Every pet owner can attest to the positive benefits of owning a dog. In fact, studies have shown that the bond between people their pet can help lower stress, bring happiness, decrease feelings of loneliness, and increase physical activity. That said, the one downside to owning a dog is dealing with all the pet hair.
While dealing with pet hair is undoubtedly a trade-off for all the positive facets of owning a dog, the pet dander can wreak havoc on some people’s health, especially those who deal with allergies. Thankfully, there are plenty of suitable breeds to choose from that only shed a little or don’t shed at all! If you want all the benefits of owning a dog plus the benefit of not having to go to deal with pet hair then check out these 12 dog breeds that don’t shed!
Poodle
Poodles have an elegant appearance and are known for their spunky haircuts. They come in three sizes, standard, miniature, and toy. Poodles have hair, not fur which means the hair doesn’t shed and keeps growing. This is what makes poodles hypoallergenic. That said, their coat does require regular clipping and grooming.
Did you know their funky haircuts actually serve a purpose? Poodles were originally bred to be water retrievers and less hair would make the poodle swim more efficiently. However, not enough hair could make them vulnerable to cold water. So poodle owners thought of a solution to place puffs of hair around their joints and upper torso to protect their vital organs and joints while on the hunt!
Saluki
If you’re looking for a sophisticated, independent, non-shedding dog, the Saluki may be the perfect breed for you. The Salukis are one of the oldest known breeds with archeological evidence dating back at least 5,000 years. They’re also known as the royal dog of Egypt and were even mummified in the same fashion as Egyptian Pharaohs.
Saluki’s have long feathery hair on the ears, tail, thighs, and backs of legs. Their coat sheds very little and only requires weekly brushing. While they are loyal to their owners they also have independent cat-like personalities too.
Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhounds are known as gentle giants. They might be large (actually very large) but they have quiet easygoing personalities and are perfect for families.
The deerhound’s coat is long and wiry and rarely sheds. That said, they do require weekly brushing at home to prevent their coat from matting. These dogs are also loyal to their owners and enjoy long walks.
Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds have a distinctive appearance with their spotted pink skin and spiky hairdo. Keep in mind there are two types of coats with this bread, the hairless and the powderpuff varieties. If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t shed you’ll want to choose the hairless as the powderpuff varieties have a long coat.
The hairless variety has smooth, soft skin and as well as tufts of hair on their ankles, tail, and head. Even though they require little grooming due to their lack of hair, you need to take care of their exposed skin. Your dog may require sunscreen or clothing to protect their skin when outside. This breed is also playful, loving, and devoted to their humans.
Schnauzer
Schnauzers are another breed that comes in three sizes, miniature, standard, and giant. They’re sociable and affectionate dogs. The standard Schnauzers are known for being outstanding companions who are devoted to their family members. They also have a fondness for kids.
All three sizes have a wiry non-shedding coat making it a great breed choice if you don’t want to deal with dog hair. To prevent matting make sure you brush their leg hair and beard often.
Golden Doodle
The Golden Doodle is a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This breed is happy, active, and great for families especially those with younger children. While their coats do require regular at-home brushing and professional clipping, they rarely shed. This is because they have a coat of a poodle instead of a retriever.
This breed also comes in a variety of colors. They can be dark brown, black, gray, cream, or orange. Some are even multicolored. Golden Doodles are social dogs and love being close to their owners. They’re also very playful and will enjoy playing fetch.
Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are a confident and independent breed. They’re moderately active and like to expel their energy in bursts. Playing fetch in the yard or throwing a toy around the house that they can chase will work great. This also means they are great dogs for a small home or apartment living.
This breed has a wiry topcoat and soft thick undercoat. Since their hair keeps growing, they rarely shed, especially compared to other short-coated breeds. Aside from regular brushing, their coats will need to be trimmed a couple of times per year.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers have a show-stopping coat that is both pleasing to look at and touch. Their ultra-soft coat comes in shades of blue ranging from light blue-gray to deep slate. Their coats also don’t shed making them an excellent breed for those who are worried about dog hair.
Keep in mind, since they don’t shed their coat, it requires regular brushing — at least once a week to prevent matting. In addition to regular brushing, they also require full grooming every six to eight weeks. Along with their striking appearance, they’re also great family dogs. They enjoy playing outside or running alongside their owner. They will also enjoy lounging on the couch with you too.
Whippet
Whippets are sleek, slender dogs that look like Greyhounds, but smaller. They have a short, silky coat that rarely sheds. Their coat is low-maintenance too. All it requires is regular weekly grooming with a brush and an occasional bath.
Whippets are easy-going and intelligent. Even though they enjoy bursts of physical activity (especially running very fast), they also love to relax for long hours. This makes them a suitable companion for apartments just as long as they are exercised properly.
Bolognese
The Bolognese is a small companion breed originating in Bologna, Italy. This old breed was known by royals in Roman times and was often given as gifts to the wealthy and powerful. This breed has a long, fluffy pure-white coat. Even though it’s long, they are non-shedding dogs and great for people who suffer from low to mild allergies.
Their coats are untrimmed except for around their eyes. Due to their long coat, they will require regular grooming and brushing several times per week. This breed is calm and loyal to its owners. They also don’t like being alone for long periods of time which means they aren’t suited for people with a typical 9-5 workday. Finally, these dogs require moderate exercise such as going for a walk or playing with a ball indoors.
Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is a beautiful, curly-haired breed. Their coat is naturally curly head to toe, and if grown out, will form tight, tapered cords. These dogs may lose a few hairs but they do not shed. Better yet, their coat requires very little maintenance.
You should never brush their coat. When bathing, you should squeeze the excess water out with your hands and do not rub their hair with a towel. Instead, blot it with a towel and allow it to air dry. These dogs are also great for families who enjoy physical activity. They are great companions for activities like running and hiking. Although, they do enjoy downtime too.
Welsh Terrier
Welsh Terriers have friendly, outgoing, and affectionate personalities. They’re playful and make great traveling companions. They have a sturdy compact appearance with a beautiful black and tan coat. Like other terriers, the Welsch Terrier does not shed!
You will need to brush their coat one to two times per week and they should be clipped every eight to 12 weeks. They are also energetic dogs and enjoy playing fetch with their owner. They should also have plenty of running time and a long walk every day.
