Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed (Small & Big)
Everybody knows that dogs can be messy, and many people look for a friendly four-legged pet that doesn’t shed. It should be made clear, however, that the term “non-shedding dogs” does not necessarily refer to dogs that don’t shed. Typically the term refers to dogs that shed very little or have fur so short that its shed hair is virtually invisible.
Benefits of Dogs that Don’t Shed Much
Greater cleanliness is only one of the benefits of owning dog breeds that don’t shed. Investing in these special pets also decreases the risk of allergies (for those who are allergic to dogs or think they might be). This is not only because dog breeds that don’t shed have less hair, but also because there will generally be less hair lying around the house. People susceptible to dog allergies will be much more comfortable in a home without loose hair all over the place. Also, dogs tend to pick up pollen outdoors and then carry it inside with them. Breeds with less hair will carry less of this common allergen.
Additionally, dog breeds that don’t shed are a great first pet, particularly for children, as they do not require as much care in terms of cleaning. And finally, they do not sweat as much because they typically have thinner fur; as a result, they don’t give off the “dog smell” as strongly. Dog breeds that don’t shed are altogether more hygienic than other breeds.
The Negative Side
There are some negative aspects to owning dog breeds that don’t shed. For instance, they are typically more costly than other breeds. Purebred hypoallergenic puppies can cost anywhere from $300 to over $4000, while a mixed breed dog might only be $50 to $200 if adopted by an animal rescue facility.
Since non-shedding dogs are more likely to be purebred than mixed breed, they tend to be more expensive. Also, dog breeds that don’t shed will have to be bathed and groomed more often than the average shedding dog. This is because their coat is not replaced as quickly, so it will retain dirt and germs for an extended period of time. The cost of shots and health needs is usually about the same for both shedding and non-shedding breeds.
The Actual Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed
Some popular dog breeds that don’t shed are: Yorkshire Terrier, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, Maltese and Dachshund.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog that has a long coat but sheds very little. Because of these long coats, they need to be groomed frequently and may need the occasional shaving. They are very outgoing and friendly, however, and will get along with anybody!
The Poodle hardly ever sheds, but also needs frequent grooming because of it’s curly, tangle-prone fur. Some owners like to keep their coats shaved very close to the skin to limit the amount of maintenance needed. However, they are worth it for their loving nature and their compatibility with children. They are also great watchdogs.
The Shih Tzu is a cute, large-eyed and lovable creature that also needs to be frequently groomed as it has long and tangled hair. These dogs often take the personality of the “boss of the household”. But if there is ever a need for rat- or mouse-catching, the Miniature Schnauzer is perfect. This non-shedding dog also must be frequently groomed, but is a fantastic watchdog.
The Maltese also has long hair with heavy grooming requirements. It is a stubborn breed, though, which may make house training a challenge. It gets very excited when exposed to other dogs and can fearlessly charge at a dog much larger than itself, so it is important to keep it on a leash.
Finally, the Dachshund is the friendly, sausage-shaped dog that is so easily recognized. This breed can come in three different coat lengths, with short-haired being available. Although they love to be around people, they are not very tolerant with children and can easily become irritable.
There are many other breeds that don’t shed. Small non-shedding breeds include: Havanese, Italian Greyhound, and Chinese Crested. There are also several types of Terriers included in this group, such as the Welsh and Silky Terriers.
Large dogs that don’t shed also include many types of Terriers, in addition to the Greyhound and Irish Water Spaniel.
Adopting a dog that doesn’t shed can be intimidating, but as there are so many to choose from, it should be easy to find the perfect one. Just make sure you save up and buy plenty of grooming tools!