Top 7 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

Skin & CoatTop PicksMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compared seven low-shedding single-coat dog breeds, summarizing their breed-specific traits, care tips, and skin conditions to watch out for.

Which Breeds Are Low-Shedding?

Seven popular low-shedding dog breeds sitting together

Dogs that don’t shed much have a single coat that keeps growing like human hair, rather than a double coat with an undercoat. They’re not completely non-shedding, but they shed noticeably less, even during seasonal coat changes. If you’re concerned about allergies or want to minimize hair cleanup at home, start by looking into these seven breeds.

Why Do They Shed Less? The Difference Between Single and Double Coats

Dog coats are broadly categorized into single coats and double coats. Double-coated breeds shed their dense undercoat all at once during the seasonal shedding periods in spring and autumn. In contrast, single-coated breeds have little to no undercoat and a longer hair growth cycle, resulting in less overall shedding. Additionally, curly-haired coats tend to trap shed hairs within the surrounding fur, preventing them from falling to the floor, which is another reason they appear to shed less.

Ranks 1–3: Poodle, Bichon Frise, Maltese

Poodle: The quintessential curly-coated breed with a single-layer coat. Available in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes, Poodles are among the least shedding breeds. However, to prevent matting, they require professional grooming every 4–6 weeks.

Bichon Frise: This breed has a cotton-candy-like double curly coat, but loose hairs get trapped in the curls rather than falling out. Because their skin tends to be sensitive, regular bathing and brushing are essential.

Maltese: One of the most popular small breeds in Korea. Their silky, straight, single-layer coat sheds very little, but daily brushing and careful management of tear stains are key to keeping them looking their best.

A Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Maltese sitting side by side

Ranks 4–7: Yorkshire Terrier, Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Havanese

Yorkshire Terrier: Their coat consists of straight, fine, single-layered hair that resembles silk. While a long coat looks glamorous, a shorter cut makes grooming much easier.

Miniature Schnauzer: This breed has a wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat, but sheds very little. Hand-stripping (removing dead hair by hand) is the ideal grooming method.

Shih Tzu: Although they have a double coat, their undercoat is thin and sheds minimally. Paying attention to the hair around their eyes is important.

Havanese: They are characterized by their soft, long, single-layered coat. Originally from Cuba, they are becoming increasingly popular in Korea as well.

A Yorkshire Terrier, Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, and Havanese sitting together.

At-a-Glance Comparison of the 7 Breeds

Item	Poodle	Bichon Frise	Maltese	Yorkshire Terrier	Schnauzer	Shih Tzu	Havanese
Average Weight	3-30kg	3-5kg	2-3kg	2-3kg	5-9kg	4-7kg	3-6kg
Shedding Level	Very low	Very low	Low	Low	Low	Low-moderate	Very low
Grooming Frequency	4-6 weeks	4-6 weeks	4-6 weeks	6-8 weeks	6-8 weeks	4-6 weeks	6-8 weeks
Exercise Needs	Moderate-high	Moderate	Low	Low	Moderate	Low	Moderate
Coat Characteristics	Curly single coat	Curly double coat	Straight single coat	Straight single coat	Wiry double coat	Straight double coat	Wavy single coat

Weights are based on breed standards and individual variation may occur. Poodles vary widely in size, from Toy to Standard.

Hypoallergenic” Does Not Mean Allergy-Free

"Hypoallergenic" doesn't mean a breed is completely allergy-free. Allergies are typically triggered by proteins found in a pet's saliva, skin oils, and dander, rather than the fur itself. While breeds that shed less may release fewer allergens into the air, they don't eliminate them entirely. If you have severe allergies, it's safest to spend time with the specific breed before adopting to see how your body reacts.

Key Care Points for Low-Shedding Breeds

Regular grooming: Since single-coat breeds have continuously growing hair, professional grooming every 4–8 weeks is essential. Delaying grooming can lead to matting and skin issues.

Daily brushing: Brushing for 5–10 minutes daily with a slicker brush helps prevent tangles and skin problems.

Bathing frequency: Bathing every 2–3 weeks is appropriate. Washing too frequently can weaken the skin barrier, potentially increasing dandruff.

Skin checks: While brushing, please also check for any redness, dandruff, or patches of hair loss on the skin.

A groomer using a slicker brush to comb a small Poodle

Breed-Specific Skin Conditions to Know

Poodles are one of the breeds in which acquired nasal idiopathic hypopigmentation, a condition characterized by fading pigment around the nose, is relatively commonly observed. This skin change is reported in Poodles as well as Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, and German Shepherds. While it typically does not pose a significant health risk, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out other conditions if you notice changes in your dog’s nose pigmentation. Maltese are among the small-breed dogs, along with Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers, that are susceptible to injection site vasculitis. If adverse reactions such as hair loss, nodules, or ulcers develop at the vaccination site, you must inform your veterinarian. Miniature Schnauzers are also recognized in veterinary dermatology as a breed with predispositions to certain skin diseases, making regular skin checks and early veterinary examination upon noticing any abnormalities essential. Ultimately, the safest approach for all breeds is to seek veterinary advice promptly if any skin issues arise.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs that don’t shed still need brushing?

Yes, it’s actually even more important. In short-haired breeds, shed hairs can easily become tangled with the remaining coat and stay trapped, so skipping daily brushing can lead to matting and skin irritation.

Can I still raise a dog that doesn't shed if I have allergies?

We can’t say it’s 100% safe. The allergens are not in the fur itself, but in proteins found in dander and saliva. However, less shedding means fewer allergens spread around, which may result in milder symptoms. Be sure to do an in-person contact test before adopting.

Do Poodle mixes (such as Maltipoos and Cockapoos) also not shed?

Poodle mixes are likely to inherit a single coat, but this can vary from dog to dog. Even littermates from the same parents may shed different amounts, so it’s difficult to guarantee 100%.

How much does grooming cost?

While costs vary depending on breed, region, and grooming style, the typical price for small dogs ranges from $30 to $60 per session. Since single-coat breeds require regular grooming, it’s best to budget for this as a fixed expense.

What should I do if my pet is suddenly losing a lot of fur?

If your pet is losing noticeably more hair than usual, it could be due to stress, skin conditions, or hormonal imbalances. In particular, if you see circular patches of hair loss or redness on the skin, it’s best to consult a veterinarian promptly.

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References

[1] Hnilica KA, Patterson AP. Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide, 4th Ed. Elsevier, 2017

[2] Jackson HA, Marsella R. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dermatology, 4th Ed. BSAVA, 2021

[3] Miller WH, Griffin CE, Campbell KL. Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed. Elsevier, 2013