Many people think they cannot get a dog because they do not want to deal with shedding or because they have allergies and do not wish to have this issue for so long. However, they have found themselves absolutely in love with animals, mostly with tiny dog breeds!
If this is you, you might wonder what type of small dog breeds don’t shed. You may be interested in several pups, such as the Chinese Crested, a very sweet-tempered animal, or the Shih Tzu, who is known for their intelligence and outgoing behaviors.
However, numerous small dog breeds are suitable for both the household and those who do not shed, which we will go over briefly below. It is important to note that if you are allergic to a dog, finding a little one that fits your needs is necessary to ensure a better lifestyle for both you and your pet.
1. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a relatively easy dog to get along with. They are incredibly loyal animals and love to play with their owners. However, they know when to be affectionate to anyone that is around them.
It is important to note that during the grooming stage, their hairs will need to be brushed anywhere between 2 to 3 times a week, but if you wish to do it every day, there will be no harm in doing so. Bathing your little fur baby will be roughly once or twice a month, depending on if they go outdoors a lot or not. If you want to ensure their hair does not get too thick, make sure to take them to the groomer every so often.
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Length of hair: Medium.
Color of hair: White.
2. Brussels Griffon
These little animals overall have a rough coat that does not shed. Not only that, but they will make an excellent addition to anyone in your household’s needs, and here is why.
Overall, Brussel Griffons will need a lot of attention and love from their owners, as they deem themselves extremely important and interested. They make an excellent alert dog and will overall watch what is happening around them. However, because of their size, at 7 to 8 inches, they will not be great at guarding your house, but hey, at least they will warn you of something major, right?
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: 3 to 4 inches.
Color of hair:
- Black
- Red
- Tan
- Belge
- Black and tan
3. Yorkshire Terriers
Overall, Yorkies’ hairs are like humans, where if one strand falls out, another will regenerate to replace the other. These fur babies are one of the best dogs to get for your household unless you have small children, of course. If this is the case, they may not be the best option for you.
However, with their overall gentle personalities towards their owners, they will make excellent dogs for your family. Yorkshires have been known to act out when left alone for too long, so consider this before choosing your animal.
Not only this, but they have a fearless demeanor because they were initially bred to exterminate rats, so don’t be too surprised if they get into everything on certain days. If this is the case, it would be best to keep them contained in one space and give them plenty of attention.
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: Since their hair is like humans, it can grow between 1/4th to 1/2th an inch per month.
Color of hair:
- Black & gold
- Black & tan
- Blue & tan
- Blue & gold
4. Mexican Hairless Dog
One of the few dog breeds considered hairless, a Mexican Hairless dog is known as the Xolo or Xoloitzcuintle is deemed to be even-tempered and intelligent. When an intruder or someone is coming to your home, they will let you know beforehand.
They are very sensitive to stressful situations. If the family is fighting, these animals may not be a good addition in a busy household, especially if there are multiple siblings around, since brothers and sisters tend to fight regardless of what is happening around them. However, they can be incredibly peaceful when the home is just like so.
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: Short and flat.
Color of skin:
- Black
- Gray & black
- Slate: red, bronze or silver.
5. Chinese Crested
Overall, Chinese Crested dogs are very loyal and affectionate to their owners and gentle with younger children. They love to be near people and would give anything for a cuddle. These animals do not smell bad, which is a huge plus if you like to keep your home feeling fresh!
Not only that, but the Chinese Crested animal is a generally healthy breed, so you can ensure they will not only be suitable for the family but live a prosperous life!
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: Short & flat except on the ends of their tales, head, and ankles.
Color of hair:
- Black
- Apricot
- Chocolate
- Cream
- Blue
- Tri-colored
6. Affenpinscher (Monkey Terrier)
Overall, the Monkey Terrier is an excellent animal for families, but being aware of having them near smaller children may cause issues. However, being overly affectionate, these cuddle buddies will ensure an excellent pet. Not only this, but Affenpinschers tend to get excited when seeing their owners after a long while.
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: Medium or long.
Color of hair:
- Black
- Grey
- Red
- Tan
- Silver
- Beige
7. Basenji
Having the ability to shed at a minimum is a massive plus for Basenjis! You will only have to brush their coats occasionally and require little to no care. Not only that but if you wish to have an animal that does not shed and has a slight odor, these are the animals for you.
Their personalities are very low-key and quiet, making them a very affectionate breed. Not only that, but these little animals are excellent family dogs. Not only that, but they are extremely protective and loyal to those they love the most.
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: Short.
Color of hair:
- Black
- Tan
- Red
- Brindle
- Black & white
- Tri-color
8. Maltese
These little fur animals have been around for a reasonably long time, making them excellent lap dogs. Although their coats require a lot of brushing to prevent knots from forming, brushing will also help with dirt and grub, leaving their hair to be incredibly silky.
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: Long.
Color of hair: White.
9. Havanese
Being able to spend little time taking lint off the furniture and your clothes is a huge plus for these dogs. They do not shed quickly and only require brushing their coats once a week and providing regular baths for them.
A Havanese is very playful and loves to snuggle up to their owners. However, being left home alone for long periods means that they may become destructive and have excessive barking. This is overall not good, especially if you live in an apartment or close to many neighbors, so make sure you take them to a professional trainer to help with this behavior, as they love to please their owners.
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: Grows up to 6 to 8 inches long.
Color of hair:
- Black
- White
- Fawn
- Tobacco
- Havana brown
- Mahogany
10. Miniature Poodle
These cute and fluffy animals make an excellent addition to your home. They do not like to be alone, so it is imperative to keep someone with them at all times, or at least provide a companion, as they are very accepting to other animals within your homes. Just make sure the other animal gets along with them as well.
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: Grows 1/2 an inch to 1 inch each month.
Color of hair:
- Black
- White
- Cream
- Blue
- Grey
- Apricot
- Sable
- Brown
- Silver
- Red
- Black & white
11. Miniature Schnauzer
Being intelligent creatures, they are relatively easy to train and look very similar to their cousin, the Standard Schnauzer. Overall, a Miniature Schnauzer loves it when its owners are nearby. Their coats will need to be brushed once a week and grooming regularly to keep them maintained.
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: Long.
Color of hair:
- Black
- White
- Salt & pepper
- Black & silver
12. Lhasa Apso
The best part about the Lhasa Apso is that they do not shed very quickly and make quite a fantastic companion. They are a great combination of being calm and playful and enjoying a good walk, with needing roughly an hour of exercise daily. Don’t think for a moment that just because they are small, they will not be fearless and high-spirited! However, they will need constant maintenance on their coats.
Are they hypoallergenic? Yes.
Hair length: Long.
Color of hair:
- Black
- White
- Brown
- Sandy
- Golden
- Honey
- Dark grizzle
Final Thought
As you can see, many small dog breeds make both excellent pets and do not shed nearly as much as you would think. The biggest plus is a simple fact that they are hypoallergenic, so you can ensure whether you have allergies or not, all of these different types of dogs are made for everyone!
