Which breed of dog sheds the least?

No breed is a proven winner. Poodle, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Schnauzer, Kerry Blue Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel and Lagotto Romagnolo are all low-shedding choices, and individual dogs vary. The Poodle is the most flexible because Toy, Miniature and Standard sizes cover three household sizes. Low shedding still means regular brushing and clipping.

What dog is 100% hypoallergenic?

None. The AAAAI says there are no truly hypoallergenic dog breeds. Allergens come from dander, saliva and urine as well as hair, so a low-shedding dog can still trigger a reaction.

What is the cleanest house dog?

It depends on what "clean" means to you. A regularly groomed Poodle, Bichon or Maltese leaves less loose hair than a heavy shedder but needs more coat care. Any dog can develop odor, because smell can come from the skin, ears, mouth, anal glands, a damp coat or illness. The AKC's allergy-friendly breed list is useful for narrowing coat types, and allergy questions still go to an allergist.

Which is the most low-maintenance dog?

Low-shedding breeds all take upkeep, since hair that stays in the coat has to be brushed and trimmed. A short-clipped Miniature Schnauzer or Poodle may be simpler than a long-coated Maltese or Shih Tzu, but both still need routine grooming and exercise. For a wider comparison, see our low-maintenance breeds list.

What dog can be left alone all day?

Dogs need toilet breaks, exercise, social contact and enrichment, so a full workday alone is hard on any of them. Companion breeds such as the Maltese, Shih Tzu and Bichon often prefer frequent human contact, while working breeds may turn destructive without activity. If you will be away for long stretches, arrange a dog walker, sitter or daycare.

Which large or medium dogs don't shed?

Lower-shedding medium and larger choices include the Standard Poodle, Standard Schnauzer, Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier and Lagotto Romagnolo. "Don't shed" here means low shedding; every dog sheds some.

Which dogs don't shed or smell?

Any dog can smell. Odor depends on skin, coat, ears, mouth, dampness, hygiene and health. Poodle, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Schnauzer and Portuguese Water Dog are practical low-shedding candidates when their coats and health are looked after. Ear and skin problems are a common reason a clean dog starts to smell, so see a vet if the odor changes.

Which low-shedding breeds also have little odor?

Poodles, Bichons, Maltese, Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, Portuguese Water Dogs and Lagotti are lower-shedding options, but odor depends on skin, ears, mouth, dampness, grooming and health, not on breed alone. There is no breed-wide answer to which dog smells least. A healthy, regularly groomed individual may have little odor, while any breed can smell because of skin disease, an ear infection, dental disease or a damp coat.

What vitamin is my dog missing if its hair is falling out?

Hair loss is a question for a vet. A vet checks the history, the skin and coat, where the hair is thinning, itching, parasites, infection, allergies, nutrition, medications and possible hormonal or other illness. Nutrition is only one possible cause, and extra supplements can do harm. The Merck Veterinary Manual's overview of hair loss in dogs lists common causes, and DogServ can help you find the right care.

Which non-shedding breeds suit an apartment?

Good candidates include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Toy or Miniature Poodle and Miniature Schnauzer. Standard Poodles, Standard Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers and Lagotti can live in an apartment only with enough daily exercise, training and enrichment. Fit depends on activity, barking, size and access to care, not shedding alone. Our apartment breeds list goes further.

Coat and care

10 Lower-Shedding Dog Breeds and the Grooming Each One Needs

Ten lower-shedding dog breeds, from Poodles to Lagotti, with the grooming each coat needs, typical grooming costs and what to know about dog allergies.

By Cal Hewitt · Published September 23, 2024, updated October 20, 2026

Groomer's hands brushing a white Bichon Frise standing on a plain grooming table in a bright small salon

Low-shedding dogs can leave less loose hair around the home, though every dog still sheds some hair and makes allergens. Poodles, Bichons, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers and water dogs are common lower-shedding choices. Their coats usually need frequent brushing and professional trimming, and allergies can still be triggered by dander, saliva or urine.

Key takeaways

Tap a card to bring it forward.

Low shedding means less loose hair on your floors, not less care for the coat.
No breed is allergy-free; dog allergens come from dander, saliva and urine as well as hair (AAAAI).
Many clipped breeds go to a groomer every four to eight weeks, and a U.S. visit commonly runs $30 to $150 (Kiplinger).
Small, medium and large households all have a fit: Maltese and Bichons at one end, Standard Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs at the other.
Temperament, barking and time alone are tendencies; most dogs on this list do poorly with long daily absences.

Which breeds made this list of lower-shedding dogs?

Every breed here is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and the AKC or the breed's parent club describes its coat as low-shedding, minimally shedding, continuously growing, curly, woolly or wiry. The ten also cover small, medium and large households, so you are not stuck choosing a lap dog or a retriever-sized athlete.

"Low-shedding" means a dog releases less loose hair into the home than a typical shedding breed. In many of these coats the loose hair stays tangled in the fur until you brush it out, which is why the work moves from the vacuum to the brush. For a wider look at breeds, see our dog breeds hub.

Individual dogs vary from the breed numbers below, so ask a groomer to size up the actual coat in front of you.

1. Poodle

The Poodle is the most flexible choice because one breed comes in three sizes. The AKC lists Toy Poodles at no more than 10 inches and 4 to 6 pounds, Miniatures at 10 to 15 inches and 10 to 15 pounds, and Standards at over 15 inches and roughly 40 to 70 pounds, with a lifespan of 10 to 18 years across the varieties. The coat is curly, continuously growing and minimally shedding.

Grooming is the trade. A full coat needs daily brushing, and the AKC says many owners book professional clipping every four to six weeks. Poodles are also active, smart and people-oriented, so they want daily exercise and something to think about. Long, routine stretches alone tend to go badly.

A Poodle suits a household that likes training games and will keep the grooming appointments. It is a poor match for anyone hoping for a low-effort coat, a dog that sits through a long workday alone, or a home with no time for daily exercise. Toy Poodles also need careful supervision around young children.

Black standard poodle in a short sporting clip standing alert at the edge of a forest trail among ferns

2. Bichon Frise

The Bichon is a small, cheerful dog at 9.5 to 11.5 inches and 12 to 18 pounds, with a lifespan around 14 to 15 years. The curly double coat holds its loose hair, so you see little of it on the sofa. That same habit is the catch: the hair stays in the coat, and mats form quickly when brushing is skipped.

The AKC suggests daily combing for a long coat and trimming every four to six weeks. A white coat also shows dirt, so expect to keep it tidy. Bichons are affectionate and playful, they may bark for attention, and many prefer company over long absences.

This breed fits a small home with someone around much of the day and a person willing to comb, trim and bathe on a schedule. It is a poor fit for a household that will not maintain the coat. Recognized breed concerns include patellar luxation, allergies, bladder stones, dental disease and eye problems.

White Bichon Frise with a fresh rounded trim sitting on a sunny window seat with a soft blanket and its plumed tail curled over its back

3. Maltese

The Maltese is a toy dog at 7 to 9 inches and under 7 pounds, living roughly 12 to 15 years. The long, silky single coat leaves little loose hair when it is kept up, but it demands daily brushing, regular bathing and trimming, and steady care around the face and eyes.

The white coat shows staining and tangles readily, so the face care is the most visible chore. Short daily walks and indoor play usually cover the exercise. Maltese are gentle and lively, but they can be vocal, may develop separation-related behavior, and are not a reliable all-day-alone breed.

A Maltese suits an apartment and older children who handle small dogs carefully. It is a poor match for a home that wants a sturdy outdoor dog, a quiet dog or a coat that needs little attention. Health concerns include patellar luxation, dental disease, heart conditions and congenital liver shunts.

White Maltese with a long straight silky coat sitting on a pale rug with a slicker brush and wide-toothed comb on the floor beside it

4. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu stands 9 to 10.5 inches, weighs 9 to 16 pounds and lives 10 to 18 years. The long, dense coat sheds little, though loose hair can stay in the fur. Plan on daily brushing, regular professional trimming, and routine care for the ears, eyes and facial folds.

The distinctive practical point is the short muzzle. It limits heat tolerance and hard exercise even though the coat itself is easy on your floors. Short walks and indoor play suit this dog. Shih Tzus learn readily but can be independent, and they are companion dogs that often struggle with long daily isolation.

This breed suits an apartment household that wants a gentle, social dog and does not mind the grooming. It is a poor fit for a running partner, a hot-climate household without cooling, or anyone seeking a low-maintenance coat. Recognized concerns include airway problems, eye disease, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, dental disease and spinal problems.

Black and white Shih Tzu with a long flowing coat and a topknot sitting calmly on a hardwood floor beside a low bookshelf

5. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is 12 to 14 inches and 11 to 20 pounds, with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The harsh, wiry outer coat sits over a soft undercoat and sheds little. The AKC puts brushing at weekly, with clipping or hand-stripping about every five to eight weeks.

The beard is the practical detail. It collects food and water and needs cleaning after meals. This is a friendly, alert and spirited dog that can be territorial, and it is often more vocal than the companion breeds above. It tolerates moderate time alone better than many toy breeds but still needs enrichment.

A Miniature Schnauzer suits an apartment when the dog gets daily walks, play and mental work. It is a poor match for a quiet household unwilling to train alert barking or manage terrier instincts. Prey drive and selectiveness with other dogs can need management. Recognized concerns include hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis, bladder stones, dental disease, cataracts and patellar luxation.

Salt-and-pepper miniature schnauzer with a trimmed beard and eyebrows sitting on a brick front stoop of a Midwest row house

6. Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer is a medium dog. Males run 18.5 to 19.5 inches and 35 to 50 pounds; females 17.5 to 18.5 inches and 30 to 45 pounds, with a lifespan of 13 to 16 years. The coat is dense, harsh and wiry with low visible shedding. Weekly brushing and regular clipping or hand-stripping keep it in shape, and the beard and leg furnishings need upkeep.

What sets this dog apart from the others on the list is the job. It is an active working breed that needs daily exercise, structured training and a place in family activities. Standard Schnauzers are fearless, smart and spirited, and they can be independent and protective. They are generally not suited to long, unstimulated isolation.

This breed suits an active household that enjoys training. It is a poor fit for a first-time owner wanting a placid, passive dog, or one who expects to feed it and forget it. An apartment works only with substantial exercise and training. Early socialization matters with other dogs and small pets.

Salt-and-pepper standard schnauzer with a wiry coat, bushy eyebrows and a beard standing alert on a farm lane beside a wooden fence

7. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium athlete. Males measure 20 to 23 inches and 42 to 60 pounds; females 17 to 21 inches and 35 to 50 pounds; lifespan runs 11 to 13 years. The dense, curly or wavy coat sheds little. Weekly grooming is the minimum, with regular clipping, ear checks and frequent tooth brushing.

You also choose a haircut. The traditional lion clip leaves the hindquarters and muzzle closely clipped, while the retriever clip keeps the coat about an inch long. Either way, this dog wants vigorous daily exercise, swimming, retrieving or sports, and it can be vocal and demanding of human contact.

A Portuguese Water Dog suits an active family with room to run and time to train. It can be too exuberant for very young children. It is a poor fit for a sedentary household or anyone wanting a quiet, easy-care medium dog. Recognized concerns include hip dysplasia, juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, microphthalmia syndrome and GM1 gangliosidosis.

Black curly-coated Portuguese water dog in a retriever clip standing with a wet coat at the edge of calm freshwater lake shallows

8. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-to-large sporting breed. Males stand 22 to 24 inches and weigh 55 to 68 pounds; females 21 to 23 inches and 45 to 58 pounds, with a lifespan around 12 to 13 years. The curly, water-repellent coat sheds little. The AKC suggests brushing every few weeks, more often if it mats, along with regular trimming and attention to the ears.

Its distinctive point is the pairing of that easy-on-the-floor coat with the demands of a working water retriever. Expect high exercise needs: daily activity, retrieving and mental work. It is intelligent and devoted, and it can be reserved with strangers.

This dog suits an active home with space and a love of the outdoors. It is a poor fit for a low-activity household, a home without access to exercise, or someone who wants a small dog. It is usually a poor apartment choice unless the owner is very active. Recognized concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.

Liver-brown Irish water spaniel with tight crisp curls and a curly topknot standing on a muddy riverbank with a wet coat

9. Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium terrier. Males measure 18 to 19.5 inches and about 33 to 40 pounds; females 17.5 to 19 inches and about 30 to 35 pounds, with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The soft, wavy to curly coat sheds little, but the distinctive head and beard need shaping, and regular brushing and professional trimming are part of the routine.

A fun detail is the color change: puppies are black and the coat turns to the blue-gray the breed is known for. The temperament is energetic, fun-loving and confident, with a terrier's stubborn streak. Daily walks, play and mental work keep it settled, and a bored or isolated Kerry may turn noisy or destructive.

A Kerry Blue suits an active household that can be consistent. Caution is needed with same-sex dogs and small animals. It is a poor fit for a passive household, a first-time owner wanting an easygoing dog, or a home with unmanaged small-pet prey risk. Recognized concerns include cerebellar abiotrophy, hip dysplasia, eye disease, skin problems and clotting disorders.

Blue-grey Kerry Blue terrier with a soft wavy coat and a long groomed beard standing on a stone garden wall in a New England yard

10. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium truffle-searching breed. Males run about 17 to 19 inches and 28 to 35 pounds; females about 16 to 18 inches and 24 to 31 pounds, with a lifespan around 15 to 17 years. The dense, curly, woolly coat sheds little, but it can mat and collect debris, so regular brushing and trimming are needed and the ears deserve attention.

The distinctive point is the nose. It is the only purebred dog specifically developed as a specialized truffle-searching dog, so scent work, retrieving and daily mental challenges are natural outlets. Lagotti are affectionate, keen and active, and they may be sensitive or vocal.

A Lagotto suits a household that enjoys scent games and can tolerate some digging. It is a poor fit for a home wanting a quiet, inactive dog. Boredom and long absences can be hard on it. An apartment is possible with substantial activity. Recognized concerns include juvenile epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, neurodegenerative storage disease and eye disorders.

Ten lower-shedding breeds compared

Tap or hover a row to highlight it.

Breed	Weight	Lifespan	Coat and shedding	Exercise
BreedPoodle	Weight4 to 6 lb (Toy), 10 to 15 lb (Miniature), about 40 to 70 lb (Standard)	Lifespan10 to 18 years	Coat and sheddingCurly, continuously growing, minimally shedding	ExerciseDaily physical and mental work
BreedBichon Frise	Weight12 to 18 lb	LifespanAbout 14 to 15 years	Coat and sheddingCurly double coat, mats if not combed	ExerciseDaily walks and play
BreedMaltese	WeightUnder 7 lb	Lifespan12 to 15 years	Coat and sheddingLong, silky single coat, daily brushing	ExerciseShort walks and play
BreedShih Tzu	Weight9 to 16 lb	Lifespan10 to 18 years	Coat and sheddingLong, dense, low visible shedding	ExerciseShort walks, limited in heat
BreedMiniature Schnauzer	Weight11 to 20 lb	Lifespan12 to 15 years	Coat and sheddingWiry, low shedding, beard care	ExerciseDaily walks and play
BreedStandard Schnauzer	Weight30 to 50 lb	Lifespan13 to 16 years	Coat and sheddingDense, harsh, low visible shedding	ExerciseHigh; needs a job
BreedPortuguese Water Dog	Weight35 to 60 lb	Lifespan11 to 13 years	Coat and sheddingCurly or wavy, low shedding	ExerciseVigorous daily
BreedIrish Water Spaniel	Weight45 to 68 lb	LifespanAbout 12 to 13 years	Coat and sheddingCurly, water-repellent, low shedding	ExerciseHigh; retrieving
BreedKerry Blue Terrier	WeightAbout 30 to 40 lb	Lifespan12 to 15 years	Coat and sheddingSoft, wavy to curly, low shedding	ExerciseDaily walks, play, mental work
BreedLagotto Romagnolo	Weight24 to 35 lb	LifespanAbout 15 to 17 years	Coat and sheddingDense, curly, woolly, low shedding	ExerciseWalks, scent work, retrieving

Brown roan Lagotto Romagnolo with a dense curly coat sniffing the leafy ground of an oak woodland with its nose low

How often does a low-shedding coat need a groomer, and what does it cost?

Low-shedding coats shift the work from vacuuming to grooming. Typical routines include brushing several times a week or daily, depending on coat length and matting risk, and combing to the skin on Poodles, Bichons, Maltese and Shih Tzus. Many clipped breeds go to a groomer for bathing, drying, trimming and nail care at intervals of several weeks, and more often when the coat is kept long or mats easily.

Breed intervals differ. The AKC mentions professional Poodle grooming every four to six weeks and Bichon trimming every four to six weeks, and Portuguese Water Dogs need weekly grooming plus regular clipping. Ask your groomer for an interval that fits the actual coat instead of assuming one schedule covers every dog.

On cost, Kiplinger's 2026 consumer figures put a grooming visit at roughly $30 to $150 depending on size, breed and services. Salon grooming is commonly $40 to $100, and mobile grooming $70 to $150. These are national ranges. Matting, a large dog, a specialty cut, your location and add-ons can all push a bill higher.

Does a low-shedding coat help with dog allergies?

Questions about dog allergies belong with a doctor. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) says no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic. Dog allergens are proteins found mainly in dander, skin flakes, saliva and urine, and hair can carry them along with pollen and mold.

In a study of Can f 1, a major dog allergen, homes with dogs described as hypoallergenic did not have lower levels than homes with other dogs. A separate 2011 study of household dog allergen reached a similar finding.

Individual dogs and households vary. A low-shedding dog may spread less loose hair and be easier to keep off furniture, and your own reaction can differ from what coat type suggests. If someone in your home has allergies, talk with an allergist and spend time with the specific dog before you commit. The AAAAI's exposure-reduction guidance is a good starting point for that conversation.

Questions about low-shedding dogs, smell, alone time and apartments

These are the questions that come up most often when someone wants less dog hair at home.

Which breed of dog sheds the least?
No breed is a proven winner. Poodle, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Schnauzer, Kerry Blue Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel and Lagotto Romagnolo are all low-shedding choices, and individual dogs vary. The Poodle is the most flexible because Toy, Miniature and Standard sizes cover three household sizes. Low shedding still means regular brushing and clipping.
What dog is 100% hypoallergenic?
None. The AAAAI says there are no truly hypoallergenic dog breeds. Allergens come from dander, saliva and urine as well as hair, so a low-shedding dog can still trigger a reaction.
What is the cleanest house dog?
It depends on what "clean" means to you. A regularly groomed Poodle, Bichon or Maltese leaves less loose hair than a heavy shedder but needs more coat care. Any dog can develop odor, because smell can come from the skin, ears, mouth, anal glands, a damp coat or illness. The AKC's allergy-friendly breed list is useful for narrowing coat types, and allergy questions still go to an allergist.
Which is the most low-maintenance dog?
Low-shedding breeds all take upkeep, since hair that stays in the coat has to be brushed and trimmed. A short-clipped Miniature Schnauzer or Poodle may be simpler than a long-coated Maltese or Shih Tzu, but both still need routine grooming and exercise. For a wider comparison, see our low-maintenance breeds list.
What dog can be left alone all day?
Dogs need toilet breaks, exercise, social contact and enrichment, so a full workday alone is hard on any of them. Companion breeds such as the Maltese, Shih Tzu and Bichon often prefer frequent human contact, while working breeds may turn destructive without activity. If you will be away for long stretches, arrange a dog walker, sitter or daycare.
Which large or medium dogs don't shed?
Lower-shedding medium and larger choices include the Standard Poodle, Standard Schnauzer, Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier and Lagotto Romagnolo. "Don't shed" here means low shedding; every dog sheds some.
Which dogs don't shed or smell?
Any dog can smell. Odor depends on skin, coat, ears, mouth, dampness, hygiene and health. Poodle, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Schnauzer and Portuguese Water Dog are practical low-shedding candidates when their coats and health are looked after. Ear and skin problems are a common reason a clean dog starts to smell, so see a vet if the odor changes.
Which low-shedding breeds also have little odor?
Poodles, Bichons, Maltese, Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, Portuguese Water Dogs and Lagotti are lower-shedding options, but odor depends on skin, ears, mouth, dampness, grooming and health, not on breed alone. There is no breed-wide answer to which dog smells least. A healthy, regularly groomed individual may have little odor, while any breed can smell because of skin disease, an ear infection, dental disease or a damp coat.
What vitamin is my dog missing if its hair is falling out?
Hair loss is a question for a vet. A vet checks the history, the skin and coat, where the hair is thinning, itching, parasites, infection, allergies, nutrition, medications and possible hormonal or other illness. Nutrition is only one possible cause, and extra supplements can do harm. The Merck Veterinary Manual's overview of hair loss in dogs lists common causes, and DogServ can help you find the right care.
Which non-shedding breeds suit an apartment?
Good candidates include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Toy or Miniature Poodle and Miniature Schnauzer. Standard Poodles, Standard Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers and Lagotti can live in an apartment only with enough daily exercise, training and enrichment. Fit depends on activity, barking, size and access to care, not shedding alone. Our apartment breeds list goes further.

Where to go from here

If you also want a smaller dog, our small dog breeds guide list is a good next read. Woof Wag Nation has more breed guides in the dog breeds library, and the free Woof Wag Nation newsletter sends one practical dog guide each week,.