7 Small Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed

Want a small dog but don’t want fur all over your couch and clothes? You’re in luck! There are lots of small dog breeds that don’t shed. 

Non-shedding dogs can be a great solution for anyone who doesn’t like the sight of dog fur on their black pants. Even though all dogs shed their coat to some degree, these “non-shedding” dogs lose their coats far less than many others. You may not even be able to tell! Less cleaning and fewer dust bunnies: that’s the beauty of a dog that doesn’t shed.

If you have an allergy to dogs, you might also be looking for a pet with a non-shedding coat. Dogs that don’t shed – more specifically, hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed – can also be a solution for anyone with a mild to moderate dog allergy.

If a smaller dog breed is a better fit for your lifestyle, know that you have plenty of low-maintenance dog options! There are lots of breeds of toy dogs (including poodles), terriers, and even miniature doodles to suit your needs.

In this post, you’ll learn 7 of the most popular small dog breeds that don’t shed!

These dogs are on the smaller end of the spectrum in both weight and height. They all weigh less than approximately 25 lbs when fully grown, and tend to stand less than about 14 inches tall. 

You’ll also see that many of the popular small breeds on this list have hair (like people) instead of fur, making them a great solution for people allergic to dogs or interested in a low-maintenance dog breed.

Let’s jump right in:

1. Miniature Goldendoodle

It’s no wonder that Doodles, like Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, are some of the most popular dogs right now. They tend to be friendly, good with children and other pets, and trainable. Perhaps even more importantly, due to the fact that they’re a Poodle mix (that’s the -oodle in Doodle!) they typically don’t shed. 

Goldendoodles were one of the first so-called “designer dog breeds.” They are a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle – the third and seventh most popular breeds in the US, respectively. As a result of their parentage, they tend to be large dogs. Now, though, you can get miniature Goldendoodles!

Much like their larger counterparts, miniature Goldendoodles have a great temperament, fluffy coat, and winning personality. They just come in a much smaller package. These just might be the perfect non-shedding small dog for you.

Learn more about hypoallergenic, low-shedding Mini Goldendoodles here!

2. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies may seem to be too small to be a “real dog,” but that’s a misconception! These bright, active dogs are known as the “tomboy toy” because they are so sporty and playful. They love agility courses and playing games. They even have a blue collar background; originally, they were bred to catch rodents in underground tunnels! One Yorkie has even been recognized as a war hero! All that is to say that Yorkies are a very real dog in a tiny package. 

That’s probably why they’re the 10th most popular dog breed in the US!

Because they have hair instead of fur, they don’t really shed. Unlike many other dogs on this list, Yorkies don’t have an undercoat. That means they really don’t shed any more than you do.

3. Cavapoo

A completely charming and adorable lap dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels ranked 18 on the list of most popular dogs in the US, as of 2018. However, these adorable pups definitely do shed. Like all Spaniels, they have fur, and it can get everywhere.

However, Cavapoos are a mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle! Their curly hair and cuddly personality make these dogs one of the most loved small dog breeds that don’t shed.

These hypoallergenic dogs are bred to have low-shed coats and low dander, making them perfect pets for those with dog allergies.

Learn more about hypoallergenic low-shedding Cavapoos here.

4. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer’s have the same serious face and bright attitudes of their larger cousins. They’re typically very healthy dogs with an outgoing personality, perfect for families. They’re happy in both apartments and farms, so they really can adapt to any lifestyle. 

Once again, Miniature Schnauzers were recognized as one of the most popular non-shedding dog breeds in the US; in 2018, they ranked 19th.

These low-shedding dogs are really tough-yet-gentle, a highly adaptable non-shedding dog breed that everyone will love.

5. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus (pronounced “sheet-su”) are small dogs with beautiful long coats. Their name means “little lion” or “lion dog,” but they aren’t ferocious at all. In fact, they were bred to be lap dogs! 

They will love to cuddle with you for hours on end. These beloved dogs are the 20th best-loved breed in the US for good reason.

It may come as a surprise that Shih Tzus don’t shed, given that their coat is so long and beautiful! That’s because they don’t have fur – they have hair. They do shed their hair like people do, but those hairs don’t really fall to the floor or couch. Instead, they are brushed out during their grooming or brushing routine. That’s why they’re considered a non-shedding dog breed.

If you’re not into grooming, the Shih Tzu might not be the right dog for you. You can opt to keep the Shih Tzu’s coat cut short, but if you want the long, flowing look, be prepared for some effort. They need plenty of brushing and grooming to keep that luxurious coat matt- and tangle-free.

6. Maltese & Maltipoo

Hailing originally from Malta, these dogs have been around since ancient times. It’s easy to see why they’ve been a hit through the centuries! With their beautifully flowing, all-white coat and easy agility, these irresistible toy dogs are a perfect pet. 

Again, Maltese dogs have hair instead of fur. As a result, they are considered non-shedding toy dogs.

The Maltese breed is also considered the 37th most popular dog in the US. You won’t be able to say no to those beautiful dark eyes!

Looking for the beautiful white coat of a Maltese, but with a little more curl? Then a Maltipoo could be a perfect choice for you!

The Maltipoo is a designer breed with the best of a Maltese and a Poodle. As such, they are one of the incredibly well-liked small dog breeds that don’t shed.

Learn more about hypoallergenic, low-shedding Maltipoos here!

7. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise dog breed was originally bred to be hypoallergenic, so they are a top choice for allergy sufferers. They have hair – rather than fur – like many dogs on this list. 

These happy-go-lucky, charming, gentle dogs are perfect for people with families or who just want a playful low-shedding companion. They’re alert and energetic, can be trained to do just about anything. 

Because they barely seem to shed, they are perfect for anyone looking for a small non-shedding dog.

Interested in learning more about getting a small dog that doesn’t shed? Apply here!