Medium-Sized Dog Breeds That Don't Shed (2026)

Medium-sized dogs hit the sweet spot — big enough to be sturdy hiking companions, small enough to curl up on the couch. When you combine that with a low-shedding coat, you get a dog that fits most lifestyles without the constant vacuuming. We pulled every medium breed (roughly 8–32 kg) from our database that scores 1/5 or 2/5 on our shedding scale. Here are the 12 best options, ranked from lowest to highest shedding.

1. Poodle (Standard)

The Poodle is the gold standard for non-shedding dogs — scoring just 1/5 on our shedding scale. Their dense, curly coat traps loose hair instead of dropping it on your floor, making them one of the most popular choices for allergy sufferers. At 18–32 kg, Standard Poodles are athletic, wickedly smart (5/5 intelligence), and far more rugged than their show-ring reputation suggests. They need regular professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, but the trade-off is virtually zero fur on your furniture. See how they stack up in our Goldendoodle vs Poodle comparison.

2. Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle inherits the Poodle's low-shedding coat (1/5) with the Golden Retriever's friendly, family-oriented temperament. Ranging from 14–30 kg depending on the cross, they're versatile enough for apartments or houses with yards. Goldendoodles score 5/5 for being good with kids and 4/5 for trainability, making them an excellent choice for families who want an affectionate, low-shedding companion. Their wavy to curly coat does require regular brushing to prevent matting.

3. Portuguese Water Dog

Originally bred to help Portuguese fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog (1/5 shedding) has a waterproof, hypoallergenic coat that barely sheds. At 16–27 kg, they're muscular and athletic with high energy levels — perfect for active owners who love swimming, hiking, or running. They became famous as the Obama family's White House dogs, chosen specifically because of their allergy-friendly coat. Expect high exercise needs and a dog that bonds deeply with its family.

4. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier lives up to its name with a silky, wheat-colored coat that sheds minimally (1/5). At 14–20 kg, Wheatens are happy, bouncy dogs known for their enthusiastic “Wheaten greeting” — expect to be jumped on with joy. They're great with kids (4/5) and have moderate exercise needs that most owners can easily meet. Their single coat requires daily brushing to keep it tangle-free, but you won't find tumbleweeds of fur around the house.

5. Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier sports a distinctive blue-gray coat that barely sheds (1/5). At 15–18 kg, they're compact yet sturdy, originally bred as Irish farm dogs for herding, guarding, and hunting. Kerries are spirited, intelligent, and loyal — but they can be strong-willed, so consistent training from puppyhood is important. Their soft, wavy coat needs trimming every 6–8 weeks to maintain its signature look.

6. Bedlington Terrier

Looking like a lamb but moving like a greyhound, the Bedlington Terrier (1/5 shedding) is one of the most unique-looking non-shedding breeds. At 8–10 kg, they're on the smaller end of medium but pack plenty of personality. Bedlingtons are gentle, playful, and surprisingly fast when they want to be. Their curly, crisp coat needs regular grooming but repays the effort by leaving virtually no hair on your clothes or furniture. They're also one of the quieter terrier breeds.

7. Tibetan Terrier

Despite the shaggy, floor-length coat, the Tibetan Terrier is a low-shedder at 2/5 on our scale. Weighing 8–14 kg, these ancient Tibetan companions were bred for monasteries and are calm, affectionate, and surprisingly adaptable. Their double coat does require regular brushing — ideally every other day — to prevent mats. But unlike heavy-shedding double-coated breeds, they release very little loose fur into your home. Tibetan Terriers are excellent family dogs who bond deeply with all household members.

8. Brittany

The Brittany proves that sporting dogs can be low-shedding too. Scoring 2/5 for shedding at 14–18 kg, Brittanys have a flat or wavy single coat that stays manageable with weekly brushing. They're high-energy athletes built for fieldwork, so they're best suited to active families who hike, run, or hunt. If you can match their exercise needs, a Brittany rewards you with unwavering loyalty and very little fur cleanup.

9. Vizsla

The sleek, rust-colored Vizsla (2/5 shedding) is a dream for active owners who hate fur on their clothes. At 18–27 kg, they have a short, smooth single coat with no undercoat, which means minimal shedding and almost no grooming required. Vizslas are nicknamed the “Velcro dog” because they want to be attached to you at all times. They need serious daily exercise — an hour minimum — but their clean, nearly odorless coat makes up for the energy commitment. Check our Vizsla feeding guide to plan their high-energy diet.

10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (2/5 shedding) is an often-overlooked low-maintenance choice. At 11–17 kg, Staffies have a short, smooth coat that needs nothing more than a weekly wipe-down. They're incredibly affectionate with families — especially children, earning them the nickname “the nanny dog.” Staffies score 5/5 for being good with kids and have moderate exercise needs that fit most lifestyles. Their short coat drops minimal fur and dries quickly after baths.

11. Bull Terrier

The egg-headed Bull Terrier (2/5 shedding) is a muscular medium breed at 22–32 kg. Their short, flat coat lies close to the body and sheds only lightly — a quick brush once a week is all they need. Bull Terriers are clownish, energetic, and endlessly entertaining. They're best for experienced owners who appreciate their strong personality and can provide firm, consistent training from day one.

12. Glen of Imaal Terrier

A rare but worthy pick, the Glen of Imaal Terrier (2/5 shedding) is a compact 14–18 kg terrier from Ireland. Their harsh, medium-length coat sheds minimally and only needs stripping a couple of times a year. Glens are calmer than most terriers — they don't need as much exercise and are content with moderate daily walks. They're loyal, courageous, and surprisingly gentle for a breed originally used for badger hunting.

Tips for Living With a Low-Shedding Dog

Low shedding doesn't mean zero maintenance. Most non-shedding breeds have hair that grows continuously (like human hair) rather than fur that cycles and sheds. This means:

• Regular grooming is essential — trapped loose hair can cause mats and skin issues if not brushed out
• Professional grooming costs more — budget $50–100 every 6–8 weeks for breeds like Poodles and Wheatens
• No dog is truly hypoallergenic — allergies are triggered by dander and saliva, not just fur. Low-shedding breeds spread less dander, reducing reactions for most people
• Coat type matters for climate — single-coated breeds like the Vizsla need jackets in winter, while double-coated Tibetan Terriers handle cold well

Find Your Perfect Low-Shedding Breed

Shedding level is just one factor in choosing a dog. Energy level, trainability, and temperament matter just as much. Take our Breed Finder Quiz to get a personalized recommendation based on your full lifestyle, or browse our least shedding breeds ranking to see all breeds sorted by shedding level. You can also compare any two breeds side by side to see exactly how they differ in shedding, grooming costs, and more.