Why Dogs Shed
The AKC calls shedding a natural process that lets a dog get rid of old or damaged hair and keep a healthy coat. It says the heaviest shedding usually happens in spring and fall, triggered mainly by changes in daylight and temperature, and that dogs with thick double coats are more likely to shed year-round.[1] How much hair you find depends largely on breed and coat type.[1]
Is Any Dog Truly Non-Shedding?
The sources do not give one answer. The AKC's page on small dogs that do not shed says flatly that the Bichon Frise is truly a non-shedding small dog breed, and that Poodles are non-shedding and hypoallergenic.[2] The AKC's own shedding article is more careful: some dogs may appear almost shed-free, and shedding is a natural process.[1] The ASPCA is blunter still: you cannot stop a healthy dog from normal shedding.[3]
We treat "non-shedding" as shorthand for "sheds little and keeps the hair in the coat until you brush it out". That is why the breeds below come with grooming notes, not promises.
Breeds the AKC Describes as Shedding Little
The AKC's list includes the Affenpinscher, Basenji, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Brussels Griffon, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Scottish Terrier, Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, Xoloitzcuintli and Yorkshire Terrier, plus a group of terriers.[2] Their grooming needs vary a lot, which is the part buyers tend to skip:
| Breed | What the AKC says about shedding and coat care |
|---|---|
| Affenpinscher | Wiry coat sheds very little; twice-weekly brushing with a slicker brush and comb |
| Basenji | Requires little care beyond occasional brushing |
| Bichon Frise | Described as truly non-shedding; needs frequent grooming, brushing and the occasional bath |
| Havanese | Coat requires weekly brushing and regular baths |
| Lhasa Apso | Does not shed, but the coat requires maintenance |
| Poodle | Described as non-shedding; hair requires regular grooming |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Does not shed; silky coat is beautiful when brushed out daily |
Many of these are small dogs; our food advice for them is in the small breed guide.
A Note on Allergies
The AKC calls the Bichon Frise an ideal breed for people with allergies, calls the Coton de Tulear considered hypoallergenic and the Poodle hypoallergenic.[2] The page does not give evidence for those statements, and we did not find any in the other two sources, so we do not repeat them as fact. If anyone in your home has an allergy, spend time with the individual dog before committing.
How to Cut Down on Hair at Home
The ASPCA's advice is that regular brushing reduces the hair left around your home, with frequency set by coat: short smooth coats need brushing once a week, long silky coats daily attention.[3] The AKC adds that heavy shedders may need brushing several times a week or even daily during peak shedding, names a slicker brush as good for removing dead hair from dense coats, a coat rake or de-shedding tool for large amounts of loose undercoat, and says a shedding-control shampoo can help remove loose hair.[1] For a specific dog, the ASPCA suggests asking your vet or groomer which brush suits your dog's hair type.[3]
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
A slicker brush with retractable bristles for pulling dead hair out of a dense or dense-topcoat breed, released at the push of a button for easier clean-up.
Pros
- Retractable bristles release trapped fur with one button
- Works on both long and short coats
Cons
- Not built for pulling out thick undercoat on its own
- Bristles need periodic cleaning of the release mechanism
FURminator Medium Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool for Short Hair
A short-hair undercoat rake sized for dogs between 25 and 50 pounds, built to reach through the topcoat and pull loose undercoat hair without cutting it.
Pros
- FUREjector button releases collected hair without touching it
- Sized specifically for 25-50 lb dogs, not a one-size tool
Cons
- Short-hair version only; long-haired breeds need the long-hair edition
- Manufacturer limits use to about once a week
Shampoo
A shedding-control shampoo can help remove loose hair and maintain coat condition, according to the AKC.[1] It is a supplement to brushing, not a replacement for it.
FURminator Ultra Premium deShedding Shampoo for Dogs, 16 oz
A deShedding shampoo meant to loosen hair during the bath itself, formulated without parabens or chemical dyes.
Pros
- Formulated without parabens or chemical dyes
- Includes odor-control technology for the wet-dog smell
Cons
- A supplement to brushing, not a substitute for it
- Manufacturer recommends pairing with their conditioner for best results
When Shedding Is a Health Question
The AKC says shedding may be excessive if it includes bald patches, inflamed skin or a sudden increase in hair loss, and names hypothyroidism, congenital coat disorders and allergies among the things that can affect skin and coat health; it advises consulting your veterinarian.[1] The ASPCA says to schedule an exam as soon as you notice any abnormality in your pet's skin or hair, and lists bald spots, a thinning coat, or dull, dry hair that pulls out easily as warning signs.[3] A new brush will not fix any of those.
Quick Comparison
| Product | What It's For |
|---|---|
| Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush | Removing dead hair from dense coats and tangles (slicker brush) |
| FURminator Medium Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool for Short Hair | Removing large amounts of loose undercoat during heavy shedding |
| FURminator Ultra Premium deShedding Shampoo for Dogs, 16 oz | Helping remove loose hair at bath time |
Our Take
Pick the breed on its coat care as well as its shedding: a dog that sheds little can still need daily brushing. Whatever you choose, plan for regular brushing, and treat sudden or patchy hair loss as a vet question.