Even though small dog typically means small mess, small dog shedding can make you feel like you are living with a giant breed! While there is no such thing as a completely non-shedding dog (even humans shed on occasion), there are are several little dogs that shed little hair.
Here are some our favorite breeds that don’t shed or are light shedders:
Affenpinscher
A spunky terrier blend, the Affenpinscher charms owners with well-timed spirited antics. Active indoors, the breed does well in an apartment if taken for daily walks. Generally good with children and other pets, Affinpinschers are intelligent with a streak of stubbornness.
Australian Terrier
Looking for a small, entertaining watchdog? The Australian Terrier is on the job. The Australians created this breed from several terriers, including the Dandie Dinmont. The Australian Terrier’s coarse-haired coat and topknot make this dapper dog easy to care for with a good brushing and some light trimming.
Basenji
Although known for not barking, don’t think that this muscular, lightly built, medium-sized dog doesn’t make any sound. The Basenji yodels, mumbles, whimpers, chortles and can even screech like a siren. This intelligent and active dog is best for the dog-experienced family.
Bedlington Terrier
Weighing 17 to 23 pounds, the Bedlington Terrier typically has a mild and gentle temperament, but he can also be full of energy. Some say that this medium-sized dog has a lamblike appearance. Check out the breed’s nice topknot at the crown of the head and long drop ears with hair that forms a tassel at the end.
Bichon Frise
This breed was favored by the French nobility during the 1500s, but had become a common companion in France by 1800. Most note the dog’s powder puff appearance at first glance, but the Bichon Frise is a sturdy, playful dog known for a cheerful and affectionate temperament.
Bolognese
The sweet, playful and affectionate Bolognese gets along with children and other animals. Sometimes this all-white dog has champagne coloring on his back or ears, and his long soft, almost cotton-like coat covers his entire body. The Bolognese needs daily brushing to keep the beautiful coat free of tangles.
Border Terrier
One of England’s oldest terrier breeds, the Border Terrier does well with children and other dogs, but he views small animals as prey. This breed’s alert, active and affectionate nature makes him a favorite with active individuals or families. The small, sturdy Border Terrier weighs about 11.5 to 15.5 pounds.
Brussels Griffon
This full-of-personality toy dog breed comes in two different coats: rough or smooth. The rough is dense and wiry and the smooth is short and straight. The Brussels Griffon’s intelligence and confidence can make him more challenging to train for inexperienced dog owners.
Cairn Terrier
This friendly and lively terrier craves affection and gets along with other animals and children. A good family dog, the Cairn Terrier is a small dog, weighing in at about 13 to 14 pounds. Most people know this breed because one played the part of Toto in the Wizard of Oz.
Chinese Crested
Along with being small, fine-boned, active and playful, the Chinese Crested comes in two distinctive varieties: the hairless and the powderpuff. The hairless has special skin care needs, such as protection from the sun. Socialize this dog breed and it will do well with children and other animals.
Coton de Tuléar
This cheerful, playful small dog was named for Madagascar’s port city of Tuléar. The Coton de Tuléar has a beautiful, soft, cotton-like coat. He is more commonly seen in the white color variety, although there is also atricolor and a black and white variety. Dachshund (Smooth and Wirehaired and Lonhaired varieties) Called a sausage dog and a wiener, the Doxie will entertain you with its comical and self-important demeanor. Its low-slung body was bred to tunnel after badgers. The longhaired one needs lots of brushing and the wirehair, which occasionally needs to be hand-stripped.
Dachshund (Smooth and Wirehaired and Lonhaired varieties)
Called a sausage dog and a wiener, the Doxie will entertain you with its comical and self-important demeanor. Its low-slung body was bred to tunnel after badgers. The longhaired one needs lots of brushing and the wirehair, which occasionally needs to be hand-stripped.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This breed does well with just one owner or a family, in the city or the country.The Dandie Dinmont Terrier weighs in at 18 to 24 pounds and is known for being independent and intelligent, although reserved. He is affectionate with his family and has a moderate activity level.
Havanese
First kept as a companion by the Cuban aristocracy, this breed became popular with the middle class and was brought to the United States with Cuban refugees after the 1959 revolution. Attentive, intelligent and trainable, the friendly Havanese makes a quiet and gentle pet.
Italian Greyhound
The small, finely boned Italian Greyhound does well with an individual owner or a family with older children. His short, smooth coat comes in many colors, such as blue, fawn, seal, red and white.This affectionate breed likes attention.
Lhasa Apso
Got an apartment? This breed does well in one with his low activity level and small but hardy build. Of course, the Llhasa Apso still needs daily walks, but random dog petters should ask before petting. The Llhasa Apso can be wary of strangers and children, although affectionate with his owner and friends.
Maltese
Weighing in between 4 and 7 pounds, this small, white breed is quite fearless considering his size. He trusts his friends but can be wary of strangers. The affectionate and playful Maltese has a silky, flat coat hanging to either side of the body from a center part.
Manchester Terrier
This breeds looks almost like a miniature Doberman Pinscher. Small and muscular with a smooth black glossy coat, the Manchester Terrier adapts to most living situations – city, suburb or country. A good family dog, but don’t trust this breed around small animal family members.
Miniature Poodle
Almost identical to the Standard Poodle and the Toy Poodle except for size, the Miniature Poodle weighs in at 14 to 16 pounds. This intelligent breed is highly trainable and affectionate. It is known for its curly coat, which can be clipped or left to cord.
Miniature Schnauzer
This small, sturdy and square dog resembles the Standard Schnauzer from which the breed was developed. The Miniature Schnauzer weighs around 14 to 18 pounds. Alertness, spirit, loyal and intelligent are just a few of the words used to describe this breed.
Scottish Terrier
The popular “Scottie” dog’s official name is the Scottish Terrier. Originally from Scotland, it came to the United States in the late 19th century. Known for its long head, short legs and rectangular shape, this is a confident and brave dog. It may do better with older children and cats than younger children and dogs.
Sealyham Terrier
This powerful yet small dog has a rectangular head and body shape. The Sealyham Terrier is best for terrier-experienced owners and can adapt to a home in the city, suburb or country.
Shih Tzu
Known for a flowing, long and dense coat and long hair tied in a top knot on the head, the Shih Tzu is a trusting and friendly dog breed. His low activity level makes the Shih Tzu an ideal pet for an apartment – but he still needs those daily walks!
Silky Terrier
This companion dog breed hails from Australia. The Silky Terrier has a beautiful long, straight and silky coat and weighs about 8 to 10 pounds. Friendly and lively, this breed needs an attentive, interactive owner.
Toy Poodle
Intelligent and affectionate, the Toy Poodle is about half the size and weight of the Miniature Poodle. It weighs only 5 to 7 pounds and has a curly coat like the Standard and Miniature Poodle. The Toy Poodle has a moderate activity level and does well in an apartment or suburban home.
Welsh Terrier
This very old dog breed can be a companion dog as well as a hunting dog. Compact and rugged, the Welsh Terrier’s black and tan colors, rectangle head and body, and docked short tail makes him an attractive breed. He weighs around 19 to 22 pounds and has a moderate activity level.
West Highland White Terrier
Called “Westie” for short, this popular breed has a friendly and alert personality. He does best with pet owners familiar with terriers. Although loyal to his family, the West Highland White Terrier may not the best match for all children. He has a high activity level, so this breed needs attention training and exercise.
Wirehaired Fox Terrier
The Fox Terrier was officially split into two breeds in 1984: the Smooth Fox Terrier and the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. The Wirehaired Fox Terrier is mostly white, has a broken coat with hairs that twist and a soft undercoat of fine hair. This friendly and smart breed has a high activity level and may be a little too much for small children to handle.
Xoloitzcuintli
This dog breed comes in toy, miniature and standard size, weighing in from 9 (toy) to 31 (standard) pounds and is sometimes called Xolo for short. The Xoloitzcuintli also comes in either a hairless or coated variety. Faithful, intelligent and active, this breed does get along with other animals and children if he has been socialized.
Yorkshire Terrier
The popular “Yorkie” has all of the terrier qualities: assertive and courageous, plus nippy and demanding if not trained and socialized. This breed is well known for its glossy, long coat and black and tan (or tan and silver blue in adults) coloring. The Yorkshire Terrier does well in an apartment, as well as the suburbs.
Posted by: Chewy Editorial
More Small Dogs to Choose From
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