna region of Italy. The dogs worked as gun dogs, and had to retrieve waterbirds. Today they more often hunt truffles in Italy and work as therapy dogs.

33. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog weighs between 35 and 60 pounds and stands 16 to 23 inches, measured at shoulder height.

Originating in the Portuguese region of the Algarve, the dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, and loving his life around water. The cão de água português, which means Dog of the Water, is also lovingly called the Portie.

34. Wheaten Terrier

Despite their small size, Wheaten Terriers have been helpful farm dogs in Ireland for over 200 years. They stand no higher than about 18 inches and weigh between 28 and 45 pounds, and arrived in the U.S. in the 70s.

They were versatile farmworkers, helping with herding and guarding livestock and keeping the rat population down. Nevertheless, Wheaten Terriers are great companions whether they live in the suburbs or on the farm. However, they do carry some typical Terrier traits: digging, chasing, and barking are common when bored

35. Standard Schnauzer

This is the medium-sized version of the Schnauzer breed, weighing about 38 pounds and standing 16 to 19 inches high.

They were originating in Germany, where the Germans called the medium-sized Schnauzer the Mittelschnauzer, as far back as the 14th and 15th centuries. The Miniature Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer are descendants of the Standard Schnauzer. The breed was originally developed in Germany as hunters, herders, and family watchdogs; however, today they are some of the most loved family companions.

36. Spanish Water Dog

Bred in Spain to work as sheepherders and guardians, but they were even more effective at retrieving waterfowl from the water. At an average size of 15 to 18 inches high and 30 to 49 pounds in weight, Spanish Water Dogs were versatile hunters.

They were equally effective in the transformation from hunters to family pets. The Spanish Water Dog is a non-shedder, and also a hypoallergenic breed that will appeal to people who have allergies to canine dander.

37. Cantabrian Water Dog

This breed originates from the coast of Cantabria, Spain, and provided all-around assistance to their fishermen owners. These medium-sized canines stand about 17 inches high, and weigh around 40 pounds.

Technology has a lot to do with the Cantabrian Water Dogs becoming family dogs. They were at home on jetties and sailing boats, carrying messages from one boat to another until mobile phones made them obsolete. However, they are as loved by families as their former fishermen colleagues.

38. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Despite their rather small size, Wheaten Terriers have been useful farm dogs in Ireland for over 200 years. They stand no higher than about 18 inches and weigh between 28 and 45 pounds.

The coat of the dog is soft, silky, and wavy to even curly and is a wheaten to ginger color. The coat of the puppy is dark, but as he grows up it changes into a wheaten color, although the ears may be a dark brown color. Pet owners like that the Wheaten is a very low shedding dog.

39. Barbet

The Barbet is an ancient European water dog, with the first references to the breed coming way back from 1387. These medium-sized dogs weigh between 37 and 62 pounds.

This quintessential water dog, bred to locate and retrieve waterfowl such as ducks, is among the dog breeds that don’t shed. This French breed loves romping through any kind of water, including the mucky, muddy kind, earning them the affectionate name of “mud dog.”

40. Barbado da Terceira

The Barbado da Terceira dog breed came from the Azore islands, from where some landed up in Portugal, and later also in the United States. These dogs weigh between 46 and 60 pounds, standing about 20 inches high.

They were bred as herder dogs, but adapted well to their lives as canine companions and family dogs. The breed is intelligent, easy to train, docile, willful, joyful, and sensitive.

41. Airedale Terrier

Originating in Leeds, Great Britain, near a small river, Aire, the Airedale terriers worked as Otter hunters since the 1850s. They weigh about 55 pounds and measure 22 to 25 inches at the withers.

During the war, Airedale Terriers delivered messages, showing lots of courage. One Airedale terrier even received a medal for its bravery in World War I. Today the breed is the official dog of the National Police Service of Britain. It is a low-maintenance breed with minimal seasonal shedding.

42. Irish Water Spaniel

At the height of 20 to 25 inches, the Irish Water Spaniel is taller than most other spaniels. They could weigh as much as 67 pounds.

As the name suggests, they’re skilled swimmers and love the water, and their webbed feet contribute to their skills. Their waterproof coats are hypoallergenic, and they shed only minimally and seasonally. They’re low maintenance, too. You can get away with brushing them just once every few weeks.

43. Poodle

Poodles are one of the most popular dogs in the world. Standard Poodles are about 15 to 18 inches high and weigh between 44 and 75 pounds.

They are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Poodles are elegant, athletic, hardy, and clever. These are a few of their best qualities. Furthermore, they are great as family pets or apartment dwelling companions, and as a bonus, Poodles don’t shed their beautiful curly coats.

44. Afghan Hound

Renowned for their striking beauty and proud posture, Afghans have elegant long hair. If you close your eyes and imagine an Afghan in motion, you will likely see a model on a catwalk. They are slender at 57 to 75 pounds in weight, and they can stand as high as 36 inches high.

 

Underneath it all, the Afghan is an agile, athletic hound, built for work. They’re also a hypoallergenic breed — in fact, the American Kennel Club reports Afghans to be one of the best hypoallergenic dogs for allergy sufferers, and they rarely shed, but need regular brushing.

45. Bouvier Des Flanders

Originating from the French part of Belgium, the Bouvier is a large, compact, well-built dog with strong muscled limbs. He stands at roughly 28 inches high at the withers, weighing between 55 and 115 pounds.

The French word Bouvier translates to herdsman or cattle worker, and that is what they did before becoming canine companions of families in America and worldwide. The Bouvier des Flandres breed has also excelled in other roles including guard dog, police dog, and, of course, loving pet. Their coats don’t affect people with allergies, but it requires a lot of maintenance.

46. Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is the largest of the three Schnauzer breeds. They are well-built and stand at 23 to 28 inches high and weigh anything between 55 and 110 pounds.

Like other non-shedding dogs, Schnauzers don’t have fur, but hair that continues to grow. This is also why they don’t shed. Although bred to herd and guard, they make exceptional family companions and are particularly fond of small kids and small pets. Whether male or female, they are natural caregivers.

47. Komondor

Also known as the Hungarian Sheepdog or the Mop Dog, the Komodor is a large dog that could weigh between 100 and 133 pounds, and stand between 25 and 30 inches high.

If you’ve ever seen a walking mop that looks like it’s on its way to a reggae concert, that’s a Komondor. The defining characteristic of this brave and loyal Hungarian work dog is its trademark long, dense, corded coat, which protects it from weather and animal attacks. Underneath all those dreads, however, is a large, powerful dog, with lots of love and affection for its human family. Those dreadlock-like cords do not need brushing, but occasional bathing is necessary.

48. Old English Sheepdog

The shape of the Old English Sheepdogs has changed very little over the years since they were first exported to the United States in the 1880s. They are large dogs that grow up to 24 inches high and weigh between 59 and 100 pounds.

Old English Sheepdogs can grow very long coats that even cover their faces and eyes, and they do not shed. What is quite interesting with this dog is that it stands lower at the shoulder than at the loins, so just like a Panda bear, he also lopes or walks in a bear-like fashion.

49. Xoloitzcuintli

The 3,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee), the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, is a loving companion and vigilant watchdog today. Called Xolo for short, across the three sizes, they can be between 10 and 23 inches high and weigh between 10 and 55 pounds.

The alert and loyal Xolo comes in three sizes, and in either hairless or coated varieties. The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), and two varieties (hairless and coated). The hairless have tough, smooth, close-fitting skin, and although they don’t have hair to shed, they need frequent bathing to control the dander, which are the allergens that cause allergic reactions.

50. Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an exotic blossom from the Andes. The breed’s name in Quechua, the language of the Incas, translates to “dog without vestments,” or naked dog. They also come in small, medium and large, with weights between 9.75 and 25.75 inches and anywhere between 8.5 and 55 pounds in weight (across the three sizes).

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a sighthound that comes in hairless and coated varieties, neither shed a lot of hair but limited amounts of dander. Although they do not require brushing, they need bathing to manage the dander and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Hopefully, This List of Shed-Free Dogs Helped You!

Now you have a ton of cute options to choose from. Thanks for reading.