Dog Grooming Hints

It is worth noting that in the Kingdom of Canines, there is no such thing as a dog that does not shed fur. Every dog, despite its breed, sheds fur. However, much to the delight of those with pet allergies, there are a list of dogs who shed such little fur compared to other breeds that they are commonly referred to as “non-moulting dogs”.

Such breeds of dog renowned for their “non-moulting” abilities include the Bichon Frise, Bedlington Terrior, Poodle, Labradoodle, Cockapoo, Itlaian Greyhound, Airedale Terrier, the Miniature and Giant Schnauzer, Kerry Blue Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier and all breeds of hairless dogs, to name but a few!

The advantages of owning a “non-moulting” dog far outweigh the few disadvantages. Firstly, owning such a dog ensures that you, as the owner, will never have the dreaded task of endlessly cleaning up shed dog hairs which have a rather annoying habit of awkwardly placing themselves between carpet fibres!

Those with allergic reactions to animal fur may also find a “non-moulting” breed results in no or very little allergic response. This is because when no or very little hairs are shed, less allergens from the hairs’ proteins are released into the air. This is good news for those canine enthusiasts who, unfortunately for their allergy to pet allergens, are unable to own a dog as a household pet.

However, whilst “non-moulting” breeds are very practical from these points of view, one must bear in mind that these breeds require a more intense grooming regime than other breeds. This is because “non-moulting” fur is more likely to matt than fur which regularly moults. The Bichon Frise, for example, requires a once-daily brush over, as well as frequent trims. Curly-haired dogs, such as The Bichon Frise and Poodle, are more susceptible to tangles, which is not dissimilar to human hair. “Non-moulting” breeds are best suited to regular trips to the grooming parlour, unless the dog owner is very experienced in canine grooming. Regular grooming sessions can inevitably be quite costly, and so it is best to consider this before purchasing a “non-moulting” breed of dog.

In conclusion, “non-moulting” dogs make ideal pets for those prone to allergies, as well as those who do not particularly have the time or desire to continuously clean up shed dog hairs. The “non-moulting” breeds previously mentioned are also delightful breeds both in looks and in character. From the undeniably “adorable” traits of the Yorkshire Terrier through to the loyal, intelligent personality that is the Labradoodle, there is a “non-moulting” breed to suit very budding dog owner everywhere.

This might come as a big surprise, but dogs shed. Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim and dogs gotta shed. All dogs shed (even the mostly hairless ones). But some breeds of dog shed a lot less than others. These tend to be dogs with a harsh feeling or curly coat.

Poodle Types

Any breed or half-breed that leans heavily on Poodle ancestry will not shed very much. However, the dead hair just stays on the dog. If not clipped every one to two months, their coats will become horrifying. They get so matted and tangled that the dog can get sick from dirty coats. These breeds are, thankfully, very trainable and eager to please.

Breeds include all three types of Poodles, the Bichon Frise, the Bedlington Terrier,the Irish Water Spaniel and the Portugese Water Dog. Designer or hybrid dog types include Chi-poo, Cockapoo, Malti-Poo, Pekeapoo, Labradoodle and the Schnoodle.

Schnauzer Types

In this case, Schnauzer type dogs have coats that have the same characteristics of the Standard and Miniature Schnauzer harsh topcoat and a dense undercoat and very little shedding. You don’t have to clip Schnauzer types, but their coats need to be stripped twice a year (preferably in spring and fall). You need a professional dog groomer to do this or you will have one angry doggy.

Breeds include (of course) the Schnauzers, the Brussels Griffon, the Airedale Terrier and the Affenpinscher.

Hairless Types

There’s hardly any hair at all on these dogs, but they often grow fine hair on their heads and tails that does minor shedding. Still, there’s not that much to shed. Breeds include the Chinese Crested Hairless, the Mexican Hairless (officially known as the Xoloitzcuintle) and the American Hairless Terrier. A controversial designer dog breed that seems to be gaining in popularity is crossing Chihuahuas with Chinese Cresteds (which can often result in deformed mouths).

Dreadlock Types

The coats on these dogs don’t shed onto your clothes or furniture, because they stay on the dog. They grow coats of very long dreadlocks (which look identical to human dreadlocks). Breeds include the Hungarian Puli and the Komondor.

Terrier Types

There are a lot of little terriers who shed very little, and not just because there’s less body area to grow hair. Their coats usually grow extremely long and should be clipped annually (unless their being showed). They sometimes have a double layered coat. People with allergies to dog dander tend to do well with these types of dogs.

Breeds include the Cairn Terrier, the Lowchen, the West Highland White Terrier, the Tibetan Terrier, the Lhasa Apso, the Shih-Tzu, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Silky Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.