Did you know that you are shedding millions of skin cells every day? Probably not. But it is true. It is the nature of living bodies to shed impurities and make space for new parts. Many animals undergo shedding of their outer layer e.g., feathers, hair, skin, or even the exoskeleton, so they can grow bigger or prepare for their next life stage. Some animals shed in a more grandiose way, while some, like us humans, do it unnoticeably. You would have seen a snake skin lying around in the woods. That is the most popular example of shedding we all might be aware of. But crabs, grasshoppers, sheep, spiders, birds, etc. are all shedding creatures, including humans.
Talking about shedding in dogs, it is again a natural process that is very important for them. Pet owners like you would be definitely aware and also irritated by the tons of hair lying around the house during shedding season. The cleaning may not be the worst part as at times the hair can cause or trigger several allergies in humans. Moreover, shedding can also be caused by certain illnesses in dogs, including improper nutrition, parasites, allergies, etc.
Now there is no such thing as non-shedding dogs if you were wondering. But there certainly are some breeds that shed less in general. There are several hypoallergenic breeds that tend to shed a lot less. So even if you don’t have any issues with the hair and dander shedding, a hypoallergenic dog can make it less tiring for you to vacuum.
We have curated a list for you to assist you in choosing a breed for you and your family.
The top 10 non-shedding dogs are as follows –
1. Bichon Frise
Average Weight: 20 to 25 pounds (male and female)
Average Height: 10 to 14 inches (male and female)
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin – France
These small white furr-balls, Bichon Frise’s are charming, beautiful, and intelligent dogs. Plush and velvety to the touch is how their coats are. Bred to be non-shedding, these dogs are hypoallergenic in nature due to the hair being caught up in the undercoat. However, brushing will be needed here once or twice a week to remove those few shredded hairs to prevent mats from forming.
2. Poodle
Average Weight: 45 to 70 pounds (male and female)
Average Height: 10 to 20 inches (male and female)
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin – Germany
Pudel for Germans and Caniche for the French, Poodle is a small water-dog from Germany. The word ‘Pudel’ means ‘to splash in the water’. These come in 3 variations; standard, miniature and toy, categorized as per the size. But despite the size, all of them are hypoallergenic in nature. Known for their unique looks, especially the ‘Poodle clips’, these are among the most popular pets in the US. Know more about what's the price of a poodle today! You may also be interested in Schnoodle.
3. Shih Tzu
Average Weight: 15 to 20 pounds (male and female)
Average Height: 8 to 12 inches (male and female)
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Origin: China / Tibet
‘Lion dog’ as the word Shih Tzu translates in traditional Chinese, is a small, playful, and intelligent breed from Tibet. These dogs have been associated with Chinese royalty since the Tang dynasty. Royalty, liveliness and smartness aren’t the only benefits of this breed. Its very low shedding and hypoallergenic nature are what add the cherry on the cake here.
4. Chinese Crested
Average Weight: 10 to 15 pounds (male and female)
Average Height: 12 to 15 inches (male and female)
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Origin – China / Africa
Plenty of hair on the face, feet and ears and a clean hair-less body is how a Chinese Crested looks. However, there are 3 varieties here; Powderpuff, Hairless and Hairy-hairless. The very hairless nature itself makes it non-shedding and hypoallergenic. These are happy, alert, sensitive and gentle companions.
5. Havanese
Average Weight: 12 to 20 pounds (male and female)
Average Height: 10 to 15 inches (male and female)
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Origin – Cuba
The only dog breed originating from Cuba and thus the national dog of Cuba, Havanese is a small bichon-type breed of dog. Despite their long-silky hair, these are among the non or low-shedding and hypoallergenic ones. With a friendly and gentle personality, these are a family-pet choice for many. Know more about how much a Havanese costs.
6. Afghan Hound
Average Weight: 45 to 60 pounds (male and female)
Average Height: 25 to 30 inches (male and female)
Life Expectancy: 13 to 17 years
Origin – Afghanistan
Excellent show dogs, one of the costliest dog breeds out there and unique-looking dogs are all the things associated to the Afghan Hound. These large hounds don’t shed much. Bred in the mountains of Afghanistan, these dogs do require regular grooming as their long hair can tangle up easily.
7. Cairn Terrier
Average Weight: 15 to 20 pounds (male and female)
Average Height: 13 to 16 inches (male and female)
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: Scotland
Coming from the Scottish Highlands and one of the earliest dog breeds there, the Cairn Terrier is a small, hairy, and energetic working dog breed. These dogs hardly shed or drool. And with their high energy levels, happy, affectionate, and loyal nature, and intelligence, they make wonderful family pets without risks of dog allergies. You may also be interested in West Highland White Terriers.
8. Labradoodle
Average Weight: 50 to 70 pounds (male and female)
Average Height: 21 to 24 inches (male and female)
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Origin: Australia
A cross of Labrador Retriever and Poodle, the Labradoodle is a small, fun-loving, and intelligent dog breed. These dogs shed a minimal amount of dander that is likely to produce allergies. They don’t really fall under the hypoallergenic umbrella but are a very low-shedding breed.
9. Coton de Tulear
Average Weight: 10 to 20 pounds (male and female)
Average Height: 13 to 18 inches (male and female)
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Origin: Madagascar
Coton de Tulear is very much like a small cotton ball in the shape of a dog. Coming from the city of Tulear, these are known as the ‘royal dogs of Madagascar’. These are hairy creatures but do not shed a lot and are hypoallergenic in nature. Our Coton de Tulear cost guide outlines the expected expenses associated with this breed.
10. Lhasa Apso
Average Weight: 15 to 125 pounds (male and female)
Average Height: 12 to 18 inches (male and female)
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Origin – Tibet
Playful, energetic, devoted, friendly, alert, fearless, steady and the most important one, hypoallergenic or low shedding, are all the terms you can use to describe a Lhasa Apso. It was bred to serve as guard dogs in the monasteries of the Himalayas. You can let their luxurious fur grow longer and witness beauty.
Conclusion
So, when deciding on getting a dog at your house, it is important to check for the shedding nature of the breed. Breeds with longer hair tend to shed more for obvious reasons. But that doesn’t mean that it should be the sole criterion for choosing a breed. Shedding can be controlled and managed and not all shedding dogs’ fur is allergic to humans. Most of them are not. So don’t think much about lint rolling your clothes a lot. Their love, energy, and happiness will all make up for it.
Happy Health and Mood to your dog and Lots of Love and Licks to you!
Creative manager by day, pet enthusiast all the time! After 19 years with my dog (hopefully he wins the award for oldest pet in the world), I enjoy spending my days brainstorming tail-wagging content, and sniffing out the latest trends in the pet world.