Small dogs are great companion dogs for people of all ages, but some things limit older or disabled people from having a dog.
Shedding is one of these major things that can cause problems for the elderly or disabled due to the amount of grooming necessary in order to ensure the hair does not get tangled or matted.
There are plenty of great options for a small dog that will not shed all over the house.
Many people including myself suffer from dog allergies. Not all dogs produce the dander which causes the allergies due to the make ip of their coats. Many people want smaller dogs as companies because they’re easier to care for physically and financially.
These small dog breeds fit the bill in that they are wonderful companions and they do not do much shedding.
Basenji
Basenji dogs are similar to cats in the way they are known to keep themselves well groomed. While the breed does indeed shed, like all dogs, their hair is very then and fine and their shedding is hardly noticeable at all.
Height: 17 Inch Males, 16 Inch Females
Weight: 24 Pound Males, 22 Pound Females
Life Expectancy: 13-14 Years
Personality: Poised, Smart, Independent, Affectionate, Energetic, Curious, Alert, Playful
Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is considered hypoallergenic and rarely sheds. However like all other dogs the bichon frise does indeed shed but they shed very little. To keep allergies down to a minimum owners should groom the dog regularly as well as their all white fur can get dirty quickly.
Height: 9.5-11.5 Inches
Weight: 12-18 Pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-15 Years
Personality: Peppy, Curious, Playful, Feisty, Affectionate, Sensitive, Gentle
Bolognese
Like the bichon frise the bolognese dog breed also has an all white coat of fur. They are also considered hypo allergenic as well as low shedding. Their fur is soft and fluffy and almost like cotton in it’s texture.
Height: 10-12 Inches
Weight: 5.5-9 Pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
Personality: Devoted, Easy-Going, Playful, Enterprising, Reserved, Serious
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon have two distinctly different coats, their coat can either be rough or smooth. The rough coat brussels griffin is said to shed very little. Their counterparts with smooth coats will need to be groomed more regularly and may shed a bit more.
Height: 7-10 Inches
Weight: 8-10 Pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 Years
Personality: Curious, Alert, Loyal, Self-Important, Sensitive, Watchful
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested dog is a “hairless” breed that comes hairless and non hairless. Both the hairless and non hairless breeds however are not considered to be hypoallergenic. While the hairless type does shed the shedding is really not noticeable.
Height: 11-13 Inches
Weight: 8-12 Pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-18 Years
Personality: Lively, Alert, Affectionate, Sweet-Tempered, Playful, Happy
Coton De Tulear
The Coton De Tulear is another small dog that doesn’t shed. The breed is about the same size as the bichon frise and has hair similar to the bolognese breed.
Height: 10-11 Inch Males, 9-10 Inch Females
Weight: 9-15 Pound Males, 8-13 Pound Females
Life Expectancy: 15-19 Years
Personality: Happy-Go-Lucky, Bright, Charming, Affectionate, Playful, Trainable, Vocal
Miniature Shnauzer
The Miniature Shnauzer has a wiry topcoat and an undercoat which catches any loose hairs. The shnauzer has long been considered a good dog for people with asthma because due to the makeup of their fur they hardly shed at all.
Height: 12-14 Inches
Weight: 11-20 Pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 Years
Personality: Obedient, Smart, Friendly, Alert, Fearless, Spirited
Poodle
While poodles do shed they do not shed nearly as much as other dogs who have straight fur. Also since poodles have curly hair, the dander they produce often times gets wrapped in their fur. Many people choose poodles as pets due to their reputation of being a good breed for people with allergies.
Height: Over 15 Inches
Weight: 60-70 Pound Males, 40-50 Pound Females
Life Expectancy: 10-18 Years
Personality: Very Smart, Proud, Active, Alert, Faithful, Instinctual, Trainable
Silky Terrier
The silky terrier does not shed much but the must be groomed and their hair shampooed regularly to avoid becoming tangled and matted.
Height: 9-10 Inches
Weight: ~10 Pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 Years
Personality: Keenly Alert, Quick, Friendly, Responsive, Inquisitive, Joyful
Welsh Terrier
Welsh Terriers are born with mostly black fur which changes color to a tan or brown as they get older. This small dog breed doesn’t shed but their coats must be maintained and groomed regularly.
Height: 15 Inches Male, Proportionally Smaller Females
Weight: 20 Pound Males, Proportionally Smaller Females
