Dogs are amazing companions and additions to the family, but let’s face it: many of them shed a lot! Whether you’re concerned about keeping all that dog hair vacuumed up in your house or about allergies, you might be looking for a low-shedding puppy and we’re here to help.
Is Low-Shedding the Same as Hypoallergenic/Allergy-Friendly?
Low-shedding dogs and allergy-friendly dogs are not always the same. Note that there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, but some are considered more allergy-friendly than others.
An allergy-friendly dog tend to not only shed less than other dog breeds but also produce little or no dander. Many people who are allergic to dogs are allergic to the dander, and not the fur. However, note that some people are allergic to dog saliva, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your specific allergies and best ways to manage them.
Do Any Breeds Not Shed at All?
No dog is completely non-shedding. However, the breeds listed below shed considerably less than other breeds and you only may notice shedding when you brush or bathe your dog. Note that most of these breeds have hair and not fur (which is often why they shed less than other breeds) and generally need to be professionally groomed.
Which Dog Breeds Shed The Least and Are Allergy-Friendly?
The most allergy-friendly dog breeds that product no dander or such as small amount that it’s considered untraceable are:
- One of the smartest dogs
- Agile and easily trained
- Love to swim
- Available in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard
- Great fit for families
- Protective and high energy
- Need lots of exercise
- Charming and fun
- Crave attention
- Small dogs (between 12 and 18 pounds)
- Love attention and tricks
- Great with kids
- Playful and affectionate
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- Affectionate
- Protective
- Can tend to bark
- High energy and needs mental stimulation
- Loves the water
- Excellent swimmer and retriever
- LIke to be active
- Affectionate and loyal
- Great with families
Browse available Portuguese Water Dog puppies for sale
- Affectionate
- Good with kids
- Protective
- Adaptable and playful
- Easy to train and needs stimulation
- Comes in three sizes, each considered their own distinct breed
Browse Miniature Schnauzer puppies for sale
- Good for families
- Get along with kids and other pets
- Affectionate and eager to please
- Super cute
Browse available Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers for sale
Breeds that are low-shedding but do produce some traceable dander are:
- Small dogs (under 7 pounds)
- Smart and easy to train
- Affectionate and loyal
- Fine, silk coat needs frequent grooming and brushing
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- Small dogs (under 10 pounds)
- Can be bossy
- Smart and stubborn
- Good apartment dogs
Browse available Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale
- Small dogs (10 pounds)
- Affectionate
- Protective
- Adaptable and playful
- Tends to bark
- Have a distinct, hairless appearance; also come in a coated variety known as powderpuff
- Small dogs (between 8 and 12 pounds)
- Alert and playful
- Good with kids
- Adapt to apartment or house living
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- Available in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard
- Available as hairless and coated (short, flat coat)
- Loving and affectionate companion
- Protective and loyal
- Easily trained and high energy
Dogs with minimal shedding and low dander that might be a good fit for those with mild allergies include:
- Adaptable and smart
- Alert and determined
- Protective
- Small dogs (between 8 and 10 pounds)
- Affectionate
- Playful and adaptable
- Easily trained
- Tends to bark
- Small dogs (under 15 pounds)
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Tends to bark
- Small dogs (between 8 and 15 pounds)
- Good with kids and other pets
- Good apartment dogs
- Low exercise requirements
Browse available Coton de Tulear puppies for sale
- Small dogs (between 7 and 13 pounds)
- Good family dogs
- Good apartment dogs
- Sweet and charming
- Need frequent grooming
- Smart and easy grooming
Browse available Havanese puppies for sale
- Small dogs (between 18 and 22 pounds)
- Independent and high spirited
- Need regular grooming
- Need plenty of exercise and play
- Crave attention and mental stimulation
Browse available Scottish Terriers for sale
- Affectionate and loyal
- Quiet but playful
- Small dogs (between 10 and 15 pounds)
- Good apartment dogs
Browse available Shih Tzu puppies for sale
- Small dogs (between 15 and 20 pounds)
- Good with kids
- Smart and independent
- Happy and loyal
Browse West Highland White Terriers for sale
Tips on Managing Dog Fur and Allergies
No matter what breed your dog is, there are things you can do to manage the shredding:
- Brush your dog regularly to reduce the shedding around your house. Most dogs love this!
- Bathe your dog regularly to really get at those loose hairs and fur. Some dogs love this more than others. Check with your vet or groomer on how often to bathe your dog, as bathing too often can dry out the skin. Using shed-control shampoos can help as well.
- Get your dog professionally groomed regularly
- Use comfy throw blankets on your furniture where your dog likes to lounge so you can toss it in laundry
- Keep a portable mini-vacuum or lint brush on hand for quick furniture touch ups
- Invest in a robot vacuum or mop to cut down on the amount of sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping you need to do
- Add an air purifier to your house or HVAC system to reduce allergens in the air
- Wash dog bedding and toys frequently
- Maintain dog free zones (such as your bedroom) to limit allergy issues
- Talk with your doctor about medication or allergy shots
With so many low-shedding and allergy-friendly dogs to choose from, you’re bound to find your ideal match. And once you find that perfect puppy, we’ll bring them right to you!
