Are you looking for a small dog that won't cover your carpet with fur on a daily basis? If you favorite activity isn't running the vacuum cleaner, you'll want to choose your dog breed carefully as many small dog breeds shed quite profusely. A non shedding dog breed may be particularly important to you if you suffer from allergies. Most non shedding dog breeds are less likely to be allergenic since they tend to release less dander from their skin surfaces.
Unfortunately, most dogs shed to some extent, even the so-called non-shedding breeds, but this group of small dogs are likely to shed much less than average:
ShihTzu
Although this small breed may occasionally deposit a bit of long hair on your carpet, for the most part, it's a breed that sheds minimally which makes it a good choice for you if you're allergic to dog hair and housework. Watch out if you have children though, this breed can be a bit feisty.
Dachshund
This breed sheds only minimally and requires little grooming. The female dachshund tends to shed a bit more than the male, particularly unsprayed females. The smooth haired and the wire haired dachshund tend to require more grooming than the long haired variety.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is not only a friendly and agreeable companion dog, he also tends to shed very little, requiring only a weekly brushing. They are also considered “hypoallergenic” meaning they don't tend to exacerbate allergy symptoms. This may be your ideal choice if you have allergies and are looking for a low maintenance, non shedding dog breed.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is considered to have a non shedding coat which makes this dog breed ideal if you have allergic symptoms. Unfortunately, the Bichon Frise is considered high maintenance in the grooming department, requiring a haircut and bath on a monthly basis as well as frequent brushing at home to prevent mats and tangles. This is not the breed for you if you have minimal time to devote to dog grooming.
West Highland Terrier
This dog breed sheds very little although they do require regular brushing and grooming about every six weeks. They have a double coat consisting of a hard, wiry outer coat with a softer inner coat. You may find it easier to have a professional trim and groom your Westie, although with practice you should be able to do it yourself at home.
Although there is no truly shed proof dog breed in existence, these five, small non shedding dog breeds should provide you with some relief from the constant appearance of fur on your carpeting and in your house. Plus, if you have dog related allergies, these dogs breeds may allow you to experience canine companionship without the associated allergy symptoms.
