Dislike Dogs That Shed? Here are 5 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed!

Dogs are adorable, and they have an endearing ability to connect with their owners on an emotional level. They’ve earned the designation as ‘man’s best friend,’ and today, they are the pet of choice in more than one-third of American homes. But if there is one trait most of us could do without, it’s the shedding. 

As cute as they are, dogs are covered in fur that tends to shed on everything. You can either accept the shedding a clothing accessory, spend hours cleaning and carefully restricting your beloved pets to specific rooms or areas. Or, you can take the work out of it and choose a breed that simply doesn’t shed. They do exist; here are five breeds that won’t have you stocking up on lint rollers.

Bichon Frise

If a cuddly cotton ball that doesn’t shed is your perfect pup, the Bichon Frise is a small dog that was specifically bred to be hypoallergenic. The Bichon Frise is generally described as a small, sturdy dog. It is an excellent option for those who want the smaller size without the frailty that comes with the small size. 

The breed is well-known for being adaptable to most environments, people, and pets. They are easy to train and generally present natural confidence. The Bichon will stand watch and alert you to guests, but don’t expect them to back their bark up with anything but cuddles. The breed is generally healthy but does require routine grooming to maintain its bright white, velvety coat.

Related: What are the Longest Living Dog Breeds

Poodle

When it comes to dogs that don’t shed, the poodle is probably the most well-known hypoallergenic breed. Poodles come in three sizes, so there is one to suit any preference. Poodles in all their forms are ambitious, intelligent, athletic dogs. Their curly coat comes in two varieties: white and apricot. Poodles do require regular grooming, including clipping, 

While most poodles are reasonably healthy, the breed may suffer from many health conditions ranging from hip dysplasia and eye problems to orthopedic problems. Standard, miniature, and toy varieties are all active. Poodles were originally bred for hunting and tend to love the water as well as fetch games.

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Schnauzer 

Both the miniature and standard Schnauzer are non-shedding breeds. Schnauzers were originally bred to be all-purpose farm dogs, and they do a great job at being fearless without being aggressive. Schnauzers are energetic and healthy with wiry coats. The most amusing features of the Schnauzer are their bushy beards and eyebrows, which give them a comical human-like appearance.

Schnauzers are a relatively healthy breed with few common conditions. They may be slightly more prone to cataracts, pancreatitis, or urinary stones. The breed has a double coat that requires regular brushing, but unlike many other breeds on our list, regular haircuts are not required to maintain their typical appearance. Schnauzers are active dogs that require frequent exercise. And while they make good watchdogs, they’re not well suited for off-leash work. These dogs have a hard time resisting the urge to chase.

Related: How Much Does it Cost to Own a Dog?

West Highland Terrier

Lovingly called the ‘Westie,’ these terriers have an all-white double coat that gives a plush toy dog appearance. But looks can be a little deceiving; their coat is not soft to the touch. The breed is known to be hardworking and intelligent but challenging to train. They were bred to hunt rodents like rats and will therefore chase anything that moves.

The breed tends to be very healthy, free from most major health conditions. Hips, a common problem for many breeds, and the patella are the most common faults. Show dogs are groomed meticulously with brushing and plucking, and pets are often clipped to help maintain neatness. Westies are active and require regular exercise and diligent exercise.

Related: 30 Dog Toys that Will Keep Your Dog Entertained

Irish Water Spaniel

As their name suggests, the Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent swimmer. This breed is affectionate and sporty. They don a curly, liver-colored coat and tapered tail. IWS are mostly healthy, but they do have some unique concerns. The breed tends to have adverse reactions to sulfa antibiotics and Ivermectin (dewormer). Aside from those reactions, allergies and hip dysplasia are the most common health conditions.

IWS do require regular brushing and trimming to maintain their coat. Due to their sporting history, the breed is active and needs a lot of exercise. This breed is the type of dog that appreciates having a job to do. And they are trainable but respond best to positive reward cycles. IWS is well-suited for agility, flyball, dock diving, and similar canine sports.

Tips to Manage Shedding Dogs

If you love dogs but can’t stand the shedding, a non-shedding breed is an obvious solution. But perhaps you already have a furry friend that you’re attached to. If you already have a dog that sheds or you don’t see your favorite breed on the hypoallergenic list, here are some tips to help manage the dog hair, so it doesn’t take over your life. 

• Grooming: Most breeds can benefit from daily brushing to remove loose hairs.
• Nutrition: Feed quality food that offers a complete nutrition profile to reduce shedding.
• Supplements: Add a fatty acid supplement.
• Good Housekeeping: Vacuum daily; consider investing in a robotic vacuum designed for homes with pets.

The Bottom Line on Non-Shedding Dogs

Dogs are great, but the dog hair situation is another story. For dog lovers who suffer from allergies or compulsive cleanliness, at least a couple dozen breeds are non-shedding or minimally shedding. We’ve covered five common favorites on the list that make great pets without shedding on your furniture. And we shared a few tips ranging from grooming habits to nutrition to reduce the amount of shedding other breeds experience.

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