If you love dogs but can’t stand fur everywhere, you’re definitely not alone. Finding dog breeds that don’t moult much can make life so much easier for folks with allergies or anyone who prefers a tidier space.

Learning about dog breeds that don’t moult much helps you pick a companion that fits your lifestyle. This article will walk you through what to expect from these dogs, so you can enjoy the snuggles without the mess.

1) Poodle

Thinking about a dog that hardly sheds? A Poodle could be just what you need. All types—Toy, Miniature, and Standard—have curly coats that trap loose hair, so you’ll see way less fur around your place.

People with allergies often go for Poodles because they’re seen as more hypoallergenic. No breed is 100% hypoallergenic, but Poodles come pretty close for lots of owners.

You’ll still need to groom them regularly to keep that coat healthy and neat. Poodles are also known for their brains and energy, so daily training and exercise are a must.

Their playful side and friendly vibe make them awesome companions for families or singles. If you want a dog that won’t leave fur everywhere, Poodles are definitely worth a look.

2) Bichon Frise

Looking for a happy little dog that doesn’t cover your house in hair? The Bichon Frise might fit the bill. These small dogs sport a fluffy white coat that barely sheds.

Bichons have soft, curly hair instead of fur, so loose hairs tend to stay put. You’ll still need to brush them often to keep tangles and mats away.

Many people pick Bichons because they’re considered hypoallergenic. While no dog is totally allergen-free, Bichons are a favorite for families with sensitivities.

They’re playful, cheerful, and love being with people. Bichons get along with kids and other pets, and they’re clever and pretty easy to train.

If you want a fun companion who keeps your house neat, the Bichon Frise is a strong contender.

3) Shih Tzu

Need a small dog that doesn’t shed much? The Shih Tzu is a solid pick. These friendly pups have thick, long coats that look high-maintenance, but they actually shed less than you’d think.

Their coat traps loose hairs, so you won’t find them all over your couch. Shih Tzus have soft fur that grows like human hair, which means regular brushing and trims are a must to avoid tangles.

Many owners go for a shorter haircut to make care easier. Shih Tzus are gentle and affectionate and love hanging out indoors with their people.

Minimal shedding means fewer allergy flare-ups and less mess at home. If you want a loving pet that won’t leave hair everywhere, a Shih Tzu could be just right.

4) Yorkshire Terrier

If you want a pint-sized dog that won’t leave fur on every surface, the Yorkshire Terrier is a fantastic option. They have long, silky coats that barely shed, and since they lack an undercoat, heavy moulting just isn’t a thing.

Yorkies are cheerful and affectionate, great for families or solo folks. Even with their fancy looks, they’re playful and always up for some fun.

Keep their coat brushed daily to avoid tangles—luckily, their small size makes this quick. If you stay on top of grooming, your Yorkie will look and feel awesome.

One of the best things about Yorkies? They’re a top non-shedding breed, perfect for allergy sufferers or anyone who wants a tidier home.

5) Maltese

Want a small dog that doesn’t shed much? The Maltese is a classic. This toy breed rocks a long, silky white coat and an adorable face, but you won’t find much hair left behind.

No need to battle fur on your clothes or couch, though you’ll need to brush and comb their coat often to keep it neat. Professional grooming now and then helps keep them looking their best.

Maltese are brave and gentle and make loving family pets. Despite their tiny size, they’ve got big personalities and tons of energy.

For more on the Maltese and other low-shedding breeds, check this summary of non-shedding dog breeds. Curious about what it’s like to live with one? Here’s a handy guide on Maltese dog breed health and care.

6) Portuguese Water Dog

If you want a clever, loving companion who doesn’t cover your house in hair, the Portuguese Water Dog might be your match. These dogs have curly coats that hardly shed.

Their thick fur is more like human hair and traps loose strands, so you won’t find it everywhere. That’s a big plus if you want less cleaning and fewer allergy issues.

Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic and eager to please. They love being active, especially around water—no surprise there.

They’re easy to train and bond strongly with their families. If you want a breed that’s smart, affectionate, and hypoallergenic, this one ticks all the boxes.

7) Miniature Schnauzer

If you want a cheerful little dog that won’t leave hair on your stuff, the Miniature Schnauzer is a great choice. This breed is famous for its beard, bushy eyebrows, and lively energy.

Miniature Schnauzers barely shed, so they’re a hit with allergy-prone families. Their wiry coats help keep loose hair in check, making cleanup a breeze.

Grooming matters, though. Brush them regularly and take them to the groomer every few months to keep their coat in good shape.

These small dogs are friendly, energetic, and love being around people. They’re pretty smart and easy to train, which makes them awesome companions.

If you want more details, check out why Miniature Schnauzers are a great breed for allergy sufferers. They’re a solid pick for anyone wanting a low-shedding pet.

8) American Hairless Terrier

If you’re after a dog that really doesn’t shed, the American Hairless Terrier stands out. This breed has almost no hair, so you won’t find fur on your clothes or furniture.

With barely any coat, you can skip brushing out tangles or dealing with mats. Still, these terriers need regular skin care, like bathing and sunscreen, since their skin’s exposed.

The American Hairless Terrier is friendly and packed with energy. They’re playful, loving, and a favorite for people with allergies.

Just remember, like all dogs, they still shed skin cells. If you want to dig deeper, check out the American Kennel Club page for the American Hairless Terrier or browse through dog breeds that don’t shed.

9) Basenji

Looking for a dog that’s clean and easy to care for? The Basenji might just be your match.

Basenjis groom themselves almost like cats, so their coat stays neat with barely any help from you. You won’t have to worry much about fur stuck to your furniture.

They have a short, fine coat and shed very little. While not totally hypoallergenic, their low shedding means you’ll see less hair around the house—handy if you’ve got mild allergies or just like things tidy.

Basenjis are also known for being exceptionally quiet. They rarely bark, so noise isn’t much of an issue.

Just keep in mind, they’re clever and super active, so they need daily exercise and playtime. Curious about their shedding habits? Nylabone has a guide on dog breeds that don’t shed.

10) Brussels Griffon

Want a small dog bursting with charm and personality? The Brussels Griffon might be the one.

This little dog is famous for its expressive face and playful attitude. One of the best things about them: they barely shed.

You won’t find their fur all over your sofa or shirts. Both rough-coated and smooth-coated Griffons are low shedders, which is a win for allergy sufferers or anyone who hates dealing with pet hair.

For more info, check out the Brussels Griffon’s grooming needs.

Grooming matters with this breed. The rough-coated type needs regular brushing to avoid tangles, while the smooth-coated one just needs a brush every now and then.

Don’t forget regular nail trims to keep your Griffon comfortable. They’re small but sturdy, love to play, and really bond with their families.

The Brussels Griffon thrives around people and adapts well to both flats and houses. If you want a fun, loyal, and low-shedding buddy, this breed could be just right.

Understanding Canine Coats

Dog coats are more than just fur. They play a big role in your pet’s health and comfort.

The way a dog sheds comes down to its genes and its coat type.

How Genetics Affect Shedding

Genes shape how much fur a dog will shed. Some breeds, like the Poodle or Bichon Frise, have hair that keeps growing, so they barely shed.

Dogs with a single layer of fur (single coat) usually shed less than double-coated breeds. These traits pass down from their parents.

Non-shedding breeds often come from careful breeding for specific coat qualities. If your dog’s a mix, predicting shedding can get tricky.

Puppies from the same litter might shed differently, depending on which genes they inherit. You can get a better idea by learning about the parents’ breeds and their coat genetics.

Many non-shedding breeds are popular for allergy sufferers because they produce less dander.

Coat Types and Maintenance

There are a handful of main coat types: smooth, wire, curly, long, and double. Breeds with curly or wavy coats usually shed the least.

Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shih Tzus have hair that grows long, so regular grooming is a must to prevent tangles. For a deeper dive, check out the Furry Babies grooming guide.

Table: Common Coat Types and Shedding

Non-shedding dogs still need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy. Curly and long-haired breeds might need professional trims now and then.

Bathing and brushing are key for keeping skin and fur in good shape. For more details, visit the Four Paws coat guide.

Advantages of Low-Moulting Dog Breeds

Picking a dog that moults less can make daily life tidier—especially if you have allergies or just don’t want to deal with fur everywhere. These breeds help keep your home cleaner and reduce shedding headaches.

Allergy Considerations

If you or someone in your family has allergies, low-moulting dogs are usually the safer bet. They shed less fur and dander, so fewer allergens float around your home.

That means allergy symptoms often stay milder, making it easier to live with a pet. Many low-moulting breeds, like Poodles and Maltese, are called “hypoallergenic” since they’re less likely to trigger sneezing or itchy eyes.

No dog is truly non-allergenic, but you’ll probably find life more comfortable with these breeds. For folks with asthma, less shedding can mean fewer flare-ups.

Less fur also means less cleaning, so you get more time to just hang out with your dog. Check out breeds with the least moulting and their allergy benefits.

Suitable Home Environments

Low-moulting breeds work well for small flats or homes where tidiness matters. Since they lose less fur, you won’t spot hair on your clothes or floors as often.

This makes it easier to keep your place looking neat and helps guests who worry about pet hair. These breeds are also a good fit for busy homes where nobody wants to vacuum every day.

If you’ve got a young family or a packed schedule, low-moulting breeds can help cut down on chores. Shih Tzus, Bichon Frisés, and Miniature Poodles are known for their low-shedding coats and easy care.

If you rent or share your space, a low-moulting dog can make life smoother for everyone. Less fur means allergic housemates or guests are less likely to react. Want more ideas? Here’s a list of the best non-shedding breeds for homes and flats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want a dog that keeps your home cleaner by shedding less fur? With the right breed, it’s totally doable.

From big to small, there are plenty of options that make pet life easier for allergy sufferers and busy families.

Which large dog breeds are known for minimal shedding?

If you want a bigger dog but not a house full of hair, look at breeds like the Standard Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog. Both are smart, active, and barely shed.

The Giant Schnauzer and Irish Water Spaniel are also good picks.

Can you list family-friendly dogs that are also low shedders?

Poodles—especially mixes—are gentle and great with kids. The Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise are also fantastic for families, thanks to their friendly personalities and minimal shedding.

What are the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for allergy sufferers?

Hypoallergenic breeds shed very little and produce fewer allergens. Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Shih Tzus are top picks for allergy-prone folks.

The Portuguese Water Dog and Maltese are also solid choices for households dealing with allergies.

Are there any small dog breeds that are quiet and don’t shed?

For a small, quieter companion, the Yorkshire Terrier sheds very little and can be trained to bark less. The Maltese is another gentle, low-shedding breed that tends to be less vocal.

Could you suggest some low-maintenance dog breeds that won’t leave hair everywhere?

If you’re tired of sweeping up dog hair, you might want to check out the Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise. Their hair barely sheds, so you won’t find tufts all over the couch.

Just keep up with their grooming, and you’re golden. The Poodle’s another solid pick—its curly coat tends to trap loose hairs, which means less mess for you.

What medium-sized dog breeds have a calm temperament and don’t shed much?

The Miniature Poodle stands out as a medium-sized breed with a calm nature. It barely sheds at all, which is a huge plus for many people. Minimal shedding means less mess around the house.

If you’re after another chill companion, the Lagotto Romagnolo is worth a look. This breed also keeps hair loss to a minimum and tends to have a laid-back vibe.