Your love of furniture (or disdain for chores) may be the only thing standing between you and a new pet best friend. Perhaps a pet with minimal shedding isn’t out of the question! These dog and cat breeds that shed the least will liven up your home without a trail of lint left behind.
Dog Breeds that Shed the Least:
- Cane Corso: this dog breed has traditional origins as a watchdog and hunter from Italy. Today, those instincts translate into a loyal pet that is very protective of its human siblings and family.
- Chinese Crested: These dogs that don’t shed come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. This playful breed lacks an insulating coat of fur, which means less shedding and more warmth from your playful pet.
- Ibizan Hound: both varieties of these tall and lean dogs (shorthaired and wirehaired) shed very little. They can do well in apartments and require moderate exercise—one of their claims to fame is the ability to jump 6 feet high from a standstill.
- Redbone Coonhound: the redbone dog breed is named for the unique color of their coats. Originally bred to chase off raccoons and cougars, these lively dogs love to bark but remain gentle and even-tempered nonetheless.
- Silky Terrier: This energetic toy dog breed sheds very little, but takes a lot of upkeep to maintain those distinctive locks. In addition to minimal shedding, silky terriers have little need for exercise, making them ideal for city dwellers and apartment settings.
- Spanish Water Dog: Members of this dog breed are born with curly hair that sheds very little. These friendly and active dogs were historically bred as companions for shepherds, hunters, and fishermen.
- Xoloitzcuintli: Don’t worry—chances are that you’ll get to pick out an easier name for your pet. Named after a god with ancient Aztec origins, the Xolo dog breed can be traced back over 3,000 years. Although their hunting instincts make it difficult to cohabit with smaller pets, these dogs with minimal shedding are very athletic and warm companions to their owners.
Cats that Don’t Shed:
- Abyssinian Cat: These cats that don’t shed are not recommended for pet owners interested in a lap cat or constant companion. Intensely loyal, curious, and friendly, the Abyssinian is a great breed for pet owners that want a pet similar to a dog with less day-to-day maintenance.
- American Wirehair cats have a dense coat of fur that sheds minimally. This breed of loving cats thrives on one-on-one attention and can create a game of everything you do.
- The Bengal breed is responsible for some of the cutest cats that don’t shed, as their short fur can take on any number of striking patterns: leopard-like black or brown spots against an orange or tan background. Cat grooming for this breed entails a weekly brush to maintain their coats, which will save you the hassle of vacuuming near and far to pick up stray hairs.
- Birmans have long and distinct coats that make it hard to believe that these cats don’t shed. But since they lack an undercoat, upkeep remains relatively simple. These colorpoint cats are marked by darker shades of fur on their tail, legs, face, and ears.
- Donskoy: The Donskoy breed of cats hails from Russia. With just a thin down layer of hair instead of a coat, these cats that don’t shed love to be cuddled and are typically friendly toward other pets.
- Japanese Bobtails are a playful variety of cats that don’t shed. Their rabbit-like tails are like fingerprints—no two are alike in size, color, or bone structure.
- Peterbald cats are marked by brightly colored eyes and a slender build. Some are born with hair but tend to lose it as they age. Though they come in a variety of colors, these cats that don’t shed share a sociable nature and a habit of sticking to their owners like glue.
- Similar in looks to the Donskoy breed, Sphynx cats have a thin down layer of hair that does not shed. These cats are very affectionate and love to be petted, as their lack of coat makes it difficult to retain heat.
Hopefully, you’ll now make the choice to brighten your day with one of these dog or cat breeds that don’t shed. No matter which pet you choose, make sure your dog or cat is armed with the tastiest defense against food sensitivities with our Revolving Menu® pet food recipes.