For many, the dream of sharing their home with a furry friend is often challenged by pet allergies. The good news is that numerous delightful breeds offer the joy of canine companionship with minimal shedding, making them ideal for allergy sufferers and those who prefer a cleaner home. Understanding the nuances of these breeds is key to finding the perfect match. This comprehensive guide will explore the best dogs to own that don’t shed, delving into their unique characteristics, grooming needs, and why they make wonderful additions to families looking for dogs that dont shed and are good for families.
Understanding “Hypoallergenic” Dogs
While the term “hypoallergenic dog” is widely used, it’s important to understand its true meaning. All dogs produce allergens, primarily from dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. Hypoallergenic dogs are specifically bred to produce fewer allergens, often because they shed less hair and thus release less dander into the environment. However, it’s crucial to remember that no dog is 100% allergen-free. Even minimal dander can trigger reactions in highly sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms like coughing, itching, or wheezing. These breeds simply offer a better fit for some people with dog allergies by significantly reducing the amount of airborne allergens.
Top Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (or Shed Minimally)
While a truly allergen-free dog remains a myth, many breeds are renowned for their low-shedding coats, making them excellent choices for those seeking a less allergenic pet. From playful companions to stately guardians, these dogs offer a range of sizes, temperaments, and grooming needs.
1. Poodle
Poodles are perhaps the most iconic “hypoallergenic” dog, and for good reason. Available in Standard, Miniature, and Toy sizes, each boasts a dense, curly coat that sheds minimally. Beyond their elegant appearance, Poodles are celebrated for their exceptional intelligence, making them highly trainable and adaptable companions. They were originally bred for hunting waterfowl, with the Standard Poodle being the largest, while Miniature and Toy Poodles were developed as smaller versions. Regardless of size, consistent grooming is essential to prevent their distinctive curls from becoming tangled and matted.
White Poodle walking through lush green grass
2. Yorkshire Terrier
These spirited little dogs pack a lot of personality into a small package. Yorkies are known for their long, silky, human-like hair that sheds very little, classifying them as excellent low-allergen pets. Their spunky yet affectionate nature makes them adaptable to various living situations, from spacious homes to cozy apartments, as long as they receive ample attention from their families. They are among the small well behaved dogs that don t shed.
3. Shih Tzu
Another charming small breed, the Shih Tzu, is an ancient companion dog with a long, flowing double coat that sheds minimally. They are renowned for their friendly and outgoing temperament, making them wonderful family pets. However, their distinctive flat face can make them prone to certain health concerns, including overheating, breathing difficulties, and tear stains. Regular eye cleaning can help manage and reduce the appearance of tear stains in Shih Tzus.
Brown and white Shih Tzu resting peacefully on a living room floor
4. Miniature Schnauzer
The smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer stands no more than 14 inches tall and typically weighs between 10 to 20 pounds. These intelligent and robust dogs possess a wiry outer coat and soft undercoat that sheds very little. They adapt well to diverse living environments but thrive on at least an hour of daily exercise, ensuring they remain happy and well-behaved companions. Their distinct bearded snout and bushy eyebrows are part of their charm.
5. Standard Schnauzer
Sharing many desirable traits with their miniature counterparts, Standard Schnauzers offer a slightly larger package, weighing up to 45 pounds. These dogs are equally low-shedding and possess an intelligent, spirited nature. They enjoy an active lifestyle, relishing long walks, engaging games of fetch, and mentally stimulating puzzle toys. Their sturdy build and loyal disposition make them excellent family protectors and companions.
6. Giant Schnauzer
As the largest of the Schnauzer breeds, Giant Schnauzers can reach over 27 inches in height and weigh up to 85 pounds. Despite their size, they are considered hypoallergenic due to their non-shedding, wiry coats. These impressive dogs require a significant amount of exercise to maintain their well-being, including extensive walks, runs, hikes, and active play sessions. Their intelligence and protective instincts make them formidable yet devoted family members.
7. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful and affectionate small dog with a distinctive curly, powder-puff coat that is exceptionally low-shedding. Their playful and gentle demeanor makes them excellent companions. Highly intelligent and eager to please, Bichons respond well to positive reinforcement training, quickly mastering basic commands and delighting their families with clever tricks. Their joyous personality is infectious.
White Bichon Frise dog with curly fur looking up attentively in green grass
8. Chinese Crested
Known for their unique appearance, the Chinese Crested comes in two distinct varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless variety has smooth skin with tufts of hair on its head, tail, and paws, while the powderpuff is covered in a soft, silky coat. Both types are considered hypoallergenic. These small dogs are playful, affectionate, and form strong bonds with their families, making them charming and loyal companions.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal, this medium-sized breed boasts a thick, curly coat that sheds minimally, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. Portuguese Water Dogs are highly intelligent, easily trainable, and possess a friendly disposition. These energetic pups thrive on regular exercise, especially activities involving water, like swimming, which keeps them physically and mentally stimulated.
10. Labradoodle
A beloved crossbreed resulting from a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle was initially developed to be a hypoallergenic service dog. They inherit the intelligence of the Poodle and the amiable nature of the Labrador, making them exceptional family pets. Labradoodles are highly trainable and gentle, especially when properly socialized and consistently exercised from a young age. Their popularity has soared, and you can often find miniature labradoodle puppies for sale near me through reputable breeders.
Brown Standard Labradoodle walking gracefully through a park
11. Goldendoodle
Another immensely popular “doodle” breed, Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Like Labradoodles, they are low-shedding, possess a friendly temperament, and exhibit high intelligence. While many are known for their characteristic golden coats, Goldendoodles can display a wide spectrum of colors and coat textures. Regular grooming with a slicker brush is necessary to prevent matting in their wavy or curly fur.
12. Lagotto Romagnolo
These charming dogs were originally bred as water retrievers in Italy, with their curly, woolly coats providing protection in chilly waters. Although less common than some other hypoallergenic breeds, Lagotto Romagnolo dogs (Lagotti Romagnoli for plural) are known for being good with children and other pets, making them excellent family additions. Their devoted and affectionate nature shines through when they are well-socialized.
13. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are small, distinctively monkey-like dogs with a dense, wiry coat that produces fewer allergens than many other breeds. Despite their low-shedding nature, their coat requires significant care, including regular at-home brushing and a specialized grooming process called stripping, where dead hair is removed from the root rather than trimmed. This meticulous grooming helps maintain their unique appearance and coat health.
14. Irish Water Spaniel
Friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable, the Irish Water Spaniel is another water-loving breed initially bred for retrieving game. Their thick, curly coat, always a liver (brown) color, requires consistent grooming to stay in good condition and sheds minimally. These dogs possess a high energy level, making regular and vigorous exercise crucial for their happiness and overall health.
15. Aussiedoodle
An Aussiedoodle is a dynamic crossbreed between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. This hypoallergenic dog is exceptionally intelligent and energetic, inheriting these traits from both parent breeds. Due to their high drive, Aussiedoodles require ample exercise and consistent mental stimulation through enrichment toys and activities to prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviors.
16. Bolognese
Hailing from Italy, Bolognese dogs are endearing small, fluffy companions. They sport a long, cotton-like white coat that, despite its seemingly messy appearance, requires diligent grooming to remain healthy and tangle-free. These playful and easygoing pups are known for getting along famously with children and other pets, and their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in various living situations.
17. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, aristocratic dog renowned for its luxurious, flowing white coat, which sheds very little. They are affectionate and playful companions, forming strong bonds with their owners. While their long coats are beautiful, they demand dedicated grooming. Many Maltese owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to simplify grooming, which can be easily maintained with dog hair clippers.
Woman gently holding a small white Maltese dog on a bed
18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized Irish breed distinguished by its incredibly soft, silky, wheat-colored coat that sheds minimally. True to their terrier heritage, Wheatens maintain a high energy level throughout their lives, necessitating abundant exercise and mental stimulation to ensure they are well-behaved and content. Their joyful and spirited nature makes them delightful companions.
19. Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a small, easygoing hypoallergenic breed. Their name, meaning “cotton of Tulear,” refers to their soft, fluffy white coat. These pups are known for their good nature and adaptability, making them suitable companions for families with children and other pets, especially when proper introductions are facilitated. They are a charming and resilient breed.
20. Schnoodle
Unlike many “doodle” breeds that mix a Poodle with an allergenic dog, the Schnoodle is a hybrid of two hypoallergenic breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Their coat can range from curly to wavy, depending on the dominant parent genetics, but it is consistently low-shedding. Schnoodles are intelligent, playful, and loyal, combining the best traits of both parent breeds into one delightful companion.
21. Bedlington Terrier
Often described as “a lamb in dog’s clothing,” the Bedlington Terrier is a small, curly-haired breed recognized by its distinctive topknot hairdo and unique pom-pom ear tufts. These affectionate dogs thrive on companionship and can be prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Monitoring their activity with a dog camera can help pet parents manage and address any signs of anxiety.
22. Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as Mexican Hairless Dogs, Xoloitzcuintli are among the oldest and rarest dog breeds. They come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and can be either hairless or possess a short, smooth coat. Both hairless and short-coated Xolos are considered hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. They are loyal, alert, and make unique family companions.
23. Whoodle
A Whoodle is the charming result of crossing a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier with a Poodle. These friendly dogs are known for their very low-shedding coats and inherit both intelligence and an affectionate nature from their parent breeds. Whoodles are energetic, playful, and thrive on social interaction, making them wonderful additions to active families.
24. Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are a popular crossbreed between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Their friendly, affectionate nature and gentle demeanor make these large, low-shedding dogs a favored choice for families with children and other pets. Bernedoodles require ample exercise to stay happy and healthy, benefiting from an active lifestyle that matches their joyful spirit.
25. Shorkie
The Shorkie is a lively mixed breed created from two hypoallergenic dogs: the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. They embody the best qualities of both breeds—small, playful, and friendly. Like most dogs on this list, Shorkies require a commitment to a regular grooming routine to maintain their fine, silky coats and prevent matting.
26. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are striking dogs, famous for their long, flowing coats and slender, elegant builds. While their luxuriant hair might suggest otherwise, they are known for shedding minimally, making them a consideration for some allergy sufferers. These pups are built for speed, being one of the fastest dog breeds globally. Afghan Hounds are deeply loving toward their families but can be aloof with strangers, highlighting the importance of early and consistent socialization.
27. Barbet
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful and robust dog with a shaggy, woolly coat. Its name derives from the French word “barbe,” meaning beard, a nod to its characteristically hairy chin. This large, hypoallergenic dog absolutely loves to swim, a trait facilitated by its protective curly coat. To keep a Barbet’s coat in optimal condition, especially after water activities, regular brushing with a slicker or pin brush two to three times a week is essential.
28. Shih-Poo
The Shih-Poo mixed breed is a cross between a Shih Tzu and typically a Toy Poodle. This small, adaptable pup can thrive in almost any living situation, provided they receive about 30 minutes of daily exercise and regular brushing sessions. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them delightful lap companions and attentive family members.
29. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchids are rare and ancient dogs, cherished as the national dog of Peru. They are hypoallergenic due to their nearly hairless bodies, though some do have a short coat. Available in small, medium, and large sizes, these unique dogs are known for their keen intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts, forming strong bonds with their human families.
30. Malshi
As a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu, the Malshi is a happy, small, and low-shedding dog. They thrive on close companionship and form deep attachments with their favorite humans. Malshis are playful, affectionate, and enjoy being at the center of family life, making them wonderful lap dogs and devoted companions.
Essential Tips for Living with a Low-Shedding Dog
Bringing a low-shedding dog into your home can significantly reduce allergens, but responsible pet ownership still requires specific considerations, especially for allergy sufferers.
Consistent Grooming is Key
Even though these dogs shed minimally, their coats still require regular care and maintenance to ensure a clean and allergen-reduced environment. Regular grooming and bathing are crucial for keeping their coats healthy and minimizing dander in your home. Ideally, dogs should be groomed weekly, with baths every four to six weeks. Using specialized shampoos, such as dander-reducing formulas, can further help manage allergens for those sensitive to dogs. Many low-shedding breeds also require regular trimming, hand-stripping, or professional grooming. Ensure you budget for professional grooming services or commit to learning at-home grooming techniques.
Maintain a Spotless Home Environment
Minimizing allergens extends beyond just your dog’s coat; it also involves maintaining a clean and well-ventilated home. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and washing of bedding are vital for reducing accumulated pet dander. Using air purifiers and ensuring good ventilation throughout your living space can also help filter out airborne allergens, creating a more comfortable environment for everyone. Maintaining a clean home is a continuous effort when living with a pet.
Consult Your Doctor for Allergy Management
Managing allergies effectively and preventing allergic reactions is paramount when living with a dog, even a low-shedding one. The most effective approach to allergy management is to consult with your healthcare provider or an allergist. They can offer various treatment options, including medications, nasal sprays, or allergy injections, tailored to your specific needs. It’s also important to minimize direct contact with your dog’s saliva or urine, as these can also contain allergens that trigger reactions.
Bringing home one of the best dogs to own that don’t shed can truly enhance the quality of life for individuals with allergies, allowing them to experience the profound joy and companionship of pet parenthood without the constant worry of allergic reactions. These wonderful breeds prove that having allergies doesn’t mean missing out on the love of a dog.
