Dogs and cats that don’t shed: Ten breeds to know about

Reviewed by Dr Abbie Lam DVM

Discover several dog and cat breeds that won’t leave their hair (or dander) everywhere.

Over the last 60 years, pet-related allergies have become more common and that can leave animal lovers feeling stuck between dealing with the itchy eyes and runny noses or living their lives without four-legged friends.

While there is no such thing as a true hypoallergenic dog or cats, there are several breeds of dogs and cats that don’t shed their coat as much as other and they could make the perfect pet for an allergy sufferer or someone who simply doesn’t want to spend their free time sweeping up pet hair.

The well-known cross breeds

Let’s start with the popular low-shed or no-shed cross breeds:

These breeds are all part-poodle, which is why they’re considered low-shed or dogs that don’t shed, depending on the generation. First-generation breeds may shed a bit, but the risk of shedding decreases significantly from generation to generation.

The benefits of mixed breeds don’t end at less shedding. Some studies show that adult mixed-breed dogs and cats are generally healthier and live longer than purebred breeds, with a lower risk of inherited genetic diseases due to increased genetic diversity

Five more dog breeds that don’t shed

Big dogs, small dogs, short dogs, tall dogs – here are five breeds with unique temperaments and traits, and one thing in common: no shedding

Bichon frise

Gentle mannered, cheerful and playful, these non-shedding dogs range in size from 3 to 5 kilos and love being a member of the family. However, this breed can be a bit high maintenance in terms of grooming. Adult bichons have a double coat, which means they have both soft hairs and coarser guard hairs. Though they don’t shed, these pups must be brushed at least once a day to prevent matting and require regular grooming. See our guide to grooming your dog at home, or you may consider professional grooming for your dog.

Miniature schnauzer

Like the Bichon Frise, this breed does best when living as part of a family. Smart, loyal and loving, Mini Schnauzers easily adapt to changes in weather conditions or climate. Quick to learn and obedient, a fenced yard and on-leash daily walks are recommended. Plan to groom their double coats every week Males can weigh anywhere from 5 to 9 kilos, while females are slightly smaller at 5 to 8 kilos.

Lagotto Romagnolo

This working breed is active, attentive and eager to please. Renowned in Italy as water-retrievers and truffle hunters, they need mental stimulation and physical exercise. These dogs do best with active, committed owners who will be rewarded with an affectionate companion. Typically small to medium sized, males weigh around 13 to 16 kilos and females around 11 to 14 kilos. Their curly double coats, which are waterproof, look best when kept around 25 to 38 mm long.

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

This breed is intelligent, lively and affectionate, and owners need to give these dogs a great deal of time and attention, as well as provide consistent discipline. Their coats do tend to attract dirt and snow, and Wheaten Terriers need daily brushing and combing. These pups do well with well-behaved children and are medium sized, with males ranging from 16 to 18 kilos and females weighing in at 14 to 16 kilos.

Portuguese Water Dog

Highly intelligent, Portuguese Water Dogs are obedient and often seek to please their owners. Originally working dogs, they don’t tire easily and require lots of exercise each day. They also require a fair amount of grooming and need their curly coats brushed and combed on a daily basis. Because Portuguese Water Dogs don’t like being alone, they make very loyal, affectionate companions. Males weigh anywhere from 19 to 27 kilos, and females weigh 16 to 23 kilos.

Five cat breeds that don’t shed

While there are no scientifically proven hypoallergenic cats, these cat breeds are your best bet if you’re looking for feline friend that doesn’t shed much – or produce too much dander, which is worse for allergy sufferers than hair.

Russian Blue

Though this breed may be shy around strangers, the Russian Blue is affectionate with the ones they love. Intelligent and oh-so-playful, they love fetching and fit in perfectly with most households. These medium-sized cats weigh between 3.5 to 7 kilos and require minimal grooming despite their plush double coat.

Siberian

Like the Russian Blue, Siberian cats fit in well with most families, getting along well with children, dogs and other animals. They are naturally calm, quiet and easy-going cats that want to be near their owners. Medium to large in size, males can weigh up to 9 kilos and females up to 7 kilos. Their luxurious triple coat will be thickest in the winter and shortest in the summer. While this breed will shed as the weather gets warmer, they produce less dander, which is good news for allergy sufferers.

Sphynx

Energetic and mischievous, these cats love to show off for their loved ones and can get along with dogs and other cats. Although not completely hairless, they lack enough hair to absorb body oils, so these cats need regular bathing and ear and nail cleaning to stay healthy. This breed typically weighs 3 to 5.5 kilos.

Siamese

This highly communicative breed has a short, fine coat that requires only weekly combing. Inquisitive and intelligent, these cats love people and want to be wherever their loved ones are. However, they should be supervised with small children and other animals. The weight range for this type of cat is between 3 and 4.5 kilos.

Bengal

This breed is active, athletic and always curious – remaining energetic well into their senior years. They often like to play and learn tricks from their owners and are good for a family with other pets as long as they’re properly introduced. However, they are larger than the average house cat, with males weighing 4.5 to 7 kilos and females weighing 4 to 5.5 kilos. Their close-lying coat is luxuriously soft and requires little grooming.

Just because you suffer from allergies (or would rather not spend every free moment trying to rid your home of pet hair) doesn’t mean you have to give up the possibility of a pet. You just have to find the right fit for you and your family. Even non-shedding breeds require regular coat care to keep them healthy and shiny.