Non-Shedding Small House Dogs
With the exception of few hairless breeds, all dogs shed. Even the hairless breeds are not completely hairless, as some small bits of hair can be found in a couple of locations. Many dogs, however, are considered to be non-shedding or low-shedding dogs and are good companions for people who have allergies or simply do not like cleaning up after dog hair. Non- or low-shedding dogs fall under four categories: Hairless, non-shedding, low-shedding and hypoallergenic.
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Hairless Dogs
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Hairless dogs, with the exception of a small tuft on the top of their head and the tips of their tail, are completely hairless. The list of hairless breeds includes the Chinese crested, the Mexican hairless, the Peruvian hairless and the American hairless terrier, which is a relatively new breed of dog that was developed from the hairless rat terrier. All four of these dogs are small breeds. Although these dogs are basically hairless, the do produce skin cells and saliva, which is where some allergic reactions to dogs are developed.
Non-Shedding Dogs
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There are two distinct style of dogs that fall under the non-shedding breed category: those that have long hair that continues to grow but does not fall out or shed and those that have rough-coated fur that does not fall out but needs to be cut as well. Small dogs that fall under the non-shedding category include the Bedlington terrier, bichon frise, maltese, poodle (the teacup and toy versions), shih tzu, West Highland white terrier and the Yorkshire terrier. All of these dogs should be brushed and may lose some hair when brushed but, in general, do not shed unless they develop a health issue, such as a pest infestation. They should also be taken the dog groomer's once or twice per year to have their hair trimmed.
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Low-Shedding Dogs
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Dogs that are considered to be low-shedding dogs will shed, but the shedding can be controlled with weekly brushings and occasional trips to the dog groomer. Small dogs that are considered to be low-shedding dogs are the basenji, Italian greyhound, kerry blue terrier, schnauzer and whippet.
Hypoallergenic Dogs
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In addition to the dogs listed previously, there are a number of small dogs who shed somewhat, but are considered to be hypoallergenic, so that, with frequent grooming, there would be limited shedding from them and they would be suitable for anyone with allergies. Small dogs that are considered to be hypoallergenic include the affenpinscher, Australia terrier, Bolognese, Brussels griffon, Cairn terrier, Cesky terrier, Coton de Tulear, dandie dinmont terrier, Glen of Imaal terrier, and the norfolk terrier. It is also worth noting that mixed breeding involving any of these dogs would also be considered hypoallergenic and either low-shedding or non-shedding.
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References
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