Top 10 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Smell

Top 10 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Smell

Living with a dog shouldn’t mean living with constant fur tumbleweeds or strong pet odors. Fortunately, not all breeds leave a mess behind. Some dogs are naturally low-shedding and virtually odorless, making them the perfect companions for neat freaks, allergy sufferers, and busy owners alike.

These breeds require minimal grooming, don’t carry that typical “doggy smell,” and are generally easy to care for without sacrificing personality or charm. From the elegant and odor-free Whippet to hypoallergenic stars like the Poodle, Maltese, and Labradoodle, this list showcases ten breeds that are clean, cuddly, and perfect for modern living.

Whether you prefer a quiet, low-key dog like the Basenji or a small but sassy sidekick like the Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier, there’s a low-maintenance match for everyone. Clean, calm, and full of love—these are the top dog breeds that keep both your home and heart happy.

10. Whippet

The Whippet is the embodiment of grace and calm. Despite being one of the fastest dog breeds—capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour—this breed is surprisingly laid-back indoors.

Often called "couch potatoes in a greyhound body," Whippets love lounging as much as they love sprinting.

Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming and barely shed, making them ideal for clean, low-fuss households.

Whippets are also nearly odorless, which is a major bonus for pet parents sensitive to smells. Quiet by nature, they rarely bark and are typically gentle with children and respectful in multi-pet homes.

Their affectionate yet independent personality makes them a great match for first-time owners or families seeking a loving companion without all the mess.

• Shedding Level: Low – short, fine coat sheds minimally
• Smell Factor: Very low – naturally clean and almost odorless
• Grooming Needs: Occasional wipe-down, weekly brushing, minimal bathing
• Personality Snapshot: Gentle, calm indoors, affectionate, enjoys sprinting
• Perfect For: Apartment dwellers, families, low-activity homes
• Fun Fact: Despite their speed (up to 35 mph), Whippets love lounging and are nicknamed "40-mph couch potatoes.

9. Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is one of the most unique-looking dog breeds out there—and one of the most low-maintenance when it comes to shedding.

Available in two types—hairless and powderpuff—this breed is popular among allergy sufferers and those seeking a dog with minimal grooming demands.

The hairless variety has soft, exposed skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and feet, requiring sunscreen or moisturizer but little else. Powderpuffs need more coat care, but both types are extremely low-shedding and nearly odor-free.

Playful, affectionate, and deeply loyal, Chinese Cresteds form close bonds with their humans.

Their small size and easygoing nature make them ideal apartment dogs. They’re especially well-suited for owners who appreciate personality, uniqueness, and low upkeep in one quirky package.

• Shedding Level: Virtually none – especially the hairless variety
• Smell Factor: Very low – minimal fur means little odor retention
• Grooming Needs: Regular skin care for hairless types, weekly brushing for powderpuffs
• Personality Snapshot: Quirky, affectionate, playful, loves human companionship
• Perfect For: Allergy sufferers, those seeking a unique, loving lapdog
• Fun Fact: Though called Chinese, the breed may have origins in Africa or Central America.

8. Chihuahua

Tiny in size but big in personality, the Chihuahua is a low-maintenance dog that’s perfect for people on the go. With their smooth coats (though long-haired versions exist), grooming is a breeze—just a quick brush once or twice a week.

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, making them great for apartment living or travel-friendly lifestyles.

They shed minimally and rarely develop a strong doggy odor. Despite their dainty frame, Chihuahuas are known for their bravery, loyalty, and feisty spirit.

They’re highly alert, often acting as tiny watchdogs. Chihuahuas form strong bonds with their humans and thrive in quieter households or with a single devoted owner. If you’re looking for a pint-sized pet with a huge heart and low-maintenance needs, the Chihuahua is a winning choice.

• Shedding Level: Low – short-haired variety sheds very little
• Smell Factor: Low – doesn’t typically carry a strong odor
• Grooming Needs: Occasional brushing and nail trims, minimal bathing
• Personality Snapshot: Alert, spirited, loyal, confident in a tiny package
• Perfect For: Solo owners, apartment living, small dog lovers
• Fun Fact: One of the world’s smallest dog breeds, yet known for a “big dog” attitude.

7. Basenji

Often called “the barkless dog,” the Basenji is a fascinating and ancient breed known for its cat-like habits and independent spirit. Instead of barking, they produce a unique yodel-like sound, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments like apartments.

Their short, fine coat requires almost no grooming and sheds very little, while their cleanliness and lack of typical dog odor make them practically scent-free.

Basenjis groom themselves like cats and rarely require baths. Intelligent, curious, and somewhat aloof, they can be independent thinkers, but they're deeply loyal to their family.

While they may not be overly affectionate with strangers, Basenjis bond strongly with their humans. Perfect for someone who appreciates a quieter, cleaner, and more refined canine companion.

• Shedding Level: Very low – sleek, fine coat with minimal shedding
• Smell Factor: Exceptional – odor-free and grooms itself like a cat
• Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing with a rubber brush, almost no bathing
• Personality Snapshot: Independent, intelligent, quiet, reserved with strangers
• Perfect For: Quiet homes, allergy-sensitive owners, those who appreciate a unique dog
• Fun Fact: Instead of barking, the Basenji makes a yodel-like sound known as a “barroo.”

6. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a small dog with a big personality and minimal shedding. Their silky, human-like hair doesn’t shed like typical fur, which makes them a top choice for allergy sufferers and tidy homes.

Though their coats can grow long and luxurious, many owners opt for a “puppy cut” to make grooming easier.

Yorkies are energetic, affectionate, and highly adaptable to city or apartment life. They’re fiercely loyal and enjoy being close to their humans, often attaching themselves to one family member in particular.

Despite their petite stature, Yorkies are brave and bold, never backing down from a challenge. Their minimal shedding, combined with a confident personality and a dash of sass, make them both charming and easy to manage.

• Shedding Level: Very low – hair is more like human hair than fur
• Smell Factor: Low – doesn’t develop strong odors with regular grooming
• Grooming Needs: Regular brushing, optional short trims for low maintenance
• Personality Snapshot: Confident, affectionate, brave, very people-oriented
• Perfect For: Apartment living, small spaces, those seeking a stylish lapdog
• Fun Fact: Yorkies were originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills during the Industrial Revolution.

5. Dachshund

The Dachshund, affectionately known as the “wiener dog,” is a small breed with a surprisingly bold and determined spirit. Available in smooth, long-haired, or wire-haired varieties, the smooth-coated Dachshund is especially low-maintenance.

Their short hair sheds minimally and requires little grooming, making them a great fit for busy owners.

Dachshunds are intelligent and curious, with a strong prey drive that dates back to their original role as badger hunters. Despite their hunting roots, they’re also affectionate lap dogs who enjoy cuddling with their favorite people.

Loyal to a fault, they can be protective, especially around strangers. With their unique appearance, lovable attitude, and manageable coat, the Dachshund remains a popular choice for dog lovers seeking both personality and practicality.

• Shedding Level: Low – especially in the smooth-coated variety
• Smell Factor: Low – naturally clean and requires minimal bathing
• Grooming Needs: Occasional brushing, nail trimming, and ear care
• Personality Snapshot: Curious, clever, loyal, and playful
• Perfect For: Families, smaller living spaces, those wanting a quirky companion
• Fun Fact: Known as the “wiener dog,” their long body was bred for hunting badgers and burrowing animals.

4. Labradoodle

The Labradoodle a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle—is a designer dog breed that's become wildly popular for good reason.

Combining the intelligence and trainability of the Poodle with the loyalty and friendliness of the Labrador, this breed is often hypoallergenic and low-shedding, especially when it inherits more of the Poodle’s curly coat.

Labradoodles come in various sizes and coat types, but many shed very little and don’t carry a strong doggy odor. Friendly, outgoing, and great with children, they thrive in active households.

Their easygoing nature and trainability make them excellent therapy dogs as well. While regular grooming is needed to prevent mats in curly-coated Labradoodles, their low-shedding coat and sweet disposition more than make up for it.

They're a perfect match for allergy-prone families wanting an affectionate and intelligent dog.

• Shedding Level: Very low (especially with curlier Poodle-like coats)
• Smell Factor: Low – coat resists odor when properly maintained
• Grooming Needs: Brushing several times a week, grooming every 6–8 weeks
• Personality Snapshot: Friendly, outgoing, intelligent, great with kids
• Perfect For: Allergy-prone families, active homes, therapy or service dog roles
• Fun Fact: Originally bred in Australia as a hypoallergenic guide dog.

3. Maltese

With its snow-white coat and gentle nature, the Maltese is one of the most beloved small dog breeds for families and seniors alike.

Their soft, silky hair doesn’t shed much and is considered hypoallergenic, making them a great option for those with allergies.

Although their coat requires daily brushing to avoid tangles, many owners opt for a shorter trim to reduce grooming time. Maltese dogs are calm, affectionate, and love nothing more than cuddling in your lap. Despite their dainty appearance, they are quite brave and alert.

They thrive in apartment living and prefer a stable, quiet environment with lots of human attention. Their minimal odor and manageable grooming routine make them a favorite among those who want a clean, loyal, and loving companion.

• Shedding Level: Very low – hypoallergenic hair, not fur
• Smell Factor: Excellent – naturally clean and rarely produces odor
• Grooming Needs: Daily brushing (or a short cut), regular grooming every 6–8 weeks
• Personality Snapshot: Sweet-natured, affectionate, brave, devoted
• Perfect For: Seniors, apartment dwellers, those seeking a small, loving companion
• Fun Fact: This ancient breed dates back thousands of years and was often a treasured lapdog of royalty.

2. Shih Tzu

Originally bred for Chinese royalty, the Shih Tzu brings elegance, charm, and companionship to any home. Though they have a long, flowing coat, Shih Tzus don’t shed much and are considered hypoallergenic. Many owners keep their coat trimmed for easier maintenance.

With a sweet temperament and a strong desire to please, they get along well with children, seniors, and other pets.

Shih Tzus are indoor dogs through and through they prefer cozy laps to long hikes. Their small size and low energy needs make them excellent for apartment living.

While grooming can be part of the routine, their gentle nature, minimal shedding, and loyal personality make it a worthwhile tradeoff. They’re the perfect mix of beauty and low-maintenance behavior.

• Shedding Level: Very low – hair is like human hair and falls out minimally
• Smell Factor: Low – when properly groomed, they’re nearly odorless
• Grooming Needs: Daily brushing or short puppy cut; grooming every 4–6 weeks
• Personality Snapshot: Friendly, affectionate, regal, easygoing
• Perfect For: Families, seniors, indoor living
• Fun Fact: Shih Tzus were bred to be lapdogs for Chinese emperors and were considered sacred palace pets.

1. Poodle

The Poodle ranks number one for good reason. Whether you choose a Toy, Miniature, or Standard variety, Poodles are renowned for their intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic coat.

Their tightly curled fur traps loose hairs, meaning they shed very little and don’t produce much dander or odor. While professional grooming is required every 4–6 weeks to keep their coat in shape, their overall cleanliness makes them ideal for allergy sufferers.

Poodles are also extremely adaptable they do well in apartments or houses, and they enjoy both quiet time and energetic play. Incredibly smart and eager to please, they excel in obedience and agility training.

Poodles are not only beautiful and brainy but also one of the easiest breeds to live with when it comes to maintenance. Their versatility and elegance make them a truly top-tier companion.

• Shedding Level: Minimal – curly coat traps loose hairs
• Smell Factor: Very low – doesn't produce typical doggy odor
• Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing, professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
• Personality Snapshot: Intelligent, adaptable, eager to please, hypoallergenic
• Perfect For: Allergy sufferers, first-time dog owners, families of all sizes
• Fun Fact: The classic Poodle cut was originally designed to help them swim efficiently while protecting vital organs in cold water.

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional veterinary or medical advice. While the dog breeds listed are generally known for low shedding and minimal odor, individual dogs may vary due to factors such as genetics, health, grooming routines, and environment.

Always consult with a veterinarian or certified breeder when selecting a breed to ensure it matches your lifestyle, allergy sensitivities, and care expectations. Additionally, no dog is completely hypoallergenic or maintenance-free regular grooming, veterinary checkups, and a healthy diet are essential for every breed.