If you’ve ever fallen in love with a tiny puppy… and then realized your black leggings are basically a fur magnet… welcome. You’re not alone.
One of the most common questions we hear from families browsing puppies is:
“What are the best small dog breeds that don’t shed?”
And honestly? It’s a great question — because shedding isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about lifestyle. It’s about allergies. It’s about whether your home feels peaceful… or like you’re constantly vacuuming and lint-rolling your life back together.
But here’s the thing most “informational” articles don’t tell you:
A dog can shed very little and still require grooming. A dog can be low-shedding and still trigger allergies. A dog can be “hypoallergenic” and still need consistent care.
So instead of giving you a copy-and-paste list like every other website on the internet, I’m going to do this differently.
I’m going to share the small dog breeds that don’t shed (or shed very little) that we genuinely love at Paw Tale Puppies — and I’ll tell you why, in real-world terms.
Because if you’re going to bring a puppy into your home, you deserve a list that’s honest.
Let’s clear this up.
When people search for small dog breeds that don’t shed, they usually mean one (or all) of these things:
They want less hair on furniture and clothes
They want a cleaner home
Someone in the family has allergies
They want a dog that feels more manageable
Most “non-shedding” breeds don’t shed the way labs or huskies do. Instead, they often have hair-like coats (similar to human hair) or tight curls that trap loose hair.
That’s why breeds like poodles and bichons are so popular.
But I’ll be honest with you:
Meaning: less hair in your house… but more brushing and grooming appointments.
In our opinion? It’s worth it.
We’re obviously biased — we’re puppy people. But there’s a reason we focus on these breeds.
Small low-shedding dogs tend to:
Fit beautifully into family life
Do well in apartments or smaller homes
Travel more easily
Bond closely with people
Have that “teddy bear” look that melts hearts
And when you pick the right breed for your personality, it’s honestly one of the best decisions you can make.
So let’s get into the breeds we love most.
If you’ve never met a Bichon Frise in person, it’s hard to explain how lovable they are.
They’re basically a living cotton ball with a personality.When people ask us about small dog breeds that don’t shed, the Bichon Frise is always near the top of our list — and for good reason.
Bichons are:
Iconic (this breed has been adored for centuries)
Incredibly intelligent
Friendly without being overwhelming
Playful but not chaotic
Naturally people-oriented
They’re one of those breeds that feels like they were designed specifically to be companions.
Bichons are considered low-shedding and often work well for allergy-sensitive homes. Their coat is soft, curly, and plush.
But the tradeoff is grooming. You’ll want:
Regular brushing
Routine grooming appointments
A little extra coat care to prevent mats
Still? If you want a small dog that doesn’t shed and feels like a forever best friend, Bichons are hard to beat.
The Shichon (also called a Zuchon) is one of those breeds that people fall in love with fast. And honestly? We get it. If you’re searching for small dog breeds that don’t shed, this one deserves way more attention than it gets.
A Shichon is typically a mix of:
Shih Tzu
Bichon Frise
And what you get is often a puppy that looks like a stuffed animal… but behaves like a gentle little shadow who just wants to be near you.
Shichons tend to have:
Sweet, gentle personalities
Calm, affectionate energy
A love for cuddling
That “happy to be here” vibe
Great family compatibility
We’ve seen Shichons do beautifully with:
Kids
Seniors
First-time dog owners
Families with other pets
Most Shichons are low-shedding. They can inherit the Bichon’s curly coat or a softer Shih Tzu texture. Either way, they’re one of the best answers to the question:
What are the best small dog breeds that don’t shed?
Because they’re not just low-shedding — they’re genuinely a joy.
The Shih Tzu is another classic breed that earns its reputation. When someone says, “I want a small dog that doesn’t shed and gets along with everyone,” Shih Tzus are almost always a great fit.
Shih Tzus are:
Lively and friendly
Confident without being aggressive
Social with adults and kids
Often great with other dogs
Very people-focused
They tend to have that fun little sparkle — like they know they’re cute and they’re proud of it.
One of the best things about Shih Tzus is that they tend to do well with:
Children of all ages
Adults
Seniors
Guests and visitors
They’re one of those dogs that makes your home feel warmer.
Shih Tzus are considered low-shedding, but they have long hair that can require consistent grooming.
You can keep their coat:
Long and flowing (more brushing)
In a puppy cut (easier maintenance)
Either way, they’re a fantastic choice if you want a small dog breed that doesn’t shed much and is friendly with everyone.
Okay — this is where we get opinionated. Because if you haven’t heard of Munchkin Bernedoodles yet, you probably will soon.
Munchkin Bernedoodles are an upcoming smaller Bernedoodle style that incorporates Cavalier genetics into the already stunning Bernedoodle.
That’s a big deal.
Because Bernedoodles already have:
Gorgeous coats
Great temperaments
Strong companionship traits
And Cavaliers bring:
Sweetness
Gentleness
That “lap dog” energy
A more compact size
So what you end up with is something that (in our opinion) is one of the most exciting new directions in small companion dogs.
These puppies often have:
A calm, affectionate nature
A love for people
A gentle, cuddly personality
A playful but manageable energy level
This is one of the main reasons families love them.
They’re designed to be small sized, which makes them:
Easier for travel
Easier for apartments
More manageable for families who don’t want a bigger doodle
Many of these puppies are very low-shedding, especially when they inherit the right coat type.
If you’re searching for small dog breeds that don’t shed, this is one of those options that feels modern, exciting, and family-friendly.
Micro Bernedoodles are one of the most loved puppies for a reason. They take something people already adore — the Bernese Mountain Dog temperament — and shrink it down into a much smaller dog that fits modern life better.
A lot of micro Bernedoodles have what we call:
“The gentle giant energy… but in micro form.”
They tend to be:
Loving and loyal
Calm and steady
Friendly with families
Emotionally intuitive
Great companions
Micro Bernedoodles are often the kind of dog that bonds deeply. They don’t just “live with you” — they become part of your routine.
This is the part most people care about.
Micro Bernedoodles are often bred specifically for:
Low shedding
Allergy-friendly coats
Softer, curly or wavy textures
No dog is 100% non-shedding, but in the real world, micro Bernedoodles are one of the best answers to the keyword:
small dog breeds that dont shed
Because they’re not only low-shedding — they’re also deeply lovable.
If you want a small dog that doesn’t shed and you like smart dogs, you should absolutely consider a Bichpoo.
A Bichpoo is typically:
Bichon Frise + Poodle
And yes — it’s as adorable as it sounds.
Bichpoos often combine:
The Bichon’s cheerful personality
The Poodle’s intelligence
A low-shedding coat
A cuddly, companion nature
That teddy bear look people obsess over
They’re often fantastic for people who want a dog that feels:
Friendly
Trainable
Social
Fun
Affectionate
Because both Bichons and Poodles are low-shedding, Bichpoos are often a very safe bet for families wanting a cleaner home.
That said, grooming is still important.
If you keep up with:
Brushing
Regular grooming appointments
Basic coat maintenance
You’ll get the benefits of a dog that sheds very little and stays adorable year-round.
Here’s the real answer:
But if you want a simple breakdown, here’s how we see it:
Want a classic, iconic breed?
Go Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu.
Want the sweetest, gentlest teddy bear dog?
Shichon / Zuchon.
Want modern, exciting, and low-shedding?
Munchkin Bernedoodles.
Want the “Bernese temperament” but small and low-shedding?
Micro Bernedoodles.
Want a smart, iconic mix that’s low-shedding?
Bichpoo.
I’m going to say this clearly, because I wish more websites did:
Even the best small dog breeds that don’t shed still require care.
If you choose a low-shedding dog, you should expect:
Regular brushing
Grooming every 6–8 weeks (on average)
Occasional tear staining care
Coat maintenance (especially with doodles and mixes)
But the payoff is huge:
Less hair everywhere
Cleaner furniture
Less vacuuming
A dog that stays plush and cuddly
If you’re searching for small dog breeds that dont shed, you’re probably looking for a puppy that fits your home — not one that turns your life upside down.And that’s a good thing.Because the best dog isn’t the one that’s “most impressive.”
It’s the one that makes your mornings better.The one that follows you around the house.The one that curls up next to you while you work.The one that makes your kids laugh.The one that becomes part of your family.And if you can find that kind of companion in a small, low-shedding package?That’s not just a puppy.That’s a life upgrade.
At Paw Tale Puppies, we specialize in puppies that are:
Small-sized
Low-shedding
Family-friendly
Known for sweet temperaments
Perfect for modern homes
If you’re exploring your options and want help choosing the best fit, we’re always happy to help you find the right puppy for your lifestyle.
