That’s the question that pet lovers everywhere constantly ask. The fact is, there are certain breeds that do not shed, but they certainly aren’t common. But if you’re currently looking for a new canine member of the family, it might be important to note that there are certain breeds that don’t shed.
In this guide, we’re going to help you understand precisely what shedding is, and if you find yourself wondering do Goldendoodles shed or will a Maltese cover my home in hair? We have all the answers for you.
What is Shedding in dogs?
When a dog is shedding, it’s actually losing hair from the undercoat. Many breeds of dogs have two coats of fur: an inner layer closest to their skin and a longer outer layer that helps to keep them warm. In order for your dog to regulate its temperature, they rely on these two layers of fur working together.
As dogs groom themselves, they will also lick the loose hair from their coat which causes the dead hair in the undercoat to be shed. Your dog may begin shedding without you noticing because they tend to drop small amounts at a time over a period of days or weeks instead of all at once. This is entirely normal, and usually, nothing for owners need to worry about as long as there are no other signs that something might be wrong with their pet.
What Causes Shedding?
Typically, the change of seasons will cause your dog to begin shedding. This is because as the weather gets hotter, they’ll shed their winter coats, and then again, when temperatures start to drop, they’ll grow thicker, warmer coats ready for winter.
Losing seasons do vary between breeds and individual dogs, so don’t be surprised if you notice more hair around your home during these times of the year, although this should only last a short while!
If your dog ever seems stressed or anxious at any point in time, you might also notice an increase in hair loss around the house which is perfectly normal too. The reason is that when dogs become stressed, their body releases hormones that help them to cope with their anxiety. The problem is that these hormones trigger a more significant amount of hair growth and they will also experience shedding due to the increased hormone production.
Breeds That Tend Not To Shed Very Much
There are some breeds who actually struggle with losing hair no matter what the temperature is outside. Although most of these breeds are pure breeds, it’s not always the case.
It might not be important for all owners to know which dogs don’t shed, but if you’re looking for a pet who won’t leave hair around your house, then you might want to consider one of these breeds:
Afghan Hound
This is one of the most beautiful dog breeds you’re ever likely to find with a long, silky coat that doesn’t shed. You will still need to groom the Afghan hound at least twice a week to prevent matting from occurring, but it’s certainly a breed that doesn’t shed.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, adorable dog often favored by elderly owners because of their happy go lucky nature. While the Bichon does not shed, their coat does continue to grow and, if not cared for, will begin to mat. Many owners opt for the services of a professional groomer once a month to keep their Bichon’s coat in perfect condition.
Chinese Crested
There are two types of Chinese Crested, the powder puff and the hairless. The powder puff has a very thick, soft coat, which sheds, but the hairless version has just a little hair on their head, tail, and feet. It’s essential to look after the skin of a hairless breed, with sunblock being needed in the summer and a warm, snug coat in the winter.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a smart, playful breed with a lovely double coat that sheds minimally throughout the year. If you love the look of long-haired fur but don’t want to deal with the extra work that comes with it, then this could be the dog breed for you!
This might also be a great choice if someone in your family has allergies; that’s because, more often than not, the Kerry Blue has a hypoallergenic coat.
Maltese
This small dog breed has a thick, long coat that will continue to grow rather than shed, and so if it’s not maintained correctly, it will begin to mat. To stop this from happening, give your Maltese a good brush every day and take them for regular grooming appointments to keep their gorgeous coat in tip-top condition.
Poodle
There are three types of Poodle, standard, miniature, and toy. All three have a similar coat that grows without shedding and will need to be given regular haircuts to maintain their shape and length. Despite not shedding, you will still get occasional hair on clothes or furniture, much like human hair.
Despite their regal appearance, the Poodle is a very active breed and gets bored quickly if they don’t get enough exercise. If you own one of these breeds, be sure to keep them entertained with regular games and mental stimulation to prevent them from getting themselves into trouble!
Portuguese Water Dog
This is another incredibly good-looking purebred who doesn’t shed at all, which means they are hypoallergenic too! The Portuguese Water Dog has an amazing, thick coat that can be wavy or curly. Do be aware that this is a high-energy dog that will need two long walks every day, no matter the weather!
