Finding the right canine companion in the field can make all the difference for hunting enthusiasts. When choosing a hunting dog, the coat is an important factor to consider. Hunters who value low-maintenance grooming and performance increasingly choose hunting dogs that don’t shed. Using these breeds at home and on hunting trips means fewer allergens and less cleanup.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the top hunting dogs breed that don’t shed. We’ll discuss their unique characteristics, hunting capabilities, grooming needs, and why these breeds make great hunters. This guide will help you find a hunting partner that fits seamlessly into your life. Keep reading to learn more.

Top Hunting Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

When it comes to hunting dogs that don’t shed, several breeds stand out for their low-maintenance coats and exceptional hunting skills. Here are some of the top breeds that combine both qualities, making them ideal companions for hunters.

1. Poodle

Poodles are highly intelligent and versatile hunting dogs. Their curly coats are low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Poodles excel in retrieving and waterfowl hunting due to their excellent swimming abilities. Regular grooming is required to keep their coats in top condition. Poodles come in various sizes, offering flexibility for different hunting environments.

2. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is known for its strong swimming abilities and resilience. It has a curly, low-shedding coat that requires regular grooming. This breed is highly trainable and makes an excellent companion for waterfowl hunting. Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic and love working in water-based environments.

3. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a skilled truffle hunter with a dense, curly coat that doesn’t shed much. This breed is highly trainable and enjoys working in various terrains. Regular grooming keeps their coat in good shape. Lagotto Romagnolos are known for their keen sense of smell and excellent hunting instincts.

4. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is another excellent choice for hunters seeking a low-shedding breed. It has a curly, water-resistant coat that requires regular grooming. This breed excels in waterfowl hunting due to its strong swimming skills. Irish Water Spaniels are intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable, making them ideal hunting companions.

5. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile hunting dog known for its strong nose and excellent pointing skills. Its rough, wiry coat sheds minimally and is hypoallergenic. Regular grooming helps maintain its coat. This breed is an excellent choice for upland bird hunting due to its high energy and intelligence.

6. Pudelpointer

The Pudelpointer is a skilled hunting dog that excels in both upland bird and waterfowl hunting. It has a dense, curly coat that sheds very little. Pudelpointer dogs are highly trainable, energetic, and versatile, making them an ideal companion for various hunting tasks. Regular grooming is needed to keep their coat in good shape.

7. Barbet

The Barbet is an excellent retriever with a curly, low-shedding coat. Known for its swimming and waterfowl-hunting abilities, this breed is also highly intelligent and eager to work. Barbets require regular grooming to keep their coat from matting, but their hypoallergenic qualities make them a great choice for allergy sufferers.

8. Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a skilled tracker with a smooth, short coat that sheds minimally. While not entirely non-shedding, its grooming needs are lower compared to other breeds. Known for its ability to track and hunt small game, this breed thrives in outdoor environments and requires regular exercise and mental stimulation.

9. Cirneco dell’Etna

The Cirneco dell’Etna is a rare, low-shedding breed that excels in hunting small game. This dog has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Agile and energetic, it thrives in hunting environments, particularly in rough terrain. Despite its small size, it’s known for its stamina and keen hunting instincts.

10. Hamiltonstovare

The Hamiltonstovare is a Swedish breed known for its hunting prowess and low-shedding, short coat. It excels in tracking and hunting small game. This breed is friendly, alert, and highly trainable. Regular grooming is required to keep its coat clean and healthy, but its shedding is minimal compared to other breeds.

11. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is an elegant and independent breed known for its striking appearance and hunting capabilities. Despite its long, flowing coat, it sheds very little and requires regular grooming to prevent tangling. Afghan Hounds are skilled hunters, particularly in chasing small game across rough terrain. They are intelligent, aloof, and require consistent training to harness their natural instincts.

12. Basenji

The Basenji is a small, independent breed known for its exceptional hunting skills, particularly in chasing small game. This breed has a short coat that sheds very little, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance hunting dog. Basenjis are highly intelligent and energetic, with strong instincts, and they thrive in both warm and rugged terrains. While they don’t require extensive grooming, regular brushing helps keep their coat in top condition.

13. Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog is a small, unique breed known for its hairless or partially coated appearance. Its minimal shedding makes it a good choice for those seeking a low-maintenance hunting dog. 

While not commonly used for traditional hunting, the breed’s keen instincts can make it suitable for small-game pursuits. Its grooming needs are minimal for the hairless variety, though the coated variety requires regular care to maintain its soft, silky coat. The Chinese Crested Dog is energetic, alert, and highly trainable.

14. Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a powerful and skilled hunting breed, originally bred for big-game hunting. It has a short, smooth coat that sheds minimally, making it a great option for hunters seeking a low-shedding dog. 

Known for its strength, courage, and loyalty, the Dogo Argentino excels in tracking and protecting during hunts. While it requires regular exercise and mental stimulation, its grooming needs are minimal. This breed is highly trainable, protective, and well-suited for hunters who need a dependable, versatile companion.

Read More: Top 10 Worst Shedding Dog Breeds

Conclusion

Choosing a hunting dog that doesn’t shed can make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable and less time-consuming. Breeds like the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Dogo Argentino offer great hunting skills combined with minimal shedding. These dogs require less grooming, making them ideal for hunters with allergies or those who prefer a low-maintenance companion. With the right training and care, these breeds can become loyal, efficient partners in the field, ensuring a successful hunt every time.