Dog’s hair… probably one of a few downsides of owning a pup… It’s getting everywhere! Anyone who has had a dog that’s continually shedding understands what I’m talking about. Dog hair likes to spread on couches, chairs, carpets and it has a special love for garments. Nothing destroys a beautiful couple of trousers like a lovely smattering of pup’s hair.
Not only does it get messy, but for many people, allergies are also a factor. What’s the potential solution? A dog that doesn’t shed. Or shed less, at least. This post features a list of dog breeds that don’t shed to come to rescue you and your couches and more information you have to learn about shedding (or not).
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Why some dogs shed, and some don’t?
That depends on how the dog’s hair evolve. Hair develops from follicles that are rooted deep in the pup’s skin. And each of it has its own growing cycle. Growing ends after achieving the length encoded in the dog’s genome. And dog hair development passes through four phases: growth phase (Anagen), regressing phase (Catagen), resting phase (Telogen) and shedding phase (Exogen). The length of each and at the end the timeframe for hair life -from growing to shedding – is unique for each dog. Also, the follicle models of each dog are also very distinctive. Moreover, the hair development speed even differs in dogs of the same breed.
All these variations lead in a broad spectrum of lengths, curliness, and density. For example, dogs that don’t shed, or shed so little that it isn’t visible, have much longer Anagen stages than dogs that shed. That implies their hair keeps getting longer and longer (until you take the pup to the groomer or bring out the clippers). You could even get an almost hairless dog. This is because most of their hair is in the stage of Telogen (sleeping). But not everyone is in love with a hairless dog look though.
Dogs that shed continually have brief stages of anagen (growth). New hair are keep appearing, but since those are growing so quickly any time is also a shedding time. You can get a handful of loose hair just by petting such a breed. And we guess that’s not what you are going for. So let’s figure out the breeds that might work for you better.
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Low shedding dogs
Maltese
This toy breed has become crazily famous. Malteses have beautiful white, silky coats. But it will be challenging to discover pup’s white hair on your clothes or furniture. The Maltese derived from the Central Mediterranean region, specifically Malta. And that’s what breed’s name is coming from. Their average life expectancy is about 14 years, making it suitable for potential buyers searching for a long-term doggy partner. And it’s one of those breeds that are losing the least amount of hair.
Poodle (both Toy and Miniature)
Poodles don’t shed much but require frequent clipping to maintain their coats in order. Their curly hair can get out of control rapidly! This class is suitable for those suffering for allergies as they shed so little if anything. The most popular cut for them is a puppy clip also recognized as the lamb clip. This is an easy-care technique of grooming that cuts the hair shot all over the surface of the dog’s body. Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds (and you can check our list of the smartest small dogs here if you want to learn more). They’re very joyful, funny, and bright. Their primary task in existence is to please their handlers. And for the most part, they are achieving this goal with success.
Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier has a moderately hairy, waterproof coat. It is medium in duration and sheds very lightly. They came from England and were used as barnyard ratters and also for fox capturing. Their tiny size allowed them to get into the smallest holes of fox’s caverns and flush them out. They are courageous and active animals. And they don’t get anxious or angry often. Therefore, Norwich Terriers make an amazing low-shedding family member.
Small dog breeds that don’t shed
The Yorkshire Terrier (also referred to as Yorkie)
Yorkies weigh about 7 pounds on average. Nevertheless, they are unaware of their own tiny size. They’re keen for adventure, courageous, faithful, and smart. Their coat is growing continuously, but shedding is minimal! Yorkies can pull out a lot of distinct styles and look good with long hair or short cut. They are fine to be kept both outdoors or indoors. But as long as you walk them out daily, they are going to be okay. The only downside of this cute breed is that Yorkies might have some behavioral issues. But well, isn’t it a small price to pay for extreme cuteness and low shedding?
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Schnauzer (Miniature)
Miniature Schnauzers are an active and intelligent breed. They recently gained some popularity because of their genuine nature and hypoallergenic coats. They almost never shed, although they require frequent grooming. It’s a fantastic indoor pup that makes a good family member.
Shih-Tzu
Another no shed dog, the Shih-Tzu is a famous Chinese breed. However, these little dogs are highly maintained, needing regular grooming with a quality bristle brush ( one works wonders on pup’s hair). Most pet owners will allow their Shih-Tzus to grow lengthy hair. Then, generally, they put pups’ hair in a topknot to keep their locks out of their sight. They are also regarded as lion dogs due to their posh manes.
Medium sized dogs that don’t shed
Scottish Terrier
Most terriers are renowned for their absence of shedding, good health, and lengthy lifespans. No exception is the Scottish Terrier. They have wiry hairs that need only twice a year to be cut. They are very low maintenance grooming wise in combination with their no shed hair. This terrier breed makes one sturdy little dogs with very short legs. Ten of their steps might be the same as one of yours. They are alert and courageous dogs and often very self-sufficient. Sometimes this causes them to be hesitant, so obedience learning from puppyhood is essential. And you might want to check out guide if you are interested in this particular breed.
Irish Terrier
Clippers are occasionally used to keep their hair neat. It’s hard and wiry, though with a soft undercoat, and doesn’t shed much. This terrier type is simple to train and makes an outstanding watchdog. It’s also known to be good with kids. Many enthusiasts are using Irish Terriers for hunting, they were effectively once called the Irish Sporting Terrier. They also can be great indoors as long as you take them for a walk two times per day.
Puli
This breed has a very distinctive coat. While Pulis don’t shed, the fur requires to be taken apart and placed into strings as the dog matures into adulthood. Once fully grown adults, the only challenge with their hair is to keep them free from debris. They are like gigantic mops and are magnets for stems of leaves.
Pulis were originated in Asia and are often used in herding tests nowadays. They do best in a country type setting. It can take hours and hours for their clothes to dry after a shower, so it’s better to keep those wet hair outside. They have highly energetic and lively nature and will make a great family pet.
Schnauzer (Standard)
Characterized by their “mustache” droopy walrus, Schnauzers are reliable animals with wiry shed-free fur. The breed was first used as a capable herder and ratter from Germany. Today they are known as a tremendous companion-type dog and will pursue your trails wherever you go. They have an extroverted personality, and you will either discover him in front of you or on your laps.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not small, it weighs about 33 to 44 lbs. Of course, they come from the nation of France with a title like that.
Their top fur is coarse, sometimes even hard complemented by a thick undercoat. These hounds are getting shaggy, but they don’t shed!
They are autonomous animals and may sometimes be unreasonable. This race is short-legged, sturdy and quite compact. Despite the relatively small size, they weight a lot though.
Big dogs that don’t shed
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The fur of this breed is rough and challenging to give them a decent appearance even after the most comprehensive grooming exercises. They shed very little if anything and their medium-length hair only call for regular grooming. This dog also has a surname of the “supreme gundog.” They are very competitive producing excellent runners and swimmers. This very energetic breed requires a lot of exercising all year round. To define their Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, owners use the following phrases: reliable, active, and friendly.
Irish Water Spaniel
Another low-shedding big dog is the Irish Water Spaniel. It requires to be washed and combed to prevent hair troubles. They have very long coats that make frequent bathing necessary (and you may think of a perfect brush to make the bathing time a fun time – e.g. one works wonders). And this breed would be appropriate even for pet owners with allergies. They are lively, brave and fast-learners.
Black Russian Terrier
These are a comparatively uncommon bread recognized as Russia’s “black pearls.” They are majestic-looking dogs with lovely black fur. Actually, this kind of dogs is not even a real terrier. These dogs were made the ideal operating dog in Russia. Scientists of the Soviet Army trained this dog to guard the boundaries alongside troops. So they got used to being active and will require a lot of exercises. But on the bright side – they don’t shed a lot, (but they do a little).
Myths about non-shedding dogs
- The main myth is an actual non-shedding part. All dogs shed. There’s just a significant disparity between how much they’re shedding. Some kinds shed so little that it’s hard to say they’re shedding at all.
- Non-shedding dogs do not involve maintenance. This is incorrect, even the coats of non-shedding pups need care. Non-shedding dogs need more brushing to avoid tangles. In some instances, to maintain stuff in order, they will require frequent showers, washing, and routine journeys to the groomer for hair trims.
- Dog hair creates human allergies. In reality, it is the animal skin and hair cells (dander) that can boost allergic responses. Those can be breathed in and trigger an allergic armageddon. That’s why shaving a dog won’t help in case of allergies.
- Some of the animals are hypoallergenic. Incorrect. Some dogs are less probable to produce problems for allergy sufferers, but no pet is 100% hypoallergenic. Just like with the intensity of shedding, some pups generate less dander than others. Regular showers can significantly reduce dander though.
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Dogs and shedding. Summary
Dog shedding is as natural as when we humans are losing our hairs. Although shedding is a standard thing for canines, the quantity and frequency of hair shedding often rely on their health and breed. It can also rely on the season: many animals create dense coats in winter that are then shed in the summer. However, dogs that are always kept indoors are prone to smaller coat thickness fluctuations and tend to shed fairly evenly throughout the year.
While you can’t prevent a good dog from normal shedding, you can decrease the quantity of hair in your house by frequently brushing your dog. Your veterinarian or groomer should be prepared to advise a particular sort of brush or comb that works best for the breed and hair type. And don’t forget to maintain your pet cheerful and happy as stress and anxiety are other significant factors that contribute to additional shedding.
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