Last modified: 25/04/2019

Owning a dog that doesn't shed is a healthy choice

Owning a dog is not only a great choice for someone who wants a companion, but it also has many health benefits. Did you know that owning a dog can reduce your risk of heart disease, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol level? But what do you do if you have allergies to dog hair, or you simply feel overwhelmed by the thought of cleaning up dog hair throughout your house on a daily basis? The answer is owning one of the breeds of dogs that don't shed. In this article we explore the best dogs that shed the least and what specific care you may need to consider when owning that breed

Allergies people may suffer when in contact with dogs

Some individuals when in contact with pets develop an allergic reaction that is triggered by pet allergens. These allergic reactions may develop in the form of worsening asthma or other respiratory concerns. People with these allergies may experience symptoms such as:

nasal congestion
sneezing
runny nose
chest tightness
wheezing
watery eyes
eczema, and
rashes

Why are people allergic to dogs?

Certain dog breeds may increase people symptoms due to the dogs coat. These dog breeds will tend to have thicker undercoats and dense fur. This thick undercoat then stores within it old skin cells of the dogs skin, commonly referred to as dander. This dander is then released into the environment when the dog sheds its fur. This will create an environment that will precipitate an allergic reaction with those people who are sensitive to the dander.

What can be done to control animal allergens in the home?

If you or someone you live with suffers from allergic symptoms from pet allergens, the best way to reduce allergen exposure is to remove the pet from the home. The symptoms for the sensitive person may not improve immediately as it can sometimes takes months for the allergens to be absent from the home.

If keeping pets outside is not possible then the following ideas can reduce the amount of allergen exposure to sensitive people:

keep the pets out of the bedroom.
keep pets off the furniture, particularly couches and chairs.
keep pets away from carpeted areas
clean the home often, reducing dust buildup.

Alternatively if you really want a dog inside the house with someone with animal dander sensitivities you may choose to own a dog that does not shed.

What breed of dogs don't shed fur?

All dogs will shed fur to some degree, however there are a variety of dogs that will have thinner or absent undercoats. By not having an undercoat will mean that the dander (allergen) has less ability to accumulate in the fur. In addition it will mean the dogs fur will shed less.

The remaining of this article will look at a selection of dog breeds that don's shed from the small to the tall.

Maltese dogs are the most ancient of the European toy dog breeds, and one of the oldest among all breeds. In fact Maltese dogs are mentioned in writings as early as 300 B.C.

Maltese dog breeds are one of the most popular breeds of dogs that don't shed. Their coat is snow white in color, straight and silky, with the hair almost touching the ground. Because Maltese breeds don't have an undercoat which is common in most breeds, this particular breed of dog doesn't shed as much.

Hair maintenance

The coat of the Maltese dog will need to be combed every one to two days, however a dog with a short hair cut may be brushed every three days.

Life Span: 12-14 years

Temperament of breed

Maltese dogs are well suited as a lapdog. At the same time they are very playful and will love to be outdoors and go for a run. They may bark at strangers and can be reserved towards strangers.

The Shih Tzu dog breed originated in Tibet in the early seventeenth century where it was considered a holy dog. This Shih Tzu breed has a double coat, which when kept long, the hair doesn't tend to fall on the ground but rather will shed into its own coat. This is why the Shih Tzu is considered one of the breed of dogs that don't shed hair. This hair can be easily removed by brushing it on a regular basis.

Hair Maintenance

If deciding to keep the Shih Tzu hair long, brushing is recommended to be done daily to prevent knotting and matting of the hair.

Life Span: 11-14 years

Temperament of Breed

The Shih Tzu makes a great family dog as it has a high affection level. It also well suited towards people seeking a lapdog.

Family: Terrier

Area of Origin: Scotland

Date of Origin: 1800s

The West Highland White Terrier originated in the Scottish Highlands. The breed was a proven hunter of various small vermin as well as foxes, badgers and rabbits. Affectionally known as the "Westie",this terrier is an active little dog and is suited to people with allergies as it produces low dander and lacks heavy shedding of hair. They have a double coat, a rough outer coat and a softer inner coat.

Hair maintenance

The coat of the West Highland White Terrier needs to be combed two or three times weekly. This will assist in removing the dead fur while maintaining the coat clean and mat-free.

Life Span: 12-14 years

Temperament of breed

The Westie are happy and affectionate dogs, displaying a high level of friendlies towards other dogs and pets. They require a short to moderate walk each day. Westies are independent thinkers and at times can be a little stubborn.

Family: Bichon

Area of Origin: France

Date of Origin: Ancient times

Bichon Frise was developed on the Canary Island of Teneriffe in ancient times. After several invasions on Italy by the French in the 1500s, the Bichon Frise was adopted by the French. During World war I and II the breed was placed under threat however was secured in the 1950s when they came to America.

Hair Maintenance

Bichon Frise coat has hypoallergenic qualities. The bichon's outercoat is coarse and curly while its undercoat is soft and dense. Although the dog doesn't shed, it will need to brushed every second day to prevent loose hair becoming entangled in the coat and matting.

Life Span: 12- 15 years

Temperament of Breed

The Bichon Frise is a playful and affectionate breed. It is very friendly towards strangers and other dogs. Its exercise requirements are low.