Introduction
When looking for a dog, many people consider low-shedding breeds that stay small. Shedding and size are two important factors for dog owners, especially those with allergies or lacking space. While no dog is 100% non-shedding, some breeds shed far less than others. Smaller dogs are ideal for those living in apartments or with limited room. This guide covers some of the best small dog breeds that shed lightly.
Breeds
When looking for a small dog that doesn’t shed, there are several excellent breeds to consider. Some of the most popular small, low-shedding dogs include:
Maltese
The Maltese is a toy breed that originated in the Mediterranean. They have a long, silky white coat that requires regular brushing and maintenance. Maltese do not shed much, making them a great choice for those with allergies. These small pups are playful, affectionate, and adaptable.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a toy breed with a hypoallergenic coat that closely resembles human hair. Their coat is soft, silky, straight, and parted down the middle. Yorkies require regular grooming but shed minimally. These intelligent and confident pups thrive when they receive lots of love and attention.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise, with its cheerful attitude and plush white coat, is a popular companion breed. The Bichon sheds minimally thanks to its double coat. Their fur requires regular brushing and trimming. Bichons are playful, gentle dogs that love to entertain.
Maltese
The Maltese is an ancient breed that originated in the Mediterranean island nation of Malta (https://www.rover.com/blog/breeds/maltese/). They have a long, silky, white coat that requires regular brushing and maintenance. Maltese typically stand under 7 inches tall and weigh between 4-7 pounds. Their small size makes them ideal pets for small spaces.
Maltese have a gentle and affectionate temperament. They form strong bonds with their human families. While lively and playful, they are also low-energy dogs that enjoy lounging on laps and cuddling. Maltese do well with children and get along with other pets if properly socialized.
Grooming is an important part of caring for a Maltese. Their long coats need daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Many owners keep their Maltese in a puppy clip or other short trim for easier maintenance. Maltese do shed minimally but are generally considered one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds (https://www.hillspet.co.uk/dog-care/dog-breeds/maltese).
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, originated in Yorkshire, England during the 19th century.1 Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills. They are small dogs, weighing between 4-7 pounds and standing about 8-9 inches tall. Yorkies have a long, silky coat that is typically steel blue and tan. They are energetic, intelligent, and loyal little dogs that thrive on human companionship.
Yorkshire Terriers have a big personality packed into a small body. They are affectionate and entertaining but also stubborn and brave, sometimes to the point of being overconfident. Yorkies are alert watchdogs that will sound the alarm at any suspicious activity.2 They can be wary of strangers and prone to barking excessively if not trained properly. With early socialization and training, Yorkies can be wonderful companions.
Yorkshire Terrier care includes daily brushing to prevent mats and keep their coat looking its best. Their small size makes them well-suited to apartment living. However, Yorkies still need daily walks and playtime. Their small size also means owners need to take care that they are not injured by larger dogs or stepped on accidentally.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small white dog originally from the Mediterranean area according to Bichon Frise Breed Facts and Information. They have a poofy yet compact appearance with dark eyes, a black nose, and a tail curled over the back. The Bichon Frise has a cheerful and playful temperament. They enjoy being around people and get along well with children and other pets.
The Bichon Frise coat is hypoallergenic and does not shed. These dogs require regular brushing and grooming. Their white coat needs frequent bathing to stay clean. Daily exercise in the form of short walks or playtime is important for the Bichon Frise. This breed adapts well to apartment living as long as their exercise needs are met.
The Bichon Frise has a lifespan of around 15 years. Some health issues to watch out for include bladder problems, allergies, and dental disease. With proper care, this breed makes for an affectionate and lively pet in families or singles.
Poodle
The Poodle is a popular dog breed known for its intelligence, trainability, and non-shedding curly coat. Poodles come in three size varieties – Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Standard Poodle is the oldest of the three sizes, originating as a water retriever in Germany over 400 years ago. Selective breeding led to the Miniature and Toy varieties being developed in the 18th century.
In terms of appearance, Poodles are elegant dogs with a square build and a distinctive curly coat that comes in solid colors like black, white, brown, silver, gray, apricot, red, and cafe-au-lait. Their hair is hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed if brushed regularly. Poodles have round dark eyes, long ears that hang close to the head, and a docked tail.
Poodles are highly intelligent, energetic, and sociable dogs that make excellent companions. They are eager to please and highly trainable, which makes them great for activities like obedience, agility, and performing tricks. Poodles do well with children and get along with other pets if socialized properly. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation to be happy.
Grooming requirements depend on whether the Poodle has a long show clip or a shorter pet clip. Frequent brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is required to prevent mats and maintain the integrity of the coat. Poodles are minimal shedders and are a good choice for those with allergies when groomed properly.
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a toy breed that originated in Belgium in the 1800s. They were bred to hunt and kill rats.
In terms of appearance, Brussels Griffons are small dogs that typically weigh 8-10 pounds and stand 7-10 inches tall. They have a sturdy, compact body with a short, smooth coat that comes in red, black, black and tan, and belge (black, reddish-brown, and white). Their most distinctive feature is their human-like face with a short muzzle and large, expressive eyes.
The Brussels Griffon has a bold, confident, and energetic personality. They are intelligent, alert, and affectionate with their owners. Brussels Griffons can be prone to separation anxiety and may bark or be destructive if left alone for long periods. They may also try to dominate other pets in the household.
In terms of care, Brussels Griffons only need occasional brushing and minimal bathing. However, they do require regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to prevent infections. As indoor dogs, they only need moderate exercise each day.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher originates from Germany and is a small terrier-like breed that typically weighs 7 to 9 pounds and stands 9 to 11.5 inches tall (https://petidregister.com/affenpinscher/). This feisty little companion dog is confident, curious, and playful with a monkey-like appearance. The Affenpinscher has a neat square body, a distinctive monkey-like face with a short muzzle, and a harsh, dense, medium-length wiry coat. Their coat is less prone to shedding than many breeds but still requires regular grooming and trimming.
Despite their small stature, Affenpinschers have a big personality and are affectionate, loyal, and protective of their families. They can be stubborn and challenging to train, so early socialization and obedience training is recommended. Affenpinschers are energetic and need daily exercise and playtime. They are hardy in cold weather but prefer to live indoors with their families (https://pettime.net/affenpinscher-dog-breed-information/). With their minimal shedding coats, small size, and lively and lovable personalities, Affenpinschers can thrive in urban apartments or houses with families. Proper care includes regular brushing and combing, nail trimming, dental care, exercise, training, and affection.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested originates from Africa and was brought to China, where it was bred down to the much smaller dog we know today. According to the American Kennel Club [1], Chinese Cresteds first arrived in the United States in the 1950s.
The Chinese Crested is a small, fine-boned dog that weighs 8 to 12 pounds and stands 11 to 13 inches tall. It has a long neck and slender legs. The most distinctive feature of the breed is its hairless body, except for its feet, tail, and head. Chinese Cresteds come in two varieties – hairless and powderpuff (coated). The hairless variety can vary from being completely bald to having patches of soft fur on the body.
Despite their diminutive size, Chinese Cresteds have big personalities. They’re playful, lively, affectionate dogs that love being around people. They can be friendly with other pets when socialized young. Chinese Cresteds are smart and generally easy to train.
Chinese Cresteds are indoor companion dogs that don’t do well in extremely hot or cold weather. Their sensitive skin requires sunscreen when outdoors. Regular bathing and moisturizing is needed for the hairless variety. Their minimal shedding makes them a good choice for people with allergies [2].
Conclusion
In summary, there are many great small dog breeds that don’t shed much and can make excellent companions. The top low-shedding small dog breeds include the Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Poodle, Brussels Griffon, Affenpinscher, and Chinese Crested. While all dogs shed at least a little, these breeds tend to shed very minimally, making them a good choice for those looking to minimize pet hair around the house.
When choosing a low-shedding small dog breed, be sure to consider the dog’s exercise needs, grooming requirements, temperament, and health issues. While reduced shedding is a plus, you’ll also want to select a breed that is a good match for your lifestyle and personality. With some research to find the right fit, you can find a wonderful small dog that doesn’t shed and will make a loyal companion for years to come.