So, you desperately want a dog, but can’t stand the thought of having to constantly clean the dust bunnies that accumulate around your house? Or you love wearing black clothes but don’t want to carry a lint brush with you all the time?
There is no reason why a fear of dog hair should get in the way of you finding your perfect pooch companion. Because on this page, you will find a list of all the wonderful dog breeds that don’t shed hair.
You are sure to find your new best friend among them.
But first, let’s talk a bit more about shedding. Shedding hair is a completely natural process among all animals with fur or hair. It is a way for the body to lose old or damaged hair and allows healthy, new hair to grow.
Humans shed around 50-100 hairs every day. Although all dogs shed some hair, the amount and frequency of hair that they lose depends on their health, their breed, and in some cases, the season.
When people talk about dogs that don’t shed, what they really mean is dogs that lose such a small amount of fur or hair every day that it is almost impossible to see.
Non-shedding breeds of dog tend to come in five categories.
Dogs with long, silky coats – like Afghan Hounds
Hairless dogs – including the American Hairless Terrier, Chinese Crested and the Xoloitzcuintli (or Mexican hairless dog)
Dogs with thick, soft hair that resembles a lamb’s coat – think Bichon Frise, Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Maltese
Dogs with hard, wiry, and dense hair – such as the Portuguese Water Dog, Kerry Blue Terrier and Cairn Terrier
And dogs with thick double coats that don’t shed – like the West Highland White Terrier and the Schnauzer.
Over the past 10-15 years, a large number have Oodle breed dogs (like the Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, and Maltipoo) have appeared. So much so that they are now some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. One of the reasons people love Oodles so much is because they tend to have non-shedding poodle coats.
Before you dive into our list of the best dog breeds that don’t shed, it is important to remember that ‘non-shedding’ does not mean ‘no grooming required’.
All dogs, whether they shed or not, need some maintenance and grooming to keep their coats and skin healthy. How often they need to be groomed and the type of grooming required (for example, baths, brushing, clipping, or trimming) depends on the breed of dog. Some dogs may only require an occasional bath while other will need bathing and brushing a couple of times a week or a clip and trim every few months.
You should factor this into your decision about the best breed for you.
Now it’s time for the fun part. Take a look through our list and start thinking of your favorite pet names. You are sure to find a new best friend that keeps their fur to themselves and is a perfect fit for your family and lifestyle.