Small dog breeds
Small dogs that do not shed: what is true and what is a myth
6 min · last updated 10/09/2026
"Non-shedding" means no seasonal coat change. It does not mean no allergens. Anyone searching because of an allergy needs both — the right breed and a test on site.
These breeds shed hardly any hair
Toy poodles have woolly hair without undercoat: it grows continuously and does not fall out, but must be clipped.
Havanese and maltese have a long top coat with minimal shedding — loose hairs mostly stay in the coat and are combed out.
These breeds shed noticeably
The pomeranian has a dense undercoat and changes coat intensively twice a year. Chihuahuas — especially smooth-coated — also lose fine hairs year-round.
The miniature dachshund sits in between: smooth-coated sheds moderately, wire-haired is stripped rather than clipped.
Allergy: what really matters
The trigger is the protein Can f 1 in saliva, dander and urine — not the hair itself. Less airborne hair does, however, mean less allergen transport around the home.
Before deciding, spend several hours with adult dogs of the breed you want. We expressly enable such visits before any reservation is made.
Frequently asked questions
Is the toy poodle an allergy dog?
It is the best chance among our breeds, but no guarantee. What matters is an individual test with an adult dog over several hours.