Roscoe n Stella

The post German Sheprador Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The German Sheprador is a combination of two extremely popular breeds. The German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever are constantly finding themselves in the top five favorites according to the AKC’s breed popularity list.

What is it about these dogs that make them so special? And what happens exactly when you cross the two? This is a hybrid breed, and no one should be breeding them intentionally, since there aren’t a lot of regulations for hybrid breeds, so it can be a pretty lucky find.

In this article, we need to explore some characteristics you can expect when you cross these two special breeds.

Breed Overview

The German Shepherd is a protective, highly intelligent dog that is capable of doing just about anything. A Labrador Retriever is a slightly more laid-back, very family-friendly dog with nearly matched intelligence. When you cross the two of them, you will likely get an even tempered, incredibly brainy dog that can learn and teach so much!

German Sheprador Puppies

The German Sheprador will be very difficult as a puppy. Although they will be some of the cutest things you’ve ever seen, they will come with their equal amount of stressors and might not make the best dogs for inexperienced owners.

The German Shepherd has a mind of its own. They’re highly trainable, but they also require an alpha personality to make sure that they are trained correctly. Labrador Retrievers tend to be a little more eager to please, but they still require a steady hand as they can sometimes be stubborn. It doesn’t mean you should ever use negative reinforcement with these dogs. Positive reinforcement will work just fine, especially if you have treats on hand!

The trouble with this breed is that they are both very sought after dogs. That means that if a person wants to make a profit, mills and backyard breeders can make a killing by marketing German Shepherd Labrador mixes. So, it’s best to adopt this breed from a shelter or rescue. If you see someone selling them, be wary because they likely haven’t been health-tested and it could be someone that doesn’t have their best interest at heart.

German Sheprador Origin & History

The German Sheprador is a hybrid breed. That means that they take the German Shepherd that hails from Germany originally, mixing it with the gundog nature of the Labrador Retriever that hails from Canada. Both parent breeds come from separate countries and they were formulated for a different purpose.

Labrador Retrievers are awesome swimmers and irreplaceable at hunting waterfowl and other animals. It became abundantly clear shortly after their humble beginning that they also work as a tremendous family dog! Since then, they have consistently been in the top five favorite dogs, according to the AKC popularity list.

German Shepherds also make the top five also! Originally, they were used as military and guard dogs. Since then, they’ve earned their place in the home, making great protectors and service animals.

So ultimately, you have two extremely popular breeds mixed together to get the best of both worlds.

Image Credit: Left- Tetiana Tychynska, Shutterstock | Right – Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the German Sheprador

These dogs will be incredibly intelligent, so they might be somewhat of a handful. There is a lot to talk about in terms of temperament with this particular breed. The Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd are two of the most popular breeds, but for different reasons.

The German Shepherd has a very well-timed, down-to-business kind of attitude. The Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, has more of a social, eager-to-please nature. Both are highly obedient dogs that thrive on companionship with their owners.

The Labrador Retriever is known for being an all-around family dog. They acclimate well into many styles of families, including those with very active social lives. The German Shepherd, on the other hand, might be more selective about who they deem worthy to be a part of their family.

They might not do quite as well with strangers and even show aggression. Because of this, you will often see German Shepherds on dangerous breeds lists. It is important to know this before you bring one home, as you don’t want to commit to a dog you won’t be able to have in the long run.

The good thing about both dogs is that they are both incredibly receptive to training, so you can easily elect for professional help if you seem to be having trouble.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? ‍‍

These dogs could make amazing additions to families. Both parent breeds are classic family dogs, but for different reasons.

Your dog might embody more of the protective nature of the German Shepherd or the laid-back friend-to-all aspects of the Labrador Retriever. It’s hard to tell exactly how the genetics will play out, But they typically can acclimate well into a majority of situations.

Because the German Shepherd is often on a dangerous breeds list, having a hybrid of any kind might be unacceptable for certain apartment complexes or shared living spaces. You will have to check with your landlord or the owner of your property before you bring one of these dogs home.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

This dog will get along pretty well with other pets, permitting that they are raised, and socialized with them. When it comes to other dogs, they are likely to take to them quite well in most scenarios. However, some of these dogs might exhibit same-sex dog aggression or territorial tendencies. That is why early socialization is such an important part of raising a puppy.

When it comes to cats or other smaller pets, these dogs will have a pretty high prey drive, meaning that they will require direct supervision around any other animals. German Shepherds can be very territorial, as they were bred for guarding purposes. So, even outside of canines, they might think that many different animals are threats to their home. On the flip side, they might vehemently defend smaller animals that they feel responsible for.

While Labs are phenomenal dogs, they have quite a sticky reputation of not being very great with cats. In fact, some Labs really have it out for cats. So it’s always best to socialize them early to make sure that they are exposed to a variety of situations.

Things to Know When Owning a German Sheprador:

Food & Diet Requirements

Both the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever burn a lot of calories in a day. Because of that, they require a high-protein, nutrient-rich diet of your choosing. Some vets will suggest a particular diet for your dog, or give you guidance when you are selecting the recipe.

You might also find that you have to switch your dog’s diet throughout their lifetime due to sensitivities, allergies, or other needs. Dry kibble and wet canned food are still viable options when it comes to feedings.

However, many families are switching to more species-specific diets that replenish a dog’s body and provide lots of nutrients. Some examples of this include fresh, raw, and homemade diets.

When it comes to these particular diets, you will need direct vet approval, as you need to make sure they’re getting the appropriate diet to keep them happy and healthy.

Exercise

Your German Shepherd Labrador mix will need plenty of exercise! Both of these breeds are highly athletic and exercise-intensive, making them not so great for people with mobility issues of any kind.

However, if you have the lifestyle where you’re always on the go and love to be outdoors, this breed combination is sensational! If they are left outside to their own devices in a large yard, you should always have some form of security, be it an invisible fence or a very secure fence that they cannot dig under or jump out of.

On average, these dogs would definitely take up to 2 hours of exercise per day, if they are permitted. Always ensure that you are going on daily walks and even extra things, like trips to the dog park and other fun activities.

Training

Training will be imperative. They can be somewhat challenging, especially for novice owners. Because of that, it is best if you are an experienced owner who can handle the training necessary. If you do not feel equipped to handle it, you can always elect the help of a professional trainer.

Not only will this help your dog become a mannerly, obedient pooch, but you will learn alongside them, helping them through any challenges and issues so you know how to handle them when situations arise.

These dogs are capable of learning just about anything you’re willing to teach them. They make amazing service dogs, emotional support animals, and can be very fitting for other specialized roles as well.

Grooming

Grooming will be an absolute must! German Shepherds are very dense-coated dogs that shed profusely year-round. Labrador Retrievers also shed year-round. Both have two major coat blowouts a year.

Keeping up with cleanup will be completely necessary to keep a sanitary house and a well-kept dog. These dogs won’t require any fancy haircuts or anything of the sort. To save your fabrics and furniture, it is very important to keep up with regular house cleaning and general maintenance.

If they take more after the German Shepherd parent, you will likely find tumbleweeds of hair all through your living space. However, if they take more after the Labrador parent, they will just shed profusely all over your things, so be sure to get a lint roller!

Health and Conditions

Both German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are built to be hardy dogs. These dogs are capable of withstanding quite a lot, environmentally speaking, as well as having pretty sound health.

That being said, there are certain issues that can arise in each one of the breeds genetically. Understanding the possibilities can help you identify markers for these diseases or conditions in the future.

During your dog’s first year of life, they will get to know their vet quite well, going in for routine vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, and growth monitoring. Afterwards, they will need to go to annual visits, unless they have other health issues that require more frequent treatments.

Since they are a hybrid breed, the likelihood of either parent having genetic testing is slim to none. Therefore, it is imperative that you take note of your animal’s health. They might be perfectly healthy their entire life, or they might have a myriad of health issues.

These days, more and more pet parents are electing pet insurance to take care of emergency needs. There are tons of different policies these days, some of them covering illness and emergencies while others manage general wellness.

Male vs Female

Both of these dogs are very large in size, so you can expect a large breed puppy. However when it comes to male versus female, the general rule for most breeds is that the males are slightly larger than the females.

Because this is a hybrid, this won’t always be true. There is a possibility that you wouldn’t be able to predict future size as well, so sex shouldn’t really be a factor here.

When it comes to overall care and personality, most dogs reach sexual maturity between the ages of 4 and 6 months of age. After this, males might start to wander, looking for females to breed with. They might experience a little bit of territorial aggression or behavioral changes.

Females will undergo heat cycles which can change both behavior and physical appearance. They will also bleed during this time, so you will need to compensate for that if you don’t get them fixed. We highly recommend getting your dog fixed as soon as your vet recommends it to prevent unwanted pregnancy and runaways.

3 Little-Known Facts About the German Sheprador

1. These dogs are excellent for complicated roles.

Both of these dogs have the capability of being excellent service animals. They can easily be put through the training, no matter if it’s obedience or trick training, even get police dog training. Since they are so versatile, it makes them even more desirable.

2. Temperament can vastly differ.

As we mentioned a little in the temperament section, the temperament between these two can differ quite tremendously. On one hand, you have the lovable, lighthearted Labrador, and the other, you have the serious, occasionally goofy German Shepherd. When you combine their personalities, it is really a gamble as to what you’re going to get. So, doing a lot of research about individual breeds can help with your decision.

3. Some can be unpredictable.

Labradors tend to have a pretty even temper, but German Shepherds can be a little harder to predict. Some of them tend to be goofy and willing to accept everyone. Others might be aggressive or even completely intolerant to strangers and other pets. It’s important to understand these traits so you know what you’re up against.

Final Thoughts

Now, you know basically all there is to know about the German Shepherd Labrador Retriever mix, the German Sheprador. These dogs are stupendous in their own right and make a terrific match for certain families. It is important to understand that this dog really isn’t for people who don’t have a lot of time to spend with training or exercise.

However, if you are the kind of person who is an experienced dog owner, and you are up for the challenge, these dogs make amazing companion animals and family additions.

The post German Sheprador Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post 13 Vet-Verified Alaskan Malamute Facts That You’ll Love to Learn by Misty Layne appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Alaskan Malamutes are some of the most gorgeous canines around, as well as some of the hardest working. This spitz breed is made for heavy-duty work and has incredible endurance. Despite their use as work dogs, they’re more often found as beloved family pets; with their friendly, loyal, and playful temperaments, these dogs make excellent companions!

You might think you know everything about the Alaskan Malamute, but we have 13 facts below that might show you don’t. If you want to learn more about this well-loved dog breed, keep reading!

The 13 Alaskan Malamute Facts

1. The Malamute name comes from an Inuit tribe.

The original breeders of the Alaskan Malamute were the Mahlemut. This nomadic Inuit tribe lived in northwestern Alaska on the shores of the Kotzebue Sound. They bred Alaskan Malamutes to work as pack animals and sled dogs. You can find mentions of the breed in the Mahlemut’s early literature, as these dogs were vital to their way of life and survival.

Image Credit: Slavica Stajic, Shutterstock

2. Alaskan Malamutes are an ancient breed.

This dog breed is an ancient one that dates back around 5,000 years! In fact, the Alaskan Malamute is considered one of the world’s oldest Arctic sled dog breeds. Though their name comes from an Alaskan Inuit tribe, these dogs originated in Siberia and were introduced to North America millennia ago after crossing the Bering Strait.1

3. This breed is credited with helping Alaska become open to settlement.

It may seem odd that a dog breed is credited with helping open a place for settlement, but this is the case with the Alaskan Malamute. Why are they credited with aiding in the development and growth of Alaska? Because these dogs were used for work such as transporting supplies and carrying mail, they helped expand the reach of people living in Alaska to areas outside it. This helped encourage others to move to the area.

4. The Alaskan Malamute nearly went extinct.

Did you know this breed almost went extinct? During the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush, sled dogs, including the Alaskan Malamute, were in high demand. However, once people had Alaskan Malamutes, they began crossbreeding them with canines in their local areas to help keep up with the high demand for sled dogs. This means the pure bloodline of the Alaskan Malamute was almost lost. Thankfully, the bloodline was saved as the Mahlemut tribe still has some of these dogs and was able to breed more of them.

Image Credit: Tatyana Kuznetsova, Shutterstock

5. Alaskan Malamutes took part in the 1925 Serum Run.

You might’ve heard of the 1925 Serum Run, as it’s an important piece of history.2 The Serum Run occurred when a deadly diphtheria outbreak hit Nome, Alaska. They desperately needed the antitoxin to the disease but getting it there would be challenging. However, an Alaskan Malamute named Balto and a Siberian Husky named Togo led a sled dog team through incredibly harrowing conditions to safely deliver the antitoxin to the town, saving the people of the town in the process. The feat was so heroic a statue of Balto was erected in Central Park!3

6. This breed was used in both World Wars.

Alaskan Malamutes have a long history of helping out humans. Not only have they been used to carry supplies and heroically transport antitoxins, but they were also utilized during World War I and World War II. In WWI, around 450 of these dogs were sent to France to help deliver supplies to isolated mountain outposts where French army troops were stationed.4 During WWII, this breed was used for a variety of tasks, including carrying weapons and acting as search-and-rescue dogs. Alaskan Malamutes have accomplished a number of heroic deeds!

7. The Alaskan Malamute became the official state dog of Alaska in 2010.

As you can see, the Alaskan Malamute has been vital to the history of Alaska, so it makes sense that they eventually became the official state dog. On April 18, 2010, the breed was officially voted in as the state dog due to their significant role in Alaskan history.5 However, this was all possible thanks to major efforts made by teachers and students from a school located in Anchorage!

Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock

8. Purebreds of this breed come from one of three bloodlines.

All of today’s purebred Alaskan Malamutes come from one of three distinct bloodlines: the M’loot, Hinman, and Kotzebue. The Kotzebue is the name of the line on which the first breed standard was based. This line’s breed standard was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1935.6 Around this time, two more Alaskan Malamute bloodlines were created. Dick Hinman created the Hinman line, while Paul Voelker created the M’Loot line.

9. Some Alaskan Malamutes carry a gene responsible for day blindness.

What is day blindness? Day blindness, also known as hemeralopia, is a rare genetic health condition responsible for causing the degeneration of cone cells in the eye. This degeneration results in a canine being blind in well-lit or brightly lit conditions; however, they can see fine in dimly lit conditions. The genetic mutation responsible is more prevalent in certain breeds including the Alaskan Malamute. Day blindness can be debilitating and, unfortunately, has no cure.

10. This breed is one of the larger sled dogs around.

Alaskan Malamutes are large pups weighing between 75 and 85 pounds and standing 23 to 25 inches tall. This makes them one of the largest sled dogs around! The breed is also naturally muscular since they’ve been bred to pull heavy loads on sleds. This can make them appear even stockier.

Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock

11. Alaskan Malamutes are one of the slower sled dog breeds.

The Alaskan Malamute may be built for strength, but the breed isn’t built for speed. Because they’re so large and bulky, these canines don’t go as fast as other sled dogs. They make the journey while carting heavy loads, but they’ll do it at a slower pace. This is why they need such incredible endurance. Alaskan Malamutes do have an advantage, though; with their bulk and coats, they can pull sleds even in extreme weather (like Balto did!).

12. An Alaskan Malamute’s coat provides excellent protection.

Speaking of the Alaskan Malamute’s coat, this is one of their more distinctive features and provides them with a lot of protection against the elements. Because their coat is thick, waterproof, and layered, it can help keep them dry in rain and snow. Plus, it keeps them exceptionally warm when operating in subzero temperatures.

The downside of this breed’s coat is that it worsens things in hot weather. So, if you have one of these pups and live somewhere with extreme heat, you need to keep a close eye on your pup when they’re outdoors to ensure they don’t become overheated!

13. These dogs love howling!

Alaskan Malamutes can be pretty vocal. Some individuals bark more than others but they are known for their quirky noises. What they do instead of barking is share their thoughts and opinions via howling. These can be shorter howls or the long, haunting kind, and come out more often when they’re having a great time or playing around.

Image Credit: Kate Lussier, Shutterstock

Conclusion

Alaskan Malamutes have a long, storied history and are truly fascinating canines. Whether they’re helping humans save entire towns or just playing in the backyard with their families, these dogs are fantastic to have around. Hopefully, you’ve learned something new about this breed today that you can share with family and friends!

You might be interested in: How Much Does It Cost to Own an Alaskan Malamute?

Featured Image Credit: Jia Images, Shutterstock

The post 13 Vet-Verified Alaskan Malamute Facts That You’ll Love to Learn by Misty Layne appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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The post 23 Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (With Pictures) by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Small dog breeds are very popular because they take up less room, can comfortably sit on your lap without crushing you, and they don’t generally need as much exercise as bigger dogs. But the problem with them having access to your lap is that heavy shedders can leave behind clouds of hair that get up your nose and cause sneezing and other reactions, not to mention a layer of fur on your clothes. For many of us, this is an acceptable price to pay, but for those with allergies or an aversion to being covered in fur, finding a canine companion that doesn’t cover you and your home in hair may be high on your list of priorities.

Below, we look at 23 small dog breeds that don’t shed too much to help you find the one that is best for your family.

Is There Such a Thing as Dogs That Don’t Shed?

Every dog sheds to some extent. However, while some dogs like Labradors and German Shepherds are known for being heavy shedders, others shed minimally. These low shedders are considered more hypoallergenic than other breeds because they are less likely to cause reactions in dog allergy sufferers. Although there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, those that shed less tend to trigger less of a reaction than those that do.

With some care and maintenance, you can further reduce shedding to help further ease dog hair problems in the house, too.

The 23 Low-Shedding Small Dog Breeds

1. Affenpinscher

Image Credit: Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock

The Affenpinscher is a German breed that was originally reared to hunt and kill mice. Their friendly nature and cute little face meant they soon became popular as companion dogs. Growing to around 10 inches, these dogs are considered more hypoallergenic than most because they naturally shed very little.

And while they do like some attention, they aren’t generally clingy lap dogs which means there’s minimal risk of you ending up with pants covered in dog hair at the end of the day.

2. Basenji

Image Credit: George Trumpeter, Shutterstock

The Basenji is a little bigger than most of the dogs on this list, but it is unique because it is classed as both a sighthound and a scenthound. It has incredible senses of smell and sight, which it originally used to hunt small animals. The Basenji is also unusual because it will usually bark just once before going quiet, even when alerting owners to potential danger often referred to as the “barkless dog”, using an array of different vocalizations, including yodeling, howling, and ‘talking’ rather than barking, while others tend to be very quiet.1

Some people believe that the breed is only partially domesticated, having changed very little over the centuries, and plenty of socialization and training from a young age is essential.

3. Bedlington Terrier

Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock

Another slightly larger breed than a lot of the terriers on this list, the Bedlington Terrier hails from England where it was used to hunt vermin and to work alongside hunters. They have coats that are similar to the fleeces of sheep and the breed is loving and very playful.

They make good watchdogs, but will usually befriend most people, including strangers, although they do require early socialization to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted family pups. Their curly coats shed very little, and coupled with their unusual domed heads, you can see why people often call them ‘lamb dogs’.

4. Bichon Frise

Image Credit: Spill Photography, Shutterstock

The Bichon Frise is a similar size to the Affenpinscher but very different in other respects. While the Affenpinscher has wiry hair, the Bichon Frise has soft curls. They have big, black eyes which can give this breed the look of a child’s toy.

The Bichon is a happy, cheerful little pup that will dote on your attention, and while this makes it a great companion pet, it also means that they can suffer separation anxiety, so they may not be the best breed for families that are out at work all day.

5. Border Terrier

Image Credit: Colin Seddon, Shutterstock

The Border Terrier originates from the border regions between England and Scotland. The terrier was used to flush foxes out from their holes and assist in hunts, but it is now kept primarily as a family pet or companion dog. They love human companionship, almost as much as they love a good adventure, and are great little dogs to travel with.

Despite the modern Border being a companion breed, it does retain some of its terrier instincts, and you can expect your little wire-haired pup to dig and chase. Their short, wiry coats are very low maintenance, apart from the mud and sand they are likely to pick up when out exploring!

6. Brussels Griffon

Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock

The Brussels Griffon is another terrier breed with wiry hair. Their faces have been likened to those of gargoyles in churches and old buildings, adding to the appeal of this charming little breed. Again, the terrier instinct is evident in the breed, and you will need to provide plenty of daily exercise to ensure that the Griffon doesn’t become too much of a handful or too mischievous.

They are also known to form very strong bonds with their owners, which makes them a great choice as companion animals.

7. Cairn Terrier

Image Credit: Eve Photography, Shutterstock

The Cairn Terrier originates from the Isle of Skye off the coast of Scotland and is best known for being the breed of dog that played Toto in The Wizard of Oz. The breed was originally used by farmers to help get rid of vermin from farms and barns, and it is a lively little dog that enjoys playing and having fun.

Like a lot of small breeds, the Cairn Terrier can suffer separation anxiety so if you intend to be out of the house for long periods, you will need to consider getting a dog walker and having a friend or family member come over to provide walks.

8. Chinese Crested

Image Credit: Golland, Shutterstock

The Chinese Crested dog has a very distinctive appearance, with a virtually bald body and a mane of wispy hair on the head, around the feet, and a little tuft on the tail. It is believed they were bred and kept on boats to help control vermin that would otherwise steal grain and food. Today, they are very sociable little companion dogs that will befriend just about anybody, including strangers.

They are lively and playful, and that bald body means they shed a lot less than other dog breeds, but they can be prone to skin problems and sunburn, and will need to be kept warm in winter.

9. Coton de Tulear

Image Credit: Lunja, Shutterstock

The Coton de Tulear looks similar to, and is likely related to, the Bichon Frise and the Maltese breeds. They are playful little dogs that are somewhat energetic, and they will get along with anybody including strangers as well as family. They are smart and easy to train, which makes them great dogs for first-time owners.

They shed minimally and do not produce a lot of dander, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.

10. Havanese

Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock

The Havanese originates from Cuba and is a cute dog with a rounded face and floppy ears. It is a playful dog that has very little prey drive, but it is lively and enjoys playing with its humans.

It was bred as a companion dog and remains so to this day, and well bred Havanese dogs cost quite considerable sums of money. The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba.

11. Italian Greyhound

Image Credit: Alexandra Morrison, Shutterstock

Although on the taller side of being a small dog, the Italian Greyhound is lithe and light. It was bred to hunt small game, and while it isn’t quite as fast as the Greyhound, it still has an incredible turn of pace. The breed is known for being quiet, but they do need plenty of exercise and attention from their humans.

The breed is considered to be good with other dogs as well as children, so it can make a very good family pet. And because it is low maintenance and sweet-natured it is also considered a good pet for first-time owners. The Italian Greyhound originated in the Mediterranean, but got its name when it was popularized in Italy.

12. Lakeland Terrier

Image Credit: ivkatefoto, Shutterstock

The Lakeland Terrier was bred in the Lake District in England and was used primarily to chase off foxes that were worrying sheep. Like most of the dogs on this list, the small size of the Lakeland Terrier means that it can adapt to living in an apartment, but it does have moderate to high exercise needs that need to be met to ensure that the dog is well-behaved and well-adjusted.

It is a loyal and loving breed that will get along with its family as well as with strangers.

13. Lhasa Apso

Image Credit: Audrius Merfeldas, Shutterstock

The Lhasa Apso is a long-haired small breed that grows to around 10 inches tall. It was bred to be a monastery watchdog in its homeland of Tibet, and it is a lively, energetic, dog that still takes its watching duties seriously.

Their luscious long locks can be hard work to manage, so many owners keep their Lhasa’s hair clipped to a more manageable medium or short length. The breed can be prone to barking, which is considered an essential trait for a watchdog.

14. Maltese

Image Credit: tsik, Shutterstock

The Maltese breed is an intelligent and playful little breed that comes from the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, and was bred to be a small, companion dog. It is playful and because it was not bred to work or hunt, it doesn’t have excessive exercise requirements or a high prey drive, making it an ideal dog for people with restricted mobility or smaller homes.

These energetic little dogs still need a short walk every day, and they love to play, but they are generally considered to be a relatively low-maintenance dog that will give plenty of love and affection to their owners. Their silky white fur sheds very little, and, like the Lhasa Apso, becomes very easy to manage if clipped to a shorter length.

15. Toy and Miniature Poodles

Image Credit: Anna Averianova, Shutterstock

The Poodle comes in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy), with the Miniature typically measuring around 10-15 inches to the shoulder, and the diminutive Toy Poodle coming in at around 9 inches tall. All sizes of Poodle are low shedding, intelligent, and generally easy to train. The smaller Poodles love company – human or animal – and can be prone to separation anxiety. However, boredom-busting puzzles and crate training can help keep them calm when you are out.

However, the low shedding coat does require regular brushing and you will need to have your Poodle professionally groomed at least every three months or so.

16. Miniature Schnauzer

Image Credit: Debra Anderson, Shutterstock

The Miniature Schnauzer is a working dog breed that was originally used to hunt rats and other vermin, but it is now popularly kept as a companion. It is a lively dog that forms a strong bond with its owners.

It does have moderate exercise requirements but is relatively low maintenance and is very intelligent so can be easily trained by a patient, caring owner. Their coat is low shedding, but does require a bit of attention and a professional groom every few months.

17. Norfolk Terrier

Image Credit: ChameleonsEye, Shutterstock

The Norfolk Terrier is very similar to the more rare Norwich Terrier, but is distinguished by having floppy ears, compared to the upright pinnae of the Norwich. Both breeds are lively, energetic, and playful, but their rat-chasing heritage means that they have a strong prey drive and love to chase anything that moves.

If your Norfolk catches sight of a small animal, or something it believes to be a small animal, and gives chase, you might find it difficult to get them back, so training them in recall is a must.

18. Yorkshire Terrier

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With soft flowing hair in a combination of blue, black, and gold, the Yorkshire Terrier is a firm favorite among lap dog lovers. Their small size and loving personalities brought them out of the ratter roles they were originally bred for, and into the homes of Victorian ladies in the 1800s.

Their silky coats can grow quite long, but most owners keep them at a no-nonsense shorter clip, and their low shedding rate make these tiny dogs relatively low maintenance companions. They can be a bit feisty, so it’s a good idea to get them out and about and socialization as early as possible.

19. Scottish Terrier

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The Scottie, as it is affectionately known, is a working dog breed, although it is most commonly kept as a pet breed nowadays. This terrier breed makes a very good watchdog and will bark an alert at the presence of strangers or any potential danger.

They are very skilled at agility, and they love to dig, but they also make fun and loving companions in the home.

20. Silky Terrier

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Often mistaken for their English cousins, the Silky Terrier is larger, and somewhat more robust than the Yorkshire Terrier, but with a more silky, flowing coat that sheds minimally during the year. Additionally, the ears of the Silky Terrier are more upright than those of the Yorkie, and their teeth are larger too. The Silky does enjoy chasing small animals and requires a moderate amount of exercise, although those little legs mean that a couple of reasonable, moderate walks per day should be enough.

This playful little character makes a great family pet that will entertain and provide plenty of love.

21. Skye Terrier

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The Skye Terrier originates from the Isle of Skye in Scotland and was bred to hunt and kill animals including badgers and foxes. It is a very rare breed, even in the UK, and is actually considered endangered. One Skye Terrier rose to fame in Scotland when, in 1852, Greyfriars Bobby, stood vigil at his master’s grave for 14 years; a tale worth reading.

If you are fortunate enough to own one, you will find a friendly, albeit somewhat shy, little dog breed. A good choice for first-time owners, the Skye Terrier can live in apartments but doesn’t enjoy being left alone for too long.

22. West Highland White Terrier

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Nicknamed Westies, West Highland Terriers are confident dogs that love to have fun and especially enjoy spending time with their humans. They are friendly and lively, will get along with strangers as well as family members, and are intelligent so they can be trained easily by owners who turn training sessions into fun playtime sessions.

You will need to provide a reasonable amount of exercise, though, as these are spirited and lively little companions. Their low shedding coat is relatively low maintenance, but they are somewhat prone to skin conditions, so they may not be the most ideal for those looking for a more hypoallergenic breed

23. Xoloitzcuintli (toy variety)

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The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced ‘show-low-eats-queent-lee), or Xolos as they are most commonly known, are an ancient breed dating back at least 5000 years to the Aztecs, and it doesn’t get much more non-shedding than a hairless dog!

Like the Poodle, Xolos come in a standard, miniature, and toy size – a Xolo to suit everyone! Bred as guard dogs and protectors, these intelligent dogs are extremely loving and loyal, friendly to people and generally get along well with other dogs.

Energetic and clever, the Xoloitzcuintli needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored and frustrated.

How to Deal with Shedding

Even the breeds above shed, although they are minimally shedding dogs. There are a few things you can do to help further minimize the impact of dog coat shedding, including daily brushing, regular vacuuming, and feeding your dog a high quality diet.

Poor diet can lead to skin and coat problems that exacerbate the shedding problem.

Conclusion

All dogs shed, but some dogs shed so little that you don’t really notice apart from the occasional hair wafting by during shedding season. If you are an allergy sufferer but are desperate for a pet dog, the breeds listed above may be suitable. However, as no dog is completely hypoallergenic, severe allergy sufferers should speak to their doctor before considering getting a pet.

Even with one of these breeds, though, you will benefit by regularly brushing your dog, bathing them, and investing in a decent hoover that can deal with the rigors of picking up dog hairs.

Featured Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock

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