best beginner hypoallergenic dog
22 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Bichon Frise
Miniature Schnauzer
The most popular Schnauzer breed on the market, these astute watchdogs are a perfect pocket option for Schnauzer fans. They have that same serious expression as their larger counterparts, but in a more compact package. These fearless companions shed minimally and love lots of playtime, so get ready for plenty of games of fetch.
Poodle
All poodles fall under the hypoallergenic umbrella, including the standard, toy and miniature versions, so you can choose your own dog adventure. Super-smart poodles are also extremely easy to train, making them one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. As for that fancy "poodle clip," the traditional cut protects the water-loving dogs' joints and vital organs while swimming, in addition to looking absolutely adorable.
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Yorkshire Terrier
Sweet-faced little Yorkies fit in purses and laps, but their small size packs a ton of attitude. Their fine hair has a texture that's similar to humans' manes, so it's less likely to make you sneeze. But groom-averse dog fans, beware: Yorkies do require regular brushing and maintenance to keep their hair tangle-free and silky soft.
Shih Tzu
The almighty "lion dogs" known as Shih Tzu's date back to the Tang Dynasty. One look and you'll understand why the breed once won over royalty with their regal (but low-shedding!) looks and charming, friendly personas. Because their hair naturally grows long, they do require a fair amount of upkeep. Get to know a good groomer, and start early to teach your pup to love regular brushing.
Maltese
Averaging a teeny-tiny seven pounds, the ancient Greek breed basically defines the concept of "lap dog." Even marathon cuddle sessions won't leave you sneezing, since their all-white coats aren't likely to trigger allergies. You can choose between cutting their soft fur into a sporty trim or letting it grow long, depending on how much maintenance you can handle.
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Portuguese Water Dog
You may recognize these medium-sized furballs after "First Dogs" Sunny and Bo Obama helped put the curly-haired Portuguese water dogs in the spotlight. Their playful and laid-back personalities make great additions to any household, even if yours is less than presidential. They even adapt well to apartment living for those in small spaces, but will still need regular walks to keep them fit.
Scottish Terrier
You may recognize the personality-filled Scottie dog from Disney classic dog movie, Lady and the Tramp, but the independent and sometimes stubborn Scotties make great pets IRL, too. They were originally bred as fierce hunters, and their wiry, weather-resistant coats kept them protected in a range of climates. Today, their dignified beard will probably spend most of its time gracing your couch.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is an easily recognizable breed that has a feathery tail and feet. For those that have a hard time with pet hair, these hairless dogs make great housemates and wont cause the sniffles since the only place they have hair is on their feet, tail and head. Even if they've got faces only a mother could love, you're sure to fall head over heels with yours.
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Xoloitzcuintli
Known for being the dog of the ancient Aztecs, the Xoloitzcuintli is a loyal and alert watchdog. These dogs come in two varieties hairless and coated. If you go for the elegant hairless variety, pick up a good dog sunscreen to protect their delicate skin from damage.
RELATED: 6 Best Dog Sunscreens to Protect Your Pup
Giant Schnauzer
We're in love with the giant Schnauzers' iconic shaggy eyebrows, but all that fur doesn't mean they'll make you sneeze. They do require a moderate amount of grooming, so get a quality dog brush. The largest of the three Schnauzer types, they can grow to 75 pounds and have an intelligent, task-focused temperament that lends itself well to training.
West Highland Terrier
Just like other terriers, Westies possess a curious and lively attitude with the added bonus of minimal shedding. These hardy dogs have a cheerful demeanor that will keep you giggling with their playful antics. Their portable size and friendly disposition make them some of the most popular terriers.
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Havanese
Happy and curious, Havanese dogs sport long, silky coats in a variety of colors. They can look positively royal if you let their low-shedding coats grow long and carry them around like the kings and queens they think they are. Many owners prefer to give them a shorter clip for easier maintenance.
Afghan Hound
These sweet hounds don't shed much, but their long coats do require some attentive grooming. Because they were originally bred for the mountains in Afghanistan, they have long, shiny hair that can tangle without routine maintenance. Make grooming time part of your bonding ritual, and you'll discover what "man's best friend" really means.
Basenji
Basenjis originated as African hunting dogs, but they don't howl and yap like a lot of hounds tend to do. They have short, fine hair that sheds minimally, so you'll barely know they live with you. Basenjis are known for their catlike demeanor, and these fastidious little creatures will even groom themselves.
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Cairn Terrier
Lots of coarse-haired terriers shed less than other groups, making the wiry-coated breeds a smart choice for allergy sufferers. Owners especially love Cairn terriers for their fearless personalities you may recognize the breed as Toto in The Wizard of Oz!
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington terriers grow distinctive poofs of fur at the top of their heads, giving the sweet-looking breed a lamb-like look. These gentle, cuddly terriers make great watchdogs and downtime partners. Professionals spend a lot of time styling the curly, wooly coat for dog shows to get them that picture perfect look. If you just want a snuggly pet, you can opt for a lower-maintenance short clip instead.
Coton de Tulear
Pronounced "coTAWN day two-LEE-are," this charming companion breed will follow you around the house like a cheerful little shadow. The "royal dog of Madagascar" is allegedly descended from dogs who survived an ancient shipwreck near Madagascar, and they resemble bichons with their soft, white hair. It's less likely aggravate your allergies than traditional fur.
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Irish Water Spaniel
If you're looking for a hypoallergenic breed, don't limit yourself to terriers and toy dogs. Irish water spaniels belong to the sporting group, and (surprise!) they love water. These natural-born swimmers even have coats that repel it, so not only will they keep your allergies at bay, they can hop in and out of the pool all day.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Don't let the fancy name fool you. These wooly, small- to medium-sized pups aren't pretentious in the least. They check off everything on dog lovers' wish lists: low-shedding, active but not too hyper, easygoing and affectionate. They even have a hidden talent: Lagotti are especially excellent at truffle-hunting. In your care, they may spend more time hunting down toys in your backyard.
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12 Best Hypoallergenic Dogs for First-Time Owners (With Pictures)
Dogs come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and have many different types of coats. While some dogs shed excessively and cause severe allergy symptoms in human companions who have allergies, some shed very little and are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they dont tend to cause problems for people who suffer from allergies.
But just because a dog happens to be considered hypoallergenic doesnt mean that they are an ideal breed for someone whos never owned a dog before. So, we put together a list of 12 hypoallergenic dogs that are perfect for first-time owners. However, you need to understand that there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog breed, so your best bet is to consult with your own doctor and discuss possible solutions for your symptoms. Still, that doesnt mean some dogs wont, anecdotally, be better. Check them out below.
The 12 Best Hypoallergenic Dogs for First-Time Owners
1. The Maltese
Adult Size: | 810 inches; 6.59 pounds |
Temperament: | Intelligent, affectionate, loyal |
Trainability: | Easy |
The Maltese is a cute, small dog breed with plenty of personality and intelligence. This breed is loving and sociable, gets along well with kids, and is always eager to please. Their intelligence makes it easy to train them, and they are particularly known to excel at obedience and agility training.
You dont need to be an experienced dog owner to get your Maltese to come, sit, or stay. These dogs love adventure but dont mind spending many of their days in the comfort of their home and yard. The one downside is that these dogs must be brushed daily and get trims or haircuts at least occasionally to keep their coats under control.
- Sociable
- Gets along with kids
- Easy to train
- Requires moderate to high grooming maintenance
2. The Miniature Schnauzer
Adult Size: | 1214 inches; 1220 pounds |
Temperament: | Lively, friendly, independent |
Trainability: | Moderate |
Miniature Schnauzers are exciting dogs that love to interact and spend time with their family members. They are quick learners, which means basic training doesnt typically require the need for professional help. Schnauzers are hardy dogs, so theres no need to be dainty around them. They can be home alone while you work, but they will want to go on adventures during your time off.
One problem to consider is that these dogs can get bored easily, so its important to rotate their toys and ensure that there is always something new lying around to play with and/or investigate. These dont have to be anything fancy a cardboard box makes for a great occasional toy!
- Eager to please
- Quick learners
- Hardy
3. The Poodle
Adult Size: | 1824 inches; 3070 pounds |
Temperament: | Active, fun-loving, goofy |
Trainability: | Easy |
This bold dog breed makes for a great show dog, but thats not what the Poodle is all about. Poodles are extremely smart and take well to training, like most of the breeds on this list. Beyond that, they have an uncanny ability to read the room and understand how to behave in different social situations.
Poodles can stay home alone during the normal workweek without getting too lonely if you give them attention while they are around. One warning to heed is that Poodles are active. They love to get exercise, so be prepared to go on long daily walks and weekend adventures. Since Poodles were bred as water retrievers, they like to swim, so its a bonus if you have a pool at home or live near an ocean or lake to swim in.
- Smart and observant
- Gets along well in various social situations
- Doesnt mind staying home alone
- Active and require plenty of exercise
4. The Irish Water Spaniel
Adult Size: | 2024 inches; 4565 pounds |
Temperament: | Inquisitive, alert, loyal |
Trainability: | Easy |
These lovable water dogs are adventurous, kind, and full of life. They can be easily trained, and they dont mind goofing around with older kids, but they arent thrilled with the shenanigans of younger children. They can get along with other dogs but should be socialized from a young age to achieve a happy household with multiple dogs in it.
If you love to hunt, this is the dog for you. They enjoy being the backbone of a good hunting trip. However, hunting isnt necessary to keep these dogs happy. A fun camping trip, a road trip to the mountains, a day at the beach, and even a jaunt at the dog park are all things that will help keep this dog happy and healthy throughout their life.
- Lovable
- Easy to train
- Adventurous
- Must be socialized at a young age
- May not get along well with young children
5. The Affenpinscher
Adult Size: | 912 inches; 710 pounds |
Temperament: | Courageous, feisty, independent |
Trainability: | Easy to moderate |
This dog breed has a bad reputation for being hard to train because of their independence. So, you might need help from a professional trainer in the obedience area. That said, the Affenpinschers independence makes them easy to manage when you work full time and have a social life on the weekends.
A brisk walk before or after work and the occasional adventure outdoors is all it takes to make this breed happy, as well as you two spending quality time together whenever youre at home. These dogs tend to get along great with kids of all ages, but the older they get, the less patience they have for high-energy interactions.
- Great with kids
- Independent
- Sociable
- May require professional training
6. The Basenji
Adult Size: | 1517 inches; 2024 pounds |
Temperament: | Affectionate, independent, curious |
Trainability: | Moderate |
If you do your research and know what to expect, the Basenji can make a great hypoallergenic pet for first-time owners. They are known for being quirky, active, and always on the lookout for attention. They can be stubborn during training sessions, though, so its important to enroll them in obedience training classes while they are still puppies.
When well-trained and exercised, these dogs will happily hang out at home and meld into the family dynamic. They are loyal to their family members and can make good watchdogs. They are known for grooming themselves well and rarely ever stink. They are high-spirited too, which can help put you in a good mood after a long and hard day.
- Quirky and fun
- Loves attention
- Loyal to family members
- Can be quirky and stubborn
7. The Labradoodle
Adult Size: | 2024 inches; 5065 pounds |
Temperament: | Outgoing, easy-going, friendly |
Trainability: | Easy |
The Labradoodle offers the best of what the Poodle and the Labrador have to offer. They are considered hypoallergenic, loyal, extremely smart, active, and sociable. These dogs get along great with kids of all ages, and they dont mind spending time alone. Labradoodles are probably the easiest dogs on this list to obedience train.
These dogs come in a variety of different colors, including black, apricot, and silver. Most have a wavy coat, while others have curly or straight coats. While they dont tend to shed, they do require regular brushing to keep their coats in good shape. This breed is a great choice when looking for a service or therapy dog. However, they dont make great watchdogs.
- Optimistic personality
- Easy to train
- Comes in different colors and coat types
8. The Wire Fox Terrier
Adult Size: | 1316 inches; 1320 pounds |
Temperament: | Lively, sociable, easily bored |
Trainability: | Easy |
Wire Fox Terriers dont know when to quit when it comes to playtime. They seem to have boundless energy, but regular walks and plenty of attention at home should help keep them balanced. These loyal dogs will stick by your side in social situations, and they dont mind meeting new people when they feel secure about their surroundings.
These dogs have dense, wiry coats with white coats and colored markings They love to work, so its a good idea to give them a job in the yard when you are out there working. They are happiest in a home filled with people and activity. They can be noisy when they feel like theyre lacking attention.
- Playful
- Loyal
- Fun to work in the yard with
9. The Havanese
Adult Size: | 8.511.5 inches; 713 pounds |
Temperament: | Happy, affectionate, eager |
Trainability: | Easy |
These beautiful dogs have long, silky hair, doughy eyes, and cuddly bodies that make them extremely popular pets among households of all shapes and sizes. These dogs are easy to train, they love practicing on agility courses, and they will never say no to an outdoor adventure. They like to stick close to their human companions, so youll never feel lonely while spending time at home.
The Havanese is an adaptable dog that can sense the room and understand how to respond to social situations. Theyre kid friendly, get along well with other dogs and cats, and are generally easy to groom. They can get quite lazy, however, which may lead to weight gain as they age, so diet and exercise must be a priority.
- Adaptable
- Intuitive
- Kid friendly
- Tends to become overweight
10. The Border Terrier
Adult Size: | 1116 inches; 1116 pounds |
Temperament: | Obedient, even-tempered, energetic |
Trainability: | Easy |
This fearless dog breed is never afraid to take on new challenges or engage in new social situations. The Border Terrier is even-tempered, making them easy to manage and train as time goes on. They have a harsh coat that doesnt feel great to the touch but does keep them protected in harsh weather outdoors.
They are usually easy to keep clean and healthy, as they are hardy and self-sufficient when it comes to grooming. They are quite active, so they should get at least an hour of exercise each day, rain or shine. Anything less and they are bound to get bored and become destructive inside the home.
- Fearless
- Family oriented
- Can hold up well to harsh weather conditions
- Can get destructive without sufficient exercise
11. The Brussels Griffon
Adult Size: | 1012 inches; 812 pounds |
Temperament: | Full sun/partial shade |
Trainability: | Easy |
The Brussels Griffon is made up of a few breeds, including the Affenpinscher, the Pug, and the English Toy Spaniel. These sturdy dogs are athletic and agile despite their small size. As a sensitive breed, these dogs do not respond well to harsh reprimands, but rather to positive reinforcement and patience.
Since these dogs like to be in on all the action, owners should have a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of room for adventures and social outings together. This is a smart and loyal breed that takes well to obedience training and socializing with other people and dogs. Do note that they can develop bad behavior to try and get attention.
- Sturdy build for outdoor adventures
- Smart
- Eager to please
- May behave badly to get attention
12. The Yorkshire Terrier
Adult Size: | 68 inches; 27 pounds |
Temperament: | Feisty, affectionate, brave |
Trainability: | Moderate |
This is a self-assured dog that doesnt need coaxing to come out of their shell. They tend to have an adventurous spirit and an endearing personality that makes people quickly fall in love with them. Their tiny size doesnt stop them from trying to warn strangers away that they find suspicious.
Yorkshire Terriers get along well with other animals and love to play games like fetch and hide-and-seek. They are rarely aggressive, yet they tend to think that they are bigger than they really are, which can get them in trouble when playtime with larger dogs gets rough.
- Socially adaptable
- Rarely aggressive
- Loves to cuddle
- Can get hurt when playing with larger dogs
Final Thoughts
There are many hypoallergenic dogs out there that are well-suited for first-time owners. The challenge is determining which breed is the best option for your household and lifestyle. Its a good idea to research any breed that you are considering adopting and to meet the dog in person to see how you get along before making any long-term commitments.
Featured Image Credit: Linas T, Shutterstock