Non-Shedding, Small / Med. Dogs - Any breed suggestions?

United States
May 6, 2007 8:42pm CST
I would like a small dog that doesn't shed! I want a upbeat dog, not too cat like, but also not hyper. I kind of like Westies but don't know much about the breed. I've got a schnauzer, who I love dearly, but a bit too barky and hyper. I'm trying to think ahead for when I'm an old lady.
2 responses
@breepeace (3014)
• Canada
7 May 07
Basenji - The bark-less breed
There is no such thing as a "totally" non-shedding dog. All dogs shed at least a little hair at one time or another, as do humans. There are however dogs that shed very little hair. There are a few 'hair-less' breeds (although they still have small amounts of hair) like the Xoloitzcuintli (also known as the Xolo, comes in Toy, Miniature and Standard varieties, but also comes in a coated variety), Chinese Cresteds (also come in a coated or 'Powderpuff' variety), the American Hairless Terrier (originally a variant of a Rat Terrier) and the Peruvian Inca Orchid (can also come coated), but I personally think most have a face only a mother could love. There's no accounting for taste though, you might like them.:) Some breeds, known as hypoallergenic breeds for their decreased tendency to cause allergies: * Chinese Crested (Powder Puff) * Basenjis * Poodles (all sizes) * Schnauzers (all sizes) * Portuguese Water Dog * Bichon Frise * Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier * Coton de Tulear * Kerry Blue Terrier * West Highland White Terrier * Bedlington Terrier Although there are more if you look online for 'hypoallergenic dogs'. From what you say, my recommendation would be a basenji. Basenjis do not bark. They will, however, give the occasional single "woof." They also chortle, whine, squeal, howl, and make a Basenji-specific noise called a yodel or a baroo. Some Basenji screams, during times of distress such as being locked up, have been compared to the scream of a woman, the crow of a rooster; essentially, their ability runs the gamut of vocalizations. Though they do not bark, they are quite capable of making their voices heard. Basenjis are fastidious about their personal grooming, even washing themselves with their paws as cats do. Like cats, most Basenjis have a strong dislike for contact with water, and will go to great lengths to avoid getting wet. On the other hand, they are extremely inquisitive dogs, and can temporarily be completely oblivious to the pouring rain if something piques their interest. Basenjis are highly intelligent and learn quickly, but they also have a cat-like independence and "self-motivation" which can make them somewhat casual about obedience. A healthy Basenji is a mischievous and good-humored animal, and is not above testing the limits of its environment and owner just for sport. They can be aloof with strangers but form strong bonds with their owners. If not supervised or trained properly, Basenjis can become bored and destructive when left alone. Basenjis are also expert climbers, and have been known to scale chain-link fences as much as eight feet high. Basenjis also have a very strong sense of territory, and they consider their home plus the whole area where they are regularly walked their territory. Because of this, they can be very hostile towards other dogs in those areas.
@breepeace (3014)
• Canada
7 May 07
Oh, I forgot to add, they stand between 15-17 inches at the withers and weigh about 20-24 lbs so they are a small dog.
• United States
7 May 07
She got it right. . there is no such thing as a non-shedding dog! Even the hairless dogs will produce some body hair, much like human arm hair and while it doesn't have a seasonal shed, the hair DOES come out. Basenjis are a pretty challenging little breed, not for someone who is not willing to stay on top of them. They are not dogs for people who love obedience, either. They suffer from what I like to call "Selective Hearing" . . basically they have a 50% recall, sit, stay, etc. Rather independent little guys, not completely uncatlike, but a rather unusual little dog. We were priviledged to have one in our house for 6 months before my mother just could not stand it anymore and my sister had to find a new juniors dog. He then went on to become a Best in Show winner. Guess she should have been a little more patient about his antics, huh? If you are not allergic to dogs, then you shouldn't be bothered by any of the curly or terrier coats. They will shed some hair, but with proper grooming you can ensure that it won't be all over your uphostery.
1 person likes this
@msmell (1378)
• Australia
7 May 07
Pugs are a very small dog but they shed loads of hair so i wouldn't advice you to buy one of them, have to vacuum all the time! And even though my dog isn't allowed to get on the couch it is always covered in hair as well it seems to float everywhere.... erhhh...