18 Dog Breeds That Don't Shed (Much)

The Afghan Hound is a large sighthound known for its glamorous tresses and graceful agility. Despite its regal appearance, the Afghan actually has a silly and playful side. This breed is intensely loyal to loved ones. Regular exercise is important for the Afghan's moderately high energy level.

That long silky hair requires a lot of careful attention in order to keep it healthy. Daily brushing is an absolute necessity. The coat should also be washed with shampoo and conditioner as needed. Some Afghan owners choose to keep their dogs' coats trimmed short to minimize daily grooming needs.

The Australian Terrier is a spunky and lively little dog that is great for those who want a small dog that is more than a lap dog. The breed is intelligent and has plenty of energy, so mentally-challenging exercise is best for this dog.

The coarse coat of the Australian Terrier is great at repelling dirt. This breed is low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Basic brushing once or twice a week is all the is generally needed. Baths should be rarely needed.

The lamb-like appearance of the Bedlington Terrier coincides with its gentle nature. These small to medium dogs are loyal and charming, but can also be protective of loved ones. Remember that the breed is still a terrier and has a moderately high energy level, so regular exercise is a must.

The Bedlington Terrier has a unique coat that has both soft and harsh hair. Though the breed practically does not shed at all, the coat grows fast and must be trimmed often. Brushing or combing twice weekly is recommended to prevent tangles and mats.

The Bichon Frise is a happy and playful little dog with a cheerful personality. Everyone is a friend and potential playmate to the Bichon. This may look like a classic lap dog, but the breed would most likely rather be frolicking around than settling down.

The Bichon needs haircuts regularly. Whether you learn to do this yourself or bring your dog to a groomer, expect to do it about every four to six weeks. The coat should be brushed several times a week if not daily.

The Boston Terrier is a sturdy and compact small to medium sized dog. This breed is energetic and typically good-natured, making it a great companion for all kinds of people. They are fairly energetic and need regular exercise. However, be careful not to overdo it, especially in warm temperatures.

The short and sleek coat of the Boston Terrier sheds very little. Mildly noticeable, shedding usually occurs seasonally about twice a year. This can be minimized further by brushing weekly with a curry brush or grooming mitt.

The Briard is a relatively large herding dog known to be loyal, smart, and athletic. Like most herders, the Briard needs plenty of mental and physical activity to thrive. They form close bonds with loved ones and can be very protective.

The long coat of the Briard requires daily brushing to remove dead hairs in the undercoat and prevent tangles and mats. Some owners prefer to trim the hair on the head to keep it out of the dog's eyes.

The Chinese Crested is a vibrant and affectionate toy dog breed with a moderate energy level. The best-known version of this breed has very little hair, usually only tufts on the head, feet, and tail. The Powderpuff version has soft, fine, long hair that sheds very little.

Both varieties of the Chinese Crested have special grooming needs. The "hairless" variety needs skincare in the form of lotions, cleansers, and sunscreen. The little hair on them should be brushed regularly. The Powderpuff's coat is very prone to matting and must be brushed daily.

The large head and short stature of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier gives the breed a memorably unique appearance. This small, stocky terrier is independent and smart. The breed has a moderately high energy level but is not hyperactive. 

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier's coat does not really shed, but it does require special care. Hand-stripping or use of a special stripping tool is necessary about twice a year. The coat should be brushed every day to prevent mats.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog known for its signature blue coat. This is a friendly and smart dog that does well in most households. However, this terrier was bred to be hard-working and needs "a job" to do. This means exercise and mental stimulation. This breed naturally protects its loved ones.

The coat of the Kerry Blue Terrier is thick and curly. Brushing should be done once or twice a week. The hair should be trimmed every six to eight weeks.

The Lhasa Apso is a small dog with a luscious coat. These dogs were once the indoor watchdogs of Tibetan temples and palaces. The breed may be somewhat aloof with strangers but is loving and playful towards its family. The Lhasa has a moderate energy level and needs little more than basic routine exercise.

The Lhasa's coat may be kept long or trimmed short. Long hair must be brushed several times a week and bathed regularly. Short hair will need to be trimmed regularly and brushed once or twice a week. 

The Maltese looks to be the picture of the typical lap dog. This dainty little dog is graceful and playful. However, don't let the petite frame fool you; these dogs are hardy and fearless. They are energetic but do not need a ton of exercise.

The Maltese has a beautiful, long, silky white coat that should be gently brushed every day. Some owners choose to keep the hair trimmed short. Short coats should be brushed out once or twice a week.

There are three Poodle varieties: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.

• Standard Poodles are medium to large in size, weighing about 45-65 pounds.
• Miniature Poodles are small dogs that range from 10-15 pounds.
• Toy Poodles are extra small dogs that generally weigh four to six pounds.

All varieties of Poodles tend to be very intelligent and athletic. They respond well to training and are often graceful and noble in demeanor. They also need regular exercise to thrive.

Poodles have curly hair that must be groomed regularly to keep them healthy. If the coat is kept long, daily brushing or combing must be done down to the skin to avoid mats. Many owners tend to keep their Poodles' coats trimmed short. Poodles with short haircuts still need to be brushed out about once a week. They will need to be clipped and bathed about every four to six weeks to keep the coat short. 

There are three separate Schnauzer breeds: Miniature, Standard, and Giant.

• Miniature Schnauzers are small dogs that weigh about 11-20 pounds.
• Standard Schnauzers are medium-sized dogs that range from 30-50 pounds.
• Giant Schnauzers are large dogs that usually weigh about 60-85 pounds.

Although each type of Schnauzer is considered to be a distinct breed of its own, they share many traits. Schnauzers are often quite alert, smart, and bold. They need daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Schnauzer breeds all have very similar coats. Their double coat includes a soft undercoat and a wiry topcoat that is resistant to dirt and debris. Hand stripping of the topcoat is recommended. It is best to bring your Schnauzer to a professional groomer unless you can learn how to properly strip, trim, and maintain your Schnauzer's coat. Daily brushing is recommended to maintain the coat in between groomer visits.

The Shih Tzu was once a royal palace dog and still thrives when living a lavish indoor lifestyle. This is the quintessential lap dog. Though the breed is playful and friendly, the typical Shih Tzu is happiest when curled up with its human companion. 

The long, lavish coat of a well-groomed Shih Tzu is a sight to behold. Taking care of the long coat takes daily effort in the way of careful brushing and some styling (it takes practice to get the topknot right). Some owners prefer to keep their coats trimmed to a medium or short length to make grooming easier. Shorter haircuts require brushing about twice a week. Plan on trips to the groomer every four to eight weeks depending on desired coat length.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog with an extremely friendly personality. These dogs are loyal and affectionate to their owners with just a bit of a stubborn side. Exercise and mental stimulation are important needs for the Wheaten.

The Wheaten has a unique haircoat that hardly sheds at all. However, daily maintenance is essential to keep the coat healthy. The coat must be thoroughly brushed out and then combed carefully to prevent mats and remove small ​tangles before they get worse.​​

The Wire Fox Terrier is a small yet solid dog with a bold and sociable personality. This athletic breed has the typical terrier intelligence and stubborn side, so diligent training is essential. The Wire Fox Terrier can make an excellent companion for many types of active households.

The coat of the Wire Fox Terrier is rough and wiry in texture and sheds very little. Some owners choose to hand strip their dogs' coats periodically, while others prefer to have the coat trimmed with clippers. Either way, the coat should be brushed out about once or twice a week.

The Xoloitzcuintli has a unique appearance and name, which is pronounced "show-low-eets-KWEENT-lee" or "show-low" for short. The breed is loyal to its owners and has a low-key but alert personality.

There are three Xolo varieties: Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

• Toy Xolos are small dogs of about 10-15 pounds.
• Miniature Xolos are small to medium-sized at 15-30 pounds.
• Standard Xolos are medium to large in size, weighing about 30-55 pounds.

The Xoloitzcuintli comes in two coat types: hairless (virtually) and coated. The hairless Xolo has smooth, tough skin that needs skin care in the form of cleansers, lotions, and sunscreen. They may have a small amount of hair on the head or ears. The coated Xolo has a short, flat coat that sheds minimally and should be brushed with a curry brush or grooming mitt periodically.

The Yorkshire Terrier is an itty-bitty lap dog that is often seen being carried around in a purse. Weighing seven pounds or less, this is one of the smallest and most popular dogs out there. Despite its tiny frame, this is a fearless dog with a big personality. The breed's moderate energy level means that exercise is important; this dog is no couch potato.

The long, silky coat of the Yorkie is quite lovely and very similar to human hair. They hardly shed at all, but the coat needs to be brushed at least daily to prevent tangles. Many Yorkie owners prefer to have the coat trimmed short for easy care. If you choose to do so, plan to brush your dog about once a week and visit the groomer every six to eight weeks.