7 Least Shedding Dog Breeds for Indian Homes

A dog’s coat protects them from the environment outside and maintains their body temperature. Shedding is a natural way for dogs to get rid of old and damaged hair. Although it is largely a natural process and happens with every dog, the magnitude and frequency of shedding differ across breeds. Shedding is also indicative of the health of the dog; healthier dogs shed less.

Further, it also depends on the season. For example, dogs are known for growing a thick coat of hair for protection against the cold during winter, but as spring dawns, they shed this coat in response to the rising mercury.

Even though shedding is natural, it can be messy. You may have a problem with pet hair everywhere. Besides, shedding releases particles that could cause allergies to some people.

But that shouldn’t come in the way of your canine love. Luckily, we are blessed with many dog breeds that shed very little; reaffirming our faith that love comes in all shapes, sizes and shedding capacities.

Here are 7 dog breeds that shed the least:

1. Shih Tzus

Their name literally translates to Lion Dog in Chinese. Misleading as their long locks of hair may make them look, Shih Tzus are known for little to no shedding. Perfect cuddle buddies, graceful and kings of the household, Shih Tzus are known for being one of the most obedient breeds.
 

2. Doberman Pinschers

Tall, powerful and fiercely protective, Doberman Pinschers are known for their ultra minimal maintenance coats. Short-haired and always on the move, this breed sheds very little; and even this can be kept under control through regular brushing and checking for ticks, lice and any other bacterial infections.
 

3. Dachshunds

Dachshund coat comes in three different types: smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. The longer your Dachshund’s coat, the more maintenance he requires. Smooth-haired Dachshunds shed the least, and require minimal brushing. On the other hand, the other two varieties require their dead hair to be untangled and even plucked, to maintain their hygiene. But overall, this breed sheds very little.
 

4. Boxers

Boxers are self-groomers and require very little to no maintenance. They are short-haired, and even though they shed year round, it is minimal. Due to this advantage along with their athleticism, they work as amazing guard dogs with security forces. Brush these cuties once a week, and they’re good to go.
 

5. Indian Pariahs

Slowly making their way into homes, the Indian Pariah dogs make for great companions. They have a short, coarse coat, with no undercoat; which is why even though they shed, it doesn’t really seem like they do.
 

6. Dalmatians

Known for their ‘spot’-less reputation as good family dogs, Dalmatians shed a little more than the above breeds. However, it can be kept under control through good nutrition and skin care.
 

7. Pugs

Another common Indian household breed, Pugs, are known for shedding less than their counterparts. They are short haired. Even though their hair cycle (which includes growth, rest, and fall out) is quite speedy, their shedding is quite controllable and avoidable. The best way to go about making your pug shed very little is to ensure that he gets a bath once in 3 weeks and gets a good brushing before and after each bath.
 
 
Now that you are aware of the not-so-Shedd-y breeds, make sure to watch out for your pet’s shedding carefully, as it is an important indicator of their health. If your pet is shedding more than usual, it could be because of one of the following reasons:

• Nutrition
  Every dog needs a balanced diet. In case his nutritional needs are not fulfilled, or if he gets low-quality food, he’ll shed more. Make sure that your pet’s diet includes vitamins A, D & K, minerals like Zinc, Selenium & Iodine, and an abundance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Presence of these ingredients in your pet’s diet not only ensures a coat that doesn’t shed much but also keeps the growth patterns consistent.
   
• Medical
  Apart from dietary issues, some pets face hormonal issues which may also trigger hypothyroidism. Abnormal levels of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone are additional factors for loss of coat in dogs. Female pets often shed a lot during the time of heat. This is also witnessed during the time of pregnancy and lactation.
   
• Skin Infections
  Playful creatures that they are, dogs are prone to a number of skin issues. They can occur due to outdoor as well as indoor agents. When outdoors, pets can get infested with parasites such as fleas, ticks, or worms, which may sometimes even make their way into their bodies and increase the damage manifold by affecting their internal organs. Inside the house, they can get affected by phenyl or floor cleaners, and unsanitary growth, like fungus.

  MUST READ: Your Complete Guide To Skin Care in Dogs

• Products
  Synthetic and chemical based products like off-the-shelf doggie shampoos, soaps and moisturizers may contain fillers and microbeads, which instead of their exfoliating action, tend to get stuck in your pet’s coat and cause irritation and allergies.
   
• Lack of Grooming
  Pets gather dust, pollution and a lot of foreign particles no matter where they go. Before this develops into a skin problem, it is important that these particles be brushed out. Brushing the coat achieves another advantage of discarding the decaying and dead hair, causing less shedding.

  ALSO READ: Gordon’s Gotta Glow: Grooming tips to keep your dog healthy

As pet parents, it is imperative to remember what shedding signifies for your pets. Normally pets shed once a year, or sometimes seasonally. What you need to watch out for, is that shedding shouldn’t result in missing patches of fur from your dog’s coat. In case you see that happen, you need to visit the vet immediately.

Does your doggo shed a lot? Make sure he’s eating right. After all, you are what you eat. Dogs must receive a lot of protein and fats from animal sources. DawgieBowl ensures that your pet always eats like every baby should – Healthy! Our vet-formulated diets are carefully pawcrafted from all real ingredients and contain no preservatives, colors or synthetic flavors that would hurt your darling. Start your plan today!

Think we missed a breed that should be on the list? Tell us in the comments below.