best hypoallergenic family dog

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.

10 Most Popular Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for People and Kids with Allergies

8. Explore treatment options

There are many different treatments for allergies. While many children grow out of allergies as they get older, these types of situations are more frequent with food allergies. Many children who are allergic to dogs will stay allergic to them even into adulthood. If the child is only mildly allergic, medical treatment may seem like overkill, and its often advisable to try the above methods before resorting to treatment. Its important to remember that you cannot cure a child of allergies. However, for children with moderate to severe allergies, there are treatments available that can limit their allergic reaction and allow them to live harmoniously with dogs.

• Allergy shots (also known as immunotherapy)

These are a popular option, though they require commitment and expense. The child will need to go to the allergist on a regular basis to receive these shots. There are two phases to immunotherapy treatment. The first is the build up phase, in which the child will receive injections frequently to build up their immunity. The length of this initial phase varies, but it can last anywhere from three to six months. After the build up phase comes to the maintenance phase, in which the child will need to go to the allergist once or twice a month to receive the injections. Its important to take into consideration how cooperative your child will be- no kid likes getting shots! Though they may be begging for a dog, the prospect of bi-weekly injections may change their (and your!) mind. Allergy shots are frequently, but not always, covered by insurance.

There are many over the counter medications that children can take to combat allergy symptoms. They are most commonly antihistamines. These drugs, which often come in two varieties (one for kids and one for adults), sometimes have mild side effects, such as drowsiness or hyperactivity. While many people take allergy medication for seasonal allergies, like pollen allergies that get worse during the warmer months, many people wont want to give their children medication year round to treat pet allergies. Consult your pediatrician before committing to any medication regime, and think carefully about the potential side effects of any long term medication, even something as simple as allergy meds.

9. Consider another type of pet

While this is the least palatable option, some children are simply too allergic to dogs to enjoy living with them. There are many delightful pets in the animal kingdom including cats, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, lizards, snakes, mice, and gerbils. If your child is allergic to all of the above (which is unlikely but not impossible) consider a beautiful aquarium full of fish, which can be artistic, soothing, and fun! It can be very disappointing for a child who loves dogs not to be able to have one, but there is nothing more unpleasant than getting a puppy only to have to find it another home when the child has a severe allergic reaction. If you suspect your child may be allergic, its good to test them early before committing to any pet (and its the responsible thing to do for the animal, as well!)

Many children will eventually ask for a puppy. And who can blame them? Dogs bring joy, love, affection, and fun into the family and are a great source of unconditional love. If your kid has allergies, however, the fun will likely be short lived unless you take the proper precautions. Researching and choosing a good hypoallergenic dog breed, and keeping them clean is your first priority. Make sure air filters are installed and consider the possibility of medical treatment to combat allergies are all good ideas that may make it possible to bring a pup into a home.

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.