Non Shedding Dogs — 8 Lap Dogs That Love to Cuddle
Non Shedding Dogs — Lap Dogs You’ll Fall in Love With
Non shedding dogs, like lap dogs, are cute and cuddly companion canines that melt your heart. Their small size also makes them adaptable — they’re ideal for apartment living as well as large family homes in the countryside.
And, we shouldn’t forget to mention, these pooches are awesome for those with allergies. Or potential pet parents who don’t fancy permanently sweeping the corners to keep their home free of furball tumbleweeds.
So, if you’re looking for a pup who is undeniably adorable and loves to snuggle, we’ve put together eight adorable pooches who’ll fit perfectly on your lap.
8 Best Non Shedding Lap Dogs
Although no animal is 100% hypoallergenic, animal lovers everywhere have found long-term sustainability by living happily with low-shedding canines. These dogs bring the same love and joy into a home, without the pesky allergens that traditionally follow.
Selecting the perfect canine for your home is a huge decision — particularly if you have allergies. And, while shedding rate is a crucial consideration, it’s also important to select your future best friend based on factors like — their temperament, exercise/coat maintenance requirements, and trainability, etc. So, take a look at our favorites and see which one fits your family.
1. Havanese
Obsessed with virtually nothing but affection and love, Havanese pups are the perfect lap companion. They’re wonderful in a family setting and do great with children.
The Havanese typically weigh 7-13 pounds and measure 8.5-11.5 inches in height. And, with a lifespan of between 14-16 years, they’ll be by your side for quite a while. This breed is healthier than most, but they’re prone to a few conditions — including eye disorders, deafness, and heart murmurs.
These non shedding lap dogs have silky fur that requires regular grooming. It’s recommended to brush them daily to keep their coats free of tangles and matting. Plus, to avoid tear stains, the corners of their eyes should also be gently wiped frequently.
2. Italian Greyhound
Known for their energetic and playful personalities, Italian Greyhounds, or Iggys, make our list due to their highly affectionate tendencies. These pups prefer your lap over any other spot in the home.
Small sighthounds, Italians are brilliant with children, bringing entertainment and fun to every home they enter. Although, they have a high prey drive, meaning they will dart at the slightest sign of something to catch.
They weigh between 7-14 pounds, measure 13-15 inches in height, and live 14-15 years on average. When it comes to grooming the Iggy, their short coat doesn’t demand too much attention. However, the most important step is keeping up with their dental hygiene — you must brush their teeth every day and take them for yearly checks at the vet.
3. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise pups are one of the best small non shedding lap dogs — they’re fabulous with families, kids of all ages, and even other pets. These canine comedians are highly recognized for having wonderful personalities — peppy and curious.
They have a beautiful white, velvety coat that’s hypoallergenic. Confident and kind in any social situation, Bichons make delightful city dogs, dogs for seniors or first-time doggy owners. They can weigh 12-18 pounds, measure 9.5-11.5 inches in height, and live to a respectable age of 14-15 years.
Grooming the Bichon is relatively easy, but can be time-consuming. They should be brushed once a day, if not every other day, and professionally groomed at least once a month.
4. Affenpinscher
Called ”monkey dogs” or “ape terriers,” Affenpinschers are small but fearless. Only weighing 7-10 pounds and measuring 9-11.5 inches in height, these dogs are comical canines, particularly when they have their serious face on for ‘watchdog’ duties.
With their tiny size and loyal personalities, Affenpinschers make awesome lap dogs — forming close bonds with their humans. But, they have a knack for walking all over you — if you let them get away with it.
Affens have a wiry coat that should be brushed twice a week. The fur along their face can grow quite quickly, needing frequent trimming to expose their eyes, nose, and mouth. Due to their textured coat, they should be groomed with a brush first, then with a metal comb.
5. Maltese
If you’re looking for the perfect pup for your pocket and lap, the Maltese would be the choice for you. The epitome of the toy breed, this pooch typically weighs less than 7 pounds and measures a mere 7-9 inches in height. They should live for around 12-15 years.
Despite their super-tiny size, the Maltese are brave bow-wows, combined with cuteness, surprisingly making great mini watchdogs. And, while they’re sometimes stubborn, the Maltese responds well to consistent training.
Covered in a long, silky coat, keeping up this elegant look requires daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles. They should also have regular baths and conditioning to keep their coat healthy. Plus, their ears are prone to collect hair, wax, and debris — so check them every day.
6. Shih Tzu
An all-around love bug, Shih Tzus are non shedding small lap dogs who gel well with children and other pups. These “lion dogs” are as sweet as they come, with stunning looks.
Weighing 9-16 pounds and standing 8-11 inches, these little pups pack a ton of personality and affection. They’re incredibly charming and prefer to spend their days curled in your lap. Plus as the Shih Tzu’s life span goes up to 18 years, they’re one of longest living dog breeds.
With a long flowing coat, Shih Tzus require daily brushing and a bath every 3-4 weeks. Their mustache and topknot need daily combing and frequent trimming. But, if that sounds like hard work, a shorter clipped ‘pup cut’ makes coat care more manageable. Shih Tzus also need their eyes cleaned every other day.
7. Xoloitzcuintli (Toy)
An ancient “dog of the gods,” the Xolo first popped up 3,000 years ago in the Aztec Empire. Confident, loyal, and extremely affectionate, the Toy Xoloitzcuintli will happily spend hours snoozing in your lap.
The Xolo is also called the “Mexican hairless dog” due to the fact they have virtually no hair. Not only are these dogs incredibly unique, but they’re the most non shedding lap dog on our list!
For obvious reasons, their grooming needs are basically nonexistent. That said, since they have so much exposed skin, they need extra TLC to protect them from the elements. The toy variety weighs 10-15 pounds, stands 10-14 inches tall, and can live between 13-18 years.
8. Coton De Tulear
This “royal dog of Madagascar” is incredibly charming, possessing human-like traits such as their determined companionship and sense of humor. Cotons are remarkably amusing and choose to spend their days shadowing their humans and bringing entertainment to every room they enter.
They’re very good with children as well as other pets, and adore snuggling on the couch with their favorite humans. Plus, they are highly adaptable and know no stranger. You’ll also find yourself with a lifelong snuggle buddy because the Coton’s life expectancy is up to 19 years.
Females are typically smaller, weighing between 8-13 pounds, while the males 9-15 pounds. Grooming the De Tulear is relatively simple — albeit a frequent task. If you don't decide on the “puppy clip,” be prepared to brush them daily. And, always check their ears to remove any debris or fur.
Final Thoughts
As we embrace the wonderful world of small non shedding lap dogs, we can appreciate just how much brighter our homes can be with them in our lives.
Collecting the information needed to choose your perfect pooch is a daunting task, but important nonetheless. Taking the time to research and discover what you’re looking for is the core of finding your match. And, deciding what qualities will work is the first step.
One thing is for certain, if you’re looking for non shedding dogs who are lap dogs, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Hopefully, this guide helps point you in the right direction.Non Shedding Dogs Lap Dogs FAQs
Are All Small Dogs Considered Lap Dogs?
Many toy breeds aren’t considered lap dogs because they’re too energetic or independent. For example, there are many small Terrier breeds, but traditionally they’re working dogs (ratters, hunters, etc.) and prefer to keep busy.
Hence, being small isn’t the only qualification for being a lap dog.
Are All Smaller Dogs Better For Allergies?
In comparison to medium-sized and large-sized dogs, small dogs have less fur, dander, and allergens carried on their coat. Therefore, your risk of an allergic reaction should be lower. Even small dogs that aren’t considered hypoallergenic are less likely to bring allergies to their family. However, non shedding dogs like lap dogs would be the best option.
Is There a Dog That Never Sheds?
Biologically, all animals with fur will shed. The hair growth cycle is a natural process. This means, regardless of how much fur a pup has, they will shed dander.
What Makes a Great Lap Dog?
The expectations for a lap dog require a pup with the temperament to sit in your lap calmly. To find a great lap dog, you want one who is cuddly, affectionate, and content to sit for a while.
How Often Should You Shave Your Small Dog?
Apart from health/medical reasons, many double-coated breeds should never be shaved/clipped. Their undercoat/coat is there for protection — from the sun, bugs, and to control their temperature.
However, you can clip/shave some breeds, particularly with single coats, but never down to the skin. The length of their hair/fur shouldn’t be shorter than one inch. Again, because their coat protects their body.
Plus, incorrect grooming can lead to permanent coat damage, not to mention, cause your dog discomfort.