Best Low-Shedding Dog Breeds for Families in 2025

If your children are eager for a dog, it's important that the whole family is ready to welcome and care for a new canine companion. Choosing the right breed is essential, particularly one that fits your living situation and lifestyle. Many families also prefer breeds that shed less fur to keep their homes cleaner with less grooming required.

While no dog is completely non-shedding, some breeds are much better than others at keeping fur under control. For example, the Golden Retriever, beloved for its friendly nature, is known for its heavy shedding, which might not suit families wanting an easier grooming routine.

Below, we've gathered some of the best low-shedding dog breeds for families, thoughtfully presented across different size categories. We've ensured each breed is known for their friendly, loyal temperament and makes a great companion for children.

Small Dogs: Compact and Cuddly

Small breeds can be ideal for families with younger children or those living in smaller homes. They tend to be less physically intimidating while still full of life and fun.

The elegant Shih Tzu puppies have long, beautiful coats that require regular brushing, but they shed minimally. These affectionate dogs love cuddles and are playful without a tendency to nip, making them excellent companions for children.

Another excellent choice is the Bichon Frise puppies, famous for their woolly white coats. They are low shedders but do need grooming and clipping to maintain their coat. Their calm, playful attitude fits well in busy family homes without overwhelming shy children.

The Miniature Poodle puppies round out this category. Poodles, regardless of size, are intelligent, easy to train, and have hypoallergenic coats that shed very little, requiring regular grooming. Their friendly disposition means they quickly become loyal family members and are fantastic with kids.

Medium Dogs: Balanced Size and Energy

Medium-sized dogs provide a perfect balance, being strong enough to keep up with growing children but usually manageable for most homes.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies have a compact build and a short, low-shedding coat that is easy to care for. Known as "nanny dogs" for their gentle nature toward children, they are loyal and thrive on family interaction and plenty of outdoor play.

Continuing with the Poodle family, the Standard Poodle puppies are also an excellent medium breed option. Their curly, low-shedding coats make them appealing to allergy sufferers, and their intelligence and activity levels suit families who enjoy active lifestyles and training activities.

Large Dogs: Gentle Giants for Spacious Homes

Large dogs need more space and care but can be incredibly gentle and loving members of the family.

The Greyhound puppies are slender, laid-back dogs with very short coats that shed minimally. Despite their size, they are surprisingly gentle and enjoy both relaxing indoors and energetic outdoor play.

For families looking for a low-shedding, curly coated large breed, the Irish Water Spaniel puppies are a worthy choice. With a lively, playful personality and minimal shedding, they bond closely with children and thrive in active family environments, though their coat does require regular grooming.

Responsible Dog Ownership and Finding Your Puppy

Choosing a low-shedding dog breed can significantly ease household maintenance and help families with mild allergies enjoy pet companionship. However, it's important to remember that all dogs require regular grooming, exercise, and socialisation to thrive.

When looking for your puppy, always seek out reputable breeders or consider adoption to support responsible dog ownership. Ensuring your breeder adheres to health testing and ethical breeding practices helps you bring home a happy, healthy puppy who will be a joyful addition to your family for years to come.

What You Should Know About Buying a Puppy

Quick Answer: When buying a puppy, ensure the breeder is reputable, the puppy is healthy and socialised, and all vaccinations and health checks are up to date.

Buying a puppy is an exciting experience, but it comes with responsibilities. A reputable breeder will be transparent about the pup’s health history and socialisation. Puppies should stay with their mother until at least eight weeks old to develop critical early behaviours. It's also wise to check about health screenings for common breed-specific issues and to ask for paperwork such as vaccination records and microchip registration.

Taking the time to research and visit breeders or shelters, asking informed questions, and resisting impulse purchases are crucial steps in adding the right pet to your family responsibly. This care upfront ensures your new furry friend has the best start in life and minimises future health or behavioural problems.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect low-shedding dog breed for your family means balancing grooming needs, temperament, and your living situation. Small breeds like Shih Tzus and Bichon Frises, medium breeds such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Standard Poodles, and gentle giants like Greyhounds and Irish Water Spaniels all offer wonderful family companionship with minimal shedding.

Remember, every dog is an individual and requires patience, attention, and love. Whether you choose a purebred or mixed breed, adopting from reputable sources and committing to responsible ownership will lead to a happy, healthy relationship between your family and your new best friend.