8 Small Dogs That Don’t Shed! (2023)

If you dislike shedding or the additional hair mess, then this guide will provide you a list of the best small dogs that don’t shed. There’s a lot to love about dogs. They make great exercise companions whether you go for a run outside or play fetch in the backyard. They are great for cuddling up in the evenings when you’re chilling on the couch. They can be a source of joy and laughter with their sometimes quirky and funny personalities. However, something that can frustrate even the most devoted and dedicated pet owner is the hair.

From the couch to the carpet to the bed to even your clothing, a dog that sheds a lot leaves its mark around the house with a trail of hair. The level of tolerating this hair around the house varies by owner. Some owners may not be phased by the frequent strands of hair found on everything from the bathroom sink to the fluffy couch pillows. They often vacuum and use air purifiers or other cleaning agents to reduce the amount of shedding that’s leftover. Others, however, may not be as willing to deal with the hair.

The thought of having dog hair on everything from the couch to their bedroom pillow makes them cringe and frustrated in their desire for a dog. This concern can especially be the case for people who suffer from allergies. People who are very allergic to pet dander, which is the dead skin that flakes off and often sticks to hair strands, may find high-shedding dogs very challenging to have around. Yet, just because you’re not a fan of dog hair everywhere doesn’t rule out the chance you’ll get a dog.

Thankfully, several small dog breeds are low-shedding and can be an excellent option for various small home environments or apartments. As you start your search for the shed-less dog that’s right for you and your family, we’re here to help. Here we uncover the mystery of why dogs shed in the first place and some great breeds of small dogs that can be a great fit for you.

Before scrolling down this list of small dogs that don’t shed, check out our other helpful recommendations: Small Non-Shedding Dog Breeds and Best Training Collar For Small Dogs.

Why Do Small Dogs Shed?

You may think that the amount of hair a dog can leave around the house is an unnatural process that is a reason for concern. However, the act of shedding for a dog is an entirely natural process. When a dog sheds, it removes old and damaged hair and other particles on its skin. This prevents any build-up of potentially harmful particles like dust or dirt. This is a healthy process for dogs to keep their skin clean. It’s not, however, a process that keeps your home clean.

While shedding for small dogs is typically perfectly normal, there are some conditions in which the amount of shedding may indicate other medical issues that should be addressed. These conditions include things like fungal infections, high levels of stress, and parasites. Dramatic changes in hormones may also cause a lot of shedding, more than usual. These issues may bring on excessive shedding or itchiness. In these cases, it’s worth a trip to the vet to address the underlying concern.

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Can Small Dogs Be Non-Shed?

Shedding is completely natural and something your dog will do since it has fur or hair. So what about dogs that are considered to be “non-shedding?” Technically, that’s not an entirely accurate description. To keep their skin healthy, dogs will shed. It’s just a part of being a dog. But don’t let that stop you yet. Some breeds of small dogs are low-shedding, which means they shed much less than some other breeds. Some shed so little that you may not even notice their hair that’s left around your house.

These low-shedding dogs may also have longer hair blades that prevent high levels of shedding. They also may require more grooming and haircuts as a result. Keeping a dog’s hair short can also cut down on the amount of shedding your home is susceptible to. Low-shedding dogs can be an ideal choice for your home, whether you’re concerned about frequent clean-up and vacuuming or have allergy concerns that would compromise your health.

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Small Low-Shedding Dogs

While there may not be a breed that’s 100% non-shedding, there are some great options for small dog breeds that shed significantly less than other breeds. These small breeds are just as cute and friendly to have around as shedding dogs, but they come with much less upkeep in terms of their shedding habits. To help you get started in your search, here we share some of the top small dogs that shed very little.

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1. Lhasa Apso

First on this list of small dogs that don’ shed is “Lhasa Apso.” These majestic-looking dogs are great companions and shed very little. Don’t let their long hair fool you. Their coats can either be kept short and trimmed or long and flowy. These luxurious coats also need regular brushing and maintenance to keep them looking great and healthy. With their loyal and protective personality, they make great companions for individuals of all ages.

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2. Basenji

These small hounds are small in size and have a short coat that makes grooming a breeze. Basenjis tend to be relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. Typically, only an occasional bath will keep their coats clean and free from frequent shedding. Their peppy and active personalities make them exciting to have around. As a hound, they are also very independent and intelligent.

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3. Maltese

These white balls of fur are high on energy and love for their family. While their size may be pretty small, they have prominent personalities that make them very entertaining to have around. The Maltese’s low-shed white coat doesn’t require much maintenance other than daily brushing and occasional baths. Their small size also makes them very easy to take care of, especially in small environments like apartments or tiny homes.

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4. Brussels Griffon

Full of expression and a peppy personality, Brussels Griffons are very active and love being outside with their family. Their small body doesn’t bring a lot of hair with it, making them very low-shedding. In terms of grooming, all they need is a brushing once a week and a bath and trim once in a while. This low maintenance and low shedding make them excellent options for a variety of families and individuals.

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5. Chinese Crested

These unique and sometimes unusual-looking dogs are great for low-shedding options due to their lack of fur. The Chinese Crested’s body is nearly hairless, making the chance they’ll shed much less. Other than their head, ankles, and tails, they don’t have any hair! This lack of hair makes them much easier on the allergies and shedding. Keep in mind that their bare skin does require attention. Be sure to apply sunscreen and other moisturizers when appropriate.

6. Shih Tzu

Similar looking to the Lhasa Apso, the Shih Tzu is loveable and makes a great lap dog. They can have coats that are clipped short, making maintenance and grooming a breeze. They are loyal and affectionate and won’t leave their hair all over you when you hold them. Typically, they should be brushed every couple of days and bathed just once a month. Keep in mind that if you leave their coats longer, they may require more grooming attention.

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7. Bischon Frise

Don’t let their poofy coats deceive you. Bichon Frises shed very little. Their curly, soft coats stay with them and don’t leave hair off everywhere it goes. While they may often be described as cotton balls, these cute and playful dogs are great low-shed and hypoallergenic options. However, due to their complex coats, they also require regular grooming. They should be brushed once a day and bathed and trimmed once a month. Staying on top of their grooming will keep their coats clean and in tip-top shape.

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8. Havanese

Last on this list of small dogs that don’ shed is the Havanese. With an instantly loveable face, these dogs make great options for low-shedding small dogs. While they have a relatively long coat, their coats stick with them, making them much easier on shedding. They do require regular grooming, including daily brushing and occasional bath and trim to keep their coats clean and look just as cute as they are.

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Conclusion For “Small Dogs That Don’t Shed.”

Small dogs can be such a delight to families and individuals of all ages. With their bright and peppy personalities and adorable features, they can be so fun to have around. What may not be as fun is the excessive hair that some breeds leave around the house. Not only can that hair make your home dirty, but it can also cause issues with allergies and air quality.

Thankfully, there are some great breeds of small dogs that shed very little. Some shed so little that you may not even notice any hair around. These can be great options to keep your home clean and health-maintained. Discover the breed that’s right for you based on their personality, exercise needs, and overall temperament. With these small low-shedding breeds, you don’t need to compromise your health and cleanliness for the love and passion for having a dog in your home.

For more of our recommendations, you can check out:

• Best Barn Dog Breeds For Farms and Outdoors
• Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone For 8 Hours
• Best Medium Non-Shedding Dog Breeds

To learn more, watch “Top 10 Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed” from Animal Facts down below: