Introduction
Many aspiring dog owners hesitate when it comes to adopting a dog because of shedding and allergy concerns. The idea of fur-covered furniture, clothing, and carpets can be overwhelming, especially for people with pet dander sensitivities. Thankfully, breeds with minimal shedding present a practical option. These breeds are not only easier to maintain but are also more suitable for individuals with allergies.
While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, breeds that shed less also release fewer allergens into the environment. In this article, we’ll explore 15 low-shedding breeds, covering everything from temperament and price to grooming needs and physical traits.
Toy/Miniature Poodle
- Type: Toy / Companion
- Height: 10–15 inches
- Weight: 6–15 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Grooming: High
- Price: $1,200–$2,500 (PKR 350,000–700,000)
The Poodle, available in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, is one of the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds in the world. Its dense, curly coat traps hair and dander rather than allowing it to spread around your home. Toy and Miniature Poodles are not only intelligent and highly trainable but also great for families living in apartments. They require regular grooming, including clipping every 6 to 8 weeks.
Bichon Frise
- Type: Non-Sporting / Companion
- Height: 9.5–11.5 inches
- Weight: 12–18 lbs
- Lifespan: 14–15 years
- Grooming: Moderate to High
- Price: $700–$2,000 (PKR 200,000–600,000)
The Bichon Frise is known for its soft, curly white coat and bubbly personality. It hardly sheds but does need regular brushing to avoid matting. This breed thrives in family settings and gets along well with children and other pets. Its joyful demeanor makes it a great companion for seniors, too.
Shih Tzu
- Type: Toy / Companion
- Height: 9–10.5 inches
- Weight: 9–16 lbs
- Lifespan: 10–16 years
- Grooming: High
- Price: $600–$1,500 (PKR 180,000–450,000)
Shih Tzus were once the beloved pets of Chinese royalty, and it shows. With their flowing coats and affectionate temperaments, these dogs make excellent lap companions. They barely shed, but their luxurious hair requires frequent grooming to prevent tangles and buildup. If maintained well, they’re ideal for small homes or apartments.
Maltese
- Type: Toy / Companion
- Height: 7–9 inches
- Weight: 4–7 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Grooming: High
- Price: $1,000–$2,500 (PKR 300,000–750,000)
The Maltese stands out for its elegant appearance and flowing, silky white fur. They are brave, gentle, and incredibly loyal to their owners. Maltese are especially suitable for seniors and indoor environments.
Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
- Type: Toy / Terrier
- Height: 7–8 inches
- Weight: 5–7 lbs
- Lifespan: 13–16 years
- Grooming: Medium to High
- Price: $800–$2,000 (PKR 250,000–600,000)
The Yorkie is small but full of personality. With a fine, human-like hair coat, they rarely shed and are ideal for people with allergies. Yorkies are confident and protective, often unaware of their small size. While they’re great for apartments, they require regular grooming and early socialization.
Miniature Schnauzer
- Type: Terrier / Working
- Height: 12–14 inches
- Weight: 11–20 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Grooming: Medium
- Price: $1,200–$2,500 (PKR 350,000–700,000)
Miniature Schnauzers are energetic, loyal, and highly trainable dogs. Their wiry coat doesn’t shed much and is easy to manage with regular brushing and professional grooming. These dogs are excellent watchdogs but also friendly and affectionate with family members, making them great for households with kids.
Portuguese Water Dog
- Type: Working / Sporting
- Height: 17–23 inches
- Weight: 35–60 lbs
- Lifespan: 11–14 years
- Grooming: High
- Price: $1,500–$3,000 (PKR 450,000–900,000)
Originally bred to assist fishermen, Portuguese Water Dogs are athletic and hardworking. Their coat is tightly packed and repels moisture, with minimal shedding. These dogs require a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation, making them a great fit for active families. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them popular among allergy sufferers.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Type: Terrier / Working
- Height: 17–19 inches
- Weight: 30–40 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Grooming: Moderate
- Price: $1,000–$2,000 (PKR 300,000–600,000)
Famous for its cheerful nature, this breed sports a silky, golden-beige coat. Wheaten Terriers don’t shed much but do require consistent grooming to prevent mats. They are happy, playful, and friendly dogs that adapt well to family life, especially homes with older children.
Lagotto Romagnolo
- Type: Sporting / Working
- Height: 16–19 inches
- Weight: 24–35 lbs
- Lifespan: 14–16 years
- Grooming: Moderate to High
- Price: $1,800–$3,500 (PKR 500,000–1,000,000)
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a rare breed best known for its truffle-hunting ability. It has a curly, wool-like coat that barely sheds. This intelligent, affectionate dog loves being close to its humans and does well in both rural and suburban homes.
Standard Poodle
- Type: Sporting / Companion
- Height: 15+ inches
- Weight: 40–70 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Grooming: High
- Price: $1,000–$2,500 (PKR 300,000–750,000)
Standard Poodles are elegant, athletic, and highly intelligent. Like their smaller counterparts, they shed very little and are great for allergy sufferers. These dogs excel in obedience and agility and make excellent family companions—just be ready for routine grooming to maintain that beautiful coat.
Irish Water Spaniel
- Type: Sporting / Water Dog
- Height: 21–24 inches
- Weight: 45–65 lbs
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Grooming: Moderate
- Price: $1,500–$2,500 (PKR 450,000–750,000)
The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the largest and most unique spaniel breeds. With tight, water-resistant curls, this breed is both hypoallergenic and visually striking. It’s ideal for owners who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.
Giant Schnauzer
- Type: Working / Guard Dog
- Height: 23–27 inches
- Weight: 55–85 lbs
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Grooming: Moderate
- Price: $1,200–$2,500 (PKR 350,000–700,000)
Known for its strength and loyalty, the Giant Schnauzer is bold, active, and watchful. Its thick, wiry coat sheds minimally but requires consistent grooming. This dog is best suited for experienced owners who can meet its physical and mental stimulation needs.
Afghan Hound
Type: Hound / Show Dog
- Height: 24–29 inches
- Weight: 50–60 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Grooming: High
- Price: $1,000–$2,500 (PKR 300,000–750,000)
With a graceful demeanor and a luxurious, flowing coat, the Afghan Hound stands out—yet it hardly sheds. However, grooming can be intensive. Their quiet nature makes them good companions for laid-back households.
Airedale Terrier
- Type: Terrier / Hunting
- Height: 21–23 inches
- Weight: 40–65 lbs
- Lifespan: 10–13 years
- Grooming: Medium
- Price: $800–$1,800 (PKR 250,000–550,000)
The Airedale Terrier, the biggest of all terrier breeds, is celebrated for its smarts and courage. Its wiry coat sheds very little and is fairly simple to maintain. This breed thrives in active households with plenty of room to explore.
Labradoodle / Goldendoodle (Hybrid)
- Type: Designer / Companion
- Height: 14–24 inches
- Weight: 30–70 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Grooming: Variable
- Price: $1,200–$3,000 (PKR 350,000–900,000)
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles were specifically bred to be low-shedding and allergy-friendly. Depending on their genetics, some shed more than others, especially if they’re F1 (first-generation). Still, many doodles are wonderful for people who want an affectionate, intelligent, and hypoallergenic family dog.
FAQs
The Poodle is often considered the best non-shedding dog breed. Poodles come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes and are known for their thick, curly coat that holds onto dander and hair, keeping it from circulating in your home. While their coat needs consistent grooming, it’s a great option for allergy sufferers. Other excellent low-shedding breeds include the Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog, and Maltese.
The Labradoodle (especially those bred from calm Labrador Retrievers) is known for being both low-shedding and even-tempered. The Cavapoo, a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, is another excellent choice. They’re affectionate, laid-back, and require minimal cleaning. The Shih Tzu and Havanese also make the list for calm, low-shedding companions.
The Basenji is often regarded as the cleanest dog breed. These dogs clean themselves much like cats, seldom develop the typical ‘dog smell,’ and shed very little. Their short coat and neat habits make them ideal indoor dogs. Poodles and Maltese are also top contenders due to their low-shedding coats and minimal drooling.
Most hypoallergenic dogs do not have a strong odor. This is mainly because they shed less and have less oil on their skin, which reduces the buildup of odor-causing bacteria. Breeds like the Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, and Bichon Frise are known to have very mild or no doggy smell, especially when bathed and groomed regularly.
Conclusion
Owning a dog doesn’t have to mean battling fur and allergies every day. By choosing a low-shedding breed, you can enjoy companionship without the constant mess or sneezing fits. Whether you prefer a tiny Toy Poodle, a loyal Schnauzer, or a playful Labradoodle, there’s a perfect low-shedding breed for every home and lifestyle.
The key is to match your dog’s temperament, energy level, and grooming needs to your living situation — and remember, even hypoallergenic dogs need care, love, and consistent maintenance.
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