When it comes to maintaining a dog, the amount they shed is a point of consideration for the economic and/or labour requirements in keeping them as a pet. While there is no dog that is 100% hypoallergenic, there are quite a few that are on the lower end of the shedding spectrum. This means that they have significantly fewer grooming needs, which does make the life of a dog parent easier, not to mention it keeps the ‘dog smell’ away. If you are looking for dogs that are low-shedders, here is a list for you.
1. Bichon Frise
Supremely famous for its coat and its alluring appearance, the Bichon Frise is one of the most loved toy dogs. Its coat does not stop growing and neither does it shed, something a lot of humans wish their hair would do. You would need to comb its coat once a week and take them to a groomer at least once a month.
The Bichon Frise is a small dog with a weight between 5-10 kg and a height of 23-30 cm. If you have kids at home, these gentle and playful dogs can be good company for them. Same applies to other dogs too since these pooches enjoy being social. Although, they need consistent training when puppies to ensure that they are obedient and settle well with their owners.
2. Poodle
The Poodle is another toy dog that is famous for its appearance and fur. They do not shed but do have certain grooming needs. If not taken care of properly, their coat can get matted, resulting in your house becoming a playground for allergens.
The Poodle comes in three varieties – standard, miniature and toy poodle. Their height and weight vary by the version. What makes them interesting is their high levels of intelligence. In fact, they are considered as the second most intelligent dog breed. Poodles also have great energy levels.
Due to their intelligence, you can count on them to respond really well to obedience training. Poodles, without a doubt, are extremely social. Although, it doesn’t mean they will interact with just about anyone, as they tend to take time to warm up to strangers.
3. Maltese Dog
You probably wouldn’t guess looking at the Maltese dog that it is a low-shedder. After all, they literally look like they are a four-legged embodiment of a fluffy cloud. What you can’t take away from the Maltese Dog is their charming appearance which seems nothing short of nobility.
As a small dog breed, Maltese Dogs can weigh between 1 to 3.5 kg, with a height of 20 to 15 cm. Being a sweet and sprightly dog that is devoted to its owners is something they’re synonymous with. While they do have a tendency to bark often, it can be managed with proper training.
It’s important to note that Maltese Dogs can be somewhat possessive. So in some cases, they might develop separation anxiety if left alone for long hours. That said, Maltese Dogs are highly responsive to their surroundings and make for great apartment dogs.
4. Indian Pariah Dog
An extremely low-maintenance dog, the Indian Pariah is perfect for those who do not have the economic means or temperament to visit a dog groomer often or spend a lot of time brushing their dog’s fur. This dog has a short, coarse coat with no undercoat. Brushing and bathing them once every two weeks should be more than enough.
The Indian Pariah Dogs are generally around 15-30 kg heavy, with their height reaching around 46-64 cm. They are intelligent, alert and social. Best part is that training these mutts can be extremely easy due to their responsiveness and their general maturity certainly helps in this regard too.
Indian Pariah Dogs are the quintessential ‘desi dog’, found all over India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and in recent times, in the West too, due to being exported there. Being naturally evolved, they have next to no health concerns.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
Another dog that sheds surprisingly less, is the Yorkshire Terrier. Though its straight silky coat requires regular brushing, its lack of an undercoat means that it does not shed. A Yorkshire Terrier should be no more than 3.5 kg and have a height between 20-23 cm. It’s a smart and confident dog that seeks adventure often.
The breed is not likely to have a uniform personality, so it’s better to set some boundaries as per the temperament of the individual dog during their training period. Yorkshire Terriers do tend to be difficult to housebreak, so keep a firm, consistent hand while training them, without being harsh.
6. Havanese Dog
The hair growth of this breed is very fast, which can be quite evident from their appearance. Sure, Havanese dogs don’t really shed much but their fur still requires certain maintenance standards. Make sure that you brush your Havanese Dogs often to avoid tangles in their fur. You should also visit a professional groomer occasionally.
Havanese Dogs are not the biggest pooches, so they normally weigh 3 to 6 kg and grow up to 23 cm or so. Since these dogs are not only social but can be highly attached to their owners, you shouldn’t leave them alone for long duration. Havanese Dogs are easily trained and work as therapy and assistance dogs. Due to their high intelligence, they make for wonderful and versatile pets.
Things To Keep In Mind For Low-Shedding Dogs
If you’re looking for a low-shedding dog breed, you should certainly create a schedule for the grooming and hygiene needs of your dog. Brush their coat as required and bathe them at least once every two weeks. Visit a groomer as and when required. Such needs might be higher if you opt for a show quality version of the dogs. Also, clean their bedding and toys every once in a while.
It’s a good idea to have a vacuum cleaner in the house, to pick up any shedding that you may have missed. Discuss and plan with the breeder, your dog’s grooming needs and any particular diet and product requirements to maintain their coat and skin health. Be observant of any changes in their fur and visit a vet if required. Most importantly, give them all the love and care they need!
Most Low-Shedding Dog Breeds Video
See also: Best Hypoallergenic Dogs | Best Apartment Dogs
