Breeds · 12 entries

Low-shedding dog breeds

Dogs that leave the least hair on the sofa. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but these shed noticeably less.

How we chose: Dog breeds rated 1 or 2 out of 5 for shedding in our profiles, lowest first.

1

Bichon Frise

Cheerful, gentle, playful · 5–8 kg (11–18 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

The Bichon’s curly white coat sheds very little, which makes it popular with people who dislike dog hair — though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Bichons are sociable and gentle, and generally get on…
The full Bichon Frise profile
2

Havanese

Playful, affectionate, sociable · 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

Cuba’s national dog, the Havanese is a cheerful, gentle companion that loves people of all ages and usually gets along with other pets. They are clever and learn tricks quickly, which made them popular…
The full Havanese profile
3

Maltese

Gentle, playful, affectionate · 2–4 kg (4–9 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

Lap dogs since the days of ancient Rome, the Maltese is affectionate, playful and happiest close to its people. The silky white coat sheds very little, which makes the breed popular with allergy-conscious owners,…
The full Maltese profile
4

Miniature Schnauzer

Alert, friendly, spirited · 5–9 kg (11–20 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

Bred as farm ratters in Germany, the Miniature Schnauzer is a sturdy, bright and sociable little dog with a famous beard and eyebrows. They are good watchdogs — sometimes too good — and usually…
The full Miniature Schnauzer profile
5

Poodle

Clever, active, proud · 18–32 kg (40–71 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

Behind the show clip, the Poodle is an athletic water retriever and one of the most intelligent breeds. Poodles come in standard, miniature and toy sizes, and their low-shedding curly coat makes them a…
The full Poodle profile
6

Shih Tzu

Outgoing, affectionate, calm · 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

Shih Tzus were kept as companions in Chinese palaces. They are friendly, adaptable and happy in small homes, but their long coat and prominent eyes need daily care.Most owners keep their Shih Tzu in…
The full Shih Tzu profile
7

Yorkshire Terrier

Feisty, affectionate, brave · 2–3.5 kg (4–8 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

Bred to catch rats in Yorkshire mills, the Yorkie is a terrier in a silky coat: busy, curious and vocal. The hair-like coat sheds very little but mats quickly, and most pet owners keep…
The full Yorkshire Terrier profile
8

Boston Terrier

Friendly, lively, gentle · 5–11 kg (11–24 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

Nicknamed "the American gentleman" for its tuxedo markings, the Boston Terrier is a cheerful, sociable companion that suits flats and families. They are usually gentle with children and other pets, and most are keen…
The full Boston Terrier profile
9

Boxer

Playful, loyal, boisterous · 25–32 kg (55–71 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

Boxers are clowns with a guardian’s heart: bouncy, affectionate and endlessly entertaining, but strong and exuberant enough to knock over a toddler in excitement. They mature slowly and need both physical exercise and games…
The full Boxer profile
10

Chihuahua

Devoted, bold, alert · 1.5–3 kg (3–7 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

The smallest recognised breed, the Chihuahua often bonds closely with one person and has the confidence of a much larger dog. Their size makes them fragile around rough play and small children, and easy…
The full Chihuahua profile
11

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Affectionate, brave, people-loving · 11–17 kg (24–37 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

Staffies are among the most people-loving dogs there are: affectionate, playful and keen to be part of everything. In the UK they are one of the most common breeds in rescue centres, where many…
The full Staffordshire Bull Terrier profile
12

Whippet

Gentle, quiet, affectionate · 11–18 kg (24–40 lb)

Shedding
Grooming needs
Energy

Whippets are sprinters, not marathon runners: a couple of joyful bursts of top speed, then a long sleep under a blanket. Indoors they are quiet, gentle and very cuddly, which surprises people who expect…
The full Whippet profile

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