7 Cleanest Low-Shedding Dog Breeds:
- Jun 11
- 5 min read
When you love dogs but dread the mess of hair on furniture and clothes, low-shedding dog breeds can be a better choice. These 7 cleanest low-shedding breeds are not only cleaner around the house, but many are also known for being hypoallergenic — ideal for allergy sufferers. Here are some of the cleanest, low-shedding breeds that might just be your perfect match, however they still need grooming on a regular basis.
1. Poodle (Toy, Miniature, and Standard)
Why they’re clean: Poodles have curly coats that trap dense hair instead of shedding it. However, Poodle coats need constant attention, and the best way to keep on top of their coat, is by having a groomer, manage the coat every six weeks or so.
With today's many preparations, conditioners and mat-breakers, the groomer has a wider choice and more capacity to sort out the Poodle's coat every six weeks to prevent knotting. As the Poodle coat grows and moves constantly, it has a natural tendency to curl despite straightening conditioners, the Poodle is best clipped off.
✅ Why Poodles Are Called Hypoallergenic:
Low Shedding: Their tightly curled coats trap dander and hair instead of releasing it into the environment.
Less Dander in the Air: Because they don’t shed much, allergens like skin flakes and saliva proteins are less likely to spread.
Easier to Manage Allergens: Regular grooming keeps their coat clean and reduces buildup of allergens.
⚠️ But Not 100% Allergen-Free:
No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, because all dogs produce dander, saliva, and urine — the real sources of allergies.
However, poodles are among the best choices for people with mild dog allergies due to their coat type.
🧼 Grooming Tip:
To keep allergens at bay, frequent brushing and regular professional grooming are essential — and tools from Clipit can help make that easier.
2. Bichon Frise
Why they’re clean: Bichons don’t shed much and have a double coat that helps reduce dander. However, it is dense and with a soft texture the coat has a tendency towards corkscrew curls. Bonus: They’re cheerful, sociable, and love being the centre of attention.
Once presented as a breed that only required his muzzle and feet tidied up, now the Bichon is frequently seen at the grooming salon where the coat can be clipped and scissored. The Bichon needs regular four-to-six-week grooms in order to keep the coat in good condition and to give him the stunning appearance befitting the breed.
3. Basenji
Why they’re clean: Known as the “barkless dog,” the Basenji also has short hair, no doggy odour, and an almost feline grooming habit. Bonus: They’re independent, intelligent, and ideal for quieter homes.
With a high-set, and distinctively curled tight tail, the Basenji is really low maintenance with a regular brush, using a sisal brush, bristle brush and hound glove to remove dead hair when the dog is shedding. Otherwise wash the coat two or three times a year with a protein shampoo and a complementary conditioner.
4. Maltese
Why they’re clean: Their long, silky coats don’t shed much — although they do require a lot of attention to keep the long, silky coat in perfect order to stay tangle-free. Bonus: Perfect lap dogs with affectionate personalities.
With a centre parting along the middle from the skull to the tail, the Maltese needs constant grooming. Many owners of this breed opt for having the coat clipped down to about an inch all over.
5. Shih Tzu
Why they’re clean: Shih Tzus have hair rather than fur, which reduces shedding. With regular grooming, they’re very tidy. Bonus: Calm and loving, they thrive in households of all sizes.
Pet owners often take the option of having their Shih Tzu clipped all over to maintain a coat length of 10 cms (4") otherwise the dense, curly coat can get out of control.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
Why they’re clean: Like the Maltese, Yorkies have hair that needs care but doesn’t shed much. Bonus: They’re small, portable, and full of personality.
The glory of this dog in full cost is spectacular, however is does require a great deal of time and expertise to keep the coat of this tiny, hardy dog in such splendour.
Often this breed is seen in a grooming salon clipped down to a length of 2.5cm (1") all over because the owner cannot cope with the hair.
✅ Why Yorkies Are Low Shedding Dog Breed
Hair, Not Fur: Yorkies have fine, silky hair that grows continuously, much like human hair, and doesn't shed seasonally like fur.
Minimal Dander Spread: Less shedding means less dander floating around the home — a benefit for allergy-prone households.
Great for Clean Homes: With regular grooming, a Yorkie's coat stays neat and doesn't leave tumbleweeds of hair behind.
⚠️ Grooming Needs:
Their hair needs regular brushing and trimming to prevent tangles and matting.
Because it grows continuously, routine maintenance is key to keeping them looking and feeling good.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Why they’re clean: This working dog’s thick, curly coat doesn’t shed much and is water-resistant. Bonus: Energetic, loyal, and a great match for active families.
The coat on the Portuguese Water Dog is profuse. Born without an undercoat, there are two distinct types of coat:
A: Hair fairly long and loosely waved with a slight sheen
B: Hair short, fairly harsh and dense, compact curls, lacking lustre.
Grooming tips for low shedding
This breed doesn't moult, but needs brush frequently. Traditionally they are clipped on the face, hindquarters and on part of the tail, leaving a profuse plume at the end. The front end of the dog's coat is left to grow naturally.
Grooming Tip:
Even low-shedding breeds benefit from regular grooming to prevent matting and keep coats healthy. Using the right tools, like a gentle undercoat rake or detangling spray, can keep your low-shedding dog looking salon-fresh between grooms.
Final Thoughts
Low-shedding doesn’t mean low-maintenance — but it does mean fewer tumbleweeds of fur and less vacuuming. With the right breed and grooming routine, you can enjoy a cleaner, fresher-smelling home without sacrificing canine companionship.
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