There is no dog that doesn’t shed even a single hair; however, there are some breeds that shed less compared to others. Here, we will give you brief information on some dog breeds which fall in this category.
It often happens that people want a dog, but they avoid adopting one because of the mess caused by the canine, which includes its fur shed at home and the pet owners being allergic to dog hair (dead skin). Well, if you happen to be in a similar situation, fret not, there are some dog breeds that are hypoallergenic, the dogs which will cause minimal allergies. The allergies are not actually caused by dog hair, but by dander which is the dead skin. The flaky dry skin (microscopic) that falls everywhere and is transmitted by air, is the cause of allergies in humans. Hence, prospective pet owners can opt for dogs that shed less.
Given below is a list of non-shedding dog breeds:
- Airedale Terrier
- Basenji
- Boston Terrier
- Fox Terrier
- Italian Greyhound
- Shih Tzu
- Bichon Frise
- Cairn Terrier
- Poodles
- Yorkshire Terrier
Note: Some breeds are said to be hypoallergenic but consulting a doctor is highly recommended, because every dog is different.
Airedale Terrier
“King of terriers” is the common name for Airedale terriers. This terrier is large and has a rough, water-resistant, and wiry coat. This dog can be a good option, but needs a lot of activity and exercise. It is very obedient, but must be socialized and trained at an early age. Because of its curious nature, sometimes it can be difficult to distract the dog from something that holds its interest. This dog needs clipping of its hair every 3 – 4 months and brushing can be carried out once a week.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu make great pets for families. This small breed is quite adaptive and seldom sheds its long hair. It looks very cute and is considered as one of the sturdiest breeds. Shih Tzus are social and connect well with other pets at home. They need brushing on a daily basis to prevent matting of their coat. They are known to shed a little, only when bathed or brushed.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise are puffy dogs and have a medium long curly coat. Their curly coat prevents the dead skin from escaping. This dog sheds very little, but requires high maintenance to remove the dead and loose hair. They possess two coats, the inner coat and outer coat, which bears soft, white, silky hair. This breed is sensitive, social, and playful. It needs brushing every week and professional (hair) cutting after a month to maintain the softness of the coat.
Cairn Terrier
Cairn terrier is a small and furry dog breed. It is considered to be the smallest and oldest among the terriers, and is good at adapting to various environmental conditions. This dog has a soft inner coat and a bushy outer coat. Grooming a Cairn terrier includes hand removing the dead hair. Clipper-cutting should not be done as it will ruin its protective coat. Cairn terriers are active and make good pets for a family with young and elderly members.
Poodles
Poodles are the most popular non-shedding dog breeds. There are three types of poodles: Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Standard Poodle. All of them shed very little hair and are ideal for pet owners who are allergic to dog hair. This is because the dander gets trapped in the curly and dense coat, giving it very little chance to escape and cause allergies. These dogs are sturdy and have attractive features. Poodles require regular brushing to avoid matting, and bathing after every few weeks. They are known for their affection and intelligence. They make good pets for a family.
If you are allergic to dog hair, we have got you one step closer to the chance of getting a pet dog. However, check with your vet if you can get a low-shedding breed (depends on your immunity levels). Precaution is anytime better than cure!
