Need some suggestions - Dogs that don't shed or shed much...

[December99]

We are in discussions (well I've asked dh to think about it) about getting dd a dog for Christmas. I'd like to have one that is not large and doesn't shed much. My prefence would be a toy poodle (not the show type). But I went looking online last night and it was hard to find a good site. Most of them were people advertising their dogs that they raise. So what kind of dog do you have and how is the shedding and grooming maintenance on it and do you have any recommendations for dogs that shed little but won't cost a fortune to get?

Thanks for any info you can offer. Not saying we will get one but at least I'll have a bit of info under my belt as we discuss this.

 

[doxdogy]

You can buy some books and research the breeds. You can also visit the AKC website and do some research there too. Also, check to see if there are any dog shows in your area. That is a good way to observe some of the dogs and possibly speak to some breeders. Just tell them that you are not interested in a show puppy. I had a miniature poodle as a teenager and just loved her. I hope to one day to add a standard poodle to my brood. Of course, I am partial to dachshunds too.

 

[janette]

We just got a puppy and started looking at www.petfinder.org They have dogs from shelters all over, just put in your zip code and it will show you dogs close to you.

My 8yo DD is allergic so we were limited to a bichon or poodle. They are rated best for allergies. Bichon's are hard to find in shelter's or rescue groups so we did end up getting one from a breeder. I was able to find one that didn't have papers so it worked out to be not quite as expensive.

He is a cutie and we've enjoyed having him. Good luck on your search.

 

[Tiger Fan]

We have a maltese and she doesn't shed at all. Most of the time they have long hair and can be difficult to groom, but we keep Caycee cut short. She is much happier and for us much easier. She looks just adorable too. She will be 14 this December and I've had her since she was 6 months. She's wonderful with kids and not one of those yappy little dogs. Have fun searching.

Lisa

 

[CookieGVB]

I believe there are quite a few of the curly-coated terriers that don't shed much (or at all).

Bichons don't shed, but many are VERY hard to housebreak. Personally, I'd rather have the hair on the floor than the...uh...you know.

I had a mini poodle when I was in high school - he was a great dog, but he was nuts and used to take on the biggest dogs in the neighborhood as if he were a giant!!

Good luck in your search.

Watch the Animal Planet when they do the Breed All About It shows.

 

[Cruise]

You might try this site:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/lightshedders.htm

I was looking for the same thing a while back. I would recommend a miniature schnauzer. They're very friendly, protective, and playful.

Julie

 

[Brisully]

I second the miniature schnauzers. No shedding, and when their hair gets cut, they really look very clean.

 

[mrsv98]

I have heard that Portugese Water Spaniels don't shed, they have curly coats and are only about 30 to 40lbs. The AKC has a really nice site that might help you also. We have a book called "The Right Dog for You" that's a good way to narrow down your choices. Good luck and have fun looking!

 

[clutter]

My cockapoo only leaves an occasional curlyque here and there. But she does have a fetish for tissues. I say she doesn't shed; she shreds!!!

Great dog, though, and they come in a number of sizes.

 

[bsnyder]

We absolutely LOVE our Bichon! Not one hair has been shed!

And he's completely, very reliably housetrained!

Now, the chewing is another matter, but I don't think that's exclusive to this breed alone!

Chris, if you want more info on the Bichons, just PM me. They are not cheap, but Gibby's the greatest dog I've ever had!

 

[disykat]

I also haven't a miniature schnauzer and she doesn't shed a bit. We still had to pay for her but paid less than her siblings cost because they say she isn't "show quality". They obviously don't love her like we do!

She is very attached to us and great with the kids, but has difficulty dealing (barks) when we have extra people around on her territory - makes entertaining a bit of a challenge, especially the first few minutes.

 

[skuttle]

Maggie, our Yorkie, does NOT shed at all! She has "human-like" hair. She's a great dog! She doesn't eat much, but she does need grooming regularly. We usually get her groomed professionally every other month ($25-$30) and the other times we bathe her ourselves. She also didn't cost a fortune.

 

[Rajah]

Shih Tzu is what I've grown up with. They're *excellent* family dogs, even tempered, typically patient, and don't shed. If you keep them in a "puppy cut" (that is, keep their fur 1" or shorter), they're also fairly easy to take care of coat-wise.

I've also looked into Lhasa Apso (slightly larger but otherwise similar to a Shih Tzu), Yorkies, Maltese (which I've heard don't seem to be as intelligent as Shih Tzu), and Bichon Friese.

My uncle and aunt have had miniature schnauzers for as long as I can remember. They're cute, but the ones he's had have been fairly mean at times and not as patient with kids as the Shih Tzu we had/have was.

 

[Mom2Em]

I am putting my vote in for a Bichon or Minature Schnauzer... They are both very friendly dogs who shed little or none at all...

 

[mamajoan]

We have two Scottish Terriers. They are great family dogs. They shed very little, require love, attention and grooming. There are some breeders in Illinois. Please make sure what ever you decide on that the breeder you choose is not a "puppy mill". They are more commonplace than you would think. Utilize the web for AKC they have links to different sites.

Have fun!

 

[WendyZ]

We have a Shih Tzu, while he his VERY spoiled, he doesn't shed at all. I get him cut about 8-10 wks. It's $24. They cut him short, because it's easier to take care of that way. I have also had Lhasa Apso's. I think the Shih Tzu is a better tempered dog, at least Murphy is. They both have human like hair. Around 15lbs, some smaller. My Lhasa's always seem to come down with major health problems and had to be put to sleep. One vet told me brain tumors were common for those dogs. Don't really know for sure.
My sister has a beagle, he doesn't shed either. He is much larger than my dog though. If I had to guess I'd say 50 lbs., but that's a guess. He's a good dog, had a bit of an attitude. I like to tease her about that. Now, her lab is so easy going it's not funny. He has the perfect temperment. I just wish they came smaller and didn't shed. Looks like a major snow storm in her back yard when she zoom grooms him.

 

[WendyZ]

We have a Shih Tzu, while he his VERY spoiled, he doesn't shed at all. I get him cut about 8-10 wks. It's $24. They cut him short, because it's easier to take care of that way. I have also had Lhasa Apso's. I think the Shih Tzu is a better tempered dog, at least Murphy is. They both have human like hair. Around 15lbs, some smaller. My Lhasa's always seem to come down with major health problems and had to be put to sleep. One vet told me brain tumors were common for those dogs. Don't really know for sure.
My sister has a beagle, he doesn't shed either. He is much larger than my dog though. If I had to guess I'd say 50 lbs., but that's a guess. He's a good dog, had a bit of an attitude. I like to tease her about that. Now, her lab is so easy going it's not funny. He has the perfect temperment. I just wish they came smaller and didn't shed. Looks like a major snow storm in her back yard when she zoom grooms him.

Good luck!!!

 

[markshaw]

Miniture Schnauzer all the way. Little to no shedding, friendly, has lots of personality but I do agree with disycat, Joshua does bark when people first come in the house, but it's real cute though. He stops within the first 5 or so minutes and it's almost like he's talking to them. It's not a yappy bark but .....well I can't explain it....kind of like a raaahing. Doesn't make since unless you hear it.

 

[markshaw]

Miniture Schnauzer all the way. Little to no shedding, friendly, has lots of personality but I do agree with disycat, Joshua does bark when people first come in the house, but it's real cute though. He stops within the first 5 or so minutes and it's almost like he's talking to them. It's not a yappy bark but .....well I can't explain it....kind of like a raaahing. Doesn't make since unless you hear it.

We have a Shih Tzu too and keep her clipped close and she's a great non shedding dog.

We just love all dogs, what can I say.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I probably should answer this since I am a breeder of a non-shedding type dog. It sounds like you don't want something as large as my breed though. All wire coated terriers are non-shedding. The downside here is that you need to be ready for a lot of activity, since all terriers are active, smart, cunning, and stuborn! (I have the largest of the terriers, the Airedale). The Bichon, maltese, Yorkie, etc. are all small dogs that don't shed, but some of those breeds are very difficult to house break. I guess my suggestion would be a Border terrier. They are small, smart, sensible, easy to train, and non-shedding. They look a little like a otter in the face. Go to <AKC.org> to research all breeds. You should be able to find links to the national breed clubs for any breed you are interested in at that site as well.