16 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed (2024)

Whether it's due to allergies or to avoid piles of hair around the house, there are many reasons people gravitate toward dogs that don't shed. The obvious choice is hairless dogs, but there are also many dog breeds that have hair but don’t shed.

While some nonshedding breeds are classified as “hypoallergenic,” studies have found that these dogs can exhibit higher levels of the allergen found in dog dander than other dogs. For those with an allergic reaction to dander (the material shed from animal skin), no dog is truly nonallergenic.

Ready to add a dog to your family but want to avoid the excess hair? Here are 16 dog breeds that don’t shed.

Millions of pets (including many purebreds) are available to be adopted from shelters. We always recommend adoption as a first choice. If you've decided to buy a pet from a breeder, be sure to choose aresponsible breeder, and always avoid puppy mills.

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Afghan Hound

The silky, flowing coat on this lovely dog sheds infrequently, but that doesn't mean it's carefree. It takes a lot of work for the Afghan to look this good and that means plenty of baths and frequent grooming and brushing to avoid tangles and mats.

These dogs are intelligent and have a sweet temperament. Afghan hounds also have an abundance of energy and require daily exercise.

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American Hairless Terrier

It's hard to shed when you don't really have any hair. This feisty terrier needs just the occasional bath and regular grooming with a soft bristle brush. As with other hairless breeds, American hairless terriers require protection from cold weather and from the sun as they can sunburn easily.

These dogs are affectionate with their owners and extremely protective. They have a friendly demeanor and display great joy in daily walks.

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Bedlington Terrier

Resembling a darling little lamb, this graceful terrier has a nonshedding coat that needs regular trimming and grooming to keep it in shape.

Bedlingtons are quite active and are known for the adorable pep in their step. Originally bred for hunting, Bedlingtons can move quickly when they spot something to chase. They’re also protective and loving family members that enjoy a lot of attention and playtime.

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Bichon Frise

This fluffy little dog has lots of white hair that is always growing, so it requires regular trimming and grooming. Though it doesn’t shed, the bichon also needs regular brushing to avoid mats.

The bichon is a friendly breed that gets along well with children and other dogs. They are also easy to train making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

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Chinese Crested

This distinctive toy breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless needs very little grooming since it only has hair on its tail, head, and feet. However, as a hairless dog, the breed requires protection from sunburns and cold weather. The powderpuff variety requires daily brushing, but because of its short undercoat and veiled overcoat, grooming is typically very easy.

Fun and affectionate, Chinese crested dogs are loyal and loving family members.

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Coton de Tulear

Named for its cottonlike appearance, this breed has a luxurious, non-shedding coat. Though the dog’s coat doesn’t shed — it is long — so regular brushing and grooming is essential.

The coton excels at being a great companion — it’s lively, loves to play, and enjoys learning new tricks. A small but sturdy dog, the coton is known for its distinctive vocalizations.

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Irish Water Spaniel

The tallest of all spaniels, this playful pup has a curled, waterproof, liver-colored coat. Irish water spaniels only requires weekly brushing and trimming every few months.

As its name suggests, Irish water spaniels are excellent swimmers. They are equally playful on land and require daily exercise to channel their energy. These dogs aim to please, are affectionate, and take well to training.

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Kerry Blue Terrier

The distinctive soft, wavy coat on this lively terrier can range in color from deep slate gray blue to light blue gray, according to AKC standards. Their coats need to be brushed and combed weekly and trimmed every month or so.

These intelligent dogs enjoy spending quality time with their owners. Whether playing fetch outside or sitting together after a run around the block, the Kerry is most at peace beside its human companions.

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Lagotto Romagnolo

With a dense, curly coat that looks like wool, this Italian breed is low maintenance. It doesn't shed and just requires regular trimming and bathing.

In their home country of Italy, the lagotto Romagnolo is known as a “truffle dog” due to its ability to root out the subterranean delicacy. With a loving and affectionate temperament, they are also excellent companion dogs that enjoy time with their human family.

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Peruvian Inca Orchid

This hairless breed, also simply called the Peruvian hairless dog, doesn't shed, but does require sunscreen and regular baths. This breed is smart, has a lot of energy, and requires entertainment with frequent walks or indoor games of hide-and-seek.

With family, the dog is affectionate and protective. Since it can also be a good hunter, owners should take care when the breed is around smaller pets that might be perceived as prey.

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Poodle

A favorite for people with allergies, this popular and intelligent breed comes in many sizes and colors. The poodle's soft, curly coat doesn’t shed, but requires regular brushing and professional grooming to keep it looking snazzy.

These agile dogs aim to please and are easy to train. Active dogs, poodles require regular daily exercise in the form of walks, games of fetch, or swimming.

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Portuguese Water Dog

With curly or wavy waterproof coats, this pup doesn’t shed, but does require regular grooming.

An energetic breed, the Portguese water dog was bred to help fishermen. They are highly intelligent and easy to train. The Portie requires a lot of exercise and attention from their humans. They particularly enjoy activities that include water play with their owners.

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Schnauzer

This friendly dog comes in a standard, giant, and miniature varieties. The schnauzer’s wiry coat must be groomed or stripped and brushed regularly.

Miniature schnauzers, the smallest of the three, are friendly and eager to please. They get along with all members of the family and are protective of those they love. The standard schnauzer is intelligent and affectionate. They are particularly good with children. The largest, the giant schnauzer, is the most energetic of the three.

In general, schnauzers crave the company of their human family and do not enjoy being left alone.

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Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

This friendly terrier has a soft, wavy, low-shedding coat that needs daily grooming to prevent mats.

An enthusiastic and energetic dog, the soft-coated wheaten terrier needs a good dose of daily exercise. These faithful companions are good with kids. Their independent streak makes them more of a challenge to train, but with proper training starting at a young age, they can become happy, well-adjusted dogs.

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Spanish Water Dog

This hardworking, herding breed has a distinctive curly coat that doesn't require brushing or combing. The Spanish water dog’s coat can be clipped close or allowed to grow long with tapered cords.

A loyal family member, the Spanish water dog is also an excellent watchdog. The breed enjoys strenuous exercise and does best when it is taken on a daily run. They are also typically good in water, and some of their exuberant energy can be expended in water play.

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Xoloitzcuintli

One of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world, the "Xolo" or Mexican hairless comes in two varieties: coated and hairless. There are three sizes of Xolos: toy, miniature, and standard.Hairless Xolos need regular baths, sun protection, and warm clothing in winter.

Xolos can be energetic, but with proper training and socialization, they can be calm and well-behaved dogs. These cheerful and affectionate pets are also keen watchdogs.

Why Pets Matter to Treehugger

At Treehugger, we are advocates of animal welfare, including our pets and other domestic animals. The better we understand our dogs, the better we can support and protect their wellbeing. We hope our readers will adopt rescue pets instead of shopping from breeders or pet stores, and will also consider supporting local animal shelters.