20 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Won't Shed All Over Your House

Since not everyone has time to patrol the house with a super-sticky lint roller, here are our favorite dog breeds that are both hypoallergenic and unlikely to shed all over your furniture.

By: Erin Gifford

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Cuddle Up With These No-Shed Dogs

It's a cinch to live fur-free (on your sofa, clothing and carpet, that is) with a cuddly pup that's both hypoallergenic and nearly shed-free. We've made it easy to find a new dog to adopt that won't leave fur all over your colorful braided rug or hardwood kitchen floor. With proper grooming, as well as pet-safe sunscreen for hairless breeds, you'll have a fast friend that's loyal, playful and quick to fit in with your family and lifestyle.

Also See: What's the Best Dog Breed for You?

Poodle

Poodles have long been a popular breed of dog in America, even if they only topped out at #11 among the most hashtagged dog breeds. Whether a standard, toy or miniature, poodles are smart, respectful and largely free of allergens. These pups are also nearly odorless — a real win-win, especially for pet owners eager to keep their homes free of musky pooch odor, like eau de wet dog. Poodles may not shed, but keep their coats trimmed to avoid tangles in their curly and wiry fur.

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Xoloitzcuintli

For some, the 14 letters that make up the name of this dog breed are way too many. To keep it simple, Xoloitzcuintli has been shortened to Xolo. This 3,000-year-old hairless breed was once deemed sacred by the Aztec people of Central Mexico. Today, this pup is an ardent watchdog and constant companion. The devoted Xolo comes in three sizes: standard, miniature and toy. Xolos can be hairless or coated. Hairless xolos may not shed, but they do need their skin protected from sun and cold.

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Portuguese Water Dog

We all fell for Bo, the Obamas' Portuguese water dog, when we first met this pup in April 2009. Our hearts ached when he passed in May 2021. There's so much to love about this energetic and fun-loving dog breed. He's a hit with active families for his adventurous nature, but also for his low-shed, curly coat. Brush this hypoallergenic pooch regularly and trim his wavy coat from time to time to help ensure a clean and dog hair-free sofa.

Saluki

Despite being one of the more obscure dog breeds, the elegant saluki is in fact the royal dog of Egypt. First bred in the Fertile Crescent, a crescent-shaped area of the Middle East, the saluki is known for its greyhound-like body and the silky hair on their ears. These dogs are gentle and agile but not known for shedding thanks to a very short, flat coat. As for grooming, a brush is only needed for his ears and the hair between his toes.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

This lively farm dog hails from all the way across the pond. The medium-size soft-coated wheaten terrier is one of four terrier breeds that call Ireland home. He is playful, energetic, and best of all, he's known as a low- to no-shed pup. Brush this tousled terrier to remove tangles and keep matted fur at bay, but there's no need for constant clipping since he's a single-coated dog breed. This people-oriented pooch loves long walks and family time.

Also See: The 20 Best Dog Breeds for Families With Kids

Chinese Crested

The hairless Chinese crested is an adorable toy breed that most likely came from Africa many, many years ago. Today, this exotic-looking spotted pooch wows with its fluffy mane and feathery tail. Furry feet look as if he is wearing Mukluks. This tender and doting pup is a loving companion. He is also well-suited to both apartment living and family life in the 'burbs. This breed is not prone to shedding, but keep this doggo protected from the sun with a pet-safe sunscreen.

Schnauzer

Whether miniature, standard or giant, the schnauzer is a breed that won’t leave you scrambling to roll pet hair off the furniture moments before company arrives. Thanks to wiry shed-free coats, this doggo is very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, so you also won’t see pup hair drifting through the air. Brush him weekly, but then let him cozy up on your lap to catch up on your shows. This loyal and playful pup enjoys time at the dog park, so get him outside for exercise and socialization.

Bichon Frise

The bichon frise is an optimal pick for those prone to allergies. These social pups are clever and friendly. They’re even good listeners. As in, easy to train. Keep their hypoallergenic coats clipped regularly, and this lap dog will be an allergen-free friend for life. Given their small size, the bichon frise is also among the best dog breeds for apartments and small spaces. They don’t need a lot of exercise, but these adorable doggos may appreciate a romp around the neighborhood.

Also See: The 15 Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Dwellers

Afghan Hound

Don't let the long, silky coat on the elegant Afghan hound fool you. This stately breed has a luxurious coat, but this dog hardly sheds at all. That's not to say you can skip routine grooming. A regular brushing is a must to prevent mats and tangles. His glorious coat needs shampoo and conditioner too to keep it looking its absolute best. The Afghan hound enjoys long walks and full-out run sessions when possible. With long, lean legs, this breed is an exceptional jumper, so keep an eye on him around fences.

Maltese Terrier

The Maltese terrier is — in one word — adorable. These pint-size lap pups have silky white coats you won’t mind brushing while you catch up on Netflix. However, you won’t need to groom this pooch often to keep the sofa free from pet hair. This doggo sheds very little, if at all, making him a perfect pick for allergy sufferers eager for a furry friend. The Maltese terrier is curious and polite. For many first-time dog owners, this pup is an optimal choice.

Havanese

With its curly, furry coat, the Havanese breed may look like a dog that would shed all over the sofa, but that's not the case. However, you will want to groom this hypoallergenic pup's long, thick coat to prevent knots and tangles. Bred as a loyal companion dog, don't be surprised if this small pup wants to stick by your side. He enjoys relaxing on an owner's lap, but also time spent romping around the backyard.

Italian Greyhound

The Italian greyhound may be the easiest of all dog breeds to groom. Not only does this breed not shed, but their short, silky coats need little more than a dry-off with a fluffy towel after a bath. As in, no brush required for this pooch. However, a warm coat is a must. Because the Italian greyhound is slim and lean with very fine hair, he can lose body heat quickly. Keep him warm with a coat or sweater when outside on a walk.

Scottish Terrier

Much like the Maltese terrier, the Scottish terrier is well-known as a low- to no-shed dog breed. Nearly all terriers have this in common. They also share a longer-than-average lifespan of 12+ years. This sturdy pup has short legs so he won’t do much to help you train for a 10K, but he will be a loyal pal, right by your side most other times. Even better, he’s super low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, so there’s more time for play with this furry pooch.

Labradoodle

Most hybrid "oodle" breeds, like labradoodles, goldendoodles and schnoodles, do not shed thanks to their allergen-free poodle genes. The labradoodle — a cross between a poodle and a Labrador retriever — boasts the best qualities of both breeds. He’s a clever, social and friendly pooch that enjoys a few good pets and likes to be active. Much like his poodle parent, the labradoodle won’t shed (or will shed very lightly), but he should be clipped every two to three months to avoid unsightly tangles.

Silky Terrier

The silky terrier may be a member of the toy group, but he's no lap dog. He'd much rather be digging, playing and generally living his best life than napping on his human's lap. This pup is loving, social and boasts a gloriously silky coat that is surprisingly not prone to shedding. Brush him out regularly to keep him tangle-free. This active dog was once bred to hunt, but today he's more of a charmer, good with families and children.

Basenji

Known as Africa’s "Barkless Dog," the adorable pint-size basenji is said to have more of a yodel than a bark (just look up the YouTube videos). So yes, this pup has a voice, even if it’s not a traditional bark. The basenji is also known for its fine coat of hair that sheds very little, if at all, keeping your sofas largely free of pet hair. Keep this pooch active for mental acuity, and he’ll be an adept and loyal friend for life.

Brussels Griffon

For a bold personality in a pint-size package, look to the adorable Brussels griffon. These alert and loyal pups come in four colors: black, tan, red and belge (a mix of black and reddish brown). This breed also comes in two types of coats: rough and smooth. Brussels griffons with a rough coat do not shed, though a regular brushing allows them to look vibrant and healthy. They are loving and very good companions that enjoy being active and spirited.

Bouvier des Flandres

The sturdy Bouvier des Flandres was bred as a farm dog, taking on duties of herding and protecting, even keeping away pests, like mice and rats. This versatile large breed dog is thoughtful and athletic, but is not known for much shedding, despite his overall shaggy appearance. Keep his hair cut short to keep from collecting dry leaves, mud and snow. His beard may drip water after a good drink from his water bowl, but he's not likely to leave fur all over your favorite rug.

Irish Terrier

The wiry-coated Irish terrier is known for his short, red coat and active nature, but not for shedding on your sofa. This medium-size dog is rugged, big-hearted and hypoallergenic. Brush this dog regularly to keep his dense coat in good shape. Irish terriers love their humans, but prefer to be the only dog in the home. They love kids and families, but without early and frequent socialization, they're more aloof and even unfriendly around other dogs.

Shih Tzu

The loyal and pleasant-natured shih tzu is a dream doggo for allergy sufferers. This precious pooch is hypoallergenic and is not prone to shedding. However, we should place an asterisk here. The shih tzu has two layers of hair. When this pup sheds his undercoat, the hair gets caught up in the longer top coat of hair. Take a brush to the shih tzu and you may find hairs from his undercoat in the bristles. However, it’s not likely you’ll need to have a lint roller at the ready anytime you walk around your house.