Small dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed, can steal your heart, warm your lap, and be the ideal travel companion. But just like the rest of their canine cousins, most of them shed. Dogs shed to adapt to seasonal changes in temperature, shedding the most during spring months. However, there are breeds such as Siberian Huskies and Great Pyrenees who seem to shed year-round, earning the males the coveted title of “Sir Sheds-a-lot.”
Finding a hypoallergenic or low-shed pup may be a priority for people with allergies or maybe those who just aren’t fans of flyaway fur. Here are some small dogs that don’t shed very much.
1. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is on the list of small dogs that shed the least. Shaggy but neat describes the Affenpinscher’s desired appearance. Read more about Affenpinschers.
2. Bedlington Terrier
Another small dog that does the least amount of shedding. The Bedlington’s distinctive coat is an unusual combination of harsh and soft hair. Read more about Bedlington Terriers.
3. Bichon Frise
On the list of small dogs that shed the least. The Bichon Frise is a double-coated breed, always white. Read more about Bichons.
4. Bolognese
Males stand 10 to 12.5 inches at the shoulder, females are 9 to 12 inches. Read more about Bolognese.
5. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier has a short, dense undercoat covered with a wiry topcoat. Read more about Border Terriers.
6. Chinese Crested
Powderpuff coats are seen in all colors and in combinations of mahogany, blue, lavender, or copper.
Read more about Chinese Crested.
7. Coton de Tulear
The Coton’s coat is one of his distinguishing features. It’s long, soft, and thick, with what can only be described as a fluffy, cottony texture. Read more about the Coton de Tulear.
8. Maltese
The stunning Maltese coat is pure white, silky, and straight, reaching all the way to the ground.
Read more about Maltese dogs.
9. Manchester Terrier
Thanks to that short black and tan coat (the only colors seen in this breed), Manchester Terriers are pretty low maintenance. Read more about Manchester Terriers.
10. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are solid black, salt and pepper, black and silver, or white
Read more about Miniature Schnauzers.
11. Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle stands at about 15 inches tall. Read more about Poodles.
12. Toy Poodle
Slightly smaller than the Miniature Poodle, the Toy stands at about 10 inches. Read more about Poodles.
13. Shih Tzu
The long, silky Shih Tzu coat is gorgeous, and it comes in many colors: black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white
Read more about Shih Tzus.
14. Silky Terrier
This breed’s coat is beautiful: long and sleek, parted down the back, and hanging five to six inches down. Read more about Silky Terriers.
15. Welsh Terrier
Sporting two coats to waterproof himself, the Welsh Terrier has an outer coat that’s hard and wiry and an undercoat that’s soft and short. He only has one color pattern: tan and black. Read more about Welsh Terriers.
This short list comprises small dogs that don’t shed very much. If you are interested in a dog you did not see on the list, do some research. Just because you did not see a dog on this list does not necessarily mean he is a heavy shedder. Also, be sure to check shelters and breed-specific rescues for dogs!
