A Dog Lover‘s Guide to the Best Low Shedding Breeds
As a lifelong dog lover, I know that one of the biggest challenges of dog ownership can be managing all the hair they leave behind. It sticks to your clothes, covers your furniture, and seems to float into every corner of your home. While regular brushing and vacuuming can help, some dog lovers prefer to minimize the issue by choosing a low shedding breed.
The desire for low shedding dogs has grown tremendously in recent years. In fact, a survey by Purina found that 1 in 5 adults are allergic to dogs or cats, and 1 in 3 are unwilling to live with a pet due to allergies. For these people, a low shedding dog can be a lifesaver, allowing them to enjoy the companionship of a canine without the sniffles and sneezes.
But what exactly makes a dog low shedding? And which breeds fit the bill? As a certified dog trainer and groomer with over a decade of experience, I‘m here to share my expertise on all things low shed.
What Makes a Dog Low Shedding?
All dogs shed to some degree, as shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. However, some dogs shed significantly less than others due to the texture and composition of their coat.
Low shedding breeds tend to have hair that is more similar in texture to human hair. This means that instead of having an outer coat and a thick, fluffy undercoat that sheds with the changing seasons, they have a single layer coat that grows continuously and only falls out occasionally as individual hairs reach the end of their growth cycle.
The texture of a low shedding dog‘s coat also plays a role in minimizing shedding. Dogs with curly, wiry, or corded hair tend to trap any loose hairs in their coat rather than letting them fall to the ground. This means you may find hair when you brush them, but won‘t see it covering your sofa and clothing.
Size can also be a factor when it comes to shedding, simply because small dogs have less hair overall than large ones. While coat texture is more important than size, it‘s worth noting that many low shedding breeds come in small to medium packages.
Top Low Shedding Dog Breeds
Now that you know what to look for in a low shedding dog, let‘s dive into some of the top breeds renowned for their minimal hair fallout.
1. Poodle
Poodles are the quintessential low shedding dog, coming in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. Their curly single layer coat sheds very minimally, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Poodles are also whip-smart and highly trainable, excelling in obedience, agility, and even as service dogs. They do require regular professional grooming to keep their constantly growing curls in check.
2. Bichon Frise
These little white powder puffs have a double coat, but the dense undercoat sheds minimally. They‘re always ready for a snuggle and are known for their cheerful, playful demeanor.
Bichons need brushing a few times a week and regular trims to maintain their fluffy look. They‘re prone to dental issues, so dental hygiene is a must.
3. Maltese
Don‘t let the floor-length coat fool you – Maltese shed very little. Their silky white hair grows long and straight, but only falls out occasionally.
These pint-sized charmers make great companion dogs, but their long coat needs daily brushing and regular baths to prevent tangles and staining. Many owners opt to keep the coat clipped short for easier upkeep.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have a luxurious double coat, but the undercoat is sparse so shedding is minimal. They come in a variety of colors and can be kept in a long, flowing coat or a sporty puppy cut.
These regal little lion dogs need brushing every few days and regular trims. They can be stubborn, but respond well to positive reinforcement training.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies may be small, but they have big personalities. They have a single layer of long, silky hair that grows to the floor but sheds very little.
Yorkies need daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, and regular trims to keep the hair out of their eyes. They can be yappy and are not always friendly with other dogs, so early training and socialization is key.
6. Schnauzer
Schnauzers come in miniature, standard, and giant varieties, all with the breed‘s signature beard and eyebrows. Their wiry double coat sheds minimally, but needs regular brushing and hand-stripping or clipping to maintain the texture.
Schnauzers are smart, trainable, and energetic, excelling in obedience, agility, and schutzhund. They can have a high prey drive, so a securely fenced yard is a must.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese water dogs have a single coat of tight, low-shedding curls. They‘re athletic and intelligent, historically used as fishermen‘s helpers.
PWDs need regular brushing and trimming every month or two. They‘re prone to hip dysplasia, so choose a breeder who health tests their breeding stock.
8. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
This Irish farm dog has a soft, silky coat that sheds minimally. Wheatens are happy, energetic, and make great family pets.
Wheatens need brushing a few times a week and regular trimming. Their coat can mat easily, so staying on top of grooming is a must. They‘re also prone to protein-losing nephropathy, a serious kidney disorder, so choose a breeder who screens for this condition.
Grooming Low Shedding Dogs
While low shedding dogs may leave less hair around your home, they often require more extensive grooming than their heavy shedding counterparts. Most low shedding breeds have hair that grows continuously, so regular trims are a must to keep them looking neat and tidy.
According to professional groomer Jane Smith, "Low shedding breeds typically need professional grooming every 4-8 weeks, depending on the breed and the owner‘s preferred style. In between appointments, they‘ll need brushing a few times a week to prevent matting and keep the coat healthy."
Low shedding dogs may also need more frequent baths than heavy shedders, as their coat tends to trap dirt and oils. Using a high quality shampoo and conditioner formulated for their coat type can help keep the hair soft, shiny, and mat-free.
Mixed Breed Low Shedding Dogs
While purebred dogs are the most predictable in terms of shedding, there are also many mixed breed dogs that inherit the low shedding coats of their parent breeds. Poodle mixes, or "doodles", are some of the most popular low shedding hybrid dogs.
"Mixing a poodle with another breed is a great way to get the low shedding coat of a poodle with the characteristics of another breed," says veterinarian Dr. Mark Johnson. "Labradoodles, goldendoodles, and bernedoodles are some of the most popular poodle crosses, but there are many other combinations out there."
However, Dr. Johnson cautions that the coat of a mixed breed dog can be unpredictable. "Even within the same litter, some pups may inherit the poodle‘s low shedding coat while others may take after the other parent breed. It‘s important to meet the individual dog and not just assume they‘ll be low shedding based on the mix."
Living with a Low Shedding Dog
As a dog lover who has shared my life with both heavy and low shedding breeds, I can attest to the joys and challenges of each. While it‘s true that my low shedding dogs leave less hair around the house, they definitely make up for it in grooming needs.
My poodle mix, Charlie, needs brushing every other day and goes to the groomer every 6 weeks for a trim. It‘s a significant time and financial commitment, but for me, it‘s worth it to have a dog that doesn‘t trigger my allergies or cover my dark clothing in hair.
Low shedding dogs can also be more prone to matting and skin irritation if their coat isn‘t maintained properly. A poodle or bichon with a neglected coat can quickly turn into a matted mess, which is uncomfortable for the dog and can lead to skin infections. Keeping up with grooming is non-negotiable for these breeds.
That said, the bond I share with my low shedding dogs is priceless. They may be high maintenance in the grooming department, but they‘re also some of the most intelligent, affectionate, and entertaining dogs I‘ve known. Watching Charlie learn a new trick or snuggle up on my lap for a movie night makes all the brushing and grooming worth it.
Low Shedding Dog Breed Comparison
| Breed | Size | Grooming Needs | Trainability | Energy Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poodle (standard) | Large | High | High | High |
| Poodle (miniature) | Medium | High | High | Moderate |
| Poodle (toy) | Small | High | High | Moderate |
| Bichon Frise | Small | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Maltese | Small | High | Moderate | Low |
| Shih Tzu | Small | High | Low | Low |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Small | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Schnauzer (miniature) | Small | Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Schnauzer (standard) | Medium | Moderate | High | High |
| Schnauzer (giant) | Large | Moderate | High | High |
| Portuguese Water Dog | Medium | High | High | High |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Medium | High | Moderate | High |
As you can see, most low shedding breeds have high grooming needs, but vary in size, trainability, and energy level. It‘s important to consider all of these factors, not just shedding, when choosing a breed that fits your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Low shedding dogs are a great choice for people who love the companionship of a canine but don‘t love the constant cleanup of shed hair. From the regal poodle to the playful bichon frise, there‘s a low shedding breed to suit every taste and lifestyle.
However, it‘s important to remember that low shedding does not mean no maintenance. These breeds require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and looking their best. They may also be more prone to certain health issues, so it‘s important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder.
Ultimately, the bond you share with your dog is what matters most, regardless of how much they shed. Whether you choose a heavy shedder or a low shedding breed, the unconditional love and companionship of a canine is one of life‘s greatest joys.
With the right care and attention, a low shedding dog can be a wonderful addition to your family and your home. And as a lifelong dog lover, I can attest that the extra grooming is a small price to pay for the privilege of sharing your life with these special creatures.
