best hypoallergenic dogs that dont shed

Best Dog Breeds for People With Allergies

So, you want a dog but you seem to have an allergy attack whenever youre around one? Youre not alone! Its estimated that 10 and 20% of people are allergic to cats and dogs, causing many prospective puppy owners to wonder which dogs are hypoallergenic. Spoiler alert: none of them are.

Thats right: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. No, really. Well say it one more time for the people in the back: There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. No mixed-breed dog, no purebred dog, and most definitely not any so-called designer dog, is truly hypoallergenic, no matter what people claim or try to sell you.

That said, it is possible to find less-allergenic dog breeds that are better suited for people with allergies. These purebred dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat that produces less dander. Dander, which clings to pet hair, is what causes most pet allergies in people. Even though dogs that are hypoallergenic dont truly exist, many breeds make it possible to enjoy the companionship of a dog, even if you suffer from allergies. That predictable coat of a purebred dog is key: you know what kind of coat these breeds will have, and there wont be surprises that end up making you sneeze.

There are also ways to prepare your home to help keep allergens at bay when you have a dog. Be sure to launder your pets bed often, keep up with their grooming, and consider not letting your dog sleep on your bed. Its also helpful to remove heavy carpets and drapes that can trap dander. Vacuum cleaners for pet hair and pet air purifiers also help remove allergens, and some can even groom the hair and dander right from your dog.

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is known for being aloof and dignified. They require regular exercise and grooming. They should be bathed and brushed twice a week.

American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a lively, friendly, and intelligent companion. The breed does well with children and is also good for city dwellers due to their minimal exercise needsregular walks and indoor playtime will do. They also need regular bathing and nail trimming.

Bedlington Terrier

The gentle, loveable Bedlington Terrier is known for its curly, wooly coat that resembles a lambs. The breed doesnt need intense exerciseregular playtime and daily walks will do.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a naturally gentle, happy, playful dog that loves activity. The Bichons hair continually grows and doesnt shed, so regular grooming is important to prevent mats.

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is an alert, playful dog that thrives on human companionship. They are small and do well in families with gentle children. Cresteds shed little to no hair.

Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a small, hardy dog that is happy, eager to please, and loyal. The breed gets along well with other dogs and children. Their long coat requires daily grooming.

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is intelligent and can be territorial, naturally feeling protective of their family. The breed needs a lot of exercise and loves having a job to do. They require regular grooming.

Irish Water Spaniel

This strong, intelligent breed is the clown of the spaniel family. Irish Water Spaniels are active and energetic, needing daily exercise. Their water-repellant double coat requires brushing every few weeks.

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is energetic and fun-loving. The breed enjoys being part of an active family that can provide daily exercise. Their coats need regular brushing and trimming.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolois a happy dog with tons of energy, needing plenty of activity. They are affectionate and devoted to their owners. Their thick curly coat is similar to that of a Poodle. They require trimming and regular brushing to prevent mats.

Maltese

Though small, the Maltese is known for being brave, playful, and fearless. They have long, silky white hair that needs to be brushed daily to prevent mats.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer has a natural protective nature that makes them a great watchdog. The breed is smart and cheerful. They adapt well to different living environments, and their double coat requires clipping.

Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)

The Peruvian Inca Orchid can be hairless or coated (the hairless variety does well with allergy sufferers). They also come in three different sizes (small, medium, and large). The breed is loyal and protective of its family. They also have a great deal of energy, needing regular activity. They have minimal grooming needs.

Poodle

The Poodle comes in three size varieties (Standard, Miniature, and Toy).The breed is exceptionally smart and active, needing daily exercise. Their trademark coat requires regular professional grooming.

Portuguese Water Dog

An athletic breed, the Portuguese Water Dogneeds vigorous daily exercise and would do best with a very active family. PWDs are intelligent, loyal workers. Their waterproof coat requires regular maintenance.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

This happy dog is active and needs plenty of exercise daily. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapts well to city, country, or suburban living, and does well with children. They have a silky, soft coat that needs regular grooming to prevent mats.

Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is a lively, hardworking dog with natural protective instincts. They are a high-energy breed that does best with an active family. They require little grooming for their curly, wooly coat. No brushing is needed, but at least once a year, they should be shaved down.

Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer is a sociable, affectionate breed that has a fondness for kids. They are athletic dogs that need daily exercise. Their beard and leg hair should be brushed often to prevent mats.

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard). They also come in two varieties, hairless and coated. The hairless has smooth, tough, protective skin and the coated has a short, flat coat. Theyre calm, tranquil, and attentive, and can also be aloof. They have moderate exercise and grooming needs.

Choosing a Purebred Dog for People With Allergies

With all of these purebred dogs with predictable coat types, shedding, and dander levels to choose from, theres no reason for people with allergies to avoid getting a dog that works for their lifestyle (and their immune system). You can learn more about the activity levels, size, sociability, trainability, and types of sports these breeds may excel at by visiting our AKC.org breed pages, or using our Dog Breed Selector to see which of these less-allergenic dog breeds might be the perfect choice for you.

30 'Hypoallergenic' Dogs That Dont Shed a Lot

Which Dogs Are Hypoallergenic?

While there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, there are dog breeds that may be a better fit for some people who tend to react around pups. Here are some of the best hypoallergenic dogs.

1. Poodle

There are three types of Poodles, and each has a reputation for being hypoallergenic. These dogs dont shed much and are known for their high intelligence. The Standard Poodle was originally bred for hunting and is the largest of the three, while the Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle were both bred to be smaller versions of this breed. No matter what size your Poodle is, this breed needs lots of care paid to their curls so they dont become tangled and matted.

2. Yorkshire Terrier

Little Yorkies are cute hypoallergenic dogs with spunky and affectionate personalities. They adapt well to many different living situations, from large homes to studio apartments, as long as they get plenty of attention from their family.

3. Shih Tzu

Another small hypoallergenic dog, the Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed. Theyre known for their thick coat and friendly temperament. However, their flat face means they can be susceptible to some health issues, including overheating, breathing problems, and tear stains.

4. Miniature Schnauzer

There are three Schnauzer breeds, and the Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest. Standing no more than 14 inches tall and weighing 1020 pounds, these smart dogs fit into many different living environments. Just make sure they get at least an hour of exercise every day.

5. Standard Schnauzer

The larger Standard Schnauzer shares a lot of the same qualities that make Miniature Schnauzers popular pets, just in a slightly larger package. These dogs can weigh as much as 45 pounds and love to spend their days taking long walks, playing fetch, and solving puzzle toys.

6. Giant Schnauzer

Capable of reaching heights of over 27 inches and weighing up to 85 pounds, Giant Schnauzers are among the biggest hypoallergenic dogs. They need lots of exercise to be happy, such as long walks, neighborhood runs, weekend hikes, and games of fetch.

7. Bichon Frise

Small, playful, and affectionate, the Bichon Frise is a petit pup with a curly hypoallergenic coat. Because theyre highly intelligent and highly trainable, Bichons can quickly master training basics with positive reinforcement and go on to learn fun tricks to entertain the family.

8. Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a small breed known for their unique appearance. There are two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. A powderpuff Chinese Crested is covered in long, silky hair, whereas a hairless Crested has smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on their head, tail, and paws. Both varieties are hypoallergenic, and the breed is playful, affectionate, and a great companion.

9. Portuguese Water Dog

This medium-sized breed was originally bred as an aid to fishermen in Portugal. Because their thick, curly coat does not shed much, Portuguese Water Dogs are a popular hypoallergenic dog breed. They are also intelligent, highly trainable, and friendly. These water dogs are high-energy pups, and regular exercise (like swimming) keeps them happy and healthy.

10. Labradoodle

A Labradoodle is a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle that was originally bred to be a hypoallergenic service dog. They are intelligent, friendly, and make excellent family pets. Moreover, Labradoodles are highly trainable and gentle, especially when well-exercised and socialized from an early age.

11. Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are another popular doodle dog developed over the past few decades. Like the Labradoodle, these dogs dont shed much, have a friendly nature, and are highly intelligent. While many are known for their golden coat (thanks to their Golden Retriever parent), Goldendoodles can come in a wide range of colors and textures. They need frequent grooming to prevent matting.

12. Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs were bred originally as water retrievers, and their curly, woolly coat would protect them from chilly waters. While less common than other hypoallergenic dogs, Lagotti Romagnoli (the proper plural of the breeds name) can be good with children and other pets, making them good family dogs.

13. Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers are small hypoallergenic dogs known for their monkey-like appearance. Their dense, wiry coat produces fewer allergens than many other dog breeds, but it requires lots of care through at-home brushing and stripping, a process where the hair is removed by the root instead of trimmed.

14. Irish Water Spaniel

Friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable, Irish Water Spaniels are another water dog breed originally bred for retrieving game. Their thick, curly coat requires regular grooming and is always liver (brown) in color. Exercise is essential to keep an Irish Water Spaniel happy and healthy, as the breed has a high energy level.

15. Aussiedoodle

An Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. This hypoallergenic dog is very smart and very energetic, thanks to both parent breeds. Lots of exercise and mental stimulation are needed to keep an Aussiedoodle happy. If they become bored, they can be destructive.

16. Bolognese

Bolognese are cute hypoallergenic dogs that originated in Italy. They have a long, fluffy white coat that needs lots of grooming despite its characteristic messy appearance. These playful and easygoing pups have a reputation for getting along well with children and other pets, and Bolognese can fit into all types of living situations.

17. Maltese

Another small hypoallergenic dog, the Maltese is known for their luxurious white coat. Maltese make affectionate and playful companions for pet parents who can keep up with their grooming needs, especially if you want your dogs hair long. To make grooming easier, give your Maltese a short puppy cut.

18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized Irish breed. As the name implies, this dog has a silky coat thats incredibly soft to the touch and doesnt shed a lot. Because theyre terriers, Wheatens maintain a high energy level throughout their life and need ample exercise and stimulation to be on their best behavior.

19. Coton de Tulear

A small hypoallergenic breed that originated in Madagascar, Cotons de Tulear are easygoing pups. Their good nature makes them a good fit for other pets and kids, especially when introductions are made properly.

20. Schnoodle

While many doodle breeds are a mix of a Poodle and an allergenic dog, the Schnoodle combines two hypoallergenic dog breeds: the Schnauzer and Poodle. Their coat can be curly or wavy, depending on what they inherit from their parents, but its always low-shedding.

21. Bedlington Terrier

Often called a lamb in dogs clothing, the Bedlington Terrier is a small, curly-haired breed known for their distinctive topknot hairdo and pom-pom ear tufts. This dog loves being beside their people and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

22. Xoloitzcuintli

Mexican Hairless Dogs, also known as Xoloitzcuintli, are one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds. This breed comes in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and can be hairless or covered in a short coat. Both hairless and short-coated Xolos are hypoallergenic dogs.

23. Whoodle

When a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is crossed with a Poodle, the result is a Whoodle: a friendly dog that doesnt shed very much at all. These dogs inherit their intelligence and affectionate nature from both parent breeds.

24. Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles are a crossbreed between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Their friendly, affectionate nature and gentle demeanor makes these large hypoallergenic dogs a popular pick for families with children and other pets. Just make sure to give them plenty of exercise, as these dogs need to stay active.

25. Shorkie

Another cross between two hypoallergenic dogs, the Shorkie is a mixed breed created from Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terriers. Theyre the best of both breeds: small, playful, and friendly. But like most dogs on this list, they require dedication to a regular grooming routine.

26. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are known for their long, flowing coat and slender builds. These pups are built for running and are one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. Afghan Hounds are loving toward their family but can be aloof toward people theyve just met, so early and consistent socialization is vital for this breed.

27. Barbet

The Barbet is a cheerful pup with a shaggy, woolly coat. Pronounced bar-bay, the name Barbet is from the French word barbe, which means beard, a nod to the dogs characteristically hairy chin. This big hypoallergenic dog loves to swim, thanks to their protective curly coat.

28. Shih-Poo

The Shih-Poo mixed breed is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle (most commonly the Toy Poodle). This small pup can do well in almost any living situation, as long as they get 30 minutes of exercise and a good brushing session every day.

29. Peruvian Inca Orchid

Though Peruvian Inca Orchids are rare dogs, they are hypoallergenic thanks to their nearly hairless bodies. They are an ancient dog breed that comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large), and theyre the national dog of Peru.

30. Malshi

As a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu, the Malshi is a happy, small hypoallergenic dog. They thrive when their favorite humans are close to them and need close companionship to be happy.