Dogs that don’t shed hair are a practically obligatory choice for those who want to raise a puppy but are allergic to dog hair. So let’s discover the non-shedding dog breeds that can meet these needs.
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When you want to adopt a dog, there are many factors to consider. To avoid coming across too much hair during shedding, you need to opt for dog breeds that do not shed.
First of all, they limit the risk of allergies in children and adults. Secondly, they also reduce the time spent on cleaning, especially if you have chosen to keep the dog in your apartment.
Why do dogs shed hair?
First of all, an answer to this question that arises spontaneously. Dog hair loss is a physiological and completely natural process. It’s called moulting and it happens precisely in coincidence with the change of season, in spring and autumn.
In spring the shedding of the hair serves to lighten the coat and prepare for the arrival of warm weather. In autumn in contrast, a new, thicker coat is generated that can protect against the cold.
Diseases that cause hair loss
In addition to moulting, there are other causes that can cause hair loss in dogs.
These can be diseases, parasite infections, allergies and forms of alopecia. When hair loss appears different than usual, patchy, and is accompanied by other symptoms, it is always best to contact your veterinarian.
Dogs that do not shed: a non-exhaustive list
Let us now see which breeds of hypoallergenic dogs may be right for us, distinguishing them by size. Let’s start with the small dogs.
Small-sized dogs that don’t shed hair
- Australian Terrier: This little pooch is brave, playful and sheds a minimal amount of fur.
- Poodle: We all know this breed, especially for the obsessive care of the fur to which they are subjected. Leaving aside the aesthetic reasons, which are more or less acceptable, grooming actually helps to reduce the amount of hair lost. Similar considerations apply to a close dog breed, the Cockapoo.
- Dachshund: This dog breed is ideal for apartment living. It is an easily adaptable dog. Short-haired varieties are most recommended if you are allergic to dog hair.
- Bichon Frisé: Here is another small dog, ideal for apartment life, especially for allergy sufferers.
- Border Terrier: This dog is agile, always on the move and loves the outdoors. It requires good grooming so as not to then have problems with hair loss.
- Boston Terrier: It is a small dog that requires little care, so if you have children at home or suffer from allergies, you can count on him.
- Cairn Terrier: This dog breed looks like a small furry ball: actually it sheds almost no hair and does not ask to be brushed more than necessary.
- Chinese Crested or Chinese Naked Dog: While almost hairless, it requires constant skin care to avoid infection. It lends itself well to indoor living.
- Coton de Tulear: Here is another petite breed, loved for its playful nature and for being hypoallergenic.
- Belgian Griffon: This dog possesses two types of fur, smooth and rough. The smooth one is subject to shedding, while the rough one only needs to be brushed.
- Havanese: The advantage of this breed is the absence of the undercoat, consequently the dog does not shed.
- Maltese Dog: Its smooth, long coat is an appeasement to the eye, but it certainly requires constant care so as not to find hair lying around.
- Norfolk Terrier: During the coat-change period, it is essential to brush it periodically, thus reducing the risk of shedding hair around the house.
- Shih tzu: Just like other dogs listed above, this dog can also fully fall into the category of dogs that do not shed hair.
- Silky Terrier: A little known dog breed. It is a really neat dog that leaves no traces and keeps everything in order.
- West Highland White Terrier: This is a small dog that is generally appreciated for its temperament. It requires periodic “stripping” so as not to shed hair.
- Yorkshire Terrier: Sweet, loyal and affectionate, this dog will know how to reward you for all the attention. It also loses very little fur, so you will have no problems in this regard.

Medium-sized dogs that don’t shed hair
Instead, here is a list of average size dogs that do not shed hair or shed very little:
- Basenji Dog: This dog has a shaved coat, so this greatly reduces the risk of hair loss.
- Irish Water Spaniel: It falls among the dogs that do not shed hair, but is not suitable for apartment life being very lively.
- Lagotto Romagnolo: Also know as Romagna water dog, this breed comes from Italy and also does not shed hair. On the other hand, it needs to undergo periodic grooming, shortening its fur with scissors so as to avoid felting.
- Italian Greyhound: This breed is also recommended for those who want a hypoallergenic dog. Be careful, however, you must choose the shorthaired variety.
- Scottish Terrier: Again, if well cared for, the coat will not create problems for allergy sufferers.
- Welsh Terrier: This dog breed falls squarely among the hypoallergenic dogs, in addition to being very polite and affable.

Large-sized dogs that don’t shed hair
Let us now turn to large dogs, which we recommend not to breed in apartments, lest they suffer in spaces that are too cramped.
- Airedale Terrier: It is defnitely a great hunter but also friendly and playful: it requires good coat care to be always in order.
- Bedlington: This breed is also not subject to physiological shedding, so no hair fluttering around the house.
- Flanders Bearer: While it needs an owner to brush its very shaggy hair, it loses very little of it.
- Kerry Blue Terrier: It doesn’t soil, doesn’t give off bad odors, and doesn’t shed hair. The perfect dog in all respects!
- Komondor: Don’t be frightened by its appearance. Contrary to popular belief, this dog manages to keep his coat clean and requires little care. It also sheds very little fur.
- Irish Water Spaniel: although it loses very little hair, it still requires good and constant grooming by its owner.
- Standard Poodle: although on the surface it looks the opposite, having a curly, thick coat, it doesn’t actually shed much.
- Schnauzer: its coat is thick and dense, but if well groomed periodically, you won’t have problems with hair loss.
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: this variety deserves mention for the silky characteristics of its coat, which does not cause allergies.
In short, there is no shortage of options if you are looking for a dog that loses little or no hair.
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