7 Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed

Goldendoodle dog standing in a field with one paw lifted — Photo Courtesy: Adobe Images

Worldwide, cat and dog allergies affect 10% to 20% of the population. Most people don’t realize that what causes the allergy is not the pet itself or even its fur — you’re allergic to a protein found in the pet’s dander, saliva, and even urine.

If you have an allergy to dog dander, you may think that keeping a dog is entirely out of the question. But some excellent dog breeds don’t shed, which reduces the amount of dander in the air. Although these breeds won’t completely stop the allergies, especially if you’re sensitive to the dog’s saliva, they can help reduce symptoms.

Learn all about seven dog breeds that don’t shed and that can make an excellent addition to your household.

1. Miniature Schnauzer

The miniature schnauzer is the most popular type of schnauzer — it packs all of the personality of the larger version into a more easy-to-handle size.

Their small size and curious nature also make them an excellent option for a household with children. They shed minimally, if at all, because of their wiry top coat, and they love their playtime, so be ready to stay active if you get one. This means plenty of daily exercise for this strong dog — three to four walks a day to maintain their fit figures.

2. Bichon Frise

The bichon frise was bred to be hypoallergenic — it is one of the American Kennel Club’s favorites for people who struggle with pet dander sensitivities. This dog is an active one and almost looks more like a cotton ball than an actual pet.

Keep in mind that a bichon frise requires regular grooming to keep its coat healthy. For people with extreme allergies, this may be impossible.

When it comes to caring for a bichon frise, you should keep in mind that this breed is particularly sensitive to allergies — just like humans! So make sure to supplement their diet with omega-3-rich fish (like wild salmon) to fight inflammation and allergies.

3. Poodle

All types of poodles fall under the category of hypoallergenic dogs. They come in standard, toy, and miniature sizes, so you can choose the one that is best for your lifestyle and home.

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States because they are whip-smart and easy to train. Although they may not look fierce, they also make excellent guard dogs.

4. Maltese

The Maltese is a light, tiny dog that typically weighs about seven pounds. It has an all-white coat that doesn’t shed, so you can enjoy playing and cuddling with minimal risks of an allergy attack.

Depending on the level of maintenance you can handle, you can choose to clip their fur or leave it long. Either way, you won’t find fur on your furniture or clothes.

5. Terrier

Most terriers have hypoallergenic coats. You have your choice of breed, too — the AKC recognizes 31 of them, including:

Bull terrier
Scottish terrier
Bedlington terrier
Irish terrier
Norwich terrier

The wiry coats of the terriers make them less likely to shed. This helps to keep dander out of your nose, mouth, and eyes. In the summer, you will have to brush their double coats substantially, but you can enjoy a shed-free dog the entire year.

6. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish water spaniel is known as the clown of the Spaniel family. They are energetic and intelligent, making them a good choice for households with children. The curly coat of the Irish water spaniel is water repellent because they were bred to fetch waterfowl. Another fun fact — they have webbed feet.

7. Lhasa Apso

Although the lhasa apso was originally bred to function as a guard dog in Himalayan monasteries, it is now a beloved family dog. Because they are very playful and love to stay active, keeping their coat trimmed down to their “puppy look” can make grooming easier and reduce any risk of shedding issues.

They maintain their guard dog instincts, so you can feel safer when you have this ball of fluff following you around.

Which One Is Right for You?

While the dog you choose can come down to preference, you might be better off with one breed over the other. If you need a lower-maintenance pet requiring less brushing and grooming, the bichon frise and maltese may not be ideal. If you want a dog that will intimidate threats against your kids, the lhasa apso or poodle would be good picks. If you want a fun pet for your family, then schnauzers, terriers, or the Irish water spaniel would be better.

Have Dog Allergies? The Right Breed Can Help

Of course, none of these seven dog breeds that don't shed are going to cure you of your allergies. You may still experience reactions to their saliva, after all. But these breeds can make it easier to manage allergy symptoms while enjoying a dog’s company.