Are dogs that don't shed a lot "hypoallergenic" dogs?
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People who are allergic to dogs, but still love them, have surely wondered if there are any "hypoallergenic" dogs that won't trigger their symptoms, and while there are more breeds of dogs than you might think that don't shed too much, one of the most common pet-related myths is that dog hair is what causes the allergies. But it's not—it's actually the pet dander (the skin flakes that they shed). True, dogs that don't shed as much release less of this dander, but, "while you may have less dog hair with a nonshedding dog, no dog breed is hypoallergenic," the Mayo Clinic warns. If you do have a dog allergy, they recommend bathing your pet every week to remove dander, as well as considering getting a smaller dog, which will produce less dander. Fortunately, many of these dogs that don't shed a lot are on the smaller side. So whether you're allergic to dogs or would just rather have a dog that doesn't shed massive amounts of fur, check out this list of dogs that don't shed a lot.
Affenpinscher
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According to the American Kennel Society (AKC), this toy-sized terrier breed boasts a wiry coat that sheds minimally and, for the most part, seasonally. (All dogs, and you, yourself, shed some hair every single day.) As an extra added bonus, its coat and skin give off very little perceptible "doggy" odor. The German name means "monkey-like," which may refer to the Affenpinscher's appearance as well as its intelligence and good humor. But please note that in France, the breed is referred to as "Diablotin Moustachu," which means mustachioed little devil! Of course, shedding isn't the only thing that makes a dog the right dog for you—factor in these other considerations to pick the best dog for your family.
Afghan hound
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The aristocratic-looking Afghan hound is a "special breed for special people," according to the AKC. On the one hand, its long, silky coat is breathtakingly gorgeous and sheds only minimally. That said, its crowning glory requires twice-per-week bathing and brushing to maintain its luxurious look and feel. In addition, Afghans are emotionally aloof but incredibly agile and energetic, meaning they require regular exercise (perhaps even agility training) to reach their true potential as happy household pets.
American hairless terrier
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There are dogs that don't shed, and then there are dogs that don't even have hair. The American hairless terrier is one of the latter. And yes, that means it doesn't shed. It's also very friendly and low maintenance, requiring only a daily walk and an occasional bath to keep its skin clean.
Barbet
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The
Barbet is a mid-sized water dog, which means it was bred to retrieve
hunted game, including ducks from water. The Barbet is indigenous to
France, dating back to the 16th century, and relatively rare in the
United States—probably the rarest on this list of dogs that don't shed a
lot, but perhaps that should change considering how intelligent and
calm this adorable muppet-like breed is. Just be sure to give your
Barbet enough exercise to keep him happy—here's how to know how much
exercise your dog really needs—and please be aware that the AKC says the
Barbet is affectionately referred to as the "mud dog" since he enjoys
romping through any kind of water, including muddy water.
Basenji
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A member of the hound family, the Basenji is perfect for anyone who appreciates the affable, almost comic personality of a hound but doesn't relish the distinctive odor and shedding habits for which many hounds are known. Its short, fine coat sheds minimally, requires little care beyond occasional brushing, and gives off very little "dog" smell. As an extra added bonus, the Basenji is surprisingly quiet for a hound, making it an ideal "apartment dog" just as long as you're willing to take it out for daily exercise and play.
Bedlington terrier
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"Bedlingtons are lithe, energetic Englishmen," according to the AKC, with a "crisp, curly coat" that sheds only minimally and requires little in the way of grooming beyond brushing (to prevent matting) and occasional trimming. Small-sized, affable, and incredibly energetic, the Bedlington is one of the top choices for an active, fun-loving family on this list of dogs that don't shed.
Bichon Frise
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Friendly, great with kids, and not particularly demanding in terms of its exercise needs, the Bichon Frise sheds very little and makes a great apartment or city dog. Although it doesn't shed very much, it does require regular grooming to keep its fur fluffy, clean, and mat-free.
Brussels Griffon
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Despite being toy-sized, the Brussels Griffon isn't your typical pampered purse puppy. The "Griff" likes to assert its outsized personality and garner attention with its fringy beard and mustache and it's soulful almost-human-looking eyes. Some Griffs have a smooth coat (like a Pug), and some have a rough coat (like a Schnauzer), but none of them shed more than minimally, although all require regular grooming as well as daily walks and plenty of attention.
Chinese Crested
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The hairless variety of the Chinese Crested isn't exactly hairless in that it has tufts of fur on its feet and head that require regular trimming. But you won't have to deal with much in the way of shedding, and this is true even for the "powderpuff" variety of Chinese Crested. With low exercise needs and a reserved demeanor for anyone but its own "pack" (i.e., you and your family), the Chinese Crested is a great doggie for apartment dwellers and anyone with low mobility.
Coton de Tulear
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Small and affectionate with a soft, long, white coat that doesn't shed, the one drawback to a Coton de Tulear (besides the challenging pronunciation, which is coTAWN day two-LEE), is that it does need regular grooming to keep its fur full and mat-free.
Havanese
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These native Cuban dogs offer owners both their patented spunky charm and a coat that doesn't shed, which means less time spent lint-rolling the furniture and more time romping with the playful Havanese. Their coat requires weekly brushing and regular baths to keep them clean and healthy.
Irish Water spaniel
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Like the Barbet, the Irish Water Spaniel was bred to retrieve hunted game from the water. The Irish Water Spaniel's coat is thick and curly and requires brushing only every couple of weeks. Fun, funny, and fun-loving, potential parents of these dogs that don't shed a lot should be aware that this is a highly energetic breed and needs daily exercise.
Kerry Blue terrier
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As its name suggests, the Kerry Blue Terrier's coat comes in varying shades of blue, from light blue-gray to dark. But perhaps most importantly, its coat sheds minimally and is super soft and dense. If you like beard-trimming, this mid-sized breed's for you since the long hair on its face it requires grooming.
Lhasa Apso
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This ancient Tibetan breed of lapdog has long, luxurious hair that, happily, doesn't shed. Calm and playful, the Lhasa Apso likes going for walks but is also perfectly happy to sit on your lap or lie beside you on the sofa. The Lhasa's long hair requires some maintenance to keep it mat-free and silky, but lots of Lhasa owners get around that with a cute, cropped "puppy cut" to avoid daily brushing and grooming.
Maltese
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The Maltese (aka Maltese Terrier) is big in personality and so small in size, in fact, it's one of the 13 of the world's teeny-tiniest dog breeds. Energetic and agile, the Maltese is highly trainable but not necessarily wonderful with small children. If you're past the young-kids stage and you're looking for a miniature dog that sheds almost not at all (they have no undercoat, which means even on a seasonal basis, they have no need to shed for the purpose of changing their coat), this is the pup for you.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
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Another hairless breed, the Peruvian Inca Orchid comes in small, medium, and large. And regardless of its size, it's extremely loyal, if not flat-out protective of its people. Keep the Peruvian Inca Orchid well-exercised and make sure to coat him in sunscreen because he's prone to sunburn.
Poodle
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Like the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Poodle comes in just about any size. Unlike the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Poodle isn't hairless...far from it, in fact. However, poodles are famous for not shedding and even being "hypoallergenic" dogs (or at least relatively so). However, these dogs that don't shed a lot are known for their high-maintenance grooming routine.
Poodle hybrids
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What do you get when you cross one dog that doesn't shed with another dog that doesn't shed? If you guessed "a dog that doesn't shed," then you're correct! That's why Maltipoos (a cross between a Poodle and a Maltese) are dogs that don't shed a lot. The same goes for Schnoodles (a cross between a Poodle and a Schnauzer). In fact, all hybrids that are at least half Poodle tend to be minimal shedders. Highly intelligent, Poodle hybrids are also high energy, so you'll want to give yours lots of exercise to keep him happy.
Portuguese Water dog
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If you think you've never heard of the Portuguese Water dog, then may we remind you that the adorable Bo Obama, and Sunny Obama, First Dogs during the Obama Administration, are Portuguese Water dogs? Medium-sized, friendly, and high energy, the Portuguese Water dog is famous also for its webbed feet, as well as for being hypoallergenic dogs. We dare you to check one out and not fall in love. But don't bring one into your family if you're not prepared to give him lots of exercise.
Schnauzer
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Schnauzers come in all sizes, and all of them have thick, wiry coats that shed only minimally but do require weekly brushing and regular grooming—especially of their facial hair (the breed name refers to the German word for a whiskery snout, and you'll always recognize Schnauzers by their long, luxuriant mustaches and beards). Schnauzers of any size, in addition to being dogs that don't shed a lot, are incredibly charming and cheerful, as well as highly trainable.
Scottish terrier
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Another wire-haired breed, the Scottish Terrier is another dog that doesn't shed but that needs regular brushing and grooming to keep its coat healthy. Clever and independent, Scotties are known for their strong instinct to go after prey, which traditionally consisted of rats and other vermin. However, they can't always tell the difference between vermin and tiny house pets, so please be sure to keep that in mind when bringing a Scotty home.
Soft Coated Wheaton terrier
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While many minimally-shedding terriers have wiry coats, the Soft Coated Wheaton terrier has the wonderful distinction of having...wait for it...a soft coat. Playful, active, and hungry for play, if you're in the market for dogs that don't shed and you have young kids, the Soft Coated Wheaton is definitely worth considering.
Spanish Water dog
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Another water dog, the Spanish Water dog is not only loyal and affectionate, but its curly coat requires no brushing! All you need to do to take care of your Spanish Water dog's coat is to shave it once a year. This breed isn't the most active on this list, but it does require regular exercise.
West Highland terrier
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You'll recognize a West Highland White Terrier (aka "Westie") by its white coat, which, happily, hardly sheds. A sturdy little breed, Westies are intelligent, loyal, happy, and highly entertaining due to their curiosity and independent streak. That also means they can be challenging to train. But they'll keep you laughing while they're blatantly ignoring your commands, so there's that.
Yorkshire terrier
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If you're always cold, you'll feel a real connection with a Yorkshire Terrier (aka "Yorkie"). Perhaps the smallest non-shedder on this list of dogs that don't shed, Yorkies range in size from itsy bitsy (3 pounds) to teeny-tiny (7 pounds). Independent, smart, and affectionate, they have a surprising amount of energy for their size. Be sure to give these dogs that don't shed a lot plenty of opportunities to socialize as puppies if you want them to be friendlier as adults.
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