Low-shedding dog breeds need more grooming, not less
A dog that doesn't shed grows hair that has to be cut. Which breeds those are, what hypoallergenic really means, and what a year of grooming costs.
Low-shedding dog breeds don't leave hair on the couch because their hair keeps growing instead of falling out, and that hair has to be cut. If you're choosing a poodle, a doodle or a Shih Tzu for allergies or a cleaner house, plan on a groomer every four to eight weeks for the life of the dog.
Which dog breeds shed the least?
Poodles of every size, Bichons, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Havanese, Yorkshire terriers, Portuguese water dogs and schnauzers. Doodles and other poodle crosses vary, even within one litter. A doodle with a tight, curly coat sheds very little, while one with a flatter, straighter coat can shed almost like a golden retriever.
Are low-shedding dogs hypoallergenic?
No dog is fully hypoallergenic. The proteins most people react to come from skin flakes and saliva, not the hair itself. A low-shedding coat leaves less of them around the house, which helps some people with allergies a lot and others not at all. Spend time around the breed before you bring a puppy home.
How often do low-shedding dog breeds need grooming?
Every four to eight weeks, depending on the cut. A short puppy cut lasts toward eight weeks, and a longer teddy bear cut needs a trim closer to four. In between, brush down to the skin a few times a week. Hair that doesn't shed stays in the coat and knots, which is why a poodle mats and a lab doesn't. How to keep a doodle from matting walks through the brushing.
What grooming a low-shedding dog costs
At our Lone Tree salon a full groom is $85 to $95 for a dog up to 20 pounds and $110 to $130 for 20 to 50 pounds. A small dog groomed every six weeks comes in about nine times a year, so budget roughly $765 to $855 a year for grooming. A medium doodle on the same schedule runs about $990 to $1,170. All sizes are on our full grooming page.
Start a low-shedding puppy early
These dogs will see a groomer every month or two for their whole lives, so the first visits set the tone. Short, easy appointments before the coat needs a real cut make every groom after them calmer. Your puppy's first groom covers when to start.
We groom poodles, doodles, Shih Tzus and other low-shedding breeds for families from Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch and the rest of the south metro at our Lone Tree salon. Book a groom.
Common questions
Which dog breeds shed the least?
Poodles, Bichons, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Havanese, Yorkshire terriers, Portuguese water dogs and schnauzers. Doodles vary: curly-coated ones shed little, flatter coats shed more.
Are low-shedding dogs hypoallergenic?
No dog is fully hypoallergenic. Allergy proteins come from skin flakes and saliva, not hair. A low-shedding coat spreads less of them, which helps some people and not others.
How often does a low-shedding dog need a haircut?
Every four to eight weeks, depending on the length of the cut, with brushing down to the skin a few times a week in between.
