8 Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

Do you love dogs but not really comfortable with dog hair? Dogs are known to shed their hair, however, some shed more than others. According to research, every animal with hair usually shed to a certain degree, even humans do. However, the shedding across all animals are not the same. The shedding in some dogs is very low to the point that it’s almost as if they don’t shred.

So whether you are allergic to dog hair or you just don’t like cleaning them up, you have the option of going for a dog that perfectly suits your need. The shedding rate in an animal is as a result of the follicle type. The hair follicle of a dog determines the hair length, texture, and rate of shedding/growth.

What You Need to Know about Small Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed

A lot of dogs with low shedding rates have the type of hair that grows long. These dogs are known to shed very little, but they usually have special grooming needs. You will find more of small dog breeds that don’t shed than big and medium ones. But there are also several low shedding large and medium size dogs.

Small dog breeds that don’t shed at all or shed at a very low rate are also considered hypoallergenic. When you adopt small dog breeds that don’t shed or small dogs that don’t back a lot, you will be able to avoid dog hair all over your furniture, home, as well as your clothing.

All you have to do is to take proper care of the coat. You need to put in extra effort to take care of their coat. It is also crucial to ensure that the energy level of the dog, as well as its temperature, are going to fit in with your home.

Having a dog at home doesn’t mean living with a pet that will spread hair all over your clothes or home, or dealing with red itching eyes and sneezing about. This is no longer an issue, thanks to small dog breeds that don’t shed. However, small dog breeds that don’t shed require a high level of care. You need to brush their coats regularly in order to remove the loose hair. You also need to bath and cut their hair regularly.

Small Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed

Since small non-shedding dog breeds are the most popular pet for a lot of people, settling for one can sometimes be pretty difficult. There are a lot of small dogs out there for you to buy or adopt. You might like one for its personality and another for its color or size.

Whatever your preferences are, it is crucial that you make the right choice as that dog will be your companion for life. To help streamline your decision-making process, listed below are some small dog breeds that don’t shed.

1. Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a lively little and spunky dog that is great for those looking for small dog breeds that do not shed. This dog breed has so much energy and it’s also very intelligent. Hence, mentally-challenging exercises are great for this breed. The coarse coat of this breed is also great at repelling dirt.

When it comes to grooming, this breed requires very little maintenance. All that is needed to care for its coarse coat is basic brushing once or twice a week. Baths should be done once in a while, as it is rarely needed.

2. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a very playful and happy little dog breed that doesn’t shed. This dog has a very cheerful personality. Everyone is a potential playmate and friend to this dog. This breed is likely to be frolicking around than to settle down.

However, this breed requires a high level of maintenance. You need to cut the hair of your Bichon regularly. Whether you have mastered the clipper or you take your dog to a professional groomer, get ready to groom this breeds every 4 to 6 weeks. The coat of this breed also requires brushing several times in a week, if not on a daily basis.

3. Maltese Terriers

These breeds are well known for their beautiful white silky coats. They have a lot of coats, but they will not shed on your clothes or furniture. These breeds are very loving, playful, and sprightly. The Maltese Terrier is believed to be related to the Tibetan Terrier, however, their specific origin is not yet known. They have also been known as Roman Ladies’ Dogs and there are speculations that they were used to catch rodents in medieval and ancient cities.

4. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is known to be a very energetic, loyal, and muscular dog. The shedding rate of this breed is extremely low and they are considered as a hypoallergenic breed. However, this breed also requires adequate care and attention.

This breed requires regular grooming or trimming. You also need to brush its hair regularly to take out loose hair (if any). These particular dog breeds are rare, but they have been one of the best options for those looking for small dog breeds that don’t shed.

5. Basenji

For those that love hounds but are not comfortable with their shedding habits and distinctive odor, the Basenji might be the most suitable small dog breed that you need. The Basenji has gorgeous and fine coats that require additional care. The shedding rate of this breed is also very low.

These breeds are known to be very quiet. This means if you are looking for small dogs that don’t back a lot, the Basenji is a perfect choice. They are also ideal for apartments because of their quiet nature. However, you need to make sure that they get daily playtime and exercise.

6. Bolognese

The Bolognese is similar to the Bichon Frise. They also have a unique fluffy coat that comprises hair instead of fur. This breed doesn’t shed. However, you need to regularly brush out dead hair on the body of the do. You also need to groom the coat on a daily basis to ensure that they are always looking their best.

7. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is a very small dog. Irrespective of its small stature, this breed of dog does not require pampering. Both rough-coated and smooth-coated varieties of this breed shed at a very low rate and require regular grooming.

Their small nature means that an indoor play and a daily walk is often enough to cater to their exercise needs. This breed is very loyal and it is perfect for families that are usually home. This is because they require much attention and they are very playful.

8. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a very popular small dog breed that doesn’t shed. This breed is also known for a luscious coat. These breeds were once the indoor watchdogs of Tibetan palaces and temples. The Lhasa Apso might be slightly reserved towards strangers, but they are very playful and loving towards their family.

The energy level of this breed is moderate and they need a little more than a basic routine exercise. You can keep the coat of this breed long or short, depending on your preference. If you decide to keep the coat of your Lhasa long, you need to brush the hair several times a week. You would also be required to bath your dog regularly.

If you decide to keep the coat of your Lhasa short, you would still need to trim it regularly. However, you would only need to brush your Lhasa’s coat once or twice a week. So a long coat requires more maintenance than when the hair is trimmed.