Medium-Sized Non-Shedding Dogs That Are Calm

French Bulldog

Anyone looking for a low-maintenance dog to cuddle should consider the French bulldog. Bred orginally to warm the laps of French lacemakers, "Frenchies" are known for a calm, even disposition. The breed old, dating back to the 18th century. Frenchies are packed with muscles in a compact body reaching a maximum of 28 pounds, but lack the hyperactivity of more athetic dogs. Still, the breed remains alert and will notice any unfamiliar person approaching your home. Ideal as an apartment dog, Frenchies are happy indoors and don't need a lot of exercise.

Boston terriers, nicknamed "The American Gentleman," are smart, non-shedding and gentle in temperament. Bred in 19th century Boston as fighting dogs, the first "Bostons" were a cross between English bulldogs and white English terriers. Adult dogs reach 25 pounds or fewer and have a solid, athletic build. Requiring little maintenance, the Boston terrier always looks neatly groomed. Though athletic, the breed can live with moderate exercise. Boston terriers are also loyal to their owners and easy to train.

The Chinese shar-pei may date back to 200 B.C., but it almost went extinct in the 1970's. Americans learned of the low numbers and came to the rescue by establishing breeding programs. The shar-pei gained in popularity quickly and became familiar to Americans for its heavily-wrinkled face. The breed sheds little and requires little grooming. In China, the breed was used as a guard dog, wild-boar fighter and farm dog. An adult shar-pei will weigh around 40-50 pounds. These dogs are loyal and protective of an owner's family, but may be aggressive toward unfamiliar animals and wary of strangers.

Labradoodles and bassetdoodles are two of the "designer dogs" designed by breeders who make hybrid dogs. These mixes, while not purebreds, work well for families looking for calm, non-shedding dogs. Labradoodles, for instance, have the gentle friendliness of a Labrador retriever combined with a poodle's non-shedding coat. Bassetdoodles have the poodle's coat combined with the mellow temperment of a basset hound. Do your homework, however, if you plan on a designer dog and learn about the two breeds individually. A bassetdoodle, like the basset hound, may lounge indoors but have a strong hunting instinct that could lead it, and you, on a goose chase through the neighborhood.