Low-Shedding Dogs (2025 Guide)
And Why the Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle Is Changing Everything
Choosing the right dog for your family means weighing temperament, energy level, size, and for many households, shedding. A dog that sheds less can mean a cleaner home, fewer allergy triggers, and more time spent enjoying life together. In 2025, families are discovering a new kind of low-shedding companion: the Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle — a single-coated, low-maintenance doodle developed for modern family life.
Quick Answer
The best low-shedding dogs in 2025 include Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Lagotto Romagnolos, Bernedoodles, Australian Mountain Doodles, Golden Mountain Doodles, and the emerging Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle — a single-coated, low-shedding mixed-breed dog designed to shed less while staying easier to groom than a traditional curly doodle.
What Is a Low-Shedding Dog?
A low-shedding dog is a dog whose coat naturally releases less hair into your home. All dogs shed to some extent—hair growth and renewal is a normal biological process—but some breeds and coat types shed much more slowly and lightly.
These dogs are especially popular with:
- Busy families who don’t want to vacuum daily
- People with mild allergies who are sensitive to hair and dander
- Households that prefer a cleaner, more low-maintenance environment
- Apartment or condo dwellers with limited space
- First-time dog owners who want a manageable grooming routine
“Low-shedding” does not always mean “no shedding,” but it does mean a more controlled, predictable level of hair in your home.
The Science of Shedding: Why Coat Genetics Matter
Shedding is largely driven by genetics. Two key markers are especially important when we talk about low-shedding dogs and doodles: the furnishings gene (IC locus) and the curl gene.
Furnishings Gene (IC Locus)
The furnishings gene controls the “beard and eyebrows” look many people associate with doodles, schnauzers, and poodles.
- Furnished (F/F or F/IC): Dogs with at least one furnishing gene have longer, more continuously growing coats that typically shed very little.
- Unfurnished (IC/IC): Dogs without the furnishing gene have a smoother face and often a simpler, more natural coat that may shed lightly but is typically easier to manage.
Curl Gene
The curl gene determines whether a dog’s coat is curly, wavy, or straight:
- Curly coats tend to trap loose hair in the coat, so less hair falls to the floor. This appears very low-shedding but requires more grooming.
- Wavy coats often shed lightly and offer a soft, plush feel with moderate grooming needs.
- Straight coats vary depending on parent breeds, but in doodles, they may combine lower shedding with easier overall care.
The goal at Stokeshire is not only to reduce shedding but to pair coat genetics with temperament, health, and lifestyle fit for each individual family.
Meet the Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle (Single-Coated)
The Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle represents a new direction in family-friendly doodle breeding: a thoughtfully developed, single-coated, low-shedding mixed-breed dog with a smooth face and simplified grooming needs.
Instead of a dense, curly coat that requires intensive grooming, these dogs offer a more natural coat that sheds lightly and evenly across the year. Many families describe it as “less shedding than any Golden or Bernese we’ve owned—and far easier to maintain than a traditional curly doodle.”
To learn more about what makes an unfurnished doodle unique, visit: What Is an Unfurnished Doodle?
Key Traits of the Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle
- Single-coated for reduced matting and easier brushing
- Smooth facial structure with no heavy mustache or beard to trap food and debris
- Light, gentle shedding rather than intense seasonal “blow outs”
- Moderate grooming needs (often 1–2 light brush-outs per week)
- Modern, athletic appearance that still reflects classic doodle softness and expression
This coat type creates a new category of low-shedding dogs: low-shedding, low-maintenance single-coated doodles designed for real family life.
Are Unfurnished Doodles Low-Shedding?
In most cases, yes—but they shed differently than curly doodles.
Curly doodles tend to trap hair, so very little ends up on your floors. Unfurnished doodles, by contrast, allow some hair to fall naturally in small, soft amounts throughout the year. For many families, this is a more realistic and sustainable balance between shedding and grooming.
| Coat Type | Shedding Level | Grooming Needs | Allergy Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curly (Furnished) | Very low visible shedding | High; frequent brushing and professional grooming | Often best for moderate allergies |
| Wavy (Furnished) | Light shedding | Moderate grooming | Good for mild allergies |
| Unfurnished (Single-Coated) | Light-to-moderate, soft, even shedding | Lower; simple brushing and basic maintenance | Often suitable for families focused on cleanliness more than severe allergies |
Unfurnished doodles are typically low-shedding and low-maintenance, but they are not “no-shed” or fully hypoallergenic. For families who value both simplicity and cleanliness, they offer an appealing middle ground.
Why Families Are Choosing the Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle
Less Grooming, Less Drama
Without heavy facial furnishings and a dense undercoat, the Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle typically avoids common issues like food-stained beards, constant eye trimming, and stubborn leg mats. Most families maintain the coat with simple at-home brushing and occasional tidy-ups.
Low Shedding Without High Grooming Bills
Curly doodles can be wonderful, but frequent professional grooming can add up quickly. A single-coated, unfurnished doodle often spends less time at the salon and more time simply being a dog—on the trail, at the lake, or at your feet.
A Clean, Modern Look
Many Stokeshire families love the more refined, athletic look of the unfurnished coat type. It feels familiar to those who appreciate working breeds like Aussies and Bernese, yet still reflects the softness and friendliness doodles are known for.
Designed for Real Family Life
From school pick-up lines and soccer sidelines to hiking trails and cozy evenings at home, the Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle is bred with everyday family life in mind—balancing low shedding, good health, and a stable, affectionate temperament.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds (2025 List)
Whether you are drawn to a classic purebred or a carefully developed hybrid, there are many excellent low-shedding dogs to consider.
Traditional Low-Shedding Breeds
- Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, Giant)
- Irish Water Spaniel
Popular Low-Shedding Hybrid Breeds
- Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle (single-coated doodle lines)
- Bernedoodle
- Australian Mountain Doodle
- Golden Mountain Doodle
- Goldendoodle
- Sheepadoodle
- Labradoodle
Best Medium & Large Low-Shedding Dogs
Many families prefer a dog that is sturdy enough for active kids but still manageable in the home. Medium and large low-shedding dogs can be an excellent fit.
Best Medium Low-Shedding Dogs
- Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle (medium size)
- Medium Australian Mountain Doodle
- Medium Golden Mountain Doodle
- Mini/Medium Goldendoodle
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Best Large Low-Shedding Dogs
- Unfurnished Golden Australian Mountain Doodle
- Standard Bernedoodle
- Standard Australian Mountain Doodle
- Standard Poodle
- Giant Schnauzer
- Irish Water Spaniel
Australian Mountain Doodles & Golden Australian Mountain Doodles
At Stokeshire, Australian Mountain Doodles (AMD) and Golden Australian Mountain Doodles represent some of our most versatile, family-focused low-shedding dogs.
Australian Mountain Doodle (AMD)
The Australian Mountain Doodle blends the Australian Shepherd, Poodle, and Bernese Mountain Dog. This cross is known for intelligence, a balanced energy level, and a coat that typically sheds very little.
Learn more: Australian Mountain Doodle Guide
Golden Australian Mountain Doodle – The Stokeshire
The Golden Australian Mountain Doodle – The Stokeshire combines Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Poodle lines. These dogs can be produced in both furnished and unfurnished coat types, allowing families to choose between a more classic doodle look or a streamlined single-coated style.
Explore this unique Stokeshire line: Golden Australian Mountain Doodle – The Stokeshire
Bernedoodles: Low-Shedding, Loyal, Beautiful
The Bernedoodle, a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, remains one of the most popular low-shedding doodle breeds. With wavy or curly coats, Bernedoodles combine reduced shedding with the loyal, affectionate temperament that families love.
Learn more: Bernedoodle Guide
Low-Shedding vs. Hypoallergenic
The terms “low-shedding” and “hypoallergenic” are often used together, but they are not identical. Low-shedding dogs release less hair into the environment, which often means less dander spreading through the home. This can be helpful for people with mild allergies or those who simply prefer a cleaner space.
Hypoallergenic dogs are dogs that tend to produce fewer allergy-triggering proteins or distribute less dander. However, no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs produce proteins in their skin, saliva, and urine that can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
The Stokeshire Unfurnished Doodle is best understood as a low-shedding, low-maintenance family dog. For households with severe allergies, a carefully selected curly-coated doodle may still be the better choice.
How to Choose the Right Low-Shedding Puppy
Finding the right low-shedding puppy is about more than picking a breed from a list. The best matches come from aligning coat type, temperament, energy level, and lifestyle.
- Coat type: Curly, wavy, or single-coated unfurnished—what level of grooming are you comfortable with?
- Allergy needs: Mild, moderate, or severe? This helps determine whether a curly or unfurnished coat is more appropriate.
- Energy level: Do you prefer a more relaxed companion or a dog that thrives on daily adventures?
- Family environment: Children, other pets, yard size, and daily routine all influence the ideal match.
- Grooming preference: Are you willing to invest in regular professional grooming, or do you want a more “wash and wear” coat?
- Size: Choose a size that fits comfortably in your home and lifestyle, from medium companions to larger adventure partners.
At Stokeshire, each puppy is evaluated through temperament testing, coat analysis, and careful review of parent genetics. Our goal is to guide you toward a puppy whose coat, personality, and energy truly fit your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low-Shedding Dogs
What are low-shedding dogs?
Low-shedding dogs are dogs whose coats naturally release less hair into the environment. They still shed, but the amount of hair you see on your floors, furniture, and clothing is significantly reduced compared to heavy-shedding breeds.
What dogs are low shedding?
Common low-shedding dogs include Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Lagotto Romagnolos, Schnauzers, and many doodle varieties such as Bernedoodles, Australian Mountain Doodles, Golden Mountain Doodles, and Stokeshire’s own unfurnished, single-coated doodle lines.
What is a low-shedding dog?
A low-shedding dog is a dog whose coat and genetics result in a gentler, slower hair turnover. Instead of dramatic seasonal shedding, hair is lost gradually and in smaller amounts, which many families find far easier to manage.
Are unfurnished doodles low-shedding?
Most unfurnished doodles are best described as low-shedding rather than non-shedding. They typically shed less than heavy-shedding breeds like Golden Retrievers or Bernese Mountain Dogs, while avoiding some of the high grooming demands of very curly doodles. Stokeshire’s unfurnished lines are developed specifically with this balance in mind.
Are unfurnished doodles hypoallergenic?
Unfurnished doodles are not fully hypoallergenic. They can be a good fit for families who prioritize lower shedding and easier maintenance but do not have severe, medically significant allergies. For highly sensitive individuals, a carefully selected curly-coated doodle may be the safer option.
How do I know which coat type is right for my family?
The right coat type depends on your grooming preferences, allergy profile, and overall lifestyle. During the application and consultation process, the Stokeshire team will discuss your needs and help you understand whether a curly, wavy, or single-coated unfurnished doodle is the best match for your home.
Apply for a Stokeshire Puppy
If you are looking for a low-shedding, family-focused companion whose coat, temperament, and energy have been thoughtfully bred for real life, we would be honored to learn more about your home.
Begin the process here: Apply for a Stokeshire Puppy
