For many dog lovers, the dream of pet ownership is often clouded by the reality of allergies. The good news is that there are numerous “hypoallergenic” dog breeds, which are often dogs that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed, making them suitable companions for individuals with sensitivities. These breeds are specially known for producing fewer allergens, allowing more people to experience the joy of a furry friend without constant sniffles and itching. Understanding what makes a dog hypoallergenic and choosing the right breed can significantly improve the quality of life for allergy sufferers seeking canine companionship. If you’re looking for the best dogs that don t shed, you’ve come to the right place.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
While the term “hypoallergenic” suggests a complete absence of allergens, it’s crucial to understand that no dog is 100% allergen-free. All dogs, regardless of breed, produce allergens. These allergens are found in their skin (dander), saliva, and urine, not just their hair. However, some dogs are specifically bred to produce fewer allergens, primarily by having coats that shed minimally. This reduction in shedding means less dander, saliva, and urine-laden hair is released into the environment, thereby lowering the concentration of allergens that can trigger an allergic response in sensitive individuals. Common allergic reactions can include coughing, itching, and wheezing. For those with allergies, choosing breeds that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed significantly can make a substantial difference in managing symptoms and enjoying life with a pet.
Top Dog Breeds That Are Hypoallergenic and Don’t Shed
For individuals with allergies, selecting a dog breed known for its low-shedding and reduced allergen production is key. While individual reactions can vary, the following breeds are widely recognized as excellent choices for those seeking dogs that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed. This comprehensive list offers a variety of sizes, temperaments, and grooming needs to help you find your perfect match.
1. Poodle
Poodles are renowned for their intelligence and their signature curly coats, which shed very little. This makes them one of the most popular choices among dogs that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed. There are three main types: Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles, each with a reputation for being hypoallergenic. Standard Poodles were originally bred for hunting, while Miniature and Toy Poodles were developed as smaller versions. Regardless of size, all Poodles require consistent grooming to prevent their dense curls from tangling and matting. Regular brushing is essential to keep their coat healthy and minimize allergen accumulation.
White Poodle walking through lush green grass on a sunny day
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, often called Yorkies, are small dogs with spunky and affectionate personalities, making them delightful hypoallergenic companions. Their fine, silky hair is more akin to human hair than typical dog fur, and they shed minimally. Yorkies adapt well to various living environments, from spacious homes to smaller apartments, provided they receive ample attention and love from their families. Their small size and low shedding make them an ideal choice for urban dwellers with allergies.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an ancient companion breed known for its long, flowing coat and friendly demeanor. These small, hypoallergenic dogs are beloved for their charming personalities. While their thick coat requires regular grooming to prevent tangles, it sheds very little. However, Shih Tzus’ flat faces can make them prone to certain health issues, such as overheating and breathing difficulties. They may also experience tear stains, which can be managed with specific eye cleaning wipes.
Brown and white Shih Tzu relaxing comfortably on a living room floor
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are smart, energetic dogs that stand no more than 14 inches tall and weigh between 10–20 pounds. Their wiry double coat sheds minimally, making them a good option for allergy sufferers. These versatile dogs can thrive in various living situations, from city apartments to suburban homes. However, they need at least an hour of exercise daily to stay happy and healthy, along with regular grooming to maintain their distinctive coat.
5. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer offers all the popular qualities of the Miniature Schnauzer in a larger package, typically weighing up to 45 pounds. These intelligent and robust dogs also have a wiry, low-shedding coat. Standard Schnauzers are active dogs that love engaging in long walks, games of fetch, and solving dog puzzle toys. Their energetic nature requires consistent physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and ensure their well-being.
Gray Standard Schnauzer standing alertly in a green field
6. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers are among the largest hypoallergenic dog breeds, reaching over 27 inches tall and weighing up to 85 pounds. These powerful dogs possess a dense, wiry coat that sheds very little, similar to their smaller Schnauzer cousins. They require extensive exercise, including long walks, runs, and hikes, to satisfy their high energy levels. Engaging them in vigorous games of fetch with tools like a ball launcher can help tire them out effectively.
7. Bichon Frise
Small, playful, and incredibly affectionate, the Bichon Frise is a charming pup with a curly, hypoallergenic coat. These intelligent dogs are highly trainable, quickly mastering basic commands and even fun tricks through positive reinforcement. Their cheerful disposition and minimal shedding make them excellent companions, particularly for those seeking a small, low-allergen pet that adapts well to family life. Many consider them lap dog breeds that don t shed.
White Bichon Frise dog looking up with curiosity in a grassy field
8. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a unique small breed known for its distinctive appearance. It comes in two varieties: the hairless, with smooth skin and tufts of hair on the head, tail, and paws, and the powderpuff, covered in long, silky hair. Both varieties are considered hypoallergenic. These playful and affectionate dogs make wonderful companions, offering a unique charm and minimal allergen impact.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
Originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed with a thick, curly coat that sheds very little. This makes them a popular choice among dogs that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed. They are highly intelligent, trainable, and friendly, thriving on regular exercise, especially activities involving water like swimming. Their high energy levels necessitate consistent physical activity to keep them happy and healthy.
Black and white Portuguese Water Dog wearing a red bandana in front of water
10. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, originally developed to be a hypoallergenic service dog. These intelligent, friendly, and gentle dogs make excellent family pets. Their low-shedding coat is a significant draw for allergy sufferers. Labradoodles are highly trainable and benefit greatly from early socialization and consistent exercise to maintain their well-behaved nature.
11. Goldendoodle
Another popular “doodle” breed, Goldendoodles are a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Like Labradoodles, they shed minimally and are known for their friendly nature and high intelligence. While often recognized for their golden coats, Goldendoodles come in a variety of colors and textures. They require frequent grooming with a slicker brush to prevent matting and keep their coats in prime condition.
Goldendoodle resting on a couch with a person blurred in the background
12. Lagotto Romagnolo
Originating as water retrievers, Lagotto Romagnolo dogs possess a curly, woolly coat that protected them from cold waters and sheds minimally. Though less common than some other hypoallergenic breeds, Lagotti Romagnoli are known to be good with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. Their charming disposition and unique appearance make them a delightful addition to an allergy-conscious home.
13. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are small, hypoallergenic dogs with a distinctive monkey-like appearance. Their dense, wiry coat produces fewer allergens than many breeds, but it demands dedicated care, including regular at-home brushing and professional stripping, a process that removes hair by the root rather than trimming. Despite their small stature, they have a big personality and are quite independent.
Close-up of a black Affenpinscher dog's expressive face
14. Irish Water Spaniel
Friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable, Irish Water Spaniels are another water dog breed historically used for retrieving game. Their thick, curly coat requires regular grooming and is always liver (brown) in color. These high-energy dogs need substantial exercise to remain happy and healthy, making them suitable for active families. Their low-shedding coat ensures they are a great choice for allergy sufferers.
15. Aussiedoodle
An Aussiedoodle is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. This hypoallergenic dog is exceptionally smart and energetic, inheriting traits from both parent breeds. Due to their high intelligence and energy, Aussiedoodles require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, often through enrichment toys and treat dispensers, to prevent destructive behaviors that can arise from boredom.
Standard Aussiedoodle dog standing on a sandy beach looking towards the camera
16. Bolognese
Bolognese dogs are cute, easygoing, and playful hypoallergenic pups that originated in Italy. They feature a long, fluffy white coat that, despite its characteristic messy appearance, requires extensive grooming. Bolognese are known for getting along well with children and other pets and can comfortably adapt to various living situations, making them versatile companions for allergy-prone families.
17. Maltese
Another small hypoallergenic dog, the Maltese is famed for its luxurious, silky white coat. These affectionate and playful companions thrive with pet parents who can keep up with their significant grooming needs, especially if a long coat is desired. For easier maintenance, many Maltese owners opt for a shorter “puppy” cut, often achieved with dog hair grooming clippers.
Woman gently holding a white Maltese dog on a bed, showcasing its fluffy coat
18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized Irish breed known for its incredibly soft, silky coat that sheds minimally. As terriers, Wheatens maintain a high energy level throughout their lives, necessitating ample exercise and mental stimulation to ensure good behavior. Their appealing coat and lively temperament make them a popular choice for active families seeking a low-allergen pet.
19. Coton de Tulear
Originating from Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a small, easygoing hypoallergenic breed. Their good nature makes them a suitable fit for homes with other pets and children, particularly when proper introductions are made. These charming dogs are known for their soft, cotton-like coats that require regular grooming but shed very little, contributing to their hypoallergenic qualities.
White Coton de Tulear dog sitting in grass with its hair gently blowing in the wind
20. Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a unique doodle breed, combining two hypoallergenic dogs: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Their coat can be curly or wavy, depending on genetic inheritance, but it consistently remains low-shedding. Schnoodles are known for their intelligence and playful nature, making them delightful companions for families with allergies.
21. Bedlington Terrier
Often described as “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. This dog thrives on human companionship and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Monitoring their activity with a dog camera can help manage and address such behavioral issues.
White Bedlington Terrier running gracefully through a snowy landscape
22. Xoloitzcuintli
Also known as Mexican Hairless Dogs, Xoloitzcuintli are one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds. They come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard) and can be hairless or covered in a short coat. Both varieties are considered hypoallergenic. Xolos are known for their calm demeanor and loyalty, making them excellent, low-allergen companions.
23. Whoodle
The Whoodle is a friendly crossbreed resulting from a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. These dogs inherit intelligence and an affectionate nature from both parent breeds and are known for their very low-shedding coats. Whoodles make wonderful family pets, combining the desirable traits of two hypoallergenic breeds into one delightful companion.
Tan Whoodle puppy playfully dragging a small washcloth across the floor
24. Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles are a crossbreed between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, resulting in large hypoallergenic dogs with friendly, affectionate, and gentle demeanors. This makes them a popular choice for families with children and other pets, and they can be considered great family dog breeds that don t shed. They require plenty of exercise to stay active and happy, benefiting from their Poodle parent’s low-shedding coat.
25. Shorkie
The Shorkie is a mixed breed combining the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, both hypoallergenic dogs. This crossbreed embodies the best qualities of both parent breeds: small size, playful spirit, and friendly nature. Like most dogs on this list, Shorkies require dedication to a regular grooming routine to maintain their coats and minimize allergens.
Tan and black Shih Tzu and Yorkie mix (Shorkie) sitting on a hiking trail
26. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are striking dogs recognized for their long, flowing coats and slender builds. These swift pups are among the fastest dog breeds globally. While loving towards their families, they can be aloof with strangers, necessitating early and consistent socialization. Despite their long hair, their unique coat texture sheds less than many other breeds, classifying them among dogs that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed.
27. Barbet
The Barbet, pronounced “bar-bay,” is a cheerful dog characterized by its shaggy, woolly coat and distinctive beard. The name itself comes from the French word barbe, meaning beard. These large hypoallergenic dogs love to swim, a trait facilitated by their protective curly coats. To maintain their coat’s condition, especially after water activities, regular brushing with a slicker or pin brush two to three times a week is recommended.
Close-up of a curly red Barbet dog's face with its characteristic beard
28. Shih-Poo
The Shih-Poo is a mixed breed resulting from a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, most commonly a Toy Poodle. This small pup adapts well to almost any living situation, provided it receives around 30 minutes of exercise and a good brushing session daily. Their low-shedding coats and affectionate nature make them wonderful companions for allergy sufferers.
29. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchids are rare, ancient dogs and are hypoallergenic due to their nearly hairless bodies. They come in three sizes—small, medium, and large—and are the national dog of Peru. Their unique appearance and low allergen impact make them intriguing and suitable choices for individuals with allergies.
Hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid dog standing in a natural setting
30. Malshi
As a cross between the Maltese and Shih Tzu, the Malshi is a happy, small hypoallergenic dog. They thrive on close companionship and need to be near their favorite humans to be truly content. Like their parent breeds, Malshis require regular grooming to maintain their soft coats and minimize any potential allergens, making them a charming, low-shedding option.
Essential Tips for Living with a Hypoallergenic Dog
While choosing one of the many wonderful dogs that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed is a great first step, living with any dog when you have allergies requires ongoing management. To ensure a harmonious and sniffle-free home, pet parents need to be proactive with grooming, home cleanliness, and personal health management. Here are some crucial tips to help you and your hypoallergenic dog live comfortably together.
Prioritize Regular Grooming
Even dogs that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed still require diligent grooming to minimize allergens. Regular grooming and bathing are essential for keeping their coat clean and reducing dander in your home. Ideally, dogs should be groomed weekly, with bathing every four to six weeks. Using specialized shampoos, such as dander removers, can significantly help in reducing pet dander for those sensitive to dogs. Many hypoallergenic breeds also necessitate regular trimming, hand-stripping, or other specific grooming upkeep. Be prepared to either budget for professional groomers or learn how to maintain your pup’s coat at home to ensure their comfort and your allergy relief.
Maintain a Clean Living Environment
Minimizing allergens extends beyond just grooming your dog; it also involves maintaining a clean household. Regularly vacuuming, dusting, and washing bedding are crucial steps to reduce accumulated pet dander. Utilizing air purifiers and ensuring good ventilation throughout your home can help filter out airborne allergens, creating a more breathable environment. Consistent cleaning practices are a cornerstone of living comfortably with dogs that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Managing allergies and preventing allergic reactions is paramount when living with a hypoallergenic dog. The most effective strategy is to consult with your healthcare provider or an allergist. They can offer personalized advice and explore various treatment options, which may include medication, nasal sprays, or allergy injections. It’s also important to remember that allergens are present in a dog’s saliva and urine, so avoiding close contact with these bodily fluids can further reduce the risk of triggering an allergic response. Open communication with your doctor will ensure you have the best plan for managing your allergies while enjoying your beloved pet.
Bringing home one of the fantastic dogs that are hypoallergenic and don’t shed can be a transformative experience for individuals with allergies, allowing them to finally experience the profound joy and companionship that pet parenthood offers without the constant struggle of allergic reactions. These wonderful breeds provide a pathway to a happier, healthier life shared with a canine friend.
