Small canine breeds are extremely popular as a result of they take up much less room, can comfortably sit in your lap with out crushing you, and so they don’t typically want as a lot train as greater canine. However the issue with them gaining access to your lap is that heavy shedders can go away behind clouds of hair that rise up your nostril and trigger sneezing and different reactions, to not point out a layer of fur in your garments. For many people, that is a suitable worth to pay, however for these with allergic reactions or an aversion to being lined in fur, discovering a canine companion that doesn’t cowl you and your property in hair could also be excessive in your listing of priorities.
Under, we have a look at 23 small canine breeds that don’t shed an excessive amount of that can assist you discover the one that’s finest for your loved ones.
Is There Such a Factor as Canines That Don’t Shed?
Each canine sheds to some extent. Nonetheless, whereas some canine like Labradors and German Shepherds are identified for being heavy shedders, others shed minimally. These low shedders are thought-about extra hypoallergenic than different breeds as a result of they’re much less prone to trigger reactions in canine allergy victims. Though there isn’t any such factor as a really hypoallergenic canine, those who shed much less are inclined to set off much less of a response than those who do.
With some care and upkeep, you may additional cut back shedding to assist additional ease canine hair issues in the home, too.
The 23 Low-Shedding Small Canine Breeds
1. Affenpinscher
Origin: | Germany |
Lifespan: | 12–14 Years |
Peak: | 10 Inches |
The Affenpinscher is a German breed that was initially reared to hunt and kill mice. Their pleasant nature and cute little face meant they quickly turned common as companion canine. Rising to round 10 inches, these canine are thought-about extra hypoallergenic than most as a result of they naturally shed little or no.
And whereas they do like some consideration, they aren’t typically clingy lap canine which implies there’s minimal danger of you ending up with pants lined in canine hair on the finish of the day.
2. Basenji
Origin: | Africa |
Lifespan: | 10–12 Years |
Peak: | 16 Inches |
The Basenji is a bit greater than a lot of the canine on this listing, however it’s distinctive as a result of it’s classed as each a sighthound and a scenthound. It has unimaginable senses of scent and sight, which it initially used to hunt small animals. The Basenji can also be uncommon as a result of it can often bark simply as soon as earlier than going quiet, even when alerting house owners to potential hazard also known as the “barkless canine”, utilizing an array of various vocalizations, together with yodeling, howling, and ‘speaking’ quite than barking, whereas others are usually very quiet.1
Some individuals imagine that the breed is simply partially domesticated, having modified little or no over the centuries, and loads of socialization and coaching from a younger age is crucial.
3. Bedlington Terrier
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 14–16 Years |
Peak: | 15 Inches |
One other barely bigger breed than quite a lot of the terriers on this listing, the Bedlington Terrier hails from England the place it was used to hunt vermin and to work alongside hunters. They’ve coats which can be just like the fleeces of sheep and the breed is loving and really playful.
They make good watchdogs, however will often befriend most individuals, together with strangers, though they do require early socialization to make sure they develop as much as be well-adjusted household pups. Their curly coats shed little or no, and paired with their uncommon domed heads, you may see why individuals typically name them ‘lamb canine’.
4. Bichon Frise
Origin: | Tenerife |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 10 Inches |
The Bichon Frise is an identical dimension to the Affenpinscher however very completely different in different respects. Whereas the Affenpinscher has wiry hair, the Bichon Frise has tender curls. They’ve large, black eyes which may give this breed the look of a kid’s toy.
The Bichon is a cheerful, cheerful little pup that may dote in your consideration, and whereas this makes it an ideal companion pet, it additionally signifies that they’ll endure separation nervousness, so that they is probably not one of the best breed for households which can be out at work all day.
5. Border Terrier
Origin: | England and Scotland |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 11 Inches |
The Border Terrier originates from the border areas between England and Scotland. The terrier was used to flush foxes out from their holes and help in hunts, however it’s now stored primarily as a household pet or companion canine. They love human companionship, virtually as a lot as they love a great journey, and are nice little canine to journey with.
Regardless of the trendy Border being a companion breed, it does retain a few of its terrier instincts, and you’ll anticipate your little wire-haired pup to dig and chase. Their brief, wiry coats are very low upkeep, other than the mud and sand they’re prone to decide up when out exploring!
6. Brussels Griffon
Origin: | Belgium |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 11 Inches |
The Brussels Griffon is one other terrier breed with wiry hair. Their faces have been likened to these of gargoyles in church buildings and previous buildings, including to the enchantment of this charming little breed. Once more, the terrier intuition is clear within the breed, and you have to to supply loads of every day train to make sure that the Griffon doesn’t grow to be an excessive amount of of a handful or too mischievous.
They’re additionally identified to type very robust bonds with their house owners, which makes them an ideal alternative as companion animals.
7. Cairn Terrier
Origin: | Scotland |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 10 Inches |
The Cairn Terrier originates from the Isle of Skye off the coast of Scotland and is finest identified for being the breed of canine that performed Toto in The Wizard of Oz. The breed was initially utilized by farmers to assist eliminate vermin from farms and barns, and it’s a energetic little canine that enjoys enjoying and having enjoyable.
Like quite a lot of small breeds, the Cairn Terrier can endure separation nervousness so if you happen to intend to be out of the home for lengthy intervals, you have to to think about getting a canine walker and having a pal or member of the family come over to supply walks.
8. Chinese language Crested
Origin: | China |
Lifespan: | 10–14 Years |
Peak: | 12 Inches |
The Chinese Crested canine has a really distinctive look, with a just about bald physique and a mane of wispy hair on the pinnacle, across the ft, and a bit tuft on the tail. It’s believed they had been bred and stored on boats to assist management vermin that will in any other case steal grain and meals. Immediately, they’re very sociable little companion canine that may befriend nearly anyone, together with strangers.
They’re energetic and playful, and that bald physique means they shed loads lower than different canine breeds, however they are often vulnerable to pores and skin issues and sunburn, and can should be stored heat in winter.
9. Coton de Tulear
Origin: | Madagascar |
Lifespan: | 14–16 Years |
Peak: | 10 Inches |
The Coton de Tulear appears to be like just like, and is probably going associated to, the Bichon Frise and the Maltese breeds. They’re playful little canine which can be considerably energetic, and they’re going to get together with anyone together with strangers in addition to household. They’re good and straightforward to coach, which makes them nice canine for first-time house owners.
They shed minimally and don’t produce quite a lot of dander, making them an ideal alternative for allergy victims.
10. Havanese
Origin: | Cuba |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 10 Inches |
The Havanese originates from Cuba and is a cute canine with a rounded face and floppy ears. It’s a playful canine that has little or no prey drive, however it’s energetic and enjoys enjoying with its people.
It was bred as a companion canine and stays so to today, and effectively bred Havanese canine value fairly appreciable sums of cash. The Havanese is the nationwide canine of Cuba.
11. Italian Greyhound
Origin: | Mediterranean |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 16 Inches |
Though on the taller aspect of being a small canine, the Italian Greyhound is lithe and light-weight. It was bred to hunt small sport, and whereas it isn’t fairly as quick because the Greyhound, it nonetheless has an unimaginable flip of tempo. The breed is thought for being quiet, however they do want loads of train and a spotlight from their people.
The breed is taken into account to be good with different canine in addition to kids, so it may make an excellent household pet. And since it’s low upkeep and sweet-natured it is usually thought-about a great pet for first-time house owners. The Italian Greyhound originated within the Mediterranean, however bought its title when it was popularized in Italy.
12. Lakeland Terrier
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 14 Inches |
The Lakeland Terrier was bred within the Lake District in England and was used primarily to chase off foxes that had been worrying sheep. Like a lot of the canine on this listing, the small dimension of the Lakeland Terrier signifies that it may adapt to residing in an house, but it surely does have reasonable to excessive train wants that should be met to make sure that the canine is well-behaved and well-adjusted.
It’s a loyal and loving breed that may get together with its household in addition to with strangers.
13. Lhasa Apso
Origin: | Tibet |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 10 Inches |
The Lhasa Apso is a long-haired small breed that grows to round 10 inches tall. It was bred to be a monastery watchdog in its homeland of Tibet, and it’s a energetic, energetic, canine that also takes its watching duties critically.
Their luscious lengthy locks will be laborious work to handle, so many homeowners preserve their Lhasa’s hair clipped to a extra manageable medium or brief size. The breed will be vulnerable to barking, which is taken into account an important trait for a watchdog.
14. Maltese
Origin: | Malta |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 9 Inches |
The Maltese breed is an clever and playful little breed that comes from the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, and was bred to be a small, companion canine. It’s playful and since it was not bred to work or hunt, it doesn’t have extreme train necessities or a excessive prey drive, making it a great canine for individuals with restricted mobility or smaller properties.
These energetic little canine nonetheless want a brief stroll each day, and so they like to play, however they’re typically thought-about to be a comparatively low-maintenance canine that may give loads of love and affection to their house owners. Their silky white fur sheds little or no, and, just like the Lhasa Apso, turns into very straightforward to handle if clipped to a shorter size.
15. Toy and Miniature Poodles
Origin: | Germany |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 9-15 Inches |
The Poodle is available in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy), with the Miniature sometimes measuring round 10-15 inches to the shoulder, and the diminutive Toy Poodle coming in at round 9 inches tall. All sizes of Poodle are low shedding, clever, and customarily straightforward to coach. The smaller Poodles love firm – human or animal – and will be vulnerable to separation nervousness. Nonetheless, boredom-busting puzzles and crate training might help preserve them calm if you end up out.
Nonetheless, the low shedding coat does require common brushing and you have to to have your Poodle professionally groomed a minimum of each three months or so.
16. Miniature Schnauzer
Origin: | Germany |
Lifespan: | 12–14 Years |
Peak: | 13 Inches |
The Miniature Schnauzer is a working canine breed that was initially used to hunt rats and different vermin, however it’s now popularly stored as a companion. It’s a energetic canine that kinds a robust bond with its house owners.
It does have reasonable train necessities however is comparatively low upkeep and could be very clever so will be simply educated by a affected person, caring proprietor. Their coat is low shedding, however does require a little bit of consideration and knowledgeable groom each few months.
17. Norfolk Terrier
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 10 Inches |
The Norfolk Terrier is similar to the extra uncommon Norwich Terrier, however is distinguished by having floppy ears, in comparison with the upright pinnae of the Norwich. Each breeds are energetic, energetic, and playful, however their rat-chasing heritage signifies that they’ve a robust prey drive and like to chase something that strikes.
In case your Norfolk catches sight of a small animal, or one thing it believes to be a small animal, and provides chase, you would possibly discover it troublesome to get them again, so coaching them in recall is a should.
18. Yorkshire Terrier
Origin: | England |
Lifespan: | 11–15 Years |
Peak: | 8 Inches |
With tender flowing hair in a mix of blue, black, and gold, the Yorkshire Terrier is a agency favourite amongst lap canine lovers. Their small dimension and loving personalities introduced them out of the ratter roles they had been initially bred for, and into the properties of Victorian girls within the 1800s.
Their silky coats can develop fairly lengthy, however most house owners preserve them at a no-nonsense shorter clip, and their low shedding charge make these tiny canine comparatively low upkeep companions. They could be a bit feisty, so it’s a good suggestion to get them out and about and socialization as early as attainable.
19. Scottish Terrier
Origin: | Scotland |
Lifespan: | 11–13 Years |
Peak: | 10 Inches |
The Scottie, as it’s affectionately identified, is a working canine breed, though it’s mostly stored as a pet breed these days. This terrier breed makes an excellent watchdog and can bark an alert on the presence of strangers or any potential hazard.
They’re very expert at agility, and so they like to dig, however in addition they make enjoyable and loving companions within the dwelling.
20. Silky Terrier
Origin: | Australia |
Lifespan: | 12–15 Years |
Peak: | 9 Inches |
Typically mistaken for his or her English cousins, the Silky Terrier is bigger, and considerably extra strong than the Yorkshire Terrier, however with a extra silky, flowing coat that sheds minimally through the yr. Moreover, the ears of the Silky Terrier are extra upright than these of the Yorkie, and their enamel are bigger too. The Silky does take pleasure in chasing small animals and requires a reasonable quantity of train, though these little legs imply that a few cheap, reasonable walks per day must be sufficient.
This playful little character makes an ideal household pet that may entertain and supply loads of love.
21. Skye Terrier
Origin: | Scotland |
Lifespan: | 12–14 Years |
Peak: | 10 Inches |
The Skye Terrier originates from the Isle of Skye in Scotland and was bred to hunt and kill animals together with badgers and foxes. It’s a very uncommon breed, even within the UK, and is definitely thought-about endangered. One Skye Terrier rose to fame in Scotland when, in 1852, Greyfriars Bobby, stood vigil at his grasp’s grave for 14 years; a story value studying.
In case you are lucky sufficient to personal one, you will see that a pleasant, albeit considerably shy, little canine breed. A good selection for first-time house owners, the Skye Terrier can stay in flats however doesn’t take pleasure in being left alone for too lengthy.
22. West Highland White Terrier
Origin: | Scotland |
Lifespan: | 12–16 Years |
Peak: | 11 Inches |
Nicknamed Westies, West Highland Terriers are assured canine that like to have enjoyable and particularly take pleasure in spending time with their people. They’re pleasant and energetic, will get together with strangers in addition to members of the family, and are clever to allow them to be educated simply by house owners who flip coaching periods into enjoyable playtime periods.
You will have to supply an affordable quantity of train, although, as these are spirited and energetic little companions. Their low shedding coat is comparatively low upkeep, however they’re considerably vulnerable to pores and skin circumstances, so that they is probably not probably the most best for these on the lookout for a extra hypoallergenic breed
23. Xoloitzcuintli (toy selection)
Origin: | Mexico |
Lifespan: | 13–18 Years |
Peak: | 10-14 Inches |
The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced ‘show-low-eats-queent-lee), or Xolos as they’re mostly identified, are an historic breed courting again a minimum of 5000 years to the Aztecs, and it doesn’t get rather more non-shedding than a hairless canine!
Just like the Poodle, Xolos are available an ordinary, miniature, and toy dimension – a Xolo to swimsuit everybody! Bred as guard canine and protectors, these clever canine are extraordinarily loving and dependable, pleasant to individuals and customarily get alongside effectively with different canine.
Energetic and intelligent, the Xoloitzcuintli wants loads of train and psychological stimulation to maintain them from turning into bored and annoyed.
The best way to Cope with Shedding
Even the breeds above shed, though they’re minimally shedding canine. There are some things you are able to do to assist additional minimize the impact of dog coat shedding, together with every day brushing, common vacuuming, and feeding your canine a top quality eating regimen.
Poor eating regimen can result in pores and skin and coat issues that exacerbate the shedding drawback.
Conclusion
All canine shed, however some canine shed so little that you simply don’t actually discover other than the occasional hair wafting by throughout shedding season. In case you are an allergy sufferer however are determined for a pet canine, the breeds listed above could also be appropriate. Nonetheless, as no canine is totally hypoallergenic, extreme allergy victims ought to communicate to their physician earlier than contemplating getting a pet.
Even with considered one of these breeds, although, you’ll profit by repeatedly brushing your canine, bathing them, and investing in a good hoover that may take care of the trials of selecting up canine hairs.
Featured Picture Credit score: Eudyptula, Shutterstock