The size of the dog is a big factor in that decision-making process because you must consider whether a small, medium, or large dog will fit comfortably into your current living situation and spaces. Realize that most dogs enjoy the company of their humans and wish to be inside the house with them. With that comes dog fur or hair, especially if they are a typical dog breed that sheds.

If cleaning up after a dog’s shedding doesn’t sound like fun to you, you’ll want to find a nonshedding and hypoallergenic dog.

There are many dogs, of all sizes, that are considered “non-shedding” breeds which basically means they shed way less than other breeds because, unfortunately, there is not a breed that is 100% non-shedding as they still need to release dead hairs or fur to make room for healthy ones.

Below there is a list that has been compiled for the best small non-shedding dog breeds!

1. Basenji

The Basenji might just be one of the oldest dogs known to be domesticated by men over in Africa and they hold the 87 spots on the AKC popularity list. Going by the title of the “barkless dog”, Basenjis are not completely noise-free as they do make a sort of yodeling sound when they are trying to express their wants and needs.

They also tend to express catlike qualities in their acts of self-cleaning to stay trimmed and kempt and through their smart, independent natures that make training them a bit of a challenge.

With sleek, short-haired coats combined with their smooth strides as they trot, Basenjis resemble mini-racehorses at heights of 16-17inches and weigh only around 22-24lbs. Due to their aforementioned self-grooming habits, this breed is simple and easy to care for in the bathing and grooming department.

Bathing only needs to occur if the dog has gotten into smelly situations. Otherwise, weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush just to distribute oils along the skin and keep the coat healthy is all the attention the Basenji requires throughout its 13-14year lifespan.

2. Miniature Schnauzer

3 breeds make up the Schnauzer family and when you mix together a Poodle, Standard Schnauzer, and Affenpinscher you get the warm-hearted Miniature Schnauzer who takes the award for most popular of the 3 Schnauzer breeds which is why they hold the #19 spot in popularity amongst dog lovers.

No matter the environment where the miniature schnauzer is placed, whether it be an apartment or pasture, it will find harmony. With a robust build fit for ratting, farming, or acting as the family watchdog, the Miniature Schnauzer is obedient, can also be easily trained, and befriends other animals as well as children through lots of exercises is a must to keep their bodies and minds in shape.

It rises up to 14 inches in height and only gets up to 20lbs in weight while its looks and behaviors are similar to the Standard Schnauzer with bristly, long beards and bushy eyebrows framing its expressive face.

Keeping the Miniature Schnauzer’s coat healthy requires weekly brushing with a regularly scheduled monthly grooming session. Luckily, the course double coat does not do much shedding.

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3. West Highland White Terrier

Ranking in at #42 of 197 breeds is the dog more fondly known by the alias, Westie. This 11inch high, 20lb courageous, independent Terrier breed is not known to get too overly excitable or energetic though still enjoys times to bounce around and play.

Due to its having been bred as a rodent hunter, the Westie stays alert, giving chase to any moving objects. This breed is loyal, trains well with a bit of patience added in, and does not show aggression towards other pets or children.

The Westie’s double coat is presented in only pure white, sheds very little and though it may look soft to the touch, the coat is surprisingly firm. Hand stripping is the preferred grooming method for the Westie since the upper coat is wiry and the undercoat is soft.

This type of grooming requires the plucking of hairs in the topcoat out by the roots so that new hair has room to grow in thus keeping the coat in top condition all around. Bathing is rarely needed because it can harm the wiry topcoat.

4. Tibetan Terrier

A dog perfect for home life, that rarely sheds and has low levels of dander, comes the Tibetan Terrier who actually isn’t even a Terrier at all. They were given the Terrier name by the English who were traveling through Tibet and saw this dog that resembled their breeds of Terriers so the name stuck.

History has the Tibetan Terrier guarding over the Buddhist monasteries and developing, flat, round “snow feet” which are a unique physical trait they developed over time to assist them in navigating the snow-laden, high mountain landscapes of Tibet.

This breed is considered a medium/small dog as they can get up to 30lbs and up to 17inches in height with a lifespan of 15-16years.

By the looks of the Tibetan Terrier with their abundant locks of double-coated hair that waterfalls over their eyes and feathers around their curly tails one would think that they are heavy shedders but minimal shedding is one of their popular features.

Every month and a half a bath should get scheduled and daily brushing, all the way down to the skin, will keep the coat from matting.

5. Brussels Griffon

Considered a toy breed, Brussels Griffon comes in near the smallest end of small at only 8-10lbs and, at the most, 11inches in height. They were bred to control pests and rodents though in current times they are best as companions who, visually, are often compared to the little Star Wars favorites; Ewoks.

Brussels Griffon strongly imprints on their owners and is extremely loyal. They constantly need to be in their humans’ presence and refuse to be left alone.

Unfortunately, this might come across as separation anxiety and it would be best for them to be in an environment where someone is regularly home with them. Due to their friendly dispositions and ability to act as watchdogs, they definitely make an ideal companion.

Another benefit of this breed is that rarely will you find any of their hair lying around the house as they barely shed their medium-length coats which actually come in two types: wiry/rough or smooth. A weekly grooming session to keep a healthy coat is really all they require.

6. Cairn Terrier

Any fan of “Wizard of Oz ” would be quite familiar with the Cairn Terrier as that is the breed of a dog made popular for playing the role of Dorthy’s beloved Toto. Little Ricky’s playmate, Fred, in I Love Lucy was also a Cairn Terrier.

The same Cairn who played alongside Frank Sinatra in Pal Joey. It is amazing that fitting in a small, 16lb package comes a dog that is feisty, extremely active, prone to barking and digging but loyal to the end which usually is around 15 years.

They will fit perfectly into active families who are willing to consistently head out into the yard for a game of fetch, playful romps at the dog park or walks around the neighborhood.

Coats of the Cairn Terrier can come in a variety of different colors, except white. The hair of their coats repel water, are of medium length, and very wiry on top with a soft undercoat. This type of hair is non-shedding but, like the Westie that was mentioned earlier, needs to specifically be groomed by hand stripping.

Conclusion for The 6 Best Small Non-Shedding Dog Breeds!

Hopefully, this list steered you in the right direction to start your search for the perfect, non-shedding, small-sized dog for you. Truthfully, there are many more breeds out there that could be an option too.

A good way to start looking can be at your local shelter where there are always dogs waiting to be taken home and cherished. Dogs can bring much joy and laughter to your life as well as support and affection in both good and bad times. Let them in and you, too, can experience the wonderful health benefits they bring bestow upon all who will have them!

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