If there is any downside to pet ownership, it’s all the dog hair that collects on the floors, soft furniture, and clothing. And if you’re an allergy sufferer, it becomes more than a cleaning problem. Pet hair and dander can exacerbate the problem to the point where you may choose to be petless.
If this is you, there is no need to miss out on the fun and loving companionship of a furry friend. You can find small dogs that shed very little to none. Keep in mind that pet saliva and dander may still trigger allergic reactions, but they will be milder and easier to manage.
Choose your new friend and family member from this list of small dog breeds that don’t shed.
Australian Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier is a small dog with a big personality. Developed in Australia and closely related to the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier, they only weigh eight to t10 pounds and stand around 10 inches when fully grown. Because they were bred to hunt small prey, they’re very brave and full of confidence.
Despite his tough exterior, this little guy makes a devoted and loving companion. Dog owners are drawn to his straight and glossy blue and tan coat. The coat hair is more similar to a human’s hair than most dogs.
West Highland White Terrier
Affectionately referred to as Westies, West Highland White Terriers shed very little. First bred in Scotland, a Westie will weigh between 13 and 22 pounds and stand around 11 inches tall. Small and sturdy, Westies are smart, loyal, and highly entertaining. As long as they get a moderate amount of exercise, they do well with families who live in any size home, even apartments.
Like other Terriers, Westies have an independent streak that can make training a challenge. But with patience and consistency, Westies display desirable traits that make them excellent family pets.
Bedlington Terrier
Popular for their wooly, low-shedding coat and lamblike appearance, Beddington Terriers were first bred in England as a hunter’s companion and to control vermin. Today, they’re rarely used for hunting and make excellent family pets. They still display a hunting instinct and make excellent watchdogs.
Weighing in at up to 23 lbs and standing 17 inches tall, they’re a little larger than Toy breeds but still only need moderate exercise and do well in smaller homes.
Bichon Frise
The cute and playful Bichon Frise is one of the small dog breeds that are truly non-shedding. They’re one of the best choices for allergy sufferers but are not maintenance-free. Their corkscrew curly hair grows continuously and requires frequent brushing and grooming.
The Bichon Frise will grow to weigh 12 pounds or less and stand between nine and 11 inches. They are quite suitable for apartment life and will be happy with indoor play and a daily walk.
These affectionate little guys are prone to separation anxiety and do best with dog owners who are frequently home.
Toy Poodle
Like the larger Standard Poodle, the Toy Poodle is non-shedding and hypoallergenic. They’re also just as intelligent and easy to train. Even smaller than a Miniature Poodle, they typically only weigh between six and 10 lbs and stand 10 inches tall. Their short curly and wiry hair requires regular grooming.
As one of the smartest dog breeds, all Poodles are highly trainable and eager to please. The Toy Poodle’s cute antics make him quite entertaining.
Miniature Schnauzer
The smart, cheerful Miniature Schnauzer strongly resembles the larger Standard Schnauzer. Bred to be all-around farm dogs and ratters, they have tough, muscular bodies and are fearless yet not aggressive. They shed very little and adapt to life in either the country or the city as long as they are with their human companions.
Intelligent and highly trainable, the Miniature Schnauzer will weigh between 11 and 22 lbs and grow to up to 14 inches in height. Keep them looking their best with weekly brushing and regular grooming.
Lhasa Apso
The adorable Lhasa Apso originated over a thousand years ago in Tibet where they served as watchdogs at places and monasteries
high in the isolated Himalayan mountains. Today they are a loyal and protective family member. They weigh in at 12-15 lbs and stand at around 11 inches tall.
Although they are hypoallergenic and non-shedding, their long hair needs daily brushing and grooming to avoid painful and unsightly matting. They’re calm yet playful, love to cuddle in their owner’s lap, and enjoy brisk walks.
Mexican Hairless Dog
Also going by the name Xoloitzcuintli (or Xolo for short), the Mexican Hairless dog is an ancient rare breed that is either hairless or has a short, rough coat that sheds minimally. Their skin will need extra protection from the elements.
Xolos are affectionate companions and make excellent watchdogs. Long ago in their native Mexico and Central America, the heat their bodies gave off was used by arthritis sufferers. They still love to cuddle with their companions today.
Xolos are available in three sizes: Standard (18-23 inches tall), Minature (14-18 inches tall), and Toy (10-14 inches tall). They weigh between 10 and 50 pounds.
Yorkshire Terrier
Often called the Yorkie, this Toy breed is affectionate and full of personality. Yorkshire Terriers are non-shedding and have beautiful silky coats when brushed daily. Their spunkiness and regal looks have made them the seventh most popular dog breed in the United States.
Despite their regal appearance, Yorkies have working-class roots. They once served as ratters in English clothing mills. Only weighing around seven pounds and standing nine inches tall, they’re one of the tiniest dog breeds.
Brussels Griffon
The cute Brussels Griffon is a former Belgian street dog originally bred as a ratter. Their wiry coats are low-shedding and allergy-friendly. They weigh in at seven to 12 pounds and stand seven to eight inches tall.
Although quite small, these dogs have an air of self-confidence. They’re lively, intelligent and protective of their owners. Like most small dog breeds, they can live to be as old as 15.