Looking for the best dogs that won’t leave your home covered in fur or fill the air with incessant barking? You’re in luck! Our curated list dives into 21 small dog breeds that don’t shed or bark – too much!
Ideal for apartment dwellers, allergy sufferers, or anyone searching for a low-maintenance canine companion, these breeds offer the best of both worlds. So sit back, read on, and discover your next small-size furry friend who’ll bring all the love without the lint roller or noise complaints.
25 Small Dog Breeds that Don’t Shed or Bark (Much)
1. Maltese
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
This small and fluffy breed is renowned for its hypoallergenic coat. They are generally quiet but can be a bit yappy when excited.
2. Bichon Frise
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
The Bichon Frise has a curly coat that traps dander, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers. They are usually easy-going and not particularly noisy.
You might enjoy reading my article on the teacup Bichon Frise dog breed.
3. Havanese
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Yes
Known for being social and friendly, Havanese dogs are often good for apartment living due to their low barking tendency. These affectionate dogs can also be a perfect match for families with young children.
4. Shih Tzu
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
The Shih Tzu is a low-shedding dog, but its long coat needs regular grooming. Generally, these small animals are more into lounging than barking.
5. Miniature Schnauzers
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Moderate
Schnauzers are intelligent and alert, but they don’t tend to bark excessively unless they sense a real threat. This toy breed is an excellent fit for those with small apartments.
6. Scottish Terrier
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Yes
Scotties are low-shedders and are typically reserved, making them less likely to bark unnecessarily.
7. Italian Greyhound
Non-shedding: Minimal
Quiet: Yes
These sleek canines are generally a quiet breed and their short fur sheds minimally.
8. Basenji
Non-shedding: Minimal
Quiet: Yes
Nicknamed the “barkless dog,” the Basenji makes unique yodel-like sounds instead of typical barks.
9. Chinese Crested Dog
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
Available in both “hairless” and “powderpuff” varieties, this breed is typically hypoallergenic and not very vocal.
10. Cairn Terrier
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Moderate
Cairns have a weather-resistant coat that doesn’t shed much, and they’re not particularly loud.
11. Coton de Tulear
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
Its cotton-like coat doesn’t shed much, and it’s usually a quiet companion.
12. Brussels Griffon
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
This tiny breed has a hypoallergenic coat and tends to be less yappy than other small breeds.
You might enjoy reading my articles on smushed face dog breeds, tracker dog breeds and lazy dog breeds that don’t shed.
13. Lhasa Apso
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Moderate
This Tibetan breed doesn’t shed much and is usually more interested in guarding than barking.
14. Silky Terrier
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Moderate
With their fine and silky coats, these terriers are low shedders and are usually not too noisy.
You might enjoy reading about teacup dog breeds that don’t shed and dog breeds under 10 pounds.
15. Toy Poodle
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Moderate
Poodles are well-known for their hypoallergenic coats, and the toy variety is no exception. While intelligent, these hypoallergenic dogs are not usually excessive barkers.
You might enjoy reading my article about a guide to poisonous plants for dogs and skinny dog breeds.
16. Norfolk Terrier
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Moderate
This small and sturdy little dog is generally a low shedder and not particularly vocal.
17. Lagotto Romagnolo
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
A rare breed with curly fur, they’re a hypoallergenic breed and relatively quiet.
18. Affenpinscher
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Moderate
Known as “monkey dogs,” these little canines don’t shed much and are not overly yappy.
19. Australian Silky Terrier
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Moderate
With a fine, silky coat that requires regular grooming, these small dogs are low shedders and moderate barkers.
20. Sealyham Terrier
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
This breed is a low shedder and tends to be quieter, especially when compared to other terrier breeds.
21. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
Originating from Scotland, they have a unique ‘poodle-like’ appearance and are relatively quiet.
22. Boston Terrier
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
Their short and sleek coat requires little maintenance, making them a great choice for people who prefer not to deal with excessive dog hair around the house.
The Boston Terrier is also a relatively quiet dog breed. While they do still bark occasionally, they are not known to be excessive barkers like some other terrier breeds. This makes them suitable for apartment living or for people who prefer a companion that doesn’t create too much noise.
23. French Bulldog
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
The short coat of the French Bulldog requires little grooming, and their shedding is much less than other breeds, making them an excellent option for those wishing to avoid a furry mess.
Additionally, French Bulldogs are quite calm compared to other small breeds and tend not to bark excessively. While they may occasionally let out a bark to let you know something is up, they are generally quieter than most dogs their size. This trait makes them an excellent choice for apartment living.
24. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Non-shedding: Yes
Quiet: Mostly
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a fine coat that doesn’t require constant grooming. Shedding is minimal but brushing on a regular basis and occasional grooming are still necessary to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Regarding size, Cavaliers are not large dogs, typically weighing between 13 and 18 pounds. Their charming appearance and friendly temperament make them suitable for families with small children, as well as for spending time with seniors or first-time pet owners.
In addition to their low-shedding and quiet nature, Cavaliers are known for being affectionate, sociable, and adaptable to various living environments. Despite their small stature, they enjoy regular exercise and playtime to keep them physically and mentally healthy.
25. Japanese Chin
Non-shedding: Minimal
Quiet: Mostly
The Japanese Chin has a minimal shedding coat, which can relieve individuals who suffer from allergies or simply don’t want to deal with constant fur cleanup. This dog breed is also known for its limited barking tendencies. While they will still alert you to strangers or unusual occurrences, they are not known for being overly vocal or disruptive.
If you want a pet that won’t leave fur all over your home or disrupt family members, these quiet dogs are definitely worth considering. Just remember, every dog is an individual, so it’s always a good idea to spend time with a breed before making a decision!
Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.
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