10 Cute Small Dogs That Do Not Shed

As someone who loves dogs but hates constantly cleaning up hair, I’ve spent a lot of time researching small breeds that are easy on the vacuum.

Over the years, I’ve discovered several breeds that offer companionship without leaving a trail of fur everywhere. In this guide, I’ll walk you through their size, grooming needs, and care tips to help you find the perfect low-shedding pup.

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Havanese

I’ve always admired the Havanese for their playful energy and silky coat. These small Cuban companions are social and affectionate, making them ideal for families or singles.

Size and Weight: 8.5–11.5 inches tall, 7–13 pounds.
Coat: Long, silky, comes in colors like cream, fawn, mahogany, and blue.
Shedding & Grooming: Minimal shedding; daily brushing or a puppy cut keeps their coat tangle-free. Ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are essential.

Pro Tip: A shorter puppy cut is easier to maintain and keeps your Havanese looking neat.

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon has a quirky, expressive face and a lively personality. Originally bred in Belgium to hunt rodents, they now make loyal companions.

Size and Weight: 7–10 inches, 6–12 pounds.
Coat: Rough (wiry) or smooth (short), in colors like red, black, and tan.
Shedding & Grooming: Rough coats need weekly brushing and professional trims every three months; smooth coats are simpler with weekly brushing.

Pro Tip: Regular grooming distributes oils in their coat, keeping it shiny and healthy.

Bichon Frise

I find Bichon Frises irresistibly cheerful. Their fluffy, white, hypoallergenic coat makes them perfect for anyone worried about allergies.

Size and Weight: 9–12 inches, 12–18 pounds.
Coat: Soft, curly, dense; mostly white.
Shedding & Grooming: Low shedding, but daily brushing is a must to prevent mats. Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks helps maintain their signature fluff.

Pro Tip: Curly coats trap loose hair; regular brushing prevents tangles and keeps your home hair-free.

Maltese

Maltese dogs are elegant, gentle, and extremely affectionate. Their long, straight white coat doesn’t shed much but requires consistent care.

Size and Weight: 7–9 inches, under 7 pounds.
Coat: Silky, long, no undercoat.
Shedding & Grooming: Very low shedding; brush every other day to prevent tangles.

Pro Tip: Even though they shed minimally, neglecting grooming can quickly lead to mats and knots.

Miniature Poodle

Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent and versatile. I love how their curly coat keeps shedding minimal while offering a hypoallergenic option.

Size and Weight: 10–15 inches, 10–15 pounds.
Coat: Curly, dense, comes in black, white, apricot, and gray.
Shedding & Grooming: Very low shedding, but frequent brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks is needed.

Pro Tip: Use a slicker brush to keep curls from tangling and matting.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small, friendly, and known for their flowing coats. I’ve noticed they’re great for homes where hair-free furniture is a priority.

Size and Weight: 9–10.5 inches, 9–16 pounds.
Coat: Long, dense, variety of colors.
Shedding & Grooming: Low shedding, daily brushing recommended. Many owners opt for a puppy cut for easier maintenance.

Pro Tip: Keep the eye area trimmed to prevent irritation from their long facial hair.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are bold, spirited, and come with a silky coat that rarely sheds. I appreciate how their fine hair resembles human hair, making them easy to groom.

Size and Weight: 7–8 inches, 4–7 pounds.
Coat: Fine, silky, steel blue and tan.
Shedding & Grooming: Hardly sheds; daily brushing recommended to avoid tangles. Dental care is crucial due to their small mouths.

Pro Tip: Short trims make daily care manageable without sacrificing coat health.

Bolognese

Bolognese dogs are elegant, affectionate, and part of the Bichon family. Their fluffy white coat sheds very little and looks charming when properly maintained.

Size and Weight: 10–12 inches, 5.5–9 pounds.
Coat: Long, cotton-like, pure white, no undercoat.
Shedding & Grooming: Minimal shedding; 3–4 weekly brushings prevent mats. Bathing and regular ear/nail care keeps them healthy.

Pro Tip: Their coat is easy to manage compared to other fluffy breeds; consistency is key.

Scottish Terrier

Scotties are bold, sturdy, and independent. I like how their wiry coat keeps shedding low but requires occasional professional care to maintain its distinctive look.

Size and Weight: 10 inches, 18–22 pounds.
Coat: Hard, wiry outer coat with soft undercoat; black, wheaten, or brindle.
Shedding & Grooming: Low shedding; hand-stripping or clipping several times a year is recommended.

Pro Tip: Brushing a few times weekly helps remove dead hair and maintain coat texture.

Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers, the “Monkey Dogs,” are mischievous and confident. Their dense, wiry coat barely sheds, which I find perfect for a tidy home.

Size and Weight: 9–11.5 inches, 7–10 pounds.
Coat: Rough, shaggy, typically black, sometimes gray, silver, red, or black and tan.
Shedding & Grooming: Very low shedding; weekly brushing and occasional professional grooming keep the coat healthy.

Pro Tip: Regular care for ears, nails, and teeth ensures this energetic breed stays in top form.

Key Takeaways

• Small, low-shedding dogs like Havanese, Bichon Frise, and Maltese are ideal for hair-free homes.
• Regular grooming is essential even for breeds with minimal shedding to prevent mats and maintain coat health.
• Many hypoallergenic breeds trap hair rather than shed it, requiring consistent brushing.
• Size, coat type, and activity level should all influence your choice when picking a low-shedding companion.
• Investing in grooming tools and routines will make owning a low-shedding dog easier and more enjoyable.