BreedWise

Low-Shedding Dog Breeds (2026)

If you hate lint rollers, start here: dogs that dont shed much. Ranked by shedding score, lowest first — these non shedding dog breeds (dogs that are non shedding, technically) come with the grooming tradeoff shown honestly, since many low-shedders need regular brushing or trims. Want one with some size? See big dogs that dont shed. Dealing with allergies specifically? Read hypoallergenic dog breeds — with the honest caveat that no breed is 100% allergen-free.
Poodle (Standard) dog
#1

Poodle (Standard)

Shedding: 1/5 · Grooming need: 5/5

Very low shedding (1/5); high grooming need (5/5). Typical weight 18–32 kg; lifespan 10–18 years.

Yorkshire Terrier dog
#2

Yorkshire Terrier

Shedding: 1/5 · Grooming need: 5/5

Very low shedding (1/5); high grooming need (5/5). Typical weight 2–3 kg; lifespan 11–16 years.

Shih Tzu dog
#3

Shih Tzu

Shedding: 1/5 · Grooming need: 5/5

Very low shedding (1/5); high grooming need (5/5). Typical weight 4–7 kg; lifespan 10–18 years.

Maltese dog
#4

Maltese

Shedding: 1/5 · Grooming need: 5/5

Very low shedding (1/5); high grooming need (5/5). Typical weight 2–4 kg; lifespan 12–15 years.

Miniature Schnauzer dog
#5

Miniature Schnauzer

Shedding: 1/5 · Grooming need: 4/5

Very low shedding (1/5); high grooming need (4/5). Typical weight 5–9 kg; lifespan 12–15 years.

Goldendoodle dog
#6

Goldendoodle

Shedding: 2/5 · Grooming need: 5/5

Very low shedding (2/5); high grooming need (5/5). Typical weight 15–35 kg; lifespan 10–15 years.

Boston Terrier dog
#7

Boston Terrier

Shedding: 2/5 · Grooming need: 2/5

Very low shedding (2/5); very low grooming need (2/5). Typical weight 5–11 kg; lifespan 13–15 years.

Chihuahua dog
#8

Chihuahua

Shedding: 2/5 · Grooming need: 2/5

Very low shedding (2/5); very low grooming need (2/5). Typical weight 1–3 kg; lifespan 14–17 years.

How this ranking works: Ranked by shedding score (1–5), lowest first. Trait scores are our 1–5 editorial ratings across 42 breeds — not paid placements, not a popularity contest.

Frequently asked questions

Which dog breeds shed the least?

By our data, the top-ranked is the Poodle (Standard) — Very low shedding (1/5); high grooming need (5/5).

Are these rankings objective?

They're computed from our 1–5 trait scores across 42 breeds — the same dataset behind every page here. No sponsored placements; the methodology is shown above.

Should I still meet the dog first?

Yes. Data narrows the field, but individual temperament varies. Meet the dog, talk to the breeder or shelter, and consider your routine honestly.

What is the calmest dog that doesn’t shed?

The Shih Tzu and Maltese: both score 1/5 for shedding and 1/5 for exercise need — calm, low-shed companions in one package. The Yorkshire Terrier (shedding 1/5, exercise 2/5) is nearly as calm but barkier. All three trade the shedding for serious grooming commitments (5/5).

What is the least barky small dog that doesn’t shed much?

The Boston Terrier: barking 2/5 and shedding 2/5, with 5/5 apartment suitability — one of the quietest low-shed small breeds in our dataset. The Cavalier is even quieter (barking 2/5) but sheds more (3/5). For the calmest-and-cleanest combination, the Shih Tzu (barking 3/5, shedding 1/5) splits the difference.

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