Family dogs are breeds that are primarily used for entertainment rather than performing specific tasks. Some of them hardly shed at all.
Compared to working dogs, they generally need significantly less exercise and physical activity. But their need for attention is even stronger. [1]
Almost all family dogs naturally get along great with children. How well they get along with other domestic animals depends primarily on the strength of their hunting instinct.
The majority of these family dogs are also suitable for living in flats, apartments and big cities. This is generally not a good idea for working dogs.
Below you will learn about 38 family dogs that hardly shed. Completely non-shedding breeds, on the other hand, are a wish we humans have.
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#1 Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a long-haired sighthound with lots of fur. Although he is a long-haired type, he is a non-shedding family dog. [2]
The beautiful four-legged friend with his floppy ears is closely related to the Saluki. The big, happy greyhound is about as fast as professional racehorses.
These animals get along very well with children and other dogs. This makes them ideal family dogs and loyal companions for experienced and consistent owners.
Fun fact: These dogs have certain scent glands on their skin that provide a “unique” smell. They are also called “stink glands” among dog owners.
#2 Tibetan Terrier
The trusting Tibetan Terrier is a four-legged friend from China. He is particularly popular as a family dog that does not shed. In his homeland he is called the “bearded dog”. [3]
Since the former working and sheepdogs were considered sacred among Buddhists, they are still considered good luck charms in many places today.
The gentle, easily trainable four-legged friends are well suited for first-time owners and those living in an apartment. Nevertheless, they need a lot of exercise and tend to bark constantly.
Fun fact: The paws of these dogs are so wide that they are also called “snowshoes”.
#3 Maltese
The Maltese is a playful, good-natured four-legged friend from Malta. The small, non-shedding family dog was bred as a lap dog. When fully grown it only weighs around 2 kg. [4]
Maltese can live up to 15 years and are well suited to apartment life. Because of their uncomplicated nature, they are also popular with beginners.
They are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. They are trusting towards their families and get along well with children and dogs.
Fun fact: The health of these four-legged friends can literally be seen from their noses. For example, if Maltese dogs don't get enough sunlight, their otherwise black nose will gradually turn pink.
#4 Miniature Schnauzer
The friendly, courageous Miniature Schnauzer originally comes from Germany. It was bred to keep rats away. Today he is one of the non-shedding family dogs.
The people-oriented four-legged friend prefers to spend the whole day with his people. He is obedient, protective and barking. [5]
The medium-sized four-legged friend lives up to 15 years. He is well suited as an apartment dog, gets along well with children and can stay alone well.
Fun fact: Because Miniature Schnauzers' beards grow very quickly, these dogs are often kept by hairdressers and barbers for training purposes. They are also popular with men with beards.
#5 American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is – as the name suggests – a family dog that does not shed. He comes from the USA and is one of the so-called naked dogs. [6]
This breed is a very young species that has only existed since 1972. By nature, these terriers are energetic, curious and lively.
The four-legged friends are particularly suitable as playmates for children. They are often also suitable for allergy sufferers, although they are not considered hypoallergenic.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends are so playful that they regularly forget their hunger and thirst. In their high spirits and eagerness to play, they sometimes completely forget that they are very bad swimmers.
#6 Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire Terrier (“Yorkie”) is a highly trainable, small lap dog from England. The four-legged friend is one of the family dogs that does not shed. It is very popular worldwide. [7]
The 3 kg little dwarf is much more self-confident and lively than other lap dogs. He learns quickly and requires a lot of physical and mental exercise.
Yorkies are even suitable as guard dogs because they are very courageous and attentive. However, they tend to bark constantly and are cocky. They also like to mess with large dogs.
Fun fact: The Yorkshire Terrier can sneeze backwards. He takes in a lot of air at once. The result? A funny duck-like sound.
#7 Bichon Frize
The Bichon Frisé is a playful, happy, little four-legged friend with white fur. Since this family dog doesn't shed, it is particularly popular with allergy sufferers or cleanliness freaks. [8]
In the past it was often kept on sailing ships. He also partially served as a sheepdog. Today the four-legged friend is primarily kept as a lap and family dog.
The sensitive four-legged friend is suitable for first-time owners, but he often reacts sensitively to criticism. He often tends to be territorial. But overall he gets along well with children and strangers.
Fun fact: “Bichon” means “little dog” in French. There Because these dogs are so lovable, the verb “bichonner” was officially recognized in French. It can be translated as “coddling”.
#8 Bedlington Terriers
The Bedlington Terrier is a former hunting dog from England. When fully grown, the cheerful four-legged friend weighs up to 9 kg. He is one of the non-shedding family dogs. [9]
The loyal dog is very well suited to life in an apartment. He gets along well with children or other dogs. For its size, the four-legged friend is very fast and persistent.
These terriers are also known as TV partners because they love lounging and cuddling with their owners. Nevertheless, they need a lot of exercise.
Fun fact: The four-legged friends in sheepskin get along very well with other breeds. However, if the owners pay more attention to other dogs, they tend to become jealous and aggressive.
#9 Lagotto Romagnolo
The active Lagotto is a so-called “Romagnol water dog”. It was originally bred as a waterfowl hunting dog. He later worked as a truffle sniffer dog.
This family dog is the 99th most popular dog worldwide, which is probably due to the fact that it hardly sheds at all. First-time owners get along well with the dog. [10]
The trainable four-legged friends are also ideal guard dogs. They bark a moderate amount and need a lot of exercise. They are less suitable for apartment life.
Fun fact: A garden with a sandbox is recommended for keeping these curly-haired dogs. Because they particularly like to dig.
#10 Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a playful, clever four-legged friend with a teddy bear-like appearance. This lap dog is moderately trainable, has a strong prey drive and rarely barks.
The Chinese family dog sheds little and is also suitable for first-time owners. You should be careful with small children. These could hurt the petite Shih-Tzu during play.
When fully grown, the tots only weigh around 6 kg with a shoulder height of max. 28 cm. Translated, her name means “little lion,” which probably has something to do with her fur. [11]
Fun fact: Depending on the species, the Shih Tzu can have very long fur. His hair grows so long that it covers her legs. The dogs then resemble a running mop.
#11 Scottish Terriers
The Scottish Terrier is an alert, lively terrier. It was previously bred to hunt mice and rats. This dog rarely gets along with other dogs. [12]
The four-legged friend is also not very people-oriented. He usually only forms relationships with a maximum of two people. Thanks to its curly coat, this family dog hardly sheds at all.
The four-legged friend gets along well with children. It is also suitable for apartments. However, his short legs mean he doesn't make a good jogging partner. He still likes exercise.
Fun fact: These terriers often suffer from cramps in their legs when they are exhausted. All leg muscles become stiff for a short time, so that the four-legged friends can hardly move.
#12 Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested Dog (also known from “Puff”) is one of the so-called hairless dogs. The family dogs hardly shed at all. [13]
When fully grown, the four-legged friend only weighs around 5 kg. The variant with full fur is less well known. Both species are very sensitive and often stubborn.
In general, they get along well with children or other dogs. However, the hairless breed needs good socialization, otherwise it is very shy.
Fun fact: A Chinese Crested is the main reason why the dogs are considered particularly ugly worldwide. He won the ugliest dog of the year competition several times in a row.
#13 Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a trusting, strong-willed four-legged friend from Ireland. By nature, this dog is alert and people-oriented. He is easy to train and barks a lot.
The persistent family dogs need a lot of exercise. They were formerly used as working, guard and shepherd dogs. They are not suitable for first-time owners. [14]
Your education belongs in experienced hands. They need a strict and consistent master. Due to their type of fur (hair/wool), they are non-shedding family dogs.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends are true experts at escaping. They either dig themselves free or look for something high that they can use to jump over a fence.
#14 Perro de Agua Español
The following four-legged friend is very easy to train, needs a lot of exercise and has a strong hunting instinct. He is good for a variety of things, but is skeptical of strangers. [15]
This family dog is particularly popular with allergy sufferers because it hardly sheds at all. But the four-legged friend is too active for apartments. He needs a lot of attention and exercise.
First-time owners get along well with this intelligent, loyal dog. In family life he is protective and loyal. But you shouldn't underestimate his herding instinct.
Fun fact: If you don't want your Perro de Agua to look like Struwwelpeter, then you shouldn't brush him. Your friend's fur gets matted particularly quickly.
#15 Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a German breed of dog. Originally it was…