For many dog lovers, the joy of pet ownership can be overshadowed by allergies. While no dog is entirely “hypoallergenic,” certain dog breeds that don’t shed a lot of hair can significantly reduce the amount of dander, saliva, and urine allergens in your home, making them a more suitable choice for individuals with sensitivities. Understanding which breeds fall into this category and what proper care entails can help you find the perfect furry friend without constant sniffles and sneezes.
Dogs are beloved companions, but their dander can be a major trigger for allergies. When people refer to “hypoallergenic dogs,” they are typically referring to breeds that produce fewer allergens or shed less. However, it’s crucial to understand that all dogs produce allergens, not just in their hair, but also in their skin cells (dander), saliva, and urine. Low-shedding breeds simply release less dander into the environment, which can make a noticeable difference for many allergy sufferers. If you’re looking for a dog breed that don’t shed a lot for your family, this guide will introduce you to some of the best options available.
What Makes a Dog Considered “Hypoallergenic” (or Low-Shedding)?
The term “hypoallergenic” can be misleading, as it implies a complete absence of allergens, which is not true for any dog. Instead, these breeds are better described as “low-shedding” or “allergy-friendly.” Their coats often trap dander and shed less frequently, meaning fewer allergens are dispersed into your living space. This is particularly beneficial because pet dander, along with proteins in a dog’s saliva and urine, are the primary culprits behind allergic reactions such as coughing, itching, and wheezing. Regular grooming is essential for these breeds to manage any trapped dander and loose hairs effectively, thereby further minimizing allergen exposure.
Top Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed a Lot
While no dog is 100% allergen-free, several breeds are known for their minimal shedding and are often a better fit for individuals with allergies. Here are some of the most popular and suitable low-shedding dog breeds.
1. Poodle
Poodles are perhaps the most famous of the “hypoallergenic” breeds, renowned for their intelligence and distinctive curly coats. Available in three sizes—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—Poodles shed minimally, trapping loose hair and dander within their curls. This makes them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Their history as water retrievers showcases their athletic build and keen minds. Regular grooming is crucial to prevent their dense coats from matting, requiring consistent brushing and professional trims.
White Standard Poodle standing elegantly in a grassy park
2. Yorkshire Terrier
These spirited and affectionate tiny terriers are known for their long, silky coats that resemble human hair rather than typical dog fur, leading to very little shedding. Yorkies are highly adaptable, thriving in various living environments from spacious homes to cozy apartments, provided they receive ample attention and love from their families. Their compact size makes them ideal for those seeking small dogs that don’t shed.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed with a luxurious, flowing double coat that, surprisingly, sheds very little. These small dogs are celebrated for their friendly and outgoing personalities. However, their brachycephalic (flat) faces can predispose them to certain health issues, including breathing difficulties, overheating, and tear staining. Consistent eye cleaning and grooming are necessary to keep them comfortable and healthy.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
One of three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a compact yet robust dog, typically weighing between 10 to 20 pounds. Their wiry double coat sheds very little, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. These intelligent and energetic dogs fit well into many households, provided they receive at least an hour of exercise daily to satisfy their active nature.
5. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer embodies many of the appealing traits of the Miniature Schnauzer but in a larger package, weighing up to 45 pounds. They also possess a low-shedding, wiry coat. Known for their intelligence and playful demeanor, Standard Schnauzers thrive on activity, enjoying long walks, games of fetch, and engaging with puzzle toys. Their strong build and alert nature make them excellent watchdogs.
6. Giant Schnauzer
As the largest of the Schnauzer family, Giant Schnauzers can stand over 27 inches tall and weigh up to 85 pounds. Despite their imposing size, they are considered low-shedding. These powerful and intelligent dogs require substantial exercise to remain happy and well-behaved, including daily long walks, runs, and interactive play sessions. Their demanding exercise needs make them suitable for active owners.
7. Bichon Frise
With their playful spirit and affectionate nature, the Bichon Frise is a charming small dog with a distinctive curly, powder-puff coat that sheds minimally. These highly intelligent and trainable pups excel at learning basic commands and tricks, responding well to positive reinforcement. Their cheerful disposition and fluffy appearance make them irresistible companions.
Playful white Bichon Frise looking up while sitting in lush green grass
8. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a unique small breed known for its distinctive appearance, offering both hairless and “powderpuff” varieties, both of which are considered hypoallergenic. The hairless type has smooth skin with tufts of hair on its head, tail, and paws, while the powderpuff is covered in a soft, silky coat. These dogs are affectionate, playful, and make devoted companions.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed with a thick, curly, and water-resistant coat that sheds very little. They are highly intelligent, easily trainable, and possess a friendly temperament, making them wonderful family pets. These energetic water dogs require ample exercise, including swimming, to stay healthy and happy. They are an excellent example of water dog breeds known for low shedding.
10. Labradoodle
A popular crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle was initially developed to be a hypoallergenic service dog. They inherit the intelligence and friendly nature of both parent breeds, making them excellent family pets. Labradoodles are highly trainable and generally gentle, especially when properly socialized from a young age and given consistent exercise. Their low-shedding coat comes in various textures.
11. Goldendoodle
Another beloved “doodle” breed, Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Like Labradoodles, they shed minimally and are known for their friendly disposition and high intelligence. While often sporting a golden coat, their fur can come in a variety of colors and textures. Frequent grooming with a slicker brush is necessary to prevent matting and keep their coats healthy.
12. Lagotto Romagnolo
These charming dogs were originally bred as water retrievers, and their curly, woolly coats protected them from chilly waters while searching for truffles. Though less common, Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are hypoallergenic and make excellent family pets due to their good nature with children and other animals. Their dense, low-shedding coat requires regular care.
13. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are small dogs with a distinctive monkey-like expression. Their dense, wiry coat is low-shedding but requires dedicated grooming, including regular at-home brushing and professional stripping (removing hair by the root) to maintain its texture and prevent matting. They are known for their playful and confident personalities.
14. Irish Water Spaniel
Intelligent, friendly, and highly trainable, the Irish Water Spaniel is another water dog breed with a thick, curly, liver-colored coat that sheds minimally. Originally bred for retrieving game from water, they possess high energy levels and require significant daily exercise to keep them content and healthy. Regular grooming is essential for their unique coat.
15. Aussiedoodle
A cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle, the Aussiedoodle is an intelligent and highly energetic low-shedding dog. Both parent breeds contribute to their smart and active nature, meaning they require substantial exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviors. Enrichment toys and regular training are key for their well-being.
Energetic Aussiedoodle puppy playfully dragging a washcloth on the grass
16. Bolognese
Originating in Italy, the Bolognese is a charming small dog with a long, fluffy white coat that, despite its somewhat messy appearance, sheds very little. These playful and easygoing pups are known for getting along well with children and other pets, and they adapt readily to various living situations, making them excellent companions for many families.
17. Maltese
Known for their luxurious, flowing white coats, the Maltese is a small, affectionate, and playful low-shedding dog. They thrive on companionship and make devoted pets for owners willing to commit to their significant grooming needs. Many Maltese owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to simplify daily brushing and prevent tangles.
18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
As its name suggests, this medium-sized Irish terrier boasts a silky soft coat that sheds minimally. Wheatens maintain a high energy level throughout their lives, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and ensure good behavior. Their cheerful and spirited personalities make them engaging family members. This breed is also a great option for medium-sized dogs for families that don’t shed.
19. Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a small, easygoing, and low-shedding breed known for its soft, cotton-like coat. Their good-natured temperament makes them well-suited for families with children and other pets, especially when proper introductions are facilitated. They are adaptable and thrive on companionship.
20. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a designer breed resulting from the cross of two low-shedding breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Their coat can be curly or wavy, depending on the genetics inherited from their parents, but it is consistently low-shedding. Schnoodles are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, often combining the best traits of both parent breeds.
21. Bedlington Terrier
Often likened to “a lamb in dog’s clothing,” the Bedlington Terrier is a small, curly-haired breed distinguished by its unique topknot hairdo and pom-pom ear tufts. They are deeply devoted to their human companions and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful lap dogs.
22. Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds. This breed comes in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and can be either hairless or possess a short, smooth coat. Both varieties are considered hypoallergenic. Xolos are intelligent, calm, and known for their strong bond with their families.
23. Whoodle
A cross between a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle, the Whoodle is a friendly, low-shedding dog that inherits intelligence and an affectionate nature from both parent breeds. They are energetic and playful, making them great companions for active individuals or families who can provide them with consistent exercise and mental engagement.
Tan and black Shih Tzu and Yorkie mix puppy sitting on a hiking trail
24. Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are a crossbreed of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, resulting in large, low-shedding dogs with friendly, affectionate, and gentle temperaments. They are a popular choice for families with children and other pets. Bernedoodles require plenty of exercise to stay active and happy, combining the best qualities of their strong, loyal parents.
25. Shorkie
The Shorkie is a mixed breed created from two low-shedding breeds: the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. These small dogs combine the playful spirit of the Yorkie with the sweet nature of the Shih Tzu, resulting in a lively, friendly, and affectionate companion. Like most low-shedding breeds, they require a regular grooming routine to maintain their coat.
26. Afghan Hound
Known for their majestic appearance, with long, flowing coats and slender builds, Afghan Hounds are one of the fastest dog breeds. Despite their extensive hair, they are considered low-shedding. They are loving toward their families but can be somewhat aloof with strangers, necessitating early and consistent socialization to develop their confident yet dignified temperament.
27. Barbet
Pronounced “bar-bay,” the Barbet is a cheerful French water dog with a shaggy, woolly coat that sheds minimally. Their name, derived from the French word “barbe” (beard), refers to their distinctive hairy chin. These big, low-shedding dogs love to swim, thanks to their protective curly coats. Regular brushing two to three times a week with a slicker or pin brush is vital to keep their coats in good condition, especially after water activities.
28. Shih-Poo
The Shih-Poo is a charming mixed breed, typically a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Toy Poodle. This small, low-shedding pup adapts well to almost any living situation, provided they receive about 30 minutes of exercise and a thorough brushing session daily. They are affectionate, intelligent, and thrive on close companionship.
29. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchids are a rare, ancient breed and are considered hypoallergenic due to their nearly hairless bodies. They come in small, medium, and large sizes and are the national dog of Peru. These elegant dogs are known for their calm demeanor, intelligence, and deep loyalty to their families, though they can be reserved with strangers.
30. Malshi
A cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu, the Malshi is a happy, small, and low-shedding dog that thrives on human companionship. They are affectionate and playful, making them excellent lap dogs. Like their parent breeds, Malshis require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free, ensuring they remain comfortable and looking their best. These friendly dog breeds for home are ideal for those seeking a devoted companion.
Tips for Living With a Low-Shedding Dog
Even with a low-shedding dog, managing allergies requires proactive steps to minimize allergens in your home environment. Consistent care and attention to cleanliness are key.
Keep Up With Grooming
Low-shedding dogs often require more dedicated grooming to manage their coats and reduce dander. Regular brushing, ideally several times a week, helps remove loose hairs and dander before they can spread. Bathing every four to six weeks with a specialized dander-reducing shampoo can also significantly decrease allergens. Many of these breeds benefit from professional grooming or require owners to learn specific grooming techniques like trimming or hand-stripping to maintain their unique coats.
Maintain a Clean House
A clean home is essential for minimizing allergens. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter, dusting surfaces, and washing bedding frequently will help reduce the accumulation of pet dander. Utilizing air purifiers and ensuring good ventilation throughout your home can also help to remove airborne allergens, creating a more comfortable environment for allergy sufferers.
Talk to Your Doctor
For individuals with dog allergies, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for effective management and prevention of allergic reactions. Various treatment options are available, including medications, nasal sprays, and allergy injections, which can help alleviate symptoms. It’s also important to avoid direct contact with a dog’s saliva or urine, as these can also trigger allergic responses, regardless of the breed’s shedding level.
Bringing a low-shedding dog into your life can be a fantastic way to enjoy the companionship and joy of pet parenthood, even with allergies. By choosing one of these remarkable dog breeds that don’t shed a lot of hair and adhering to consistent grooming and cleaning routines, you can create a harmonious environment for both you and your beloved canine friend, allowing you to experience the unconditional love of a dog without the constant worry of allergic reactions.
