12 Best Low-Shedding Dogs for Seniors — our top picks
Mi-Ki
American toy breed with calm, friendly temperament. Hypoallergenic companion developed for optimal family pet characteristics.
Bichon Frise
Cheerful white powder-puff with hypoallergenic coat. Playful and adaptable companion with minimal shedding.
Maltese
Ancient toy breed with flowing white coat and gentle demeanor. Playful and affectionate companion dog.
Maltipoo
Maltese and Poodle cross creating small, affectionate companion with reduced shedding.
Toy Poodle
Smallest variety of Poodle with intelligence and athleticism in a tiny package. Hypoallergenic and highly trainable.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Irish terrier with silky wheaten coat. Happy, friendly, and less aggressive than most terriers.
Chinese Crested
Hairless toy breed with crest of hair on head. Comes in hairless and powder puff varieties.
Bolognese
Italian toy breed with fluffy white coat and calm demeanor. Related to Bichon Frise but smaller and quieter.
Miniature Poodle
Medium-sized Poodle with all the intelligence and athleticism in a more manageable size. Excellent family companion.
Shih Tzu
Flowing-coated toy breed bred to be a companion. Friendly and outgoing with all people.
Havanese
Cuban toy breed with silky coat and cheerful disposition. Adaptable and social companion dog.
Cavapoo
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle cross. Gentle and friendly with reduced shedding.
How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 321 breeds is scored on the traits that matter most for this lifestyle — energy, size, temperament, grooming and trainability — using our vet-reviewed breed database. Read more about our methodology, or take the free quiz for a ranking personalised to you.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- What low-shedding dog is best for a senior?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the Mi-Ki ranks as the top choice for older owners who want less cleaning, followed by the Bichon Frise and Maltese.
- How was this list of dogs for older owners who want less cleaning chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for older owners who want less cleaning — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.