Let’s talk about non-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs. There’s quite a few, but that phrase can be a bit misleading.
All dogs shed to some degree, but some far more than others.
A more appropriate phrase for this list is small dogs that have minimal shedding. Also, these dogs produce minimal pet dander, which adds some relief to allergy sufferers.
With that in mind, here’s the 21 small breeds that don’t shed (as much) and are hypoallergenic.
1. Australian Silky Terrier
The Australian Silky Terrier is a small, elegant breed of dog that originated in (you guessed it) Australia. They are also known as Silky Terriers or simply ‘Silkies’.
Silky Terriers are typically around 9- 10 inches tall and weigh between 8 – 10 pounds. They have a small head with erect ears and a bright, intelligent expression. Their coat is long, fine, and silky, with a distinctive blue and tan coloration.
Their silky coat is one of their most distinctive features, which requires regular grooming to keep it shiny and healthy. They should be brushed at least a few times a week, and their coat should be trimmed every few months to keep it looking its best.
2. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small and sturdy breed of dog that originated in Germany.
They range from 9 – 11 inches tall and weigh between 7 – 10 pounds. They have a wiry, harsh coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its shape and texture.
Affenpinschers are often called “monkey dogs” because of their cute monkey-like face. They’re known for their confident and affectionate personalities, and they make excellent companions. However they have a strong prey drive and desire to dig and bark.
3. Bedlington terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a charming and elegant breed of dog that originated in the United Kingdom.
They are known for their distinctive appearance, which resembles that of a lamb due to their woolly, curly coat. However, their curly coat require regular grooming to keep their coat neat and tidy.
Bedlington Terriers are typically around 16 – 17 inches tall and weigh between 17 – 23 pounds.
Just like a gentle lamb – Bedlingtons are loyal, affectionate, and are excellent companion pets.
Bedlington Terriers have a playful and curious nature and love to explore their surroundings, making them a joy to have around the house.
4. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a delightful and charming breed of dog that originated in France. They’re friendly and affectionate, and love being in the presence of people.
They are known for their fluffy, white coat, which requires regular grooming to keep it looking neat and clean. Their coat allows groomers to shape it into several trims, such as the popular teddy bear trim.
Bichon Frises are typically around 9-12 inches tall and weigh between 12-18 pounds.
They have a playful and energetic nature, making them an excellent companion pet for families with children.
5. Bolognese
The Bolognese dog is a charming and adorable breed that originated in Italy. These dogs are known for their beautiful white coats, which are soft and fluffy.
They are often called “little clouds” because of their cloud-like appearance. Their coat will require regular brushing and grooming to keep them look their best.
Bolognese dogs are typically around 10-12 inches tall and weigh between 5-9 pounds.
They have a gentle and affectionate nature, and they make excellent companion pets for those who are looking for a loyal and loving pet.
6. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a lively and energetic breed of dog that originated in the border regions between England and Scotland.
Border Terriers are typically around 11-16 inches tall and weigh between 11-16 pounds. They have a short, wiry coat that comes in various shades of red, grizzle, and blue and tan.
These dogs are highly intelligent and have a strong prey drive, which makes them excellent hunters and great companions for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
However, it’s important to remember that they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored or destructive.
7. Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a relatively new and rare breed of dog that originated in Germany. These dogs are known for their unique and eye-catching appearance, with their long, flowing coats that come in black, white, and tan.
Biewer Terriers are typically around 7-11 inches tall and weigh between 4-8 pounds.
They have a playful and energetic personality, making them a great choice for families with children. These dogs are highly intelligent and easily trained, and they are also very loyal and affectionate to their families.
8. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small and charming breed of dog that originated in Belgium. These dogs are known for their unique and expressive faces, with large, round eyes, and short, wrinkled muzzles.
They come in two coat varieties: smooth and rough.
The rough coat is wiry and dense, while the smooth coat is short and glossy.
The coat colors can range from red, black, brown, and tan. Brussels Griffons are typically around 7-8 inches tall and weigh between 6-12 pounds.
They have a lively and affectionate personality, making them an excellent companion pet for those who are looking for a loyal and loving pet.
9. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is a small and charming breed of dog that originated in Scotland. These dogs are known for their distinctive medium-length wiry coat, which comes in various shades of grey, black, and tan.
Cairn Terriers have a compact and sturdy build, with a broad head, erect ears, and a lively expression. They typically weigh around 13-15 pounds and stand around 9-10 inches tall.
They will require occasional grooming to maintain their rustic appearance. They are normally handstripped by groomers. Avoid clipping or scissoring as their coat will become soft and matted.
10. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a unique and eye-catching breed of dog that comes in two varieties: hairless and powder puff.
The hairless variety has smooth, soft skin with patches of fur on their feet, tail, and head, while the powder puff has a full coat of soft, silky hair.
Chinese Crested come in a variety of colors, including white, black, and shades of brown. These dogs are small, standing between 11-13 inches tall and weighing between 5-12 pounds.
Chinese Cresteds require regular grooming to maintain their coat and skin health. Hairless Cresteds need sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun, while the powder puff requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their hair. They also need to be bathed regularly to keep their coat clean and free of dirt and debris.
11. Coton De Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small and charming dog breed that originated in Madagascar. They have a distinctive fluffy white coat that feels like cotton, hence their name.
The Coton de Tulear is a small dog, standing between 8-12 inches tall and weighing between 8-15 pounds. They have a compact body with a round head and a short muzzle. Their big round eyes are full of expression, making them irresistibly cute.
Their coat requires regular grooming and trimming to keep it healthy and free of tangles and matting. They should be brushed at least two to three times a week.
12. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a unique breed that hails from the Scottish borders. Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a long and low-slung body with short legs and a broad head.
Their expressive eyes and velvety ears add to their undeniable charm. One of the most striking features of this breed is their unique “topknot” of hair on their head, which gives them a truly distinguished look.
Their double coat is another standout feature. It is a combination of a soft, dense undercoat and a wiry, protective outer coat. This coat comes in various colors, including mustard and pepper.
Grooming the Dandie Dinmont Terrier requires regular attention. Their saddle (back and body) are handstripped, while their tail, head, and legs are scissored.
13. Havanese
The Havanese, a delightful breed known for its endearing qualities, is a true companion dog that will steal your heart with their charming appearance and loving nature. They are very much a low maintenance dog.
With a small yet sturdy frame, these dogs stand proudly at around 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh between 7 to 13 pounds.
The Havanese is blessed with a luxuriously soft coat that comes in a variety of colors, including white, cream, black, and shades of brown.
Maintaining the Havanese’s beautiful coat requires regular grooming. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and matting, and frequent trimming is needed to keep their coat looking neat and stylish.
14. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso dogs possess a distinct and elegant look, characterized by their long and flowing double coat that cascades down their body.
With a height of around 10 to 11 inches and a weight of 12 to 18 pounds, they have a sturdy build and a proud posture. Their expressive dark eyes and a sweet, intelligent expression further add to their undeniable charm.
Grooming the Lhasa Apso is an important aspect of their care routine.
Their luxurious coat requires regular attention to keep it in pristine condition. Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling, particularly in the longer hair around their ears and legs. Frequent bathing is recommended to maintain their coat’s cleanliness and to keep them looking their best. Additionally, routine trimming of their hair is necessary to manage its length and keep it manageable.
15. Maltese
The Maltese, a breed that exudes elegance and charm, is a beloved companion dog known for its petite size and luxurious white coat.
With their compact body, standing at around 8 to 10 inches tall and weighing between 4 to 7 pounds, they possess an adorable and dainty appearance.
Grooming the Maltese is an essential part of their care routine, ensuring their coat remains beautiful and free from tangles and matting. Regular brushing is necessary, ideally on a daily basis, to prevent knots from forming in their fine hair.
Professional grooming appointments will be required every few weeks to maintain their coat’s length and style.
16. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer, a breed bursting with personality and charm, is a delightful companion that brings joy and laughter to any household.
With its distinctive appearance, characterized by a compact and sturdy build, they stand at around 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh between 11 to 20 pounds.
Their most recognizable feature is their expressive face, adorned with a beard and eyebrows that seem to convey a range of emotions. Their dense and wiry double coat, which comes in various colors such as salt and pepper, black, or black and silver, adds to their unique appeal.
Grooming the Miniature Schnauzer is an important aspect of their care routine. Regular brushing helps maintain their coat’s texture and prevents matting, while frequent hand stripping ensures a neat and tidy appearance. Their eyebrows and beard require extra attention to keep them clean and free from debris.
In terms of grooming this is a high maintenance breed.
17. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier, often referred to as the “Scottie,” is a breed that embodies strength, character, and a touch of whimsy.
With its unique appearance and confident demeanor, this dog stands at around 10 inches tall and weighs between 18 to 22 pounds.
Their distinctive silhouette is characterized by a robust body, a powerful chest, and short legs that add to their charmingly compact stature. But what truly sets them apart is their iconic double coat, which consists of a dense, wiry outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat.
The coat comes in various colors such as black, brindle, or wheaten, with a distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows that frame their expressive dark eyes.
Maintaining the Scottish Terrier’s coat requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. Weekly brushing helps prevent matting and removes any loose hair. Professional grooming appointments may be needed every few months to trim their coat and maintain its shape. Their facial hair, including the iconic beard, requires special attention to keep it clean and free from food debris.
18. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being a part of family activities.
They typically stand at around 9 to 10.5 inches tall and weigh between 9 to 16 pounds.
They carry a luxurious, long, and flowing double coat, which comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The soft and silky hair cascades down their body, giving them an adorable and regal look.
You’ll need to ensure their coat remains beautiful and tangle-free. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting and to keep their hair looking healthy and shiny. Some owners choose to keep their Shih Tzu’s coat long and flowing, while others opt for a shorter, more manageable trim.
19. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are known for their intelligence and friendly nature.
With its charming appearance, characterized by a small and well-proportioned body, they typically stand at around 9 to 10 inches tall and weigh between 4 to 6 pounds.
One of their most notable features is their exquisite coat, which is dense, curly, and hypoallergenic. This luxurious coat comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, apricot, and silver, adding to their overall allure.
Grooming the Toy Poodle is an important aspect of their care routine, as their coat requires regular attention to maintain its beauty and prevent matting. Regular brushing helps keep their curls tangle-free and prevents the accumulation of debris.
Many owners choose to have their Toy Poodle professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain a stylish and manageable haircut.
20. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, also known as the Westie, is a breed that exudes charm and confidence.
With its iconic appearance, this small yet sturdy dog stands at around 10 to 11 inches tall and weighs between 15 to 20 pounds.
The Westie’s most distinguishing feature is its pure white double coat, which consists of a dense, harsh outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. This weather-resistant coat not only adds to their overall adorable look but also provides protection during outdoor adventures.
Their dense coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and to maintain its pristine appearance. Owners should hand strip the coat to preserve its texture.
21. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a pint-sized package of personality and energy.
With their compact build and confident demeanor, they stand at around 8 to 9 inches tall and typically weigh between 4 to 7 pounds.
The Yorkshire Terrier’s most striking feature is its luxurious, long, and silky coat that flows gracefully down their body. This glamorous coat comes in shades of steel blue and tan, adding to their overall allure and making them a true fashionista of the dog world.
Their long coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Many owners choose to keep their Yorkie’s hair trimmed shorter for easier maintenance. Although, some may opt for a fashionably long show trim.
