Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
No dog is genuinely non-shedding — every dog with hair loses some of it over time. That said, some breeds shed considerably less than others, and for households that want less hair on the sofa, those breeds are a reasonable starting point. The breeds listed here are rated as light or very light shedders in our dataset. Lower shedding usually comes paired with more grooming work (brushing, professional trims), so factor that trade-off in.
199 breeds in this category
French Bulldog
From France
Adaptable, charming, even-tempered
Poodle (Standard)
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
Bulldog
From England
Calm, brave, affectionate, steady
Dachshund
From Germany
Lively, clever, bold, sometimes stubborn
Yorkshire Terrier
From England
Feisty, alert, affectionate, bold
Great Dane
From Germany
Gentle, dependable, watchful, affectionate
Doberman Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, fearless, intelligent, energetic
Miniature Schnauzer
From Germany
Spirited, friendly, smart, alert
Shih Tzu
From Tibet
Outgoing, affectionate, alert, charming
Boston Terrier
From United States
Friendly, bright, amusing, adaptable
Havanese
From Cuba
Affectionate, social, playful, clever
Cane Corso
From Italy
Protective, confident, reserved with strangers, loyal
English Mastiff
From England
Dignified, loyal, protective, gentle
Airedale Terrier
From England
Alert, bold, versatile, friendly
American Pit Bull Terrier
From United States
Confident, affectionate, driven, tenacious
American Staffordshire Terrier
From United States
Loyal, confident, attentive, brave
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
From England
Clever, courageous, affectionate, bold
American Bulldog
From United States
Confident, brave, loyal, determined
Irish Wolfhound
From Ireland
Gentle, patient, courageous, dignified
Scottish Deerhound
From Scotland
Courteous, gentle, easygoing, athletic
Greyhound
From England
Mild, polite, sensitive, athletic
Whippet
From England
Gentle, amiable, quick, affectionate
Italian Greyhound
From Italy
Affectionate, sensitive, alert, playful
Basenji
From Central Africa
Smart, curious, independent, poised
Pharaoh Hound
From Malta
Friendly, alert, intelligent, athletic
Ibizan Hound
From Spain
Athletic, sensitive, playful, polite
Chinese Shar-Pei
From China
Loyal, calm, independent, watchful
Bichon Frise
From France
Cheerful, affectionate, sensitive, playful
Maltese
From Malta
Gentle, playful, affectionate, alert
Lhasa Apso
From Tibet
Independent, loyal, alert, dignified
Papillon
From France
Bright, friendly, lively, eager
Chihuahua
From Mexico
Devoted, alert, bold, lively
Miniature Pinscher
From Germany
Fearless, curious, lively, bold
Jack Russell Terrier
From England
Bold, energetic, clever, driven
Parson Russell Terrier
From England
Alert, lively, confident, intelligent
Cairn Terrier
From Scotland
Cheerful, alert, independent, tough
Scottish Terrier
From Scotland
Steady, confident, independent, alert
Wire Fox Terrier
From England
Friendly, bold, quick, assertive
Kerry Blue Terrier
From Ireland
Alert, determined, affectionate, bold
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
From Ireland
Cheerful, affectionate, confident, spirited
Bullmastiff
From England
Loyal, alert, fearless, reserved
Neapolitan Mastiff
From Italy
Protective, steady, dignified, watchful
Dogo Argentino
From Argentina
Courageous, loyal, athletic, determined
Rhodesian Ridgeback
From Zimbabwe
Even-tempered, athletic, loyal, independent
Vizsla
From Hungary
Affectionate, eager, sensitive, energetic
Weimaraner
From Germany
Energetic, fearless, headstrong, devoted
Pointer
From England
Even-tempered, hardworking, affectionate, responsive
Lagotto Romagnolo
From Italy
Keen, affectionate, quick, diligent
Irish Water Spaniel
From Ireland
Smart, spirited, humorous, confident
Bergamasco
From Italy
Calm, patient, independent, loyal
Puli
From Hungary
Lively, smart, independent, protective
Komondor
From Hungary
Protective, loyal, independent, calm
Portuguese Water Dog
From Portugal
Loyal, spirited, intelligent, biddable
Thai Ridgeback
From Thailand
Independent, alert, strong-willed, loyal
Lakeland Terrier
From England
Confident, cheerful, game, independent
Norfolk Terrier
From England
Fearless, friendly, alert, energetic
Norwich Terrier
From England
Affectionate, energetic, fearless, alert
Sealyham Terrier
From Wales
Calm, brave, inquisitive, humorous
Welsh Terrier
From Wales
Happy, confident, alert, friendly
Bedlington Terrier
From England
Gentle, spirited, intelligent, affectionate
Manchester Terrier
From England
Bright, spirited, observant, loyal
Toy Manchester Terrier
From England
Alert, devoted, lively, clever
Miniature Bull Terrier
From England
Comical, courageous, stubborn, affectionate
Bull Terrier
From England
Playful, courageous, stubborn, affectionate
American Hairless Terrier
From United States
Lively, curious, alert, affectionate
Rat Terrier
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, tenacious
Australian Terrier
From Australia
Spirited, alert, affectionate, courageous
Silky Terrier
From Australia
Alert, friendly, inquisitive, spirited
Tibetan Terrier
From Tibet
Affectionate, sensitive, playful, loyal
Chinese Crested
From China
Affectionate, playful, alert, sensitive
Japanese Chin
From Japan
Charming, graceful, sensitive, witty
Brussels Griffon
From Belgium
Alert, sensitive, curious, loyal
Affenpinscher
From Germany
Fearless, funny, alert, curious
Xoloitzcuintli
From Mexico
Calm, intelligent, loyal, sensitive
Peruvian Inca Orchid
From Peru
Gentle, alert, agile, affectionate
Saluki
From Middle East
Reserved, gentle, independent, fast
Azawakh
From West Africa
Reserved, loyal, vigilant, elegant
Sloughi
From North Africa
Reserved, noble, gentle, athletic
Africanis
From South Africa
Agile, alert, affectionate, resilient
Airedale
From England
Alert, bold, trainable, friendly
Alano Espanol
From Spain
Courageous, stable, determined, tolerant
Alano Español
From Spain
Courageous, stable, determined, tolerant
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
From United States
Loyal, watchful, confident, steady
Alopekis
From Greece
Calm, companionable, cooperative, loyal
American Blue Lacy
From United States
Driven, intelligent, alert, loyal
American Bully
From United States
Confident, affectionate, stable, outgoing
American Mastiff
From United States
Steady, loyal, gentle, watchful
Argentine Dogo
From Argentina
Brave, loyal, determined, steady
Australian Cobberdog
From Australia
Gentle, intelligent, sociable, intuitive
Barbado da Terceira
From Portugal
Loyal, biddable, energetic, affectionate
Barbet
From France
Cheerful, willing, gentle, sociable
Bichon Havanais
From Cuba
Affectionate, bright, social, playful
Biewer Terrier
From Germany
Happy, loyal, confident, playful
Black Russian Terrier
From Russia
Confident, calm, loyal, courageous
Andalusian Podenco
From Spain
Alert, agile, independent, friendly with pack
Banjara Hound
From India
Aloof, athletic, loyal, resilient
Bedouin Shepherd Dog
From Middle East
Vigilant, loyal, resilient, reserved
Bench-Legged Feist
From United States
Energetic, keen, loyal, eager
Bergamasco Sheepdog
From Italy
Calm, patient, intelligent, devoted
Berger des Pyrnes
From France
Intense, clever, spirited, affectionate
Berger des Pyrénées
From France
Quick, bright, loyal, energetic
Biewer
From Germany
Cheerful, loyal, confident, playful
Blue Lacy
From United States
Driven, intelligent, alert, loyal
Bohemian Terrier
From Czech Republic
Cheerful, clever, calm, affectionate
Bolognese
From Italy
Loving, docile, playful, sensitive
Braque du Bourbonnais
From France
Affectionate, willing, calm, biddable
Braque Francais Gascogne
From France
Gentle, cooperative, composed, affectionate
Braque Français Pyrenean
From France
Lively, affectionate, responsive, willing
Brazilian Terrier
From Brazil
Alert, cheerful, smart, spirited
Brittany Spaniel
From France
Bright, eager, affectionate, agile
Buldogue Campeiro
From Brazil
Loyal, courageous, steady, affectionate
Canarian Warren Hound
From Spain
Courageous, enthusiastic, dynamic, noble
Mudhol Hound
From India
Reserved, devoted, alert, athletic
Cesky Terrier
From Czech Republic
Calm, courageous, pleasant, loyal
Chart Polski
From Poland
Reserved, loyal, courageous, independent
Chinese Chongqing Dog
From China
Loyal, alert, bold, protective
Chippiparai
From India
Loyal, alert, intelligent, independent
Hortaya Borzaya
From Russia
Calm, neutral-friendly, independent, enduring
Chuandong Hound
From China
Alert, devoted, bold, intense
Cirneco dellEtna
From Italy
Lively, gentle, attentive, independent
Cao da Serra de Aires
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
Coton de Tulear
From Madagascar
Happy, affectionate, witty, sociable
Cretan Hound
From Greece
Alert, agile, gentle, independent
Czesky Terrier
From Czech Republic
Calm, brave, friendly, loyal
Cão da Serra de Aires
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
From Scotland
Determined, gentle, dignified, friendly
Danish-Swedish Farmdog
From Denmark
Friendly, lively, attentive, willing
Dutch Smoushond
From Netherlands
Friendly, lively, affectionate, alert
Galgo Espaol
From Spain
Calm, loyal, sensitive, swift
Galgo Español
From Spain
Gentle, loyal, quiet, swift
Gammel Dansk Hønsehund
From Denmark
Calm, willing, reliable, affectionate
German Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, confident
German Spitz (Giant)
From Germany
Alert, loyal, spirited, confident
German Spitz (Medium)
From Germany
Lively, attentive, affectionate, bold
German Spitz (Small)
From Germany
Bright, devoted, vocal, playful
Glen of Imaal Terrier
From Ireland
Spirited, patient, loyal, brave
Indian Spitz
From India
Alert, playful, intelligent, loyal
Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
From Ireland
Gentle, courageous, patient, game
Irish Terrier
From Ireland
Bold, affectionate, spirited, loyal
Japanese Spitz
From Japan
Lively, affectionate, alert, intelligent
Japanese Terrier
From Japan
Clever, lively, loyal, alert
Kanni
From India
Loyal, shy, gentle, agile
Kelb tal-Fenek
From Malta
Friendly, playful, athletic, sensitive
Kokoni
From Greece
Lively, cheerful, smart, loyal
Kooikerhondje
From Netherlands
Friendly, attentive, agile, sensitive
Kromfohrlander
From Germany
Friendly, lively, affectionate, intelligent
Kyi-Leo
From United States
Affectionate, calm, playful, alert
Lhasa Apso
From Tibet
Aloof, loyal, lively, confident
Lucas Terrier
From United Kingdom
Friendly, cheerful, steady, affectionate
Löwchen
From France
Friendly, lively, affectionate, outgoing
Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)
From France
Happy, affectionate, sociable, playful
Löwchen (Little Lion Dog, Alt)
From France
Affectionate, playful, alert, friendly
Magyar Agar
From Hungary
Calm, loyal, reserved, fast
Mahratta Hound
From India
Reserved, brave, agile, loyal
Manchester Terrier (Standard)
From England
Bright, spirited, loyal, keen
Manchester Terrier (Toy)
From England
Alert, affectionate, playful, keen
Markiesje
From Netherlands
Friendly, calm, intelligent, alert
Mexican Hairless
From Mexico
Calm, intelligent, loyal, sensitive
Mi-Ki
From United States
Sweet, calm, attentive, friendly
Miniature Fox Terrier
From Australia
Fearless, bold, playful, loyal
Miniature Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
Mountain Feist
From United States
Alert, lively, loyal, keen
Gull Dong
From Pakistan
Dominant, brave, loyal, intense
Gull Terrier
From Pakistan
Courageous, determined, loyal, intense
Patterdale Terrier
From England
Fearless, tenacious, lively, loyal
Perro Ratonero Andaluz
From Spain
Alert, cheerful, agile, affectionate
Peruvian Inca Orchid (Pio)
From Peru
Gentle, alert, affectionate, sensitive
Petit Brabançon
From Belgium
Affectionate, alert, sensitive, playful
Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog
From Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Alert, friendly, agile, independent
Plummer Terrier
From United Kingdom
Bright, alert, determined, self-confident
Podenco Ibicenco
From Spain
Gentle, agile, playful, independent
Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
Poodle (Miniature)
From France
Intelligent, eager, lively, affectionate
Poodle (Toy)
From France
Alert, affectionate, intelligent, playful
Portuguese Podengo
From Portugal
Lively, alert, friendly, independent
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
From Portugal
Playful, alert, friendly, hardy
Portuguese Sheepdog
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
Prazsky Krysavik
From Czech Republic
Cheerful, alert, friendly, brave
Puli (Pulik)
From Hungary
Lively, smart, loyal, vocal
Pumi
From Hungary
Energetic, intelligent, alert, bold
Rajapalayam
From India
Loyal, courageous, reserved, alert
Rampur Hound
From India
Loyal, courageous, calm, independent
Russell Terrier
From England, Australia
Alert, lively, active, keen
Russian Toy (Moscow Toy Terrier)
From Russia
Cheerful, alert, sensitive, playful
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
From Russia
Affectionate, lively, well-balanced, sweet
Schnauzer
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, sturdy
Scottish Terrier (Scottie)
From Scotland
Courageous, dignified, spirited, loyal
Spanish Water Dog
From Spain
Faithful, obedient, lively, hard working
Standard Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
Standard Schnauzer
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, sturdy
Taigan
From Kyrgyzstan
Independent, loyal, persistent, resilient
Tasy
From Russia
Calm, loyal, sensitive, aloof
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
From United States
Lively, loyal, smart, playful
Telomian
From Malaysia
Alert, loyal, intelligent, active
Tenterfield Terrier
From Australia
Cheerful, alert, affectionate, bold
Tosa
From Japan
Quiet, courageous, loyal, reserved
Toy Fox Terrier
From United States
Intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal
Toy Poodle
From France
Alert, affectionate, intelligent, playful
Tuareg Sloughi
From North Africa
Reserved, loyal, sensitive, swift
How we choose breeds for this list
Shedding rating of 2 or lower (out of 5).
Frequently asked questions
Does low-shedding mean hypoallergenic? +
No. Allergic reactions are usually to dog dander and saliva proteins, not just to hair. Lower-shedding breeds may circulate less hair-bound dander around the home, but no breed is guaranteed to be safe for allergy sufferers.
Do low-shedding breeds need more grooming? +
Often yes. Many low-shedding breeds have coats that require regular brushing, professional grooming, or clipping to stay comfortable and tangle-free.