Dog Breeds That Are Small and Don't Shed

Don't let the show-ring topiary fool you — a Toy Poodle at 11 inches and 7 to 9 pounds is a working brain in a tiny body. The breed's curly, dense single coat scores a 1 out of 5 for shedding, and those tight curls trap loose hair instead of dropping it on your sofa, which is exactly why it lands at the top of any low-allergen short list.

This is the smartest dog on this page, full stop. Trainability rates a perfect 5/5, and the temperament reads Intelligent, Alert, Trainable — meaning a Toy Poodle picks up cues in a handful of reps and gets bored fast without a job to do. Energy sits at 4/5, higher than most lapdogs here, so plan on daily walks and puzzle games.

The honest catch: that hypoallergenic coat demands relentless upkeep. Grooming maxes out at 5/5, and skipping the brush-outs means painful mats and a standing six-week appointment with a groomer.

Good with kids, dogs, and cats, and friendly to first-time owners, this is the rare small breed that's clean and clever. Give one a reason to think and you'll have a 12-year companion who genuinely keeps up with you.

Pick up a Bichon Frise and the springy little athlete under the powder-puff coat surprises most people. Standing 9 to 11 inches and weighing 11 to 15 pounds, this French breed carries a sturdy, muscular frame built from generations of sailing and street-performing — not the fragile cushion-dweller the white fluff suggests.

The coat is the reason it belongs here: curly, dense, and rated 1/5 for shedding, with a low-allergen reputation that makes it a fixture in sneeze-prone households. Temperament runs cheerful, playful, and gentle, with affection at the top of the scale (5/5) and trainability a solid 4/5. Energy is moderate at 3/5, so a couple of walks and some indoor play keep one content — this isn't a dog that needs a mile-long run before breakfast.

The trade-off is grooming, rated 4/5. That white curly coat mats if you ignore it, and the pristine look you see in photos takes regular brushing plus professional trims. Some Bichons also lean toward separation anxiety, since they genuinely want to be with their people.

Good with kids, other dogs, and cats, and forgiving of first-timers, a Bichon suits an apartment family who'll trade brushing time for a 12-year stretch of constant good cheer.

A Maltese moves through the world with the swagger of a dog ten times its size, oblivious to the fact that it weighs five to seven pounds. At roughly 10 inches tall, this is a fine-boned but squarely built toy that's been bred for exactly one purpose for over two thousand years: keeping people company.

The coat is a curtain of pure white silk, a single coat rated 1/5 for shedding and flagged low-allergen — a major reason allergy-conscious families gravitate toward the breed. Temperament reads Affectionate, Playful, Gentle, and Fearless, with affection at 5/5 and trainability a respectable 4/5. Energy is moderate (3/5), so daily play and a short walk satisfy one.

Here's the honest part: that silk demands work. Grooming maxes at 5/5, and a full-length coat tangles into mats without daily attention — many owners keep theirs in a short "puppy cut" to stay sane. The fearless streak can also tip into yappiness and small-dog stubbornness if you don't set boundaries early.

Good with kids, dogs, and cats, and friendly to beginners, the Maltese rewards an owner who wants a true lapdog — one that will follow you room to room and look wounded when you leave it behind.

Built like a little lion and twice as confident, the Shih Tzu packs more bone and muscle into its 11-inch frame than the hair would lead you to believe. Adults weigh 11 to 18 pounds — solid, not fragile — and the long, silky double coat is the breed's crown jewel and its claim to a spot on this list, rated 1/5 for shedding with a low-allergen flag.

This is the couch potato of the bunch. Energy sits at just 2/5, the lowest here, which makes the Shih Tzu a genuinely easy apartment dog: a stroll and some lap time cover its needs. Temperament runs affectionate, playful, outgoing, and friendly, with maxed-out affection (5/5) and a love of shadowing you from room to room.

Two honest caveats. Trainability is a middling 3/5 — the breed has a stubborn streak, and housetraining in particular tests patience. And that gorgeous double coat needs serious upkeep (grooming 5/5); skip the daily brushing and it mats fast. The 10-year lifespan also runs a touch shorter than others on this page.

Good with kids, cats, and other dogs, and beginner-friendly, a Shih Tzu suits someone who wants a devoted, low-energy companion and doesn't mind picking up a brush every day.

Cuba's only native breed earns its keep as a clown — the Havanese is the rare small dog that seems genuinely funny, springing into goofy antics to keep its people entertained. At 8 to 12 inches and 7 to 13 pounds, it's compact enough for any flat, and its 14-to-16-year lifespan is one of the longest you'll find in a companion breed.

The long, silky double coat comes in everything from white and gold to chocolate and parti-color, and at 1/5 shedding with a low-allergen flag, it's a sound pick for households worried about loose hair. Temperament reads Outgoing, funny, affectionate, and intelligent, with affection at 5/5 and trainability at 4/5 — bright enough to take to tricks and basic obedience without a fight. Energy is moderate (3/5), satisfied by play and short walks.

The caveat: this breed bonds hard and doesn't love being alone. Leave a Havanese on its own for long stretches and you may see anxiety or barking. The coat also needs regular brushing (grooming 4/5) to stay tangle-free.

Good with kids, dogs, and cats, and forgiving of first-time owners, the Havanese fits a home where someone's usually around to enjoy the comedy.

The "Royal Dog of Madagascar" looks like a living powder puff, its soft, cottony white coat being both the breed's namesake and its calling card. Standing 9 to 11 inches and weighing 8 to 15 pounds, the Coton de Tulear has a slightly rectangular build under all that fluff — and a remarkable 15-to-19-year lifespan that's the longest on this list by a wide margin.

The coat is rated 1/5 for shedding and flagged low-allergen, so loose hair stays minimal. What sets this breed apart from its noisy small-dog cousins is the barking scale: just 2/5, the quietest here, which matters in a thin-walled apartment. Temperament runs Bright, happy, charming, and affectionate, with affection at 5/5 and trainability a willing 4/5. Energy is moderate (3/5).

The honest downside: this is a dog hardwired to orbit you, shadowing you from kitchen to couch. Cotons don't cope well with long hours alone and can grow anxious without company. The cottony coat also needs regular brushing (grooming 4/5) to avoid mats.

Good with kids, cats, and other dogs, and easy for beginners, the Coton suits someone home often who wants a quiet, sweet-natured companion likely to be around for the better part of two decades.

Seven pounds of silk-draped attitude, the Yorkie carries himself like he's the largest dog on the block — and dares you to disagree. That long, fine, single-layer coat is the reason he lands on this list: shedding rates a 1 out of 5, so you won't find tufts of fur collected on the sofa. The flip side shows up at grooming time, which scores a demanding 4 out of 5. Skip regular brushing and that steel-blue and tan coat mats fast; many owners keep it clipped short to stay sane. Standing just 8 to 9 inches and built compact, he's genuinely apartment-sized and reasonably easy for first-timers, with a 12–15 year lifespan that means a long commitment.

A terrier brain in a tiny frame

He's spirited, alert, and intensely bonded — often fixating on one favorite person and following them everywhere. That devotion has a downside: a Yorkie left alone too long gets lonely and loud. Barking sits at 4 out of 5, so the alarm goes off for the mail carrier, the doorbell, and any squirrel with the nerve to exist.

If you want a low-fur dog with a huge personality and you'll actually keep up with the brushing, the Yorkie delivers.

A Cavapoo greets you like you've been gone a year, even if you just stepped out for the mail. This Cavalier-Poodle cross was bred for exactly that warmth, and it shows in a soft wavy-to-curly coat that sheds at a 1 out of 5 — the Poodle side doing the heavy lifting for low-allergen households. Size is the wildcard: anywhere from 9 to 25 pounds and 9 to 14 inches tall, depending on whether the Poodle parent was a toy or a miniature. Some land near a chunky toy, others closer to a leggy small spaniel, so ask the breeder about the parents before you assume "tiny."

Easy to live with, not maintenance-free

Trainability rates a solid 4 out of 5, and with gentle, social temperaments they tend to do well with kids, other dogs, and cats. Energy is moderate at 3 out of 5 — a good walk and some play, then they're glad to fold onto your lap.

The honest catch is grooming, scored 4 out of 5: that curly coat needs regular brushing and trims, or it mats. Designer crosses also vary in quality, so vet your breeder carefully. With a 12–15 year lifespan, a well-bred Cavapoo is a long, affectionate, low-shed companion.

Rare enough that most people have never met one, the Sealyham Terrier is a stocky white workhorse that's quietly excellent for shed-averse homes. The weather-resistant wiry coat sits at a 1 out of 5 for shedding, and grooming is more manageable than the fluffier breeds here — a moderate 3 out of 5. At 10 to 11 inches and 18 to 24 pounds, this is a denser, heavier little dog than its height suggests; built sturdy, not dainty.

Good-humored and grounded

The Sealyham earned a reputation as one of the calmer terriers — outgoing, alert, and good-natured rather than wired. Energy lands at 3 out of 5, and barking is moderate at 3 out of 5, so he's less of a yapper than many small terriers. He's flagged as good with kids and other dogs, apartment-friendly, and workable for first-time owners, with a 12–14 year lifespan.

The real challenge is finding one. This Welsh breed has dwindled to scarcity, so expect a waitlist and some travel to reach a reputable breeder. That wiry coat also benefits from hand-stripping to keep its texture, which not every groomer offers. If you can track one down, you get a low-shed, even-tempered terrier that's far rarer than it deserves to be.

Fifteen pounds of bright-white confidence, the Westie struts through life convinced he's a much bigger dog. He's the outlier on this list: that dense double coat with its harsh outer layer sheds at a 2 out of 5 — higher than the single-coated breeds here, though still modest. The coarse texture sheds less than soft fur, but he isn't truly low-shed, so factor that in if allergies are the deciding issue. Grooming runs 4 out of 5, and hand-stripping keeps that signature snow-white jacket crisp.

Lively, loud, and game for anything

Energy sits at 4 out of 5 — higher than you'd guess from a 10-to-11-inch dog. Westies want real walks and play, then they'll happily flop on the couch. Barking also rates 4 out of 5, so the doorbell, the squirrel, and the neighbor's cat all get announced. The plus side: he's affectionate, good with kids and other dogs, and apartment-friendly if you meet his exercise needs.

Lifespan is a wide 9 to 15 years. The Westie suits an active small-dog owner who wants personality over a quiet shadow — just temper your expectations on the "doesn't shed" promise, since this one sheds a little more than its neighbors here.

Part terrier, part comedian, the Affenpinscher looks like a wiry-haired little character who takes himself very seriously. Germans called him the "monkey terrier" for that flat, whiskered face, and the wiry, dense coat that earns him a spot here: shedding scores a 1 out of 5, with grooming at a manageable 3 out of 5. At 9 to 11 inches and a surprisingly solid 7 to 9 pounds, he's denser than he looks when you scoop him up.

Bold, stubborn, and loud

This is a dog with the self-image of a 50-pound guard dog crammed into a 7-pound body. He's confident, curious, and quick to sound the alarm — barking rates 4 out of 5, and without early training that watchdog instinct tips into nuisance territory. Trainability is the honest sticking point at 2 out of 5; he's smart but stubborn, so patient, consistent work beats repetition. He's good with other dogs and cats and apartment-friendly, though notably not flagged for young kids.

With a 10–12 year lifespan and a comically big personality, the Affen rewards owners who find his obstinance entertaining rather than maddening. If you want a low-shed character dog and can laugh off some hard-headedness, he's a genuine original.

Built low and tough, the Australian Terrier crams the nerve of a much larger dog into a 10-inch, 15-pound frame. He's one of the smallest working terriers, and his harsh, straight double coat is delightfully wash-and-wear: shedding rates a 1 out of 5, and grooming is the easiest on this list at just 2 out of 5. No constant trims, no daily de-matting — a brush and the occasional tidy keeps him sharp.

A working dog that wants a job

Energy sits at 4 out of 5, so this isn't a dog content to nap all day. He's spirited, alert, and courageous, still wired to patrol — even if his quarry is just squirrels viewed from the living-room window. Daily exercise and mental stimulation keep him from inventing his own entertainment. Barking is moderate at 3 out of 5, and trainability is a workable 3 out of 5 for an owner willing to be consistent.

The honest caveat: he's apartment-friendly but not flagged as a sure bet with kids or other pets, so socialize early and supervise introductions. With a remarkable 15-year lifespan, low grooming demands, and almost no shedding, the Aussie Terrier is one of the best-kept secrets for active owners who want a small dog with real grit.

Picture a 9-pound Aussie with a floor-skimming coat that gleams like brushed steel and tan — that's the Silky Terrier, and it's a strong pick if you want a tiny dog that drops almost no hair. At 9 to 10 inches and 8 to 10 pounds, this is genuinely lap-sized, and its shedding rate sits at the bottom of the scale (1/5). The long, fine coat sheds less because it grows more like human hair than typical fur.

That silk comes at a cost, though. The coat tangles fast and needs regular brushing plus a tidy-up trim to stay mat-free; budget for grooming sessions a couple of times a week rather than the occasional once-over. Don't expect a sleepy decoration, either — energy clocks in at 4/5 and the bark meter hits 4/5, so this is a spirited, vocal little terrier that will announce the mail carrier with conviction.

The trade-off is a dog that's friendly and quick-witted, fine with kids, other dogs, and even cats, and content in an apartment as long as it gets real exercise. With a 13-to-15-year lifespan, you're signing up for a long, lively partnership. Start brushing early so your puppy learns to tolerate the routine, and the low shedding pays off for years.

Few small dogs have a face this expressive — the Brussels Griffon's whiskery, almost human mug has landed it movie roles, and behind it sits a low-allergen coat that makes it a smart fit for shed-conscious households. Standing 9 to 11 inches and weighing 7 to 11 pounds, this Belgian ex-ratter carries a rough, wiry double coat that sheds modestly (2/5) and is officially flagged as low-allergen. Hand-stripping keeps that wiry texture and minimizes loose hair.

The honest caveat is the personality, not the coat. This breed scores a maximum 5/5 for affection, which sounds lovely until you realize it translates to a velcro dog that demands your attention and protests when ignored. Pair that with a 4/5 bark tendency and a stubborn streak, and first-time owners can find themselves outmaneuvered by a seven-pound dog.

Energy is moderate (3/5), so daily walks and a few games settle most of the restlessness, and the compact, sturdy build handles apartment life well. It gets along with other dogs and cats. Trainability is middle-of-the-road (3/5), meaning patience and consistency matter more than raw intelligence. With a roughly 12-year lifespan, the Griffon rewards owners who want a clownish, loyal shadow and don't mind being followed to the bathroom.

Bred to keep pace with a horse all day and then squeeze into a fox den, the Border Terrier brings working-dog grit in a package that barely tips 15 pounds. It stands 10 to 11 inches and weighs 11 to 15 pounds, with a short, dense, wiry double coat that sheds little (2/5) and carries a low-allergen flag — good news if dander usually sets you off. That harsh coat does best with periodic hand-stripping rather than clipping.

The catch is energy. At 4/5, this is not a couch ornament; a Border needs real daily exercise and a job for its busy brain, or it'll invent one you won't like. Skimp on the walks and you may meet the digging, the chewing, and the squirrel-fueled bolting that come standard with terrier wiring.

What sets the Border apart is temperament. It earned a reputation as one of the more even-keeled terriers — affectionate, fearless, and notably good with kids and other dogs. Barking sits at a reasonable 3/5, lower than many small breeds, so it's less of a constant alarm. Trainability is solid (3/5) for owners who stay consistent. With a 13-to-14-year lifespan and an apartment-friendly size, it suits active families who want a low-shedding dog that can actually keep up with them.

Those upright, foxy ears mark the Norwich Terrier as the smallest prick-eared terrier — and that alert little 10-inch frame hides a low-shedding, low-allergen coat. Weighing 11 to 13 pounds, it wears a short, wiry double coat that sheds modestly (2/5) and is flagged low-allergen, with hand-stripping the preferred way to keep the texture sharp and the loose hair down.

Don't let the size fool you. This is a former barn ratter from East Anglia that still wakes up convinced it runs the place. Energy hits 4/5, and a leisurely lap around the block barely counts as a warm-up; it wants to investigate, dig, and chase. That tenacity is the honest downside — left under-stimulated, a Norwich will find its own entertainment.

In its favor, this breed is the most trainable of the bunch here (4/5) and maxes out affection at 5/5, so it bonds hard and responds well to consistent work. Barking sits at a manageable 3/5. It's flagged good with kids and other dogs, and its compact build handles apartment living once exercise needs are met. With a 12-to-15-year lifespan, the Norwich rewards owners who want a small, sturdy, low-shedding companion and have the energy to match its outsized spirit.