20 Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Bark and Easy to Pet

Small Dog Breeds That Don't Shed or Bark

Dogs are known to be a man’s best friend, and there is a reason they are termed loyal and best human companions. There are different breeds and categories of dogs that you can bring home. And a lot depends on the personal choice of the pet parent and their ability to handle a dog that can perfectly fit in the requisite frame of the pet owner.

While some may prefer to get a watchdog, some may have the notion of getting a cute little pup that can easily walk, wagging its tail cuddling around with their kids. Especially for people who live in small apartments, they prefer getting a small-sized dog that barks less to cause chaos and save themselves from hearing complaints from the neighbors. On the contrary, some may prefer getting dogs that shed less and do not give them highly exhausting cleaning chores.

So if you are someone who is looking for a cute little pooch to cuddle around but are allergic to pet hair and can’t withstand the sniffles that come along when you bury your face deep in the cottony-soft fur of your dogs, this guide is going to help you a lot to get a dog of your dreams. Here we pen down the top 20 small dog breeds that don’t shed or bark:

1. Boston Terrier

small dogs that don't shed
  • Temperament: Intelligent, Friendly, Lively
  • Colors: Black & White, Brindle & White, Seal & White

Many dog lovers think the Boston Terrier breed to be a fighter dog, but it is not true. The Boston Terrier, in reality, is a loveable dog that can be easily kept as a pet at home.

Though the male version of this breed is known for their fierce and terrific nature due to their terrier ancestors, they show up such a nature when someone tries to enter their territory without their permission.

Otherwise, the Boston Terrier breed is friendly and energetic in its approach and stands to be an excellent companion for their human friends. If you are looking for dogs that don’t shed hair, a Boston Terrier can be your best bet to place on as they have a single coat thus groomed easily. Additionally, they do not bark much and prefer to take a power nap or loiter around.

But again, owing to their watchdog characteristics, they may tend to bark at a high when they happen to sense any danger.  

2. Chinese Crested

dogs that don't shed much
  • Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Lively, Happy, Sweet-Tempered, Alert

These cute dogs don’t shed or bark much and have been developed by mating a dog and pony. They are all in all a mythical creature and a loveable pet breed to have at home.

Chinese crested are lap dogs with features resembling a pony that loves to be cuddled and loved by their owners. Usually, Chinese crested dogs are available in two variants- Hairless Chinese crested versions that are tall, have fur on their feet, tail, head, and hairless.

On the contrary, the second variant is powder puff that has a dense silky cover all over the body. But both the crested variants hardly shed and do not require much grooming. 

3. Bolognese

dogs that shed the least
  • Temperament: Docile, Enterprising, Reserved, Loyal, Serious

Bolognese dogs are a playful breed and thus stand out as excellent human companions. However, they are categorized as dogs that stay small and have a dense and fluffy fur coat and are prone to shed.

Bolognese dogs resemble the Bichon fries breed and have a common characteristic of being non-shedding dogs.

On the contrary, despite the fluffy coat and less shedding, these dogs do require some maintenance. Also, a regular grooming regime should be followed to make your furry buddies neat, which also removes the dead hair.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

quiet dog breeds
  • Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Gentle, Sociable, Fearless, Patient, Adaptable, Graceful

These breeds are better known as top tail-waggers and are exceptionally beautiful and cute. They are perfect lap dogs, and thus you can easily accommodate them in your small apartment.

These breeds are highly affectionate and cuddly creatures and come in the category of dogs that don’t bark. Not only are they adorable, but they are quiet and low maintenance, and thus bring in this bundle of joy can give you some serious goals of being a pet parent. You are less prone to hear frequent bow-vows from them as they do not bark much and have a huge coat.

But despite all their fur coat, regular brushing regularly can help reduce their hair fall.

5. Havanese

Havanese
  • Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Intelligent, Gentle, Responsive, Companionable

These are another happy and inquisitive dog breed that has a silky and long mane. The good news is despite the length of Havanese hair, they occasionally shed, and allowing their mane to grow can transform their looks into a royal dog.

They are the least shedding dogs and shed seasonally during the fall and spring seasons. They have a gentle and loveable personality and can mesmerize you with their cuteness.

These dogs do not make much noise and are small-sized dogs that are best suited for cozy houses and apartments. They do bark but only when they take up the role of a watchdog.

All the other time, these dogs usually stay silent and are playful. They show all their emotions and tend to develop incredible bonds with their human buddies. You can often see them playing in the sun, cuddling, and performing other innocent activities that can cause their pet parents’ hearts to melt.

6. Shar Pei

Shar Pei
  • Temperament: Affectionate, Suspicious, Devoted, Reserved, Independent, Loving

Shar-Pei dogs belong to Chines origin and are quiet dogs that can be fostered in almost every home. Apart from being quiet dogs, they hardly bark, and you can only hear them let out a barking sound only when they sense some danger around. So, all in all, they bark only to alert their human friends about any danger.

They are one of the best dogs that don’t shed, and their shedding is restricted to once or twice a year which usually takes place during winters when these breeds develop a dense and heavy coat to beat the cold during the cold chilly months.

So if you are planning to bring a Shar-Pei home, make sure that you are ready with your brushes and other grooming essentials that you may need to cut down the mess they cause during the start of winters.

7. Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin
  • Temperament: Intelligent, Loyal, Independent, Alert, Loving, Cat-like

Another top-ranked choice among the cute and small dogs that don’t shed is the Japanese Chin which is simply perfect for those who wish to adopt a lap dog. They are brilliant dogs and are naughty and playful at the same time.

In addition, they are one of the quietest breeds because they do not bark much and are described as cool and calm small dog breeds suited for apartment adoption. 

If you are looking for a pet dog that is well behaved and well-mannered, then getting a Japanese chin should be your priority. They are usually acknowledged as small dogs that don’t shed, and thus you won’t find a mess in your room often.

But grooming is a must in their case, and therefore the Japanese Chin owners should consider brushing their coat to get rid of any loose hair and make them look clean and tidy.

8. Maltese

Maltese
  • Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Intelligent, Docile, Easygoing, Lively, Fearless, Responsive, Sweet-Tempered, Gentle, Active

Maltese is another lap dog that does not bark much. However, they are occasional barkers and one of the best breeds you can have as companions for your flat or apartment.

They have long hair locks and are small-sized puppies who you would love to have at home. They are also tender, loving, and affectionate and thus can become great buddies for your life. It’s 9th on the list of Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed.

So if you are looking for pet dogs that don’t shed and barks less, then Maltese can be your best bet to place on. 

9. Cotton De Tulear

  • Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Intelligent, Lively, Trainable, Vocal

If you are someone who is looking for quiet dog breeds, then a Cotton De Tulear may be the dog of your dreams. These dogs, just like their name, have a fluffy white coat, and you feel it to be cotton-like when you touch them.

In addition, these are dogs with hair, not fur, which implies that these digs do not shed much. This breed is an excellent fit for your home for people who can get easily irritated by a dog barking.

These dogs are known to be tight-lipped and extremely calm, and thus you will hardly hear them bark until and unless a stranger tends to invade their territory. They are adorable in their appearance and are also known as a royal breed of Madagascar origin.

Though they are known as no shedding dogs, their coat needs regular brushing to maintain the health, volume, and luster of their hair. Also, regular brushing helps in keeping your cotton balls aesthetically pleasing.

10. French Bulldog

French Bulldog
  • Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Easygoing, Sociable, Lively, Keen, Alert, Patient, Athletic, Bright

A French bulldog is another favorite of people living in small apartments and wishes to have a dog that doesn’t bark and shed too much. It is one of the small dog breeds that don’t shed, and the best thing about these bulldogs is that they require minimal grooming.

These Frenchie’s have distinguished features when talking about their bat-shaped ears, wide talking eyes, and solid physique. Not only are they a perfect example of good looks and cuteness, but they are also calm and quiet dogs that make them stand out in a lot of small-sized dogs. They are friendly and barely snore, grunt or bark until and unless they land down in a scary situation.

These bulldogs hardly require any grooming schedule owing to their short coat, and all you need is a quick brushing over their fur, and you are done. Brushing their coat will shove off any loose hair and help maintain the shine and luster of their coat.

11. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu’s are small furry dogs that are known for their quiet and non-barking nature. They are also known as lion dogs, but they do not roar as one. They are quiet and cute little pups who display signs of royalty owing to their face that resembles a lion.

But despite their regal looks resembling a lion with their silky hair all-around their face, they are highly charming, friendly, and can win anyone’s heart. These dogs have curled-up tails, and thus one may get an idea that these breeds are arrogant but talking in practical terms, they are not!

They are trustworthy and loyal dogs and therefore deserve the tag of being a human’s best friend. They have naturally long hair and thus require some professional grooming and upkeep to maintain their hair. 

12. Basenji

Basenji

Basenji are no shed dogs and are also known as barkless dogs whose existence dates back to the African continent. This breed also uses different types of sounds for communication purposes. You can also hear them yodel, scream and growl instead of barking.

They are easy to tame, and feeding them enough food and making them exercise can aid in keeping them mum and act as per their master’s command.

They are small, short-haired dogs and tend to shed less. So for all the pet owners who love to have a pet at home but are not comfortable with hair shedding or have an allergy to pet hair can consider introducing a Basenji at home. Also, having these dogs at home saves you from the task of spending too much time cleaning and thus can get your home spick and span easily.

13. English Bulldog

This is another bulldog breed that tends to shed and bark less. Usually, people think of these dogs as aggressive and scary by looking at their built and facial expressions.

It is a common opinion of people due to this breed’s sour look, but it is the total opposite in reality. English bulldogs are docile and are known as dogs that don’t bark, and even if they bark, it will not be done in high intensity. In addition, these breeds have short hair and are one of the healthiest dog breeds that don’t shed.

Thus you can expect less shedding and loose hair scattered on your floors. Further, brushing their hair religiously every week can help them stay groomed and shed less. 

14. Poodles

If you are allergic to pet hair and in search of non-shedding small dogs then, getting a poodle home is one of the best things that you can think of to introduce a hypoallergenic dog. This cute breed is perfect for apartments and ideal for competitions and dog shows.

They have a royal coat and thus require some scheduled grooming to maintain neat fur. Regular brushing also helps in shedding less, and therefore you should adhere to the grooming schedule religiously to make them look spruced up all the time.

These dog breeds are the epitome of leisure and luxury and are great human friends due to their being people-friendly characteristics. These dogs are also known for their obedience and are a complete package of cuteness and intelligence.

15. Glen of Imaal Terrier

These dogs were initially bred to be hunting dogs. During their training period, they were taught to be silent and quiet while planning an attack on their prey.

They are taught this so as not to scare off their prey while preying on them. And, they have passed on these traits to generations and have maintained the same. They are lovely little lap dogs that can be tamed and trained easily and tend to bark less.

They are not very vocal when talking about their barking habits and are shedless dogs who hardly demand a weekly grooming session to get rid of any loose hair.

16. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers is another cute-faced dog that you would love to have at home. They are playful and are a perfect human companion that you can bring home. Not only does this breed make friends easily with adults, but it can also gel well around kids quickly.

They are small-sized, adventurous, and spunky dog breeds that can make you fall for them at first sight.

Despite their small size, these dogs are willful and tend to do hard work due to their roots of being working dogs meant to hunt for rodents in various industries and mills. Apart from all the innocence and cute appeal that they display, they belong to dogs that shed the least. Thus, they are suitable for people who suffer from any allergy.

They have a hypoallergenic coat and require some professional grooming to look tidy. On the contrary, this breed does not bark much and thus becomes a lovely family pet. 

17. Australian Silky Terrier

Moving ahead in the line of terriers, the Australian silky terrier is another terrier breed friendly in nature and owners of a brilliant mind. They derive their name as silky terrier due to their silky mane, making them one of the cutest pet dogs to be adopted.

Initially, they were also called Sydney Terriers due to the immense popularity and fast adoption they received in Sydney.

Their looks are simply flattering, and they have a few similarities with their Yorkshire relatives. They are highly loyal and bold persona dogs who tend to bark less but are incredibly loveable and adventurous. They are also mischievous and playful at the same time and remain active throughout the day. Silky Terriers are hypoallergenic small non-shedding dogs and thus require minimal maintenance.

18. Mini Labradoodles

Labradoodles are a hybrid of poodles and Labrador retriever dogs, as you can make out by their name. They are known to be high breed dogs because their parents belong to a top-notch category of dogs. This designer dog is sassy, stylish, and loveable and has some desirable traits to serves as an apt apartment dog.

They are one of the most unique and loveable breeds that you would love to own and are considered ideal pets for your family. They are adorable and get easily attached to their owners owing to their vast heart and friendly nature.

They come under the category of dogs that don’t shed a lot and are also less noisy who hardly bark and scare passersby until they sense some danger.

19. Yorkipoo

This is another hybrid dog designed by crossbreeding a poodle and Yorkshire Terrier. This is a cute little breed that pet parents with an allergy would love to have at home as they are hypoallergenic pets and do not create havoc for people with allergies and similar symptoms.

These dogs are cuddly little creatures seen playing and running all around in delight.

They hardly bark and are one of the most well-mannered pups who stay highly devoted towards their pet parents. They have a silky and straight coat, yet they do not shed much. So if you are someone who wishes to have a dog that waits for you when you return home to have an extended cuddling session packed with some high jumps, head bunts, and licks, Yorkipoo is one of the best breeds that you should bring home. 

Wrap up of Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

Though you will never find a dog that doesn’t bark, you can always find types of dogs that don’t shed or show minimal shedding. People with allergies are usually searching for dogs that don’t shed much, and thus the breeds mentioned above can easily fit your bill.

Not only do dogs mentioned above shed less, but they also do not bark much and are perfect to be adopted as an apartment pet. So what are you waiting for? Pick on any one of the above and get ready to pet these cute babies who can become your friends forever in no time!