Lazy Dogs That Don’t Shed — Laid Back, Allergy-Friendly Breeds
Shedding the Hassle: Unleashing the Top Lazy Dogs That Don't Shed
Finding lazy dogs that don't shed can often be a challenge for individuals seeking a canine companion without compromising. For some, excessive shedding can be a challenge because of allergies, cleaning concerns, or simply a preference for low-maintenance pets.
Fortunately, several dog breeds exist that are not only known for their laid-back and easygoing nature but also for their minimal shedding. In this post, we’ll explore the top laid back dog breeds that don't shed.
Top 10 Lazy Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
These breeds are ideal for individuals or families seeking a chilled-out canine companion that won’t trigger your allergies — while still providing endless love and loyalty.
1. Italian Greyhound
The smallest of the Greyhound family, the Italian is a scaled-down version of the fastest dog on earth. However, while they’re born to dash after prey, they’re also the consummate couch potato canine.
Being a small dog, they only need short walks or runs daily, which makes them a great choice for city living. Iggies can run, but only in short spurts — they much prefer curling up and using you as a pillow while they snooze — and that’s often.
The short and smooth, single-layered coat of the Italian Greyhound is pretty easy to take care of. No chance of matting or tangles with this dog, a monthly wipe-over with a grooming glove is ample, and they aren’t particularly smelly dogs either, so occasional baths are fine too.
However, due to the lack of an undercoat, they feel the cold, so wrap them up in the winter.
2. Shih Tzu
With their luxurious, long silky coat, the Shih Tzu may not seem like an obvious choice for a low-shedding breed. These small dogs bring joy and companionship to countless households. As with many hypoallergenic breeds, the Shih Tzu has a coat made of hair, not fur. This means it has a longer growth cycle, thus it falls out or sheds less often.
Shih Tzus are renowned for their affectionate and friendly nature. They thrive on human companionship and are excellent for families. Their gentle demeanor and patience make them well-suited for households with children and other pets.
As a small lapdog breed, the Shih Tzu tends to be very lazy. Your new best friend only needs minimal exercise, just a short daily walk and a little playtime. But what they love — and do best — is to curl up and relax with their humans.
3. Maltese
Another of the small lazy dogs that don’t shed is the Maltese — a toy breed known for their beautiful, white, hypoallergenic coat. These dogs have a silky texture but no undercoat, which means they shed very little, making them perfect for individuals with allergies. Their coat requires brushing every day, regular baths, and occasional trims to maintain its pristine appearance.
The Maltese is an average-energy breed, but given their size, they’re perfectly content with short walks and indoor playtime. Additionally, they’re well-suited for apartment living, as they adapt well to small spaces. Their size and calm demeanor make them an ideal choice for individuals living in urban environments or those with limited outdoor areas.
However, it's important to note that the Maltese thrive on human interaction and should not be left alone for long periods.
4. Bichon Frise
A delightful and charismatic breed, the Bichon Frise is adored for their cheerful disposition and non-shedding coat. These small, fluffy dogs make for perfect companions.
The Bichon’s signature feature is their long, curly coat, which is not only beautiful but also hypoallergenic. While their coat requires frequent brushing to keep it free from mats and tangles, their minimal shedding makes them an ideal choice for an allergy-friendly living environment.
This breed enjoys moderate exercise, but isn’t overly demanding in terms of physical activity. Swift daily walks and indoor playtime are typically sufficient to keep them content and happy. Bichons can be slightly excitable at times, but after a short burst of playfulness, they’re quite happy to nap for longer periods.
5. Havanese
The Cubans are pretty laid-back people and it seems so are their canines. Named after the capital of this chilled-out island, the Havanese are cute dogs that don’t shed and are calm. Havanese dogs possess a surprisingly low-energy nature, making them an excellent choice for individuals seeking a slow-paced companion.
Not only are Havanese dogs known for their easygoing temperament, but they’re also hypoallergenic. Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, yet their low-shedding qualities make them a suitable option for those with allergies.
The Havanese is a friendly breed that gets on well with everybody — children and other dogs included. They can be an ideal urban or rural kind of dog — they’re content living anywhere they can command the attention of admirers. A natural-born clown, the Havanese is intelligent and highly trainable but would rather cuddle up with you than play a game of frisbee.
6. Brussels Griffon
Brussel Griffons are highly intelligent dogs that tip the scales at no more than 12 pounds and make for loving lapdogs. They enjoy the occasional short, slow walk and cuddling up with their owners.
There are two varieties of this breed — smooth and rough coat. The former will need brushing daily during their shedding season, which normally happens for a week or two in spring, then occurs again in the fall. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic lazy dog, the rough-coated Griffons don’t shed at all.
Early socialization and training are essential with the Griffon as they can bark excessively and be timid with unfamiliar people or animals.
When they aren’t cuddling, the Brussels Griffon can be slightly more alert and certainly curious, if left unsupervised this cheeky little pooch can quickly get themselves into trouble.
7. Lhasa Apso
Lhasas were originally bred to be calm dogs that would keep watch for monks and nobles in Tibet.
Known for their distinctive floor-length yet low-shedding silky coat, the Lhasa requires regular coat care — whether the coat is kept long or in the popular puppy cut. You should expect to bathe the longer coat at least fortnightly and brush between bathing.
As low energy dogs that don’t shed, Lhasas have more of a serene quality, rather than a lazy disposition — it must have come from all that time with Buddhist monks! While super affectionate with people they know, the Lhasa can be reserved around strangers.
On the odd occasion they should find a burst of energy, they’re masters of finding ways to burn it off around the home. But it doesn’t last, and it’s not too long before they’re calmly curled up on your lap again catching Zs.
8. Bolognese
The Bolognese is another of those cute small white fluffy dogs that doesn’t shed too much. Originating from Italy, the Bolognese is certainly a lot calmer than your average Italian driver!
As a small companion dog, the Bolognese is not a high-energy breed but is both intelligent and witty. They enjoy being playful but will quite happily sleep for 14 hours a day. Their size and need for only moderate, one or two short walks a day, makes them the ideal inner city dog. However, they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
The pure white soft, fluffy coat of the Bolognese is non-shedding but will need regular grooming, especially if it’s kept long. For easier maintenance, many owners keep their Bolo’s coat to about an inch in length, leaving just the “mop” around the face untrimmed.
A rather serene and inactive pooch, the Bolognese is devoted to their human. And, with their easygoing nature, just loves other people too, almost as much as everybody will love them.
9. Xoloitzcuintli
For dog lovers who suffer from the most severe allergies, a hairless breed like the Xoloitzcuintli is often a suitable choice. Plus, this dog has the perk of being a much calmer dog too.
Also known as the Mexican hairless dog, breeds don’t get much more hypoallergenic than the Xolo — with virtually no shedding and nowhere for dander to hide. Even the coated Xolo has a single coat and sheds minimally. And, the lack of hair means some don’t need brushing and the occasional bath will suffice — but don’t forget, they will need protection from the elements.
Available in toy, miniature and standard size, Xolos are extremely alert dogs that can make good watchdogs and the largest size even guard dogs. Although Xolos are not low-energy and need a couple of long walks every day, they’re very tranquil around the home.
Xoloitzcuintli are Velcro dogs — they want to be stuck by your side all day long. Lazy Sunday afternoon on the sofa and you can almost guarantee your pooch will be there with you the entire time.
10. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is one of those dogs you either love or hate. With their spotty pink skin, spiky crest-like hairdo, furry socks, and feathered tail there’s no mistaking this laid back dog breed.
You would probably assume having no hair, the hairless variety of the Chinese Crested dog is very low maintenance, but the exposed skin is prone to sunburn, allergies, and other skin irritations. Careful grooming will require sunscreen and acne lotions suitable for the Crested’s skin. A powderpuff variety does exist with a fluffy coat which requires daily brushing to maintain the fluffy look and prevent matting.
Chinese Crested dogs are not overly active and prefer the comfort of indoor life — the draw of the sofa appeals to them. They only need a moderate amount of exercise, one or two short walkies daily depending on the dog’s age and health.
However, for what seems like such a lazy dog, you’ll be surprised how quickly a Crested can run. They get short bursts of energy where they dash as fast as they can for a short period before going back to being lazy for the rest of the day.
Final Thoughts
Lazy dogs aren’t a perfect fit for everyone. For example, those with outdoorsy lifestyles, on-the-go families or kids that want a lively playmate to hang out with in the backyard.
However, if you’re elderly, mobility-challenged, or someone who prefers a dog with lower exercise demands, any of the above breeds could make the ideal companion. And as dogs that don’t shed or shed less, they won’t be leaving too much fur or hair around the house as they laze about all day.
Lazy dogs that don’t shed often mean less work for you, a lower chance of allergies, a happier human and four-legged friend. Everybody wins!Lazy Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed FAQs
What Is the Best Dog for a Lazy Person?
A ‘lazy’ person is probably best suited to a dog with a naturally low-energy level. Thus needs less exercise and will be content with shorter walks.
What Are the Advantages of Choosing a Lazy Dog Breed?
Opting for a lazy dog breed can be advantageous for individuals or families with a more relaxed lifestyle or limited mobility. These breeds are often easier to manage in terms of exercise requirements and tend to be more laid-back and calm, making them great companions for those seeking a more low-key pet.
What Makes a Dog Breed Shed Less?
Dogs shed due to the natural growth cycle of their hair. Breeds that shed less typically have hair that grows continuously, similar to human hair, rather than going through shedding cycles.
Are All Lazy Dog Breeds Hypoallergenic?
No. Lazy dogs can be heavy shedders too. For example, the Irish Wolfhound is pretty idle but an above average shedding dog, definitely not hypoallergenic. Other furry pooches include the tiny Pomeranian and the slobbery Basset Hound.
Hypoallergenic breeds refer to those that produce fewer allergens, making them suitable for individuals with allergies.
Do Lazy Dog Breeds Still Require Exercise?
Yes. Regular exercise is required to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated. While their exercise needs may be lower compared to more active breeds, they still benefit from daily walks, play sessions, and activities that engage their minds. Adequate exercise also helps prevent weight gain and keeps them happy and well-balanced.
Are Lazy Dog Breeds Suitable for Families With Children?
Indeed. These breeds often have a gentle and patient temperament, making them well-suited for kids. However, it's essential to supervise interactions between dogs and younger children to ensure the safety and well-being of both parties.
What Dog Breed is Very Lazy?
The Basset Hound is generally regarded as the laziest of dog breeds. The low-hanging ears and droopy eyes give away a Basset Hound’s temperament the moment you see them. Their fondness of plonking themselves down onto their favorite bed and refusing to move should also persuade you not to choose a Basset Hound if you’re looking for a jogging partner.
Which Dogs Shed the Most?
Double-coated dogs, especially those bred to survive in cooler climates. For example, the Japanese Akita or the Alaskan Malamute, will have thicker coats to keep them warm, which also sheds heavily when not needed or to replace any dead hairs.