Top 10 low-shedding Dog Breeds

If you love dogs as much as we do, being allergic to them is the stuff nightmares are made of!  Pet Insurance Australia investigated the to...

If you love dogs as much as we do, being allergic to them is the stuff nightmares are made of! 

Pet Insurance Australia investigated the top low shedding dog breeds in 2019. 

But does low shedding automatically equate to less maintenance and what are hypoallergenic dog breeds? Some of these answers might surprise you...

“The low shedding dog breeds are very popular amongst pet owners for obvious reasons,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. 

“However, there is a huge misconception that low-shedding dog breeds are easier to maintain in terms of grooming.”

Like with all dog breeds, low-shedders also need a good dose of brushing. Many low shedding dog breeds also contain double coats, so the reason they do not shed as much as other dogs is simple due to the hair being caught in the extra layer of coat. However, this dead hair still needs to be removed via grooming.

“It’s also important to abolish the popular myth about all non-shedding dogs,” Crighton says. “They do shed. All dogs will shed, however some breeds shed a lot less than others.”

Pet Insurance Australia also advises all possible pet owners to be careful with hypoallergenic breeds and highly recommends checking with your doctor in terms of pet ownership and allergies.

“It is important to remember when it comes to allergies to check with your doctor exactly what you are allergic to. For many allergic dog and cat lovers, their allergy will include dander (skin), saliva or even urine of the actual pet,” Crighton says. “Therefore, purchasing a pup that is considered ‘low-shedding’ may not stop your allergic response.”

It’s also a good idea to visit your breeder and have as much interaction with your chosen pup as possible - without the help of antihistamines - to see if you have any reactions that will cause a concern and future heartbreak.

Once you have decided to get a hypoallergenic dog, you will need to narrow down your choice even further. Begin this process by deciding what size of dog you would like.
This decision may be based on your likes or dislikes or it may be based on logistics, e.g. you may choose a small breed due to space considerations.

Large Low Shedding Dog Breeds

1. Afghan Hound (see above)
2. Airedale Terrier
3. Bouvier des Flandres
4. Giant Schnauzer
5. Irish Water Spaniel
6. Komondor
7. Portuguese Water Dog
8. Saluki
9. Standard Poodle
10. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Medium Low Shedding Dog Breeds

1. Basenji (see above)
2. Kerry Blue Terrier
3. Labradoodle (lead image)
4. Irish Terrier
5. Puli
6. Standard Schnauzer
7. Tibetan Terrier
8. Welsh Terrier
9. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
10. Whippet (see below)

Small Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

1. Australian Silky Terrier (see below)

2. Bedlington Terrier
3. Bichon Frise
4. Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois)
5. Chinese Crested
6. Havanese
7. Italian Greyhound
8. Maltese
9. Shih Tzu
10. Toy Poodle

Even your heart is set on a particular breed, don't forget that many of these dogs may be available for adoption from a dedicated rescue group ...