best hypoallergenic dog breeds for families
15 Of Our Favorite Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds For Families
Are you looking to add a new, furry addition to your family? Perhaps youve been in the market for a dog for a while now, but youre on the fence. Perhaps someone in your home suffers from allergies or you just arent too keen on the idea of having furniture and clothing covered in dog hair.
Still, it would be nice to snuggle up next to a four-legged pooch at the end of the long day. Plus, your kids have been hounding you about getting a puppy. Whats a person to do?
Well, youre in luck!
Today, we are not only talking about all about our favorite hypoallergenic dog breeds, but were talking about our favorite hypoallergenic dog breeds for families!
Need a dog who is great with kids but doesnt shed like a Golden Retriever? Weve got you. Looking for a pup who doesnt make your eyes water and your nose run every time you get near it like a Husky? Done.
You asked and we delivered with fifteen of our favorite hypoallergenic dog breeds for families!
Of course, every family is unique, but there are some basic questions experts suggest you ask yourself before committing to getting a family dog.
So before we dive into our favorite 15 hypoallergenic dog breeds, lets go over some things you should consider before considering a family pup.
What To Consider Before Getting A Family Dog
Make sure you teach your children how to be around the family dog, and never leave small children and dogs unsupervised.
While its true that the Labrador Retriever ranks in as Americas favorite family breed according to the American Kennel Club, its not true that just because Labs are Labs they will never bite, nip, growl, etc.
Dogs are dogs, from the smallest to the largest, and they require time, patience, training, socialization, and lots of love and consistency.
Anyone who has owned a dog will tell you that dogs are quite the commitment, can cost more money than you think, and can bring even more chaos to an already chaotic household.
Its important to consider your lifestyle before making the choice to bring a dog into your family home. Do you have the time and ability to properly train, socialize, and exercise your new furry family member?
Are you able and willing to supervise very small children around the family dog, and are you able and willing to dog-proof your home and teach older children how to properly interact with a dog in the home?
You should also be prepared for the time it takes to train, socialize, groom, and exercise your potential pup.
And especially for families with kiddos, its super important to make sure your dog is properly and consistently trained and socialized.
This means making sure your dog is comfortable and patient around children, and that children are either being supervised around the dog at all times.
You should also try and pick the right breed or mix for your family and your familys lifestyle.
What I mean by this is that if you are a very active family who is constantly on the move and you love to, say, go boating on the weekends, you may want to pick a dog breed or mix that has a reputation of being active and outgoing and loves to swim, like a Labradoodle.
If you have very small children, steer clear of small, fragile dogs like Yorkshire Terriers, who can be prone to impatient snapping if a child pulls on its tail or ears and who could also get hurt if a child picks him it up the wrong way.
For those of you looking for a companion dog who loves to cuddle and is very go-with-the-flow, you may want to look into the Maltese, who was bred to be a companion dog and enjoys all things family oriented!
See what me mean?
We believe there is a dog for every family, and we want to help you find yours. Of course, yours has to be hypoallergenic. Dont worry we didnt forget. But what exactly is a hypoallergenic dog, and is there even such a thing?
Lets find out.
What Is A Hypoallergenic Dog?
The labradoodle, (pictured left), sheds less and produces less allergy inducing dandar than her double-coated labrador brother (pictured right).
Okay, so heres the part where we burst your bubble. No, there is really no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog.
I know. Sorry.
The truth is all dogs shed, even dogs who are considered hypoallergenic by some breeders. So, if youre looking for a pooch that doesnt lose his hair, youre out of luck.
But the good news is that there are breeds and mixes who shed much less frequently than other breeds and who also produce much less allergy-inducing dandar in their fur.
This means that even if you suffer from allergies to a Labrador Retriever, you may not suffer the same reaction towards a Poodle.
Furthermore, there will be a lot less hair around the house to clean up, saving you time and money on lint roller bills. (Hey, those bills add up!)
So, even though there is truly no such thing as a real hypoallergenic dog, there are dogs that arewellkind of hypoallergenic and also really great for families!
And with that, lets begin our countdown of our favorite 15 hypoallergenic dog breeds for families, starting with the Poodle!
1. The Poodle
Poodles are trainable, friendly companions at any size!
Size Standard (40 70 lbs)
Miniature (10 15 lbs)
Toy (6 10 lbs)
Lifespan 10 18 years
Common Health Issues Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, Addisons disease, hypoglycemia, bloat, collapsed trachea.
Temperament Intelligent, friendly, active, and loyal.
Pros They are intelligent dogs who are eager to please and love being with family. They are good with children, patient, gentle, and very affectionate.
Cons They have a high prey drive and may not do well in households with smaller pets like birds or hamsters.
More About the Poodle
Poodles are some of my favorite breeds, and it really has nothing to do with the fact that they are considered to be hypoallergenic.
Whether you opt to get a Standard Poodle, a Miniature Poodle, or a Toy Poodle, youre in for a treat.
My first dog was a toy Poodle named Poco. I was six years old and totally smitten. Poco was a clever, mischievous, and funny pup who was easy going and loved being with the family. He lived to be 18 years old and I credit him with igniting my incredible passion for dogs.
Poodles make wonderful family dogs because they are so easy to train. They are eager to please and enjoy making their owners proud. Best of all, they are loyal breeds who enjoy being with their families all the time!
However, Poodles are highly active and require lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored or destructive. They can also be prone to suffering from separation anxiety, so they are not ideal for families with busy schedules or families that are away often.
2. The Maltese
The Maltese is an ideal family dog for homes with older, more gentle children.
Size 2 8 lbs
Lifespan 12 15 years
Common Health Issues Obesity, digestive issues, heart disease, and tracheal collapse.
Temperament Affectionate, smart, playful, and sweet.
Pros Maltese are friendly dogs bred for companionship. They love their families and enjoy learning new tricks! Due to their small size, they require only minimal exercise.
Cons While gentle for the most part, a Maltese may bite or snap if handled too roughly. This is not an ideal dog for families with smaller, rougher children in the home. Maltese dogs also require strenuous grooming if their hair is left to grow long.
More About the Maltese
Maltese are friendly, sweet little dogs who were bred to be companions and it shows. Their soft fur can grow all the way to the floor or be kept short in a puppy cut for lower-maintenance styles.
Because Maltese dogs are such family-oriented breeds, they can become very attached to their people and can suffer from serious separation anxiety and depression when left alone for too long.
3. The Maltipoo
A Maltipoo is a perfect mix between a Poodle and a Maltese!
Size 2 16 lbs
Lifespan 12 18 years
Common Health Issues Obesity, digestive issues, heart disease, and tracheal collapse. Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, Addisons disease, hypoglycemia, bloat.
Temperament Playful, Intelligent, Affectionate, Funny, Outgoing
Pros Maltipoos are a great mix between Poodles and Maltese dogs, combining the wonderful qualities of both into one adorable package.
Cons The Maltipoo is not a recognized breed and there is controversy surrounding hybrid dogs. You may get a variety of temperaments, physical appearances, and health issues with a mixed breed like a Maltipoo.
More About the Maltipoo
I will try desperately not to be biased here when it comes to the Maltipoo, but I should preface this by saying I have one, and shes perfect in everyway.
With that being said, I would not recommend this mixed breed for families with very small children.
Like most smaller dogs, Maltipoos are fragile and can be prone to injury if handled too roughly. They can also be snappy with kiddos who get a little too handsy.
The Maltipoo is the perfect family companion for households with older, more considerate children.
4. The Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise brings both beauty and brains to the table!
Size 6 11 lbs
Lifespan 12 15 years
Common Health Issues allergies, patellar luxation, cataracts, hip dysplasia, Legg-Perhes disease, Liver disease, hyperadrenocorticism.
Temperament Gentle, playful, and outgoing
Pros The Bichon Frise is a happy, well-rounded pup who enjoys most other pets and when properly socialized and trained is great with kids!
Cons This is a pup who requires lots of training or he can be prone to suffering from separation anxiety, fear, and even fear-induced aggression.
More About the Bichon Frise
For the most part, the Bichon Frise is known for his playful, sensitive, and friendly demeanor. He gets on well with most pets and does great with the kiddos!
However, he is a smaller dog bred for companionship who can be prone to anxiety and, if not consistently and properly trained at an early age, he can be intolerant and even fearful, which can lead to fear-induced aggression.
5. The Portuguese Water Dog
You may recognize this good boy as the famous first dog. This is Obamas dog, Bo!
Size 35 60 lbs
Lifespan 12 15 years
Common Health Issues Arthritis, hip dysplasia, eye abnormalities, Addisons disease, gastrointestinal problems.
Temperament Affectionate, intelligent, outgoing
Pros Portuguese Water Dogs are independent thinkers but still eager to please. They enjoy being around family, are easy to train, and enjoy playing.
Cons This breed becomes very attached to its family and can become bored, destructive, and even depressed if left home alone too often.
More About the Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is both beautiful and brainy! Its no wonder he took up residence in the White House!
This breed enjoys its family and, when properly socialized, is friendly and happy-go-lucky. He enjoys both kids, other pets and will love the attention from all kinds of company.
6. The Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are known for having being big dogs in little bodies.
Size 4 7 lbs
Lifespan 1 16 years
Common Health Issues Hypoglycemia, Legg-Perthes Disease, Skin Allergies, Retinal Dysplasia, Liver Shunt, Collapsed Trachea, Patella luxation, Pancretatitis, Dental problems, bronchitis, lymphangiectasia, cataracts, keratitis sicca.
Temperament Feisty, active, playful, and bossy.
Pros Yorkies are fun for families with older children. They love to snuggle but know how to play! Not to mention they are way too cute!
Cons Yorkshire Terriers suffer from a number of health issues potential owners should be aware of. They can also be snappy with children who are playing too roughly and can be domineering and vocal.
More About the Yorkshire Terrier
All the dogs on this list need proper socialization, and the Yorkie is one of them. This is a breed that, while small, has no idea of its size and will take on any foe with complete disregard for its puniness.
With that being said, Yorkshire Terriers make incredible companions for the right family. They are loving and attentive and seek to be close to their people.
7. The Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus make loving additions to the right family!
Size 8 16 lbs
Lifespan 10 16 years
Common Health Issues Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Proptosis, Keratitis, Hip Dysplasia, Allergies, Ear Infections, Collapsed Trachea, Intervertebral Disk Disease, Patellar Luxation, Stenotic Nares, Hypothyroidism, Brachycephalic Syndrome.
Temperament Affectionate, loyal, alert
Pros The Shih Tzu is a loving and affectionate family companion. He is as cute as he is lively and loves being around his family.
Cons Shih Tzus can suffer from many serious health concerns, including Brachycephalic syndrome. Shih Tzus will also need plenty of socialization at an early age. They can also be territorial and possessive and show resource guarding around other dogs they dont know.
More About the Shih Tzu
Small but mighty, the Shih Tzu has been continuously ranked as a top 10 contenders for Americas most favorite dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club.
This breed is both intelligent and sweet, and for the most part they are docile pups who get along well with just about everyone.
However, they do have plenty of health issues a prospective owner should consider and, due to their small size, I would not recommend this breed for homes with very small children unless they can be closely supervised.
8. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Wheatens are full of energy and love!
Size 30 40 lbs
Lifespan 12 15 years
Common Health Issues Progressive Retinal Atrophy, renal dysplasia, Addisons disease, hip dysplasia.
Temperament Friendly, Intelligent, Stubborn, Spirited
Pros Wheatens make great family pets and get along well with other animals and children. They love attention and will be the family clown. They even carry their puppy-like enthusiasm throughout their life.
Cons The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier does have a Terrier disposition and can be headstrong. He can also be aggressive and territorial with other dogs of the same sex and will require plenty of socalization and trianing starting at an early age.
More About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is highly energetic and playful, and while he will keep a smile on your face, he will also require plenty of exercise and do best in a home where his family is around often.
This bouncy boy loves to run and play, but can be difficult to train due to his stubborn personality.
9. The Havanese
The Havanese is a small but sturdy companion for families!
Size 9 16 lbs
Lifespan 13 15 years
Common Health Issues Cataracts, cherry eye, patella luxation, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes, liver shunts, chondrodysplasia, deafness.
Temperament Docile, eager to please, intelligent, loving.
Pros The Havanese is such a loving and agreeable companion that he is often used as an emotional support dog or therapy dog. This breed loves to give love and is eager to learn and please. He gets along great with both kids and other household pets!
Cons Havanese may be bright, but they pick up slowly on housetraining. They need consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement but prepare for slip ups. Havanese can also suffer from separation anxiety and destructive behaviors when left home alone for long periods of time.
More About the Havanese
If you are looking for a good toy breed for a family with kids, the Havanese is a great choice. They are sturdy enough to withstand some good play while also being gentle and patient.
Of course, you should still supervise smaller children around them and make sure your kids know to be gentle as the Havanese is small and can get injured easily!
This is a breed who is both intelligent and eager to please, which means it will pick up well for the most part. The Havanese does, however, have some difficulty with potty training.
10. The Miniature Schnauzer
The miniature Schnauzer is both playful and tough.
Size 12 20 lbs
Lifespan 12 15 years
Common Health Issues allergies, diabetes, pancreatitis, epilepsy, bladder stones.
Temperament Curious, loyal, playful, alert.
Pros Miniature Schnauzers get along well with kids and other dogs, making them great additions to any family!
Cons This is a breed with a very high prey drive so they are not recommended for homes with smaller pets like hamsters, birds, or mice. They can also be very vocal and bark often.
More About the Miniature Schnauzer
This is a breed whose diverse and adaptive personality means he will fit in with nearly any family. He is people friendly and loves to play with other dogs!
However, he can be alert and while this makes for a great watch dog, his yapping can become frustrating for those living with neighbors close by or in apartments with thin walls.
11. The Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a rare breed with a loving spirit!
Size 8 18 lbs
Lifespan 13 16 years
Common Health Issues Obesity, digestive issues, heart disease, and tracheal collapse. Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, Addisons disease, hypoglycemia, bloat.
Temperament Friendly, Affectionate, Loyal, Sweet
Pros This breed loves attention and becomes very attached to his family. He does great with both children and other household pets.
Cons Coton de Tulear dogs can be mildly stubborn and can suffer from separation anxiety and destructive behaviors when left home alone for long periods of time.
About the Coton de Tulear
One of the least well-known breeds on our list, the Coton de Tulear makes for a playful and fun-loving family companion who is tough despite his small size.
He is friendly, outgoing, and becomes highly bonded with his people. This is a dog who would do great in homes with consistency and with owners who are home often.
12. The Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between the Golden Retriever and Poodle.
Size 30 45 lbs
Lifespan 10 15 years
Common Health Issues Hip dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, subvalvular aortic stenosis, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, glaucoma, Addisons disease.
Temperament Energetic, playful, intelligent, active.
Pros Goldendoodle dogs are intelligent and eager to please! They get along well with children and other household pets when introduced properly.
Cons This is a cross between two highly energetic and athletic breeds. The Goldendoodle will need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep from becoming bored and destructive.
More About the Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. He is still not yet considered his own breed.
He is a wonderful addition to active families with children and gets along well with just about everyone! However, this is an incredibly energetic and intelligent breed who needs lots of training and socialization from an early age and consistently throughout his life.
13. The West Highland White Terrier (The Westie)
You may recognize this cuties face from a few dog food commercials!
Size 13 22 lbs
Lifespan 12 16 years
Common Health Issues Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Patellar Luxation, Coppor Toxicosis, Cataracts, Legg-Perthes Disease, Craniomandibular Osteopathy, Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy.
Temperament Independant, Happy, Entertaining, Fun-Loving
Pros Westies are fun and funny companions who do well with older children and enjoy playtime and companionship with other dogs.
Cons Westies can be snappy with small children and impatient when tugged on or picked up by rougher kids. They are intelligent but can also be stubborn, which can pose issues during training.
More About the West Highland White Terrier
Adorable and funny are only a couple of words that describe this hilarious and adorable little dog.
This spunky pup would make a great addition to families with older children and do well in homes with owners who are able to ensure he gets properly socialized at an early age.
The West Highland White Terrier is a breed who, while small, still needs consistent walks and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
14. The Cairn Terrier
There is a reason Dorothy loved Toto so much. He was a Cairn Terrier!
Size 13 18 lbs
Lifespan 12 15 years
Common Health Issues Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, Haemophilia B, Asymptomatic Macrothrombocytopenia, Gallbladder Mucocele Formation, Krabbe Disease, Craniomandibular Osteopathy, Cataracts, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism.
Temperament Adaptive, Energetic, Loyal, Intelligent
Pros Cairn Terriers are great dogs for active families who travel often and want a small but energetic companion to bring along! These guys get along well with children and other household pets.
Cons Cairn Terriers bore easily and require constant mental stimulation and lots of exercise or they can be prone to destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture and personal items.
More About the Cairn Terrier
This is not the ideal companion for families who are looking for a calm, quiet lap dog. Cairn Terriers are always on the move and require plenty of exercise.
The Cairn Terrier is adaptive to most environments but needs to be with a family who is able to meet all his needs including plenty of exercise, playtime, training, and socializing.
15. The Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is one of the most popular mixed breeds in the US!
Size 50 65 lbs
Lifespan 12 15 years
Common Health Issues Hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, von Willebrands disease.
Temperament Energetic, Intelligent, Affectionate, Outgoing
Pros Labradoodles are ideal family dogs and get along well with just about everyone!
Cons Labradoodles are energetic and outgoing. They need lots of exercise and due to the fact that they are crossbreeds, you could get a range of health issues and temperamental traits common to both purebred parent breeds.
More About the Labradoodle
There is a reason that the Labradoodle is one of Americas most favorite crossbreeds. He is energetic, outgoing, and full of love and fun!
These guys are clumsy as young dogs and elegant as they get older. They get along famously with kids of all ages and all kinds of household pets.
However, they require plenty of attention, training, and early socialization to ensure they grow up to be happy and well-rounded adult dogs.
Picking Your Family Dog
Picking out your new dog or puppy is an exciting time for everyone, especially when the whole family is involved!
Of course, some of the pups on this list cost a pretty penny, and you are not always guaranteed the dog you want when going through a rescue or shelter.
Still, we always support adopting and want to remind that there are plenty of breed and mixed breed-specific shelters that offer certain types of dogs, so weI encourage you to do a bit of research before deciding to go through a breeder.
When going through a shelter, keep in mind that there will be a small fee for vet bills and adoption costs, but it will still be a fraction of the price when going through a breeder.
If you have your heart set on a puppy from a breeder, remember to do plenty of research and make sure the breeder you go through is reputable and responsible. You can avoid accidentally supporting puppy mills when you choose to go through breeders who are able to offer health certificate and who have been certified.
Going through reputable sources to get your puppy or dog may cost you more initially, but the decision could wind up saving you thousands of dollars in vet bills as well as save you from emotional distress in the long run when it comes to underlying health issues.
And of course, always steer clear of backyard breeders, online Craigslist puppy sellers, and pet stores.
We would love to know which hypoallergenic breed you have decided on! Keep us posted in the comments section below!
Madison Guthrie (also known as Sonny Mackenzi) is a pet care specialist and positive-reinforcement trainer who works most closely with anxious and reactive dogs.Born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, Madison developed a love for animals at an early age and spent most of her childhood outdoors rescuing stray pets and helping to rehabilitate injured wildlife. Along with animals, Madison also developed a love for writing and music. Over the past five years, she has worked to use her passions to help the pets and pet parents in her community build stronger bonds and live happier, healthier lives together. Currently, Madison lives in South Pasadena, California where she owns and operates Miss Madison LLC, a marketing company that focuses on helping privately owned veterinary establishments and pet care companies grow and thrive. She also works as a dog trainer at My Dog Spot, which is an award-winning pet care and training establishment in Pasadena, California.
