Are you looking for a new puppy who sheds the least but also is perfect for a family with kids?
I have curated the best list of dog breeds who rank the lowest on the shedding scale and the highest on being great with kids. These dogs are ideal for families and won’t require you to purchase a lint roller to remove their hair from your clothes.
Let’s get started!
Shedless Dogs Who Are Perfect For Families With Kids
If you’re considering adding a new puppy to your family, especially for your child, this is the ultimate list to begin with. Although not all of these dogs are hypoallergenic, you won’t have to worry about them leaving hairballs on your work clothes as you go about your day.
It is worth mentioning that the Poodle breed is represented three times in this list, as there are three distinct Poodle breeds officially recognized by the American Kennel Club: the Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Toy Poodle.
This is the definitive and conclusive list of dog breeds that have a low shedding level and are highly kid-friendly. I thoroughly researched all the breeds to gather this information.
Below is the list of minimal shedding, family-friendly dog breeds…
Top 10 Shedless Dogs Who Are Perfect For Families:
- American Hairless Terriers
- Australian Terriers
- Bichons Frises
- Standard Poodle
- Miniature Poodle
- Toy Poodle
- Shih Tzu
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
- Standard Schnauzers
- Yorkshire Terriers
American Hairless Terriers
This breed is a great choice for families with kids who have allergies. They are affectionate, playful, and friendly and adore human companionship. Plus, with their lack of hair and drooling, this breed is considered hypoallergic by the AKC.
American Hairless Terriers are always up for a game with their beloved family members. The breed is intelligent, quick learners, and relatively easy to train. Surprisingly, they originated in Louisiana in the 1970s as a natural occurrence of a rat terrier who happened to be born hairless. Through selective breeding, the American Hairless Terrier is now its own breed.
| American Hairless Terrier Facts | |
| Height | 12 – 16 inches |
| Weight | 12 – 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 14 – 16 years |
| Shedding Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Good With Children | 5 out of 5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5 out of 5 |
| Drooling Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Barking Level | 3 out of 5 |
| Coat Type | Hairless |
| Coat Length | Short |
American Hairless Terrier – Video
Watch this video below for some amazing facts about the American Hairless Terrier breed.
Australian Terriers
Australian Terriers are a top choice for families due to their minimal shedding and kid-friendly nature. They are playful, cheerful, and form strong bonds with their family. Originally bred as pest controllers in Australia, they excel at eradicating rodents and snakes.
| Australian Terrier Facts | |
| Height | 10 – 11 inches |
| Weight | 15 – 20 pounds |
| Average Life Span | 11 – 15 years |
| Shedding Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Good With Children | 5 out of 5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 3 out of 5 |
| Drooling Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Barking Level | 5 out of 5 |
| Coat Type | Wiry |
| Coat Length | Short |
Australian Terrier – Video
Discover more about the Australian Terrier breed in the video below.
Bichons Frises
Bichon Frises are an excellent choice for families seeking a low-shedding dog that doesn’t drool excessively. The Bichon is another breed considered hypoallergic by the AKC.
Bichons form strong bonds with their families and are always ready to join in family activities. Despite their small size, Bichon Frises are known for their outstanding agility and excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and rally. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them a wonderful companion for any family.
| Bichon Frise Facts | |
| Height | 9.5 – 11.5 inches |
| Weight | 12 – 18 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 14 – 15 years |
| Shedding Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Good With Children | 5 out of 5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5 out of 5 |
| Drooling Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Barking Level | 3 out of 5 |
| Coat Type | Double, Curly |
| Coat Length | Long |
Bichon Frise – Video
Get to know more about the Bichon Frise breed in the video below.
Are you trying to surprise your kids with a new puppy? If so check out these ways you can surprise them – 14 Best Ways To Surprise A Child With A PUPPY!
Standard Poodle
Like their miniature and toy counterparts, Standard Poodles have low shedding and drooling tendencies, making them hypoallergenic and suitable for families who want to maintain a clean home environment. Their dense, curly coat grows similar to human hair, resulting in infrequent shedding—the ideal choice for families who value tidiness.
Standard Poodles, often overlooked, are versatile and adaptable. Originally bred as water retrievers, their name comes from the German word “Pudeln,” meaning “to splash.” With agility, intelligence, and excellent swimming ability, they excel at various tasks beyond companionship.
| Poodle (Standard) Facts | |
| Height | over 15 inches (standard) |
| Weight | 60 – 70 pounds (male standard)40 – 50 pounds (female standard) |
| Average Life Span | 10 – 18 years |
| Shedding Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Good With Children | 5 out of 5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5 out of 5 |
| Drooling Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Barking Level | 4 out of 5 |
| Coat Type | Curly |
| Coat Length | Long |
Standard Poodle – Video
Discover more about the Standard Poodle breed in the video below.
Miniature Poodle
Miniature poodles possess similar traits regarding shedding, drooling, and affection towards children and families. Unlike the standard poodle, the miniature poodle was specifically bred to be a smaller companion animal.
| Poodle (Miniature) Facts | |
| Height | 10 – 15 inches |
| Weight | 10 – 15 pounds |
| Average Life Span | 10 – 18 years |
| Shedding Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Good With Children | 5 out of 5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5 out of 5 |
| Drooling Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Barking Level | 4 out of 5 |
| Coat Type | Curly |
| Coat Length | Long |
Miniature Poodle – Video
Learn more about the Miniature Poodle breed in the video below.
Toy Poodle
Much like their miniature counterparts, toy poodles possess the same characteristics and qualities as standard poodles. However, these delightful creatures are tiny, irresistibly cute, and adorable!
If you are seeking a tiny hypoallergenic breed that is excellent with children and brings love to the entire family, then the toy poodle is the perfect choice for you.
| Poodle (Toy) Facts | |
| Height | No more than 10 inches |
| Weight | 4 – 6 pounds |
| Average Life Span | 10 – 18 years |
| Shedding Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Good With Children | 5 out of 5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5 out of 5 |
| Drooling Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Barking Level | 4 out of 5 |
| Coat Type | Curly |
| Coat Length | Long |
Toy Poodle – Video
Learn more about the Toy Poodle breed in the video below.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are an ideal choice for families seeking a four-legged companion with longer hair and minimal shedding. Not only do they have low shedding, but they also exhibit minimal drooling. Furthermore, they are excellent with children and wholeheartedly express their affection towards the entire family.
An intriguing fact about the Shih Tzu breed is their royal heritage. Originating from China, they were bred for companionship in royal courts and were highly prized. The name ‘Shih Tzu’ translates to ‘lion dog’, a testament to their royal lineage and courageous spirit.
| Shih Tzu Facts | |
| Height | 9 – 10.5 inches |
| Weight | 9 – 16 pounds |
| Average Life Span | 10 -18 years |
| Shedding Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Good With Children | 5 out of 5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5 out of 5 |
| Drooling Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Barking Level | 3 out of 5 |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Long |
Shih Tzu – Video
Discover more about the Shih Tzu breed in the video below.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
If your family desires a dog breed with silky hair and minimal shedding, then the Soft Coated Wheaten is the perfect choice for you. Plus, by the AKC, they are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.
A lesser-known fact about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is their Irish lineage. This breed was originally bred in Ireland as an all-purpose farm dog, performing a variety of tasks from herding to hunting, demonstrating their versatility and intelligence.
| Soft Coated Wheaten Facts | |
| Height | 18 – 19 inches (male)17 – 18 inches (female) |
| Weight | 35 – 40 pounds (male)30 – 35 pounds (female) |
| Average Life Span | 12 -14 years |
| Shedding Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Good With Children | 5 out of 5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5 out of 5 |
| Drooling Level | 2 out of 5 |
| Barking Level | 3 out of 5 |
| Coat Type | Wavy, Silky |
| Coat Length | Medium |
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier – Video
Get to know more about the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed in the video below.
Standard Schnauzers
If you’re seeking a medium-sized dog breed that is low-shedding and excellent with both family and kids, the Standard Schnauzer is a remarkable choice to consider. In Germany, the Standard Schnauzer is referred to as the Mittelschnauzer, which translates to “medium Schnauzer” in English since there is a miniature and giant size. This dog breed is considered hypoallergenic.
Standard Schnauzers have a fascinating origin as versatile working dogs from Germany. Behind their dignified appearance lies a breed with a rich history and functionality. Originally bred for herding, guarding, and ratting, they possess not only the qualities of a great family pet but also a remarkable skillset.
| Standard Schnauzer Facts | |
| Height | 18.5 – 19.5 inches (male)17.5 – 18.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 35 – 50 pounds (male)30 – 45 pounds (female) |
| Average Life Span | 13 – 16 years |
| Shedding Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Good With Children | 5 out of 5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5 out of 5 |
| Drooling Level | 3 out of 5 |
| Barking Level | 3 out of 5 |
| Coat Type | Wiry, Double |
| Coat Length | Medium |
Standard Schnauzer – Video
Get to know more about the Standard Schnauzer breed in the video below.
Yorkshire Terriers
If you desire a small dog breed that doesn’t shed or drool excessively, the Yorkie is an excellent choice, second only to the Toy Poodle. These affectionate dogs are great with families and can handle the lively nature of children.
A lesser-known fact about Yorkshire Terriers is their origins as a working-class dog breed. Despite their petite size and high-end image today, Yorkies were originally bred for catching rats in clothing mills in the 19th century, showcasing their tenacity and courage.
| Yorkshire Terrier Facts | |
| Height | 7 – 8 inches |
| Weight | 7 pounds |
| Average Life Span | 11 – 15 years |
| Shedding Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Good With Children | 5 out of 5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5 out of 5 |
| Drooling Level | 1 out of 5 |
| Barking Level | 4 out of 5 |
| Coat Type | Silky |
| Coat Length | Long |
Yorkshire Terrier – Video
Get to know more about the Yorkshire Terrier breed in the video below.
Do you want a hypoallergenic dog breed? Check out these adorably tiny dog breeds – 15 Best Small & Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Under 30 lbs (With Photos)
Are shedless dogs truly hypoallergenic?
While many dogs are marketed as hypoallergenic, it’s important to understand that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic. These breeds are simply less likely to trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
The term ‘hypoallergenic’ is often used for dog breeds that shed less because it’s not the dog’s hair itself but the attached dander (or skin cells) that can cause allergic reactions. Dogs that don’t shed much spread less dander, reducing the chance of allergies. However, reactions can vary, so it’s wise to spend time with a dog before bringing one home if allergies are a concern.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed this complete list of kid-friendly shedless dogs. Would you like assistance finding dogs more suitable for your kids? If so, you should check out this article, We ranked every dog breed in the American Kennel Club (over 200 dogs breeds) on how kid-friendly they are – Best Dog Breeds For Kids Ranked: Find The Best Of 199+ Puppies!
Would you like to explore a comprehensive list of dog breeds and their rankings in terms of shedding? Check out this article – Find Your Perfect Low-Shedding Pup – We Ranked All 201 Dog Breeds!