38 Non-Shedding Dog Breeds (Recommended for Allergic People!)

Are you looking for the best non-shedding dog breeds to get for allergy sufferers like you (or a family member?)

That's what I wrote this article for!

As a fellow allergic dog lover, I can attest that my toy poodle hasn't triggered any harmful reactions yet. (Yes, poodles are allergy-friendly!)

In this article, you'll find:

• 38 Non-Shedding Dog Breeds for Allergic People
• The truth about hypoallergenic dogs
• 6 Tips for living with allergies and dogs

Let's get started!

38 Non-Shedding Dog Breeds

Non-shedding dog breeds are basically dogs that don't shed—at least not as much as other breeds do.

And not only they're the best options for people with dog allergies, but they also require minimal grooming attention!

What's not to love, right?

Let's start off the list with one of the most recognizable dog breeds around the world!

1. Toy Poodle

At the top of our list of low-shedding dogs is everyone’s favorite loving, playful rascal.

Poodles are not only low-shedding dogs but they're also lauded as among the most intelligent dog breeds out there.

Very prone to training, very talkative, and very loyal, these non-shedding dog breeds are prime best friend material.

And yes – you can forget about the shedding.

Breed Overview:

Height:	10 inches
Weight:	6-10 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Curly coat, apartment-friendly, easy to train, good for first-time owners

 

2. Affenpinscher

This German Terrier breed (pinscher means terrier in German) is another bundle of cuteness.

Originally bred as rat hunters, these dogs retain their hunting instincts which makes them great guard dogs.

However, Affenpinschers are also brilliant, playful, and loving and make amazing apartment pets.

Breed Overview:

Height:	9-12 inches
Weight:	7-10 lbs.
Life Span:	12-14 years
Characteristics:	Monkey-like, likes to entertain owners, needs weekly brushing, full of energy, very alert

 

3. Miniature Schnauzer

Schnauzers are rightfully famous for their big hearts and seemingly unending energy.

And they are much more, too – a Schnauzer loves to be the center of attention.

But this non-shedding dog breed is also exceptionally intelligent, so they fill that center easily.

A Schnauzer lives to please and needs a ton of mental and physical stimulation – don’t let them get bored.

Breed Overview:

Height:	11-14 inches
Weight:	10-18 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Highly intelligent, easy to train but with a stubborn streak, playful, makes great family pets

 

4. Saluki

Saluki dogs are both one of the oldest dog breeds known to man – approximately 6,000 years old – and are also the fastest dogs globally, surpassing other sighthounds like Greyhounds.

These non-shedding dog breeds are very calm and gentle.

They are brilliant and quite elegant as well – they require a lot of soft surfaces and comfort, but to repay you for that, they won’t shed on said surfaces.

Breed Overview:

Height:	23-28 inches
Weight:	35-65 lbs.
Life Span:	12-14 years
Characteristics:	Gentle, loyal pets, needs a huge living space, graceful, aloof, intelligent

 

5. Irish Terrier

Another iconic breed, Irish Terriers, makes for the best guard dogs and an ideal choice for dogs that shed the least.

More than that, Irish Terriers are also excellent athletes and make for both a great competition dog as well as a great sports buddy.

As fearless as they are when they guard your home, they’ll have nothing but love in their big hearts toward you.

Breed Overview:

Height:	18 inches
Weight:	25-27 lbs.
Life Span:	13-15 years
Characteristics:	Daredevil, bold and courageous, loyal, adaptable, with spirited nature

 

6. Maltese

The definition of cuteness, a Maltese will love and crave your company and presence more than any other animal or person in the world.

It’ll reward your company with an endless supply of love and affection.

But it’s more than just a cuddle buddy, too.

This non-shedding dog breed is famously intelligent and loves games and tricks.

Breed Overview:

Height:	7-12 inches
Weight:	4-8 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Good family dogs, gentle, affectionate, intelligent, enjoys learning tricks, playful

7. Kerry Blue Terrier

Yet another Terrier, the Kerry Blue, is a working dog bred primarily for herding and guarding.

As such, they are not just great guard dogs for your home but also a knowledgeable and friendly companion.

All that, coupled with their distinctive, beautiful look, makes them a great pet for many people.

Breed Overview:

Height:	17.5-19.5 inches
Weight:	44-51 lbs.
Life Span:	13-15 years
Characteristics:	Good family dogs, gentle, affectionate, intelligent, enjoy learning tricks, playful

 

8. Shih Tzu

A literally created dog to be your best friend, the Shih Tzu, will always be by your side and will always try to make you smile.

Gorgeous and cute, as they are intelligent and funny, these non-shedding dog breeds make for amazing pets.

It’s no surprise why they are among the most popular dog breeds in the world.

Breed Overview:

Height:	8-11 inches
Weight:	9-16 lbs.
Life Span:	10-16 years
Characteristics:	Short snouts, round eyes, playful, clever, affectionate, friendly, good family dog

 

9. Standard Poodle

Another classical breed, the Standard Poodle, is known for its quick feet and quick mind.

An intelligent athlete, the Poodle makes for an amazing play partner – they love to run, play, and learn tricks, and they’ll do all that without shedding almost any hair in your home.

Breed Overview:

Height:	18-24 inches
Weight:	40-70 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Kind and friendly, very energetic, eager to please, highly trainable, highly intelligent

 

10. Scottish Terrier

On the almost opposite spectrum of Poodles, Scottish Terriers are not the best athletes.

They are also not just intelligent but wickedly intelligent to the point that they really dislike training.

A Scottish Terrier does what it wants, but fortunately, one of the key things it wants is to be by your side and make you happy.

Breed Overview:

Height:	10 inches
Weight:	19-22 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Compact dog, vivid personality, dignified, persistent, independent, feisty

 

11. Australian Silky Terrier

Named precisely after their gorgeous, silky coat, the Australian Silky Terrier is also one of the very low shedding dogs.

Very loving and cuddly dogs, but also quite active – Silky Terriers don’t like being bored and can get destructive when left alone.

When they are with you, however, they’ll be your best friends.

Breed Overview:

Height:	9-10 inches
Weight:	8-10 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Friendly, highly-spirited, inquisitive, alert, responsive, quick, joyful

 

12. Irish Water Spaniel

A retrieving dog, the Irish Water Spaniel loves water almost as much as it loves people. Very funny and smart.

These dogs live to please you and are great training buddies.

And while they’ll keep you busy, you should keep them busy too – they require quite a lot of exercise.

Breed Overview:

Height:	21-24 inches
Weight:	45-65 lbs.
Life Span:	10-12 years
Characteristics:	Energetic, intelligent, inquisitive, clownish, alert, quick, active, does better with one owner

RELEVANT READ: Most Popular Irish Dog Breeds

 

13. Cairn Terrier

Yes, Toto from The Wizard of Oz made our list as well – maybe non-shedding is magical?

However, aside from non-shedding, Cairn Terriers have much more to offer – very intelligent and loyal.

A Cairn will follow you everywhere and do its best to help you however it can.

Breed Overview:

Height:	9.5-10 inches
Weight:	13-14 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Happy and cheerful, independent, tough, alert, hardy, intelligent, assertive, active

 

14. West Highland White Terrier

Another white bundle of love, the West Highland White Terrier – or the Westie – can be a bit of mischief, so don’t let these non-shedding dog breeds get bored.

They are very playful and intelligent and will repay your attention and time with many fun times and love.

Breed Overview:

Height:	10-11 inches
Weight:	13-22 lbs.
Life Span:	12-16 years
Characteristics:	Self-reliant, independent, challenging to train, friendly, alert, active, hardy

 

15. Brussels Griffon

An exceptionally loyal companion, the Brussels Griffon can even be loyal to a fault and distrust strangers.

Among the dogs that shed the least, they don’t get along with kids too well since they can be moody.

However, a Griffon shows nothing but love and attention toward you as long as you repay him in kind.

Breed Overview:

Height:	7-10 inches
Weight:	6-4 lbs.
Life Span:	10-15 years
Characteristics:	Smart, devoted, watchful, great companion, sensitive, inquisitive, self-important

 

16. Wheaten Terrier

Another fun-loving breed, the Wheaten Terrier, loves to run and play both outside and indoors.

A Wheaten will shower you with attention, but these non-shedding dog breeds also love to cuddle and nap on your feet.

Breed Overview:

Height:	17-19 inches
Weight:	30-40 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Affectionate, Intelligent, Energetic, Spirited, Playful, Faithful

RELEVANT READ: 30 Most Lazy Dog Breeds Perfect for a Couch Potato Owner

 

17. Chinese Crested

Definitely not your typical dog; the Chinese Crested, however, is also a very non-shedding dog.

In addition to that and their unique appearance, the Crested love their owners and family and distrust strangers and children.

And – being almost naked – they are not good dogs for cold climates.

Breed Overview:

Height:	11-13 inches
Weight:	10-13 lbs.
Life Span:	13-15 years
Characteristics:	Playful, love attention, energetic, sweet-tempered but can be good watchdogs

 

18. Lakeland Terrier

A scent hound, the Lakeland Terrier, makes for a great watchdog.

They also have a huge capacity for energy and are ready to burst into play at any second.

That, coupled with their impressive intelligence, makes for great pals, and their undying love for their family turns them into amazing pets.

Breed Overview:

Height:	13.5-15 inches
Weight:	17 lbs.
Life Span:	12-16 years
Characteristics:	Impish and assertive, needs plenty of human contact, intelligent, confident, trainable

 

19. Basenji

One of the more independent, non-shedding dog breeds on this list, this short-haired pooch, comes from the Congo.

Basenjis do great on their own and can even be stubborn in training, but they do love attention and require a lot of playtime with their owner every day.

Breed Overview:

Height:	16 to 17 inches
Weight:	22-24 lbs.
Life Span:	13-14 years
Characteristics:	Curious, Intelligent, Affectionate, Quiet, Alert, Energetic, Confident, Playful

 

20. Yorkshire Terrier

Another attention-grabber, Yorkies are one of the most famous dog breeds in the world for a reason.

They may be small, but their personality is enormous – only towards their owner.

Yorkshire Terriers can be very focused on their love and often mistrust strangers, other dogs, kids, and even other family members.

Breed Overview:

Height:	6-7 inches
Weight:	2-7 lbs.
Life Span:	13-16 years
Characteristics:	Among the smallest terriers, confident, energetic, dominant, great for apartments

 

21. Coton De Tulear

Widely known as a Velcro dog, the Coton De Tulear is the almost perfect lap dog.

Similar to the Maltese, but much calmer and cuddlier, Coton De Tulear still needs daily walks and playtime, of course, but during the rest of the day, they will be happiest in your lap.

Breed Overview:

Height:	9-11 inches
Weight:	18-13 lbs.
Life Span:	14-16 years
Characteristics:	Playful and clownish, lighthearted, gentle, lively, trainable, vocal

 

22. Giant Schnauzer

A Miniature Schnauzer in every aspect other than size, the Giant Schnauzer is a former working dog.

These non-shedding dog breeds need a lot of mental stimulation – training, playtime, tricks, etc.

As their smaller brethren, these giants are very loving and loyal companions with a heart that are as giant as they are.

Breed Overview:

Height:	23.5-27.5 inches
Weight:	55-90 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Composed, courageous, loyal and playful, easily trained, strong-willed, dominant

 

23. Border Terrier

A former fox hunting dog, the Border Terrier, has an amazing hunting instinct. If there are squirrels in your nearby park, they’ll soon learn to hate your furry friend.

A Border Terrier is much more than just a hunter. They're also very social, loving, and intelligent dogs.

Being one of the dogs that don't shed, they make great family pets as long as they also get the exercise and playtime they need.

Breed Overview:

Height:	10-11 inches
Weight:	11.5-15.5 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Good-tempered, affectionate, trainable, alert, loves outdoors, best for country-living

 

24. Portuguese Water Dog

A retriever dog, the only thing the Portuguese Water Dog loves more than water is its owner.

Literally bred to please, these Water Dogs are very intelligent and loving and love to play with you until exhaustion.

Fortunately, you wouldn't worry about much hair fall after playing in the water with these dog breeds that don't shed.

Breed Overview:

Height:	17-23 inches
Weight:	35-60 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Eager and athletic companions built for water, smart, easy to train, and eager to please

 

25. Havanese

If you want a dog that will love you almost unnaturally, then you should consider a Havanese.

Small in size but enormous in heart, the Havanese will soak up your attention while you are there and compose the saddest songs and howl them to no end while you are away.

Breed Overview:

Height:	8.5-11.5 inches
Weight:	7-13 lbs.
Life Span:	14-16 years
Characteristics:	Highly intelligent, eager to please, easy to train, playful, good companion dogs

 

26. Airedale Terrier

A working dog like most Terriers, the Airedale was more specially bred for agility and swimming.

They are also the largest Terrier breed, which doesn’t affect their agility one bit.

Other than that, they are precisely what you’d expect from a terrier – full of energy, highly intelligent, and extremely loyal and loving.

Breed Overview:

Height:	average 23 inches
Weight:	45-70 lbs.
Life Span:	10-12 years
Characteristics:	Bold, determined, and stubborn, friendly, alert, confident, outgoing

 

27. Bedlington Terrier

Don’t be fooled by its lamb-like coat – the Bedlington Terrier is as much of a hunting dog as a lot of its Terrier brethren.

Like all Terriers, these non-shedding dog breeds also make for an amazing guard dog and will shower you with love and with its seemingly endless playful energy.

Breed Overview:

Height:	15.5-16.5 inches
Weight:	17-23 lbs.
Life Span:	12-14 years
Characteristics:	Active and loving, loves the outdoors and good company, intelligent, spirited

 

28. Labradoodle

Labradoodles may surprise many people for being on this list – many Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic and shed a lot.

That’s because while Poodles are non-shedding, Labradors shed quite a lot.

So whether or not a Labradoodle will shed is highly dependent on its ancestry.

However, if you get a 3rd generation Labradoodle and know that its parents and grandparents are non-shedding, this Labradoodle will be a very non-shedding dog.

And more than that, Labradoodles are great in many ways – loving, playful, and very loyal. They make for amazing pets.

Breed Overview:

Height:	21-24 inches
Weight:	50-65 lbs.
Life Span:	12-16 years
Characteristics:	Friendly, intelligent, social, intelligent and affable, needs regular exercise to be happy

 

29. Standard Schnauzer

Like their bigger and smaller counterparts, the Standard Schnauzer is characterized by its huge heart's unlimited energy supply as well as being a dog that sheds the least.

They are also very gentle and affectionate dogs that are guaranteed to make your life brighter.

That is unless you’ve neglected them and they’ve destroyed your furniture out of boredom.

Breed Overview:

Height:	17.5-19.5 inches
Weight:	30-45 lbs.
Life Span:	13-16 years
Characteristics:	Intelligent and reliable, high-spirited, devoted and brave, lively, playful, highly trainable

 

30. Bichon Frise

The Bichon is a little bundle of cheerful joy that just so happens to be quite non-shedding.

Very affectionate and gentle, this ball of white goodness is sure to make you smile.

Breed Overview:

Height:	9.5-11.5 inches
Weight:	12-18 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Energetic, playful, affectionate, sensitive, eager to please, easy to train

 

31. Komondor

You can be forgiven if you don’t bet on the Komondor as a qualifier in a non-shedding dog list. Yet, here he is.

The Komondor love deeply and gently known as “the dreads” for his signature mop-like look.

However, while their coat doesn’t shed much, these non-shedding dog breeds still require a lot of grooming and brushing since they quite literally act as a mop around the house.

Breed Overview:

Height:	25.5-27.5 inches
Weight:	80-120 lbs.
Life Span:	10-12 years
Characteristics:	Have powerful bodies yet gentle, steady, affectionate, calm, and independent

 

32. Lhasa Apso

A truly royal dog, Lhasa Apso dogs were used as palace guards in Tibet.

And just as their heritage implies, they are proud and confident dogs.

That doesn’t stop them from also being loyal and loving towards their owner.

However, it does mean that they are suspicious of strangers.

Breed Overview:

Height:	9-11 inches
Weight:	13-18 lbs.
Life Span:	12-14 years
Characteristics:	Smart, confident and complex, assertive, playful, spirited, fearless, obedient, and devoted

 

33. Bolognese

The Bolognese is easily mistaken for a Bichon or a Maltese, but it is a separate breed.

Intelligent dogs that love games and puzzles, the Bolognese’s main priority is still to be close to you.

And as long as they have your presence, attention, and gentle petting, they’ll be happy, and they’ll do their best to make you happy as well.

Breed Overview:

Height:	9-11 inches
Weight:	13-18 lbs.
Life Span:	12-14 years
Characteristics:	Smart, confident and complex, assertive, playful, spirited, fearless, obedient, and devoted

 

34. Tibetan Terrier

Another entry from Tibet and another Terrier, too – the Tibetan is not an actual terrier, despite its name.

Called Tsang Apso (or Shaggy Dog) in their homeland’s language, the Tibetans were bred for working and herding, just like western terriers.

As such, they are intelligent, loyal, and loving towards their owner and family.

However, they are wary of strangers.

Breed Overview:

Height:	14-17 inches
Weight:	18-30 lbs.
Life Span:	12-16 years
Characteristics:	Smart, pleasant and affectionate, fun-loving, gentle, sensitive, energetic

 

35. Bouvier Des Flandres

These non-shedding dog breeds are powerful and fearless, as they were bred for herding and working.

But today, they are considered to be great athletes.

They require a lot of exercise, as well as strong leadership and assertiveness from their owners.

Bouviers are very gentle, loyal, and loving friends.

Breed Overview:

Height:	27 inches
Weight:	95 lbs.
Life Span:	10-12 years
Characteristics:	calm and docile, great family dogs, goes well with other pets, protective, loyal, trainable

 

36. Dandie Dinmont Terriers

Who could resist this breed, often referred to as just Dandies, This small terrier is similar in build to a dachshund with their short legs and long body.

This breed doesn’t shed, but they do have a reasonable amount of energy.

If you have a large garden or like to go on plenty of walks, these non-shedding dogs may be right for you.

Breed Overview:

Height:	8-11 inches
Weight:	18-24 lbs.
Life Span:	12-15 years
Characteristics:	Friendly, playful, devoted, affectionate, independent, better with only one owner

 

37. Afghan Hound

How can I include the Afghan Hound on my list of non-shedding dogs and not mention their luscious locks?

They are often discounted as a possible choice for allergy sufferers because of the sheer volume of their hair.

This often results in the misconception that they must shed copious amounts, but the opposite is true.

Breed Overview:

Height:	25-27 inches
Weight:	50-60 lbs.
Life Span:	12-14 years
Characteristics:	Strong-willed, independent, aloof, dignified, self-confident

 

38. Hungarian Puli

If you’re into dreadlocks, these non-shedding dogs may be just your style.

The Hungarian Puli is fiercely loyal and renowned for their guarding ability.

It’s best to start their obedience training when they’re young, as they’re intelligent dogs that can get into mischief if they aren’t taught what’s good and what’s bad from the get-go.

Breed Overview:

Height:	15-18 inches
Weight:	25-35 lbs.
Life Span:	12-16 years
Characteristics:	Active, intelligent, self-confident, devoted, slightly smaller than the Komodor, can be manipulative

The Truth about Hypoallergenic Dogs

Some may have labeled non-shedding dogs as hypoallergenics.

But the truth is, no dogs are 100% shed-free and hypoallergenic.

Non-shedding is only equal to low-shedding, which means they still shed but only so minimal that our naked eyes won't notice.

A study even stated that:

[There are] no statistically significant differences between reportedly hypoallergenic and nonhypoallergenic dogs

This means ‘hypoallergenic breeds' can still trigger a person’s allergies.

Hold up. I thought you said they're good for allergic people.

Well, yeah. I have allergies, and I cuddle with my poodle just fine.

The non-shedder dog breeds in this article are still the better choice for people with sensitivities because they “may cause less possibility to create a reaction due to the type of coat that breed has,” according to AKC's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein.

And by the way, the dog’s hair has nothing to do with your allergies. They are caused by the dog’s dander and sometimes by its saliva or urine.

And yes, even coatless and hypoallergenic dogs have dander.

But some dogs are much more hypoallergenic than others, and regular grooming can further reduce dander to a much tolerable amount.

With regularly groomed low-shedders, you could have allergic reactions so mild that you wouldn't even notice it.

Otherwise, severe symptoms that you should be concerned about include:

• Rashes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing or dizziness

Either way, it's best to test out if your allergies are caused by dogs.

6 Tips for Living With Allergies and Dogs

If you're allergic, I'm sure your doctor (as mine have) explained from the get-go that allergies are incurable.

We can only manage our symptoms.

So if you're a fellow allergen sensitive-slash-dog lover like me, let me share with you tips I've learned through the years on how to live with both allergies and dogs safely.

1. Feed high-quality food to reduce shedding

This might not be the first thought to pop into your head when trying to come up with solutions to allergy symptoms.

But trust me, by feeding your dog a high-quality natural diet, their skin will be healthier and shed far less.

Be sure that the diet you choose includes omega fatty acids, even if you have non-shedding dogs.

Check out these foods you can feed them for a healthy and shiny coat.

2. Replace carpets with tiles or wooden flooring

Carpets will be the bane of your existence if you suffer from a pet allergy.

There’s just something about the texture and depth of a carpet that likes to trap and gradually disperse those pesky dog hairs and dander.

If you have the budget to replace your carpet with a nice hygienic tile or wooden floor, it will be worth it!

3. Wash your hands

Are you guilty of stroking your pet and then forgetting to wash your hands? We’ve all been there.

But, for those suffering with an allergy, this can make the difference between a great day and a sneezy day.

A quick fix for this is to always have a bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket!

4. Invest in a quality air purifier with HEPA filters

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can benefit an allergic person with dogs by removing allergens such as pet hair, dander, and dust from the air.

HEPA filters are designed to capture small particles, including those that can trigger allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals.

5. Vacuum regularly!

This is a no-brainer but another way to lessen the fur and dander from spreading is to vacuum regularly.

In addition to vacuuming, other strategies for reducing dog dander and other allergens in your home include regular grooming of your dog, washing bedding and other fabrics in hot water.

6. Set up a dog-free zone

Find yourself still sneezing? Set up a dog-free zone!

That means having a room that is off-limits to your dog.

In my case, my ensuite bath and is my dog-free zone, where I also set up a small humidifier and purifier.

My poodles aren't allowed there, so when I'm starting to feel sniffly, I'd go there to calm my allergy.

Non-Shedding Dog Breeds: Before You Go…

Just like choosing any pet, there are several things to consider. Most soon-to-be owners choose dogs that don't shed due to allergies or hygiene reasons.

The best thing about non-shedding dogs is that there is always a great option in every category.

As I said before, we all wish all dogs were low-maintenance hypoallergenic dogs. But you have to weigh the pros and cons of each and find the dog that best fits your needs.

Do you want a smaller pooch?

Or a family-friendly canine?

Or perhaps a large low-shedding dog that is energetic?

Hopefully, this list of the best non-shedding dog breeds will help you find the ideal pooch for you!

Related Articles:

• 5 Tips On How To Reduce Shedding In Dogs
• 5 of My Favorite Dog Shedding Home Remedies
• Spring Shedding: How to Deal With Springtime Dog Shedding

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