Although there are many upsides to owning a dog, without a doubt there are some real negatives.
When dog owners respond to surveys asking them what some of the biggest disadvantages of owning a dog are, the mess created by dog haired is mentioned a lot.
As an owner of Golden Retrievers, I know what it is like to fight a losing battle with dog hair!
But if there is something that is worse than cleaning up hair, it must be cleaning up after dog drool.
At least if I can dog brush hair off my trousers.
Dog drool would take a change of wardrobe!
I have compiled a list of nine dog breeds that don’t shed or drool.
And so let’s get stuck into the first teeny tiny breed.
Maltese
If you are fed up of cleaning drooling spots and dog hair off your clothes the Maltese could be the perfect dog for you.
The Maltese is a lovely long haired little companion. Although adult males only tend to grow to an average of 9 inches (25cm) in height and only weigh around 6 lbs (3 Kilos) they provide enough sprite and vigor to keep up with bigger dogs!
Although named after the island of Malta, it is most likely that the origins of the dog begin in Italy (however some even claim that the dog is actually of Asian origin!)
You will usually find Maltese dogs in pure white color, however in some rare cases you may see light tan or lemon color around the ears. Rather than having fur, the Maltese has a single coat of hair which means that malting is minimal.
Although lively and playful, the Maltese is also very loving and affectionate. These features make the Maltese an ideal furry companion.
Shih Tzu
The name Shih Tzu translates to Little Lion, however make no mistake this adorable little dog is most certainly a lover not a fighter. Those of you looking for a guard dog should perhaps look elsewhere!
Generations of people dating back to Ancient times have enjoyed the Shih Tzu as a cuddly companion. The Shih Tzu also makes an amazing fun family pet, despite not being the most obedient they have an amazing ability to read human emotions.
The Shih Tzu comes in a variety of different colors including black, black and white, gray and white, or red and white. Shih Tzu’s with a white tipped tail and a white blaze on the forehead are particularly sought after by fans of the breed. Similar to the Maltese, the Shih Tzu’s coat is made from hair not fur, which means that shedding is usually minimal.
Standing at only 9-10 inches tall and weighing only 9-16lbs, the Shih Tzu could be the perfect pet for those of you who live in apartments or smaller homes.
Brussels Griffon
These loyal, alert and curious creatures can make great canine companions which don’t require too much clean up depending on the type you get.
With it’s irresistible human like eyes, the Brussels Griffon is a favourite for a reason. Griff’s typically come in four colors red, black, beige and black and tan. You also have the option for a smooth coat or a rough coat, however unlike the rough coat, the smooth coat does shed hair.
Big things do truly come in small packages, for a dog that only typically weighs between 5-15 lbs (4-5kgs) and grows to 9-11 inches (230 – 280cm) the Brussels Griffon packs tons of personality and character.
The Griff has a truly distinctive look. With it’s distinctive black muzzle and whiskers, the dog was often referred to as the bearded dog in old folk songs.
Along with being very sociable, Griff’s are also very intelligent and can be trained easily. The Griff is perfect for affectionate owners as they don’t like to be left alone for too long!
Portuguese Water Dog
Another great option for those wanting a dog which requires very little clean up. Known locally in Portugal as Cao de Agua (dog of the water), these dogs at one point in time served on Portuguese fishing boats in the Atlantic, helping to retrieve lost gear along with herding fish into nets. Their webbed feet make them great swimmers, hence the name waterdog.
These days the Portuguese Water dog is perhaps best represented by Bo Obama, the former first dog of the USA!
Portuguese Water dogs can grow to be about 19 inches tall (50cm) and weigh around 60lbs (27kg). Porties can come in two different coat types, curly and wavy. The Portie’s coat comes in black, white, brown, or black or brown with white. As the dog is considered a hypoallergenic dog by many, he doesn’t shed very much at all.
With their calm temperament and incredible intelligence, the Portuguese Water dog is a brilliant companion. Porties are ideal for active families who live nearby bodies of water as they do love a good swim. Although porties are very active dogs, they tend to be very well behaved at home and obedient.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
An easy going fun loving terrier, the Soft Wheaten Dog makes an excellent family pet or first time pet, they also make superb therapy dogs.
Although the dog doesn’t malt, their fur does require a lot of grooming. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers can also be a bit more disobedient than other dogs on this list, however they are much more obedient than other terrier breeds. A couple of short walks and play sessions a day should be enough to tire them out.
Wheatens tend to grow to about 17-19 inches (43 – 48cm) tall and can weigh up to 40 lbs (18kgs) as an adult. Wheatens come in pretty much any shade of Wheaten, from pale beige to gold.
Wheatens originate from Ireland, they often worked as farm dogs meaning that they are very versatile dogs, well suited to both the city and countryside. They have huge personalities and will always be there to greet you at the door.
Basenji
These excellent hunting dogs originated in the Congo, where they were originally used to assist in luring out small game for hunters and acting as pest control for villages. Known locally as the barkless dog due to their reluctance to bark or growl.
Their intelligence and good nature also means that they can make excellent addition to your family or home!
Basenjis are very clean dogs who drool very little and can make great apartment pets and can even be great dogs for first time pet parents. Due to the Basenji’s short fine hair, any shedding is not very noticeable at all compared to other dogs. That said, they are very energetic so you will need to be able to keep up with them and take them on plenty of walks.
Basenjis can grow to be about 17 inches (43cm) and weigh 24 lbs (10kgs.) The dog’s coat tends to be short and can be chestnut red, black, tricolor (black and chestnut), or brindle along with white feet and chest.
Bouvier Des Flandres
The name Bouvier Des Flandres translates roughly into Cowherd of Flanders. This courageous and strong willed workdog also has a softer more affectionate side. With an impressive build these dogs can pretty much do any farmyard tasks that you can throw at them. That said, they also possess great intelligence and can be very charming.
The Bouvier Des Flandres can grow to be 24 Inches (60cm) tall and can weigh up to 110 lbs (49kg.) It’s coat comes in fawn, brindle, black, grey or blonde. Whilst the Bouvier doesn’t shed much, he does require a fair bit of grooming to keep his coat looking neat and tidy.
Originating from Flanders, a principality which used to include parts of modern day France, Belgium and the Netherlands, Bouviers would work as herders, watch dogs and cart pullers proving themselves very effective farm dogs. During World Wars 1 and 2 the breed very nearly went extinct due to the devastation of Europe, however the breed was kept alive by European expats who had relocated to the USA. In modern times Bouvier’s can now be seen working as police K-9 units and guide dogs for the blind.
Standard Schnauzer
Schnauzer’s were originally bred to be German farmdogs, ratters and guard dogs. That said, the Standard Schnauzer has proved to be a very versatile dog and an excellent companion.
Although highly intelligent, Schnauzer’s are perhaps best suited to more experienced dog parents due to their territorial and stubborn nature. Although they can be sometimes quite cheeky, Shnauzers learn very quickly and can make excellent therapy dogs. They are also great with children making them suitable family dogs. That said, if you give them an inch they will take a mile so you will need to be on the ball!
These medium sized working dogs tend to grow to be about 1 foot 8 inches (50cm) and can weigh up to 50lbs (22kg.) The schnauzer carries itself with a high amount of confidence. They are very athletic dogs and often excel in sports. The Schnauzer’s smaller size also means that they can make excellent rescue dogs as they can reach areas that larger dogs cannot get to.
The Standard Schnauzer proved to be so intelligent and useful (not to mention handsome!) that they inspired other breeds to try to duplicate the success in different sizes with the Miniature Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer.
Schnauzer’s typically have stiff coats which don’t really shed, they come in pepper and salt or pure black. They are also fortunate enough to not emit any notable odours.
Chinese Crested Dog
Despite his name there is actually no evidence that these dogs actually originated in China, in fact very similar dogs can also be found in South America!
A lively and energetic dog, the Chinese Crested comes in both a hairless and powderpuff varieties, both require high maintenance. Although both hairless, and powderpuff Chinse Crested dogs are considered low shedders, they are not considered truly hypoallergenic. Chinese Cresteds can grow to about 13 inches (33cm) and can weigh about 12lbs (5kg.)
The hairless Chinese Crested Dog is especially nice to cuddle up to as his lack of body hair increases the amount of heat that he can give off. That said, the hairless Crested dogs do need additional protection against extreme temperatures as his skin is sensitive to both the hot and cold.
