12 Small Dogs That Do Not Shed

The combination most people actually search for: compact enough for a flat, and light enough on shedding that your sofa survives. These small breeds drop the least hair.

12 Small Dogs That Do Not Shed — our top picks

1

Toy Poodle

Smallest variety of Poodle with intelligence and athleticism in a tiny package. Hypoallergenic and highly trainable.

2

Maltese

Ancient toy breed with flowing white coat and gentle demeanor. Playful and affectionate companion dog.

3

Miniature Poodle

Medium-sized Poodle with all the intelligence and athleticism in a more manageable size. Excellent family companion.

4

Bichon Frise

Cheerful white powder-puff with hypoallergenic coat. Playful and adaptable companion with minimal shedding.

5

Maltipoo

Maltese and Poodle cross creating small, affectionate companion with reduced shedding.

6

Chinese Crested

Hairless toy breed with crest of hair on head. Comes in hairless and powder puff varieties.

7

American Hairless Terrier

Hairless American terrier breed. Alert, curious, and excellent for people with allergies.

8

Bolognese

Italian toy breed with fluffy white coat and calm demeanor. Related to Bichon Frise but smaller and quieter.

9

Mi-Ki

American toy breed with calm, friendly temperament. Hypoallergenic companion developed for optimal family pet characteristics.

10

Yorkshire Terrier

Small terrier with silky coat and big personality. Brave, determined, and sometimes bossy despite their tiny size.

11

Pomapoo

Pomeranian and Poodle cross creating tiny companion with big personality and reduced shedding.

12

Portuguese Water Dog

Curly-coated Portuguese fishermans dog. Intelligent, athletic, and excellent swimmer.

How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 343 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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Frequently asked questions

What small dog breed does not shed?
Based on temperament and care needs, the Toy Poodle ranks as the top choice for owners who want a small, low-shedding dog, followed by the Maltese and Miniature Poodle.
How was this list of dogs for owners who want a small, low-shedding dog chosen?
Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for owners who want a small, low-shedding dog — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.

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