From small dogs (like Bichons and Yorkies) to medium-sized pooches (like Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs) to larger pups (consider the Giant Schnauzer), you'll find your new best friend among these
Which Breed of Dog Sheds the Least? If you search for low-shedding dog breeds, consider the Afghan Hound, Bichon Frise, American Hairless Terrier, Chinese Crested, Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, or other terrier breeds.
The idea that there's a dog that doesn't shed at all is a myth. There's no dog breed that is completely non-shedding; all dogs shed to some degree. But there are low-shedding dogs that keep shedding to a minimum—and, in fact, shed so little, you probably won't even notice.
#1: Poodles, Poodles, and Poodles!
They even smell great, at least compared to most dogs. The large Standard Poodle may be the most hypoallergenic, pound for pound, but the smallest, the tiny Toy Poodle, will obviously produce less dander.
Many people seem to think so. But the American Kennel Club (AKC) says that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
"Even though there is no canine breed that is 100% hypoallergenic, there are breeds that are less likely to stimulate allergies in people." Some studies illustrate that the production of allergens varies by breed, making certain dog breeds more compatible with allergic owners than others.
Historically when dogs lived outside year-round, profuse shedding was restricted to spring and fall. However, today's indoor dogs can be found moderately shedding all year. Your fur friend's breed also plays a role in how frequently they shed.
Cats and dogs that are indoors most of the time will shed more lightly and regularly throughout the year because their temperature and access to light are controlled. But if your cat or dog spends most of his or her time outdoors, you'll likely notice quite a bit more shedding each spring and winter.
Dogs that do shed most include Akitas, Siberian huskies, Bernese mountain dogs, Boston terriers, chow chows, corgis, Labrador retrievers, Pekingese, German shepherds and Newfoundlands.
Shedding is normal, but excessive shedding in dogs could be reason for concern. The possible causes of excessive shedding may be related to low-quality food, the wrong shampoo, parasites, stress, or underlying issues. Excessive shedding can be helped by: Talking to your vet.
Like your own daily hair loss, some shedding is natural in pets. Some breeds of dogs and cats naturally shed more than others, especially during seasonal changes when they are exposed to less light. But excess shedding can be a sign of disease or illness that requires veterinary care.
Do Shih Tzus shed? Yes, but minimally. You're not likely to find a lot of shed hair all over your carpets and furniture — the Shih Tzu is a light shedder and their double coat further reduces the amount of loose hair that comes off of them. Because of this, the Shih Tzu is considered hypoallergenic.
With a white double-coat they do shed a little, but not much. In fact, many terrier breeds including the Maltese terrier, Tibetan terrier, Lakeland terrier, Yorkshire terrier, and the Welsh terrier are all considered hypoallergenic dogs.
Bathing your dog regularly and grooming them using brushes or de-shedding tools once they're dry can significantly help to combat shedding.
"Not in most situations," said Dr. David Sewell, veterinarian and co-owner of Crestview Animal Hospital in Cumming, Ga. "Dogs need to be outside for exercise and for their mental well-being. It makes them happier."
For dogs that shed seasonally, you'll notice that most shedding occurs in the spring and fall. In the spring, your dog's coat will become lighter, in preparation for the warm weather. Similarly, in the fall, in preparation for winter, you will see a change in your dog's coat and a higher incidence of shedding.
According to BeChewy, medium and long coat dogs should bathe every four to six weeks, and owners of dogs with short coats should bathe their pets somewhere between every month and every three months. Dog owners should be warned not to wash their pup's coats too much, though.
Puppies will usually begin shedding their puppy coat at around 4 to 6 months of age, but this shedding could start as early as 3 months of age. During the shedding process, a puppy may look a little unkempt until their adult coat comes in fully. For some breeds, the adult coat takes a long time to come in.
Expect to have piles of fluff for about 2–4 weeks each season, depending on the breed. Usually, blowing coat is a normal occurrence for healthy, double-coated dogs, but if you feel it's an excessive amount, or notice skin irritations or changes in behavior, consult with your veterinarian right away.
Labrador Retriever
Sadly, however, they are known for frequently triggering human allergies.
The Reality: All dogs shed, some just less than others. MYTH #3: Dogs with a lot of fur and long coats will require more grooming than those with hair, considered less prone to shedding. The Reality: Dogs that are considered “less hypoallergenic” due to having hair and not fur, actually require much more grooming.
While there is no purebred German Shepherd that doesn't shed, crossing them with Poodles will produce dogs that shed minimally. The advantage of all Doodle mixes is that they get the non-shedding trait of their Poodle parent. In the case of the German Shepherd, this mix would be the Shepadoodle.