For many, the dream of owning a dog is tempered by concerns about allergies and the inevitable shedding of fur around the house. Fortunately, several dog breeds are known for producing less dander and minimal shedding, making them a more suitable choice for allergy-prone individuals. While no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, these breeds can significantly reduce the presence of allergens in your home.
It’s important to note that even dogs with low shedding coats require regular grooming. Since they don’t shed loose fur naturally, they will need professional haircuts to maintain their appearance and to keep them comfortable, especially during warmer months. Regular brushing and bathing are also essential. While some owners may manage grooming at home, professional groomers can ensure your dog is always looking and feeling their best.
Large Dog Breeds with Minimal Shedding
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a breed characterized by its aloofness, dignity, and stunning beauty. Despite their aristocratic appearance, they are deeply loyal, sensitive, and form strong bonds with their families.
Airedale Terrier
Known as the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is a large, strong, and spirited breed. They are incredibly versatile, excelling as hunters, athletes, and devoted companions.
Bouvier des Flandres
These robust, barrel-chested dogs are known for their tousled coats and their heritage as hardworking farm dogs. Bouviers are intelligent, steady, and make excellent watchdogs.
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a powerful and imposing version of the Standard Schnauzer. Their breed standard describes them as bold and valiant, possessing great intelligence and loyalty, making them outstanding workers and companions.
Kerry Blue Terrier
One of the larger AKC terrier breeds, the Kerry Blue Terrier is distinguished by its striking blue coat. Originally from Ireland, this adaptable and animated breed is a superb watchdog and family pet.
Komondor
Instantly recognizable by its profuse white cords, the Komondor is a powerfully built Hungarian flock guardian. These independent and protective dogs require firm and experienced handling.
Labradoodle
A crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle is a popular choice for allergy sufferers, particularly if they inherit the Poodle’s coat type.
Standard Poodle
Whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, Poodles are considered true aristocrats of the dog world. Their curly, low-allergen coat conceals an elegant athlete and a versatile companion suitable for any lifestyle.
Portuguese Water Dog
Bred as a fisherman’s helper, the Portuguese Water Dog is an energetic and obedient breed. Their robust physique is covered in a coat of tight, low-shedding curls, making them athletic and eager companions, especially for water activities.
Medium-Sized Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
American Hairless Terrier
Originating from Louisiana, the American Hairless Terrier is an intelligent, inquisitive, and playful breed available in both hairless and coated varieties. They are a great option for those seeking a terrier with true grit and courage.
Basenji
Often called the “Barkless Dog” of Africa, the Basenji is a compact, intelligent, and poised hunter. They make unique pets for owners who can meet their exercise demands and the challenges of training this cat-like canine.
Bedlington Terrier
Resembling sheep with their graceful appearance, Bedlington Terriers are genial housemates, alert watchdogs, and cuddly companions. They are versatile athletes with a distinctive look.
Border Terrier
Cherished for their upbeat and agile nature, Border Terriers are tough, no-frills working dogs. These plucky, happy, and affectionate dogs are popular pets known for their easy-to-care-for wiry coats.
Irish Water Spaniel
The tallest of the AKC spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel is easily identified by its curly coat and tapering tail. Known for their swimming prowess, they are hardworking, brave in the field, and playfully affectionate at home.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Italy’s “truffle dog,” the Lagotto Romagnolo, boasts a curly coat and expressive facial furnishings. Despite their charming appearance, they are durable workers with an excellent nose for truffle hunting.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
This elegant sighthound from Peru is agile, smart, and swift. The lively and alert Peruvian Inca Orchid can be a skilled hunter and performs well in dog sports like lure coursing and agility.
Saluki
Among the world’s most ancient breeds, the slim yet rugged Saluki was once the hunting hound of royalty. These swift sprinters make gentle, dignified, and loyal pets.
Scottish Terrier
A solidly built dog with a vivid personality, the Scottish Terrier is an independent and confident companion. Known for their terrier persistence, they possess a dignified, almost human-like character.
Standard Schnauzer
This bold, whiskered dog from Germany is a spirited farm dog and a reliable medium-sized member of the Schnauzer family. The Standard Schnauzer has a classic, sporty appearance.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
An exuberant Irish farm dog, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is happy, friendly, and devoted, with just enough stubbornness to remind you of its terrier heritage. Their unique wheaten coat requires diligent care to prevent matting.
Spanish Water Dog
This inexhaustible breed is known for its hallmark coat of curly wool. Used as both a herder and a retriever in Spain, the Spanish Water Dog is a lively family companion and a vigilant watchdog.
Tibetan Terrier
Considered the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” the Tibetan Terrier is an ancient watchdog and companion associated with Buddhist monasteries. These profusely coated, small-to-medium-sized dogs are affectionate, sensitive, and clever.
Xoloitzcuintli
Dating back 3,000 years, the Xoloitzcuintli, or “Aztec dog of the gods,” is a loving companion and vigilant watchdog. Available in three sizes and either hairless or coated varieties, they are alert and loyal.
Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
Affenpinscher
Loyal, curious, and amusing, the Affenpinscher is a fearless toy dog with a serious demeanor that makes its antics even more humorous.
Australian Silky Terrier
This charming toy breed from Sydney, Australia, is a compact and glossy-coated terrier with energetic spirits. The Silky Terrier is slightly larger than its close relative, the Yorkshire Terrier.
Bichon Frise
Small but sturdy and resilient, the Bichon Frise is known for its big personality. These charming, beautiful, and intelligent dogs have a long history of captivating people.
Bolognese
Originating from Italy, the Bolognese is a calm, faithful companion dog with a long, fluffy white coat. They are playful, easy-going, and deeply attached to their families.
Brussels Griffon
Weighing no more than 12 pounds, this toy breed possesses a complex character and abundant personality. A sensitive companion, the Brussels Griffon is smart, devoted, and comically self-important.
Cairn Terrier
These happy, busy little earthdogs were originally bred to hunt small prey in the rocky Scottish countryside. Curious and alert, Cairn Terriers enjoy exploring and digging.
Chinese Crested
Easily recognizable by their spotted skin, crested hairdo, and feathered tail, the Chinese Crested is a sweet, slender, and affectionate companion dog.
Coton de Tulear
Known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” the Coton de Tulear is a cheerful, happy-go-lucky companion. Their favorite activities include clowning, playing, and staying close to their owners.
Havanese
As the only dog breed native to Cuba, Havanese dogs are cheerful, lively, and sociable companions with bright eyes and an energetic disposition.
Lhasa Apso
With a history spanning a thousand years as sentinels in Himalayan palaces, the Lhasa Apso is a smart, confident, and complex breed. They are known for being entertaining family comedians but can be aloof with strangers.
Maltese Terrier
The tiny Maltese, often called “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” has a history of gracing laps of luxury. Famous for their floor-length coat, Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions.
Miniature Poodle
Beneath their curly, low-allergen coat, Miniature Poodles are elegant athletes and companions, embodying the aristocratic nature of the Poodle breed.
Miniature Schnauzer
The smallest of the Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a generally healthy, long-lived, and low-shedding companion. Their outgoing personality, portable size, and good looks make them an ideal family dog.
Shih Tzu
Known as the “Lion Dog,” the Shih Tzu has delighted owners for a thousand years with its sweet expression and playful, mischievous nature.
Toy Poodle
Despite their small size, Toy Poodles carry themselves with aristocratic grace. Their curly, low-allergen coat complements their elegant athleticism and companionable nature.
West Highland White Terrier
Smart, confident, and entertaining, the adorable West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, has charmed owners for over 300 years. This diminutive but sturdy earthdog is a popular terrier choice.
Yorkshire Terrier
Beneath their glossy, floor-length coat, Yorkshire Terriers possess the heart of a feisty terrier. Originally ratters in mines and mills, they have become beloved lapdogs.
