You can find a playful pal, a snuggle buddy, and a loyal friend in dogs, which is the reason that you may prefer a canine over any other pet. But dogs also shed, which can be a put-off for fanciers with allergies or those who loathe the mess.

The truth is, there isn’t a 100% hypoallergenic breed because all dogs must lose some hair. It isn’t the hair that causes allergies, anyway. Rather, it’s a protein found in canine dander, which can be spread through shed hair, as well as in saliva and urine. All pups produce a certain amount of dander, but there are dogs that don’t make excessively hairy messes, which can help reduce the number of allergens in the house, thus minimizing the severity of reactions.

If you are looking for a light-shedding pup that won’t make such a mess or irritate your allergies as much, you have options. Keep reading as we look at the best low-shedding dog breeds.

The 14 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

1. Poodle

As far as canines go, Poodles are some of the most intelligent and esteemed breeds, with only four others in the country being more popular than them.¹

Poodles come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. These dogs have dense coats and rarely shed, though you should prepare to brush the puffy curls daily unless you clip the fur short.

2. Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers are called “monkey dogs” for a reason. Take one look at them and you’ll understand why. This tiny but feisty dog is full of spunk, energy, and charm and still complements all these by shedding so little!

These wiry-haired dogs don’t require much grooming, just bi-weekly brushing and twice-yearly coat trimming.

3. Australian Silky Terrier

This breed has distinctive long, flowing silky coats, and you wouldn’t believe that it’s your ultimate allergy-friendly pup by looking at them. The Silky Terrier is a Yorkshire Terrier’s close relative and is easy to groom and maintain, just like their cousin.

However, their long hair predisposes them to tangles and mats, so it would be best not to take advantage of the infrequent shedding as an excuse to ignore an occasional but good brushing session.

4. Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are Italy’s irreplaceable “truffle dogs,” donning a dense and curly coat that can leave you wondering how they see ahead. Everything about these dogs is fancy: their name, their teddy bear features, and their dispositions.

These medium-sized dogs are generally easy-going, and you can always put them to work with their high energy and endurance! This dog’s curls behave more like human hair than animal fur, meaning that the pup is fully hypoallergenic and low maintenance.

5. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are athletic and energetic and the best example of a dog that lives up to their name. These medium-sized dogs love water and are ardent swimmers that can fight waves for a long time without tiring.

This breed has a tightly curled coat that’s waterproof and hypoallergenic. Portuguese Water Dogs are loyal and eager to please—no wonder they were President Obama’s family dogs!

6. Brittany

The Brittany is a dog breed from France that was previously known as the Brittany Spaniel before the AKC dropped the “Spaniel” title. This breed is energetic and versatile, primarily because they were bred as gundogs and bird hunters.

Brittanys have a dense coat that protects them while on trails and keeps shedding to a minimum. You won’t keep up with this dog if you aren’t an active and energetic parent.

7. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise means “fluffy white dog” in French, and you would agree that the French didn’t leave much to the imagination when naming this breed. Thanks to their mild temperaments and cuddly features, these little cotton balls are every family’s best choice.

These dogs will indeed watch over your household with their alertness and curiosity and still give you an easy time maintaining them because they rarely shed. How can they, when breeders intended them to be hypoallergenic?

8. Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is among the oldest terrier breeds, and people once described them as “the farmer’s friend, gentleman’s favorite, and the poor man’s sentinel.” These dogs are super affectionate and low-shedding, making them excellent pets for anyone.

If you can offer the Irish Terrier constant attention, space to move, and patience, expect a fun and easy-to-maintain dog by your side. This pup only requires a little grooming of their tight, wiry hair to keep it ship-shape.

9. Bedlington Terrier

Here’s the perfect choice for a dog fancier who wants a low-shedding pup that looks like a lamb too. The Bedlington Terrier originated from England as a hunter’s sidekick and vermin killer.

These pups still possess excellent hunting skills, though you can mostly find them in dog shows these days. Bedlington Terriers are energetic and appear graceful in their sheep’s clothing, with the notable poof at the top of the head.

You can ensure a low-maintenance cut by grooming this dog in a tip-top shape like in dog shows or trying a short clip.

10. Havanese

Do you want a white-coated dog just like the Bichon Frise? The Havanese could be the perfect fit. Plus, they come in various colors and markings with a soft, silky coat that rarely sheds.

Havanese is the only breed native to Cuba, so you’ll be enjoying an incomparable dog that also exempts you from allergies and too much vacuuming.

11. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers are all hypoallergenic, just in varying sizes. These pups have bushy eyebrows, long beards, soft double coats, and rough, continuously growing hair that requires regular trimming. The good thing is that their hair is low-shedding and won’t put you in a sneezing fit.

12. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus may look like mini lions, but there’s nothing fierce about this pup. This dog breed is a lover and has won over royals with their light-shedding fur.

This “lion dog” has naturally long hair that requires a good bit of maintenance. But you can choose to trim the coat short for a more teddy-bear-like look.

• Related Read: Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

13. Yorkshire Terrier

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs have glowy floor-length coats just like their cousins, the Maltese. However, they are hypoallergenic because they have hair that looks more human-like than dog fur, though they require daily brushing and regular baths.

Yorkshire Terriers require high maintenance, but they make up for it through their vast personalities. Plus, you can tie their hair in a petite bow if you want!

14.  Maltese

You may know the Maltese as the “lap dog” with long white hair, but they’re among the lowest-shedding dog breeds you can ever find.

Although these dogs may shed little, don’t mistake that for low maintenance, as they require daily brushing and regular grooming to maintain their trademark all-white silky long hair.

Final Thoughts

Your love for dogs doesn’t have to result in excessive vacuuming or sneezing fits, as you can own any of these dogs to alleviate your allergies or at least save you the effort and money on lint rollers. Now that you have a handful of low-shedding dog options, which one would you prefer?

Related reads:

• Shaggy Dog Breeds
• Alaskan Dog Breeds That Originated in Alaska

Featured Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock