Care & how-to
Small Dog Breeds That Don't Shed
Small dog breeds that shed very little include the Maltese, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzer, Coton de Tulear, Lhasa Apso, West Highland White Terrier and Chinese Crested. Their hair grows continuously or is wiry, so little falls out, but most need frequent brushing and regular trims to stay comfortable and mat-free.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Silky, long-coated small breeds
The Maltese has a long, silky white coat that sheds little but needs daily brushing with a slicker brush to prevent tangles; many owners keep it in a short puppy cut. The Yorkshire Terrier's fine, silky hair is similar and also benefits from daily brushing. The Shih Tzu has a long, very low-shedding coat that should be brushed out regularly, and the Lhasa Apso, a sturdy dog from Tibet, does not shed much but has a heavy coat that is often kept short for easier care.
The Coton de Tulear has a fluffy, cotton-like coat that the AKC notes needs daily grooming, and the Havanese, a cheerful companion breed, has a soft, non-shedding coat that needs weekly brushing at minimum and regular baths. These breeds are affectionate, adaptable to apartments and generally good with families, but grooming is a daily or near-daily job, so a good set of dog brushes belongs on the list from day one.
Curly-coated small breeds
The Bichon Frise has a soft, curly white coat that keeps growing and does not shed much, so it needs frequent brushing, regular baths and professional trims to prevent mats. Toy and Miniature Poodles have dense, curly hair that the AKC describes as non-shedding; most owners book a professional clip about every four to six weeks and brush every couple of days in between.
The Bolognese, a cousin of the Bichon, has a fluffy coat that does not shed but needs regular brushing to remove dead hair. Curly coats trap loose hair well, which is why they leave little on the furniture, and also why they mat quickly if brushing slips, so keep a grooming comb set where you will actually use it.
Wiry and terrier coats
The Miniature Schnauzer has a wiry double coat that sheds very little; the AKC suggests weekly brushing plus regular clipping or hand-stripping. The West Highland White Terrier and Scottish Terrier have harsh, wiry coats that shed little and need brushing and occasional stripping. The Affenpinscher's wiry coat needs brushing about twice a week, and the Brussels Griffon, in rough or smooth coats, sheds minimally.
Other small terriers often listed as low-shedding include the Cairn, Border, Norfolk-type and Wire Fox Terriers. Terriers are lively, clever and often vocal, so they suit owners who enjoy training and activity.
Hairless and short-coated options
The Chinese Crested comes in hairless and powderpuff varieties. The hairless type has very little hair to shed but needs skin care: sunscreen made for dogs or a shirt outdoors, protection from cold, and regular baths, since the skin collects oils. The powderpuff has a soft, long coat that sheds little. The toy and miniature Xoloitzcuintli are similar, hairless or with a short coat.
The Basenji, a small-to-medium hound, has a fine, short coat that sheds little and needs only occasional brushing, and is known for being unusually clean and quiet, though energetic.
Matching a breed to your home
Coat is only one part of the choice. Small low-shedders vary widely in energy and temperament. Terriers such as the Miniature Schnauzer, Westie and Cairn are lively, alert and often vocal, and enjoy training games and long walks. Companion breeds such as the Maltese, Shih Tzu, Havanese and Bichon are generally happier with gentle play and shorter outings, and many do well in apartments.
Consider who lives with you too. Very tiny dogs like the Toy Poodle, Yorkie and Maltese can be injured by rough handling, so they suit homes with older children or adults. Think about time as well: a long coat that needs daily brushing is a real commitment, so if you are short on time, ask a groomer about a low-maintenance trim for the breed you choose.
Allergies and choosing a low-shedder
Low shedding does not mean allergy-free. The AKC is clear that no breed is completely hypoallergenic, because dander and saliva carry allergens, and individual dogs vary. If allergies are your main reason for choosing a small low-shedder, spend time with the specific dog before committing, and talk to an allergist about your own sensitivities.
Think about grooming too, including the dog brushes and grooming kits you will use between appointments. Most of these breeds need regular professional grooming, which adds up over a dog's lifetime, and many small breeds have specific health considerations such as dental disease and kneecap problems. Ask your vet about a breed's common health issues and how to look after its coat and skin.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
What is the best small dog that doesn't shed?
Popular choices include the Bichon Frise, Havanese, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer and Toy or Miniature Poodle. Pick based on energy, temperament and how much grooming you are willing to do.
Which small dog breeds are easiest to groom?
Among low-shedders, the Basenji and short-coated Xoloitzcuintli need the least brushing. Long or curly coats like the Maltese and Bichon need near-daily care unless kept in a short trim.
Do small non-shedding dogs smell less?
Some breeds, like the Basenji, are known for little odor, but smell depends more on skin, ear and dental health than shedding. Regular baths, teeth brushing and vet checks keep any dog fresher.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
