We are firm believers that no family is complete without a dog.
A house is just not a home without a canine companion.
But, not all of us want fur on our clothing and furniture.
If you are looking for a small dog with equally small amounts of shedding hair, you are in
luck.
Let’s check out some small family dogs that don’t shed.
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10.
Yorkshire Terrier
Playful and affectionate, the Yorkshire Terrier, often called the Yorkie, is a small dog full
of personality.
These spunky little lap dogs are the seventh most popular dog breed in America, and for
good reason.
Not the least among those reasons is that Yorkshire Terriers don’t shed, and their
silky coats are beautiful.
That is if you brush them out daily, which is made easy by their small size.
Ofcourse, you could just go with a nice short hair cut, like a puppy cut.
Don’t be fooled by their lap dog reputations – Yorkies have working-class roots.
These fearless terriers hunted rats in English clothing mills.
Today they are just as happy to sit on their human’s lap as they are running down a rodent.
Yorkies do not shed, so that means they depend on their owners to keep their hair in check.
Left unattended, their hair will keep growing, just like a human’s would—in fact, Yorkshire
terrier hair can grow to be two feet long.
Yeah, the Yorkie can give Rapunzel a run for her money.
Needless to say, trips to the groomer will become part of your lifestyle.
9.
Miniature Schnauzer
This list is surprisingly full of small dogs that have roots in ratting.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a smart, trainable, and cheerful little former ratting dog that
strongly resembles its larger Schnauzer cousins.
With an outgoing personality, a portable size, and sporty good looks, you’ve got an ideal
family dog.
This friendly and obedient Terrier, yes it’s a Terrier…
Unlike the rest of the Terrier group, Schnauzers come from Germany, instead of the British
Isles.
It sheds very little, and their adaptable nature makes them at home in the city or the
country, as long as their people are involved.
To keep your Miniature Schnauzer looking its best, make time for weekly brushing an regular
grooming.
8.
Scottish Terrier
Their origins may be a bit of a mystery, but we do know that the wee Scottie comes from
Scotland, as the name seems to suggest.
Yet another ratter, this solidly compact dog of vivid personality, the Scottish Terrier
is an independent, confident companion of high spirits and a dignified, sometimes human-like
character.
Their wiry, weather-resistant coats shed little, although they do require regular brushing,
grooming, and the occasional hand-stripping to keep their coats healthy.
Scotties are clever and independent dogs that are affectionate with family and good with
kids..
7.
Chinese Crested
It’s kinda easy to not shed when you’re hairless.
Chinese Crested dogs come in two coat types: hairless and powderpuff.
Hairless Chinese Crested have hair on their heads, tail, and feet, while the powderpuff
is covered with a coat of fine hair that sheds very minimally.
The Chinese Crested breed was created to be a companion.
You won’t find a better lap dog.
They can lie in bed for hours without moving a muscle.
They have almost no desire to go out and run around like normal dogs, although they are
surprisingly athletic.
Chinese Cresteds are intensely social dogs and bond quickly within their family.
Once it falls in love with you, you’ll have a little stalker on your hands.
Hairless dog breeds require extra care and attention when it comes to their skin.
Without hair, they need protection from the sun and cold and are more prone to skin irritations.
6.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is truly a non-shedding small dog breed.
This playful and affectionate dog is an ideal family dog breed for those that may have allergy
sufferers in their clan.
And yes, according to the American Kennel Club, the correct pronunciation is bee-shon
free-zay.
It’s French.
The fluffy white Bichon is a great family dog that is affection with almost everyone
and good with other dogs and children, even the family cat.
They may be non-shedding but they are not maintenance free.
The Bichon Frise’s hair grows continuously, requiring frequent grooming, brushing two
or three times a week, and the occasional bath in order to keep up with its powder-puff
looks.
While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, some breeds come close.
Since the Bichon doesn’t shed and produces less dander than other dogs, sufferers of
allergies might have little to no symptoms in this dog's company.
5.
West Highland White Terrier
Among the most popular of small terrier, the West Highland White Terrier, or Westie as
it is often called, sheds very little.
Originating in Northwestern Scotland as a working dog, this sturdy little dog with the
coarse white coat is intelligent, loyal, happy, and highly entertaining.
They are curious little dogs with moderate energy levels and an independent streak common
among Terrier breeds.
Alert and active, Westies exhibit all the traits of a plucky and self-reliant ratting
terrier: They require no pampering, they will chase after anything that moves, and their
independence can make training a challenge.
But, thanks to their faithfulness and keen intelligence, Westies will train nicely with
time and patience and make for a wonderful little family companion.
The little dogs have sensitive ears, so some sunscreen is recommended if you plan on spending
a lot of time in the sun.
Yes, dogs can get sunburned too.
4.
Poodle
When you think small dogs that don’t shed, you likely think of the Poodle, specifically
the toy or miniature poodle.
And Poodles are indeed non-shedding and hypoallergenic, but it does require regular grooming.
Poodles are intelligent and train easily, making the Poodle an easy choice for the family
new to dog life.
The Poodle is not a froo-froo dog.
It’s an elegant athlete that can master anything from sit and stay to advanced agility
training.
Most pet owners opt to keep the Poodle in a shorter trim.
Some owners learn to do this clipping and trimming themselves, while others choose to
take their dog to a professional dog groomer every four to six weeks for a bath, grooming,
and nail trim.
If you don’t plan to keep your Poodle’s hair in a short trim, daily brushing is absolutely
required to keep its coat from matting and dreadlocked.
On the plus side, they are generally odorless and can sport some really cool hairdos.
3.
Brussels Griffon
If you want a small family dog that doesn’t require pampering, the Ewok-looking Brussels
Griffon is right up your alley.
Both smooth-coated and rough-coated varieties of the Brussels Griffon thrive with regular
grooming and are minimal shedders.
Their small size means that a daily walk and indoor play is usually enough to satisfy their
exercise needs, and this loyal little dog does best with families who are frequently
home.
A sensitive companion for discerning pet parents, the Brussels Griffon is smart, devoted, and
comically self-important.
With the Griff, you get a big personality in a 5-to-15-pound package.
And with one look into its big, human-like eyes, you’ll be smitten.
But these breed is rare and may be difficult to find.
But, it may be the only dog on the planet capable of upstaging Jack Nicholson.
[As Good As It Gets movie poster]
The Smooth coated BG does shed some, mostly during shedding season for about a week in
the Spring and fall.
The Wire coated Brussels Griffon does not shed.
But either dog is low maintenance.
2.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a long pedigree.
The favored house pet of China’s Tang Dynasty.
The pampered pets led luxurious lives in palaces, enjoying all the creature comforts a dog could
want.
Their thick coats made them effective radiators, and their owners would use the dogs to keep
their beds warm, which is still a good use for them today.
Ahhhh warm little doggy.
These “little lions dogs” come in a variety of colors and patterns, none of them less
adorable than the other.
Loyal and loving companions, these small dogs are an ideal fit for anyone in need of affection.
Their long, silky hair is low-shedding and looks exceptionally regal when brushed out,
befitting their royal ancestry.
Shih Tzu were bred to be house pets, and their gentle, trusting nature makes them exceptional
companions.
Keeping the Shih Tzu coat gorgeous is demanding.
Daily brushing and combing is necessary to prevent tangles, as is frequent bathing (as
often as once a week).
In fact, many Shih Tzu lovers hire a professional groomer to clip those long locks short every
month or so.
Before we get to number one, the Terrier group is full of small dog breeds that don’t shed
or shed minimally.
We’ve already included several, but others include:
Wire Fox Terrier Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Cairn Terrier Australian Terrier
Border Terrier Bedlington Terrier
Sealyham Terrier Silky Terrier
Welsh Terrier
1.
Maltese
The ancient dog of Malta, the Maltese, has not changed much over the past 28 centuries;
it’s been sitting in laps since the Bible was a work in progress.
That is perhaps in part because of their long, white coats shed very little, making them
an ideal lap dog.
Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions.
This picture of free-flowing elegance, this irresistible Maltese face—with its big,
dark eyes and black gumdrop nose—can conquer even the hardest of hearts.
With the family, the dog of Malta is playful, gentle and charming.
Sporting a thick coat of hair instead of fur, these little dogs don’t shed.
Instead, they need occasional haircuts to keep their mops in check.
Their white tufts are hypoallergenic, making them great for families with allergies.
Their coats do require regular brushing to prevent mats from forming, and an occasional
bath removes any unwanted dirt and debris from their long, silky hair.
Just remember just because your dog doesn’t shed that they are zero maintenance.
Most dogs need brushing and don’t forget those nails and teeth.
So, which of these breeds fits your lifestyle.
Tell us about your family pet in the comments.
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