Understanding Hypoallergenic Dogs: The Best Breeds for Allergy Sufferers
Dogs are the most popular pets in the U.S., but for many people with allergies, being around them can be a challenge. This is where hypoallergenic dogs come in, offering a solution for those who love dogs but suffer from allergic reactions. But what exactly makes a dog hypoallergenic?
In this article, we’ll explore what defines a hypoallergenic dog and highlight some of the best breeds for people with allergies.
What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
All dogs produce allergens, but hypoallergenic dogs are specifically bred to produce fewer allergens in their fur, making them a better choice for some people with dog allergies.
However, it’s important to note that no dog is entirely allergen-free. Even hypoallergenic dogs can still trigger allergic reactions due to the presence of allergens in their skin, saliva, and urine, which can cause symptoms like coughing, itching, or wheezing.
Which Dogs Are Hypoallergenic?
While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, there are certain breeds that may be better suited for individuals who experience allergic reactions around dogs. Below, we highlight some of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds.
1. Poodle
poodle
Poodles: A Hypoallergenic Dog Breed with Intelligence and Low Shedding
Poodles are one of the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds, and they come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Known for their intelligence and low shedding, Poodles are a great option for allergy sufferers.
The Standard Poodle, the largest of the three, was originally bred for hunting, while the Miniature and Toy Poodles were developed as smaller versions of the breed. Regardless of size, Poodles require regular grooming to keep their curly coats from becoming tangled and matted.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers: Small, Hypoallergenic Dogs with Big Personalities
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are adorable hypoallergenic dogs known for their spunky and affectionate nature. These small dogs adapt well to various living environments, from spacious homes to cozy studio apartments, as long as they receive plenty of attention from their family.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus: Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Friendly Temperament
The Shih Tzu is another small hypoallergenic dog known for its thick coat and friendly, affectionate nature. As an ancient companion breed, Shih Tzus make excellent pets for allergy sufferers. However, their flat faces make them prone to certain health concerns, including overheating, breathing difficulties, and tear stains.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers: Hypoallergenic Dogs with Big Personality
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds, standing at no more than 14 inches tall and weighing between 10–20 pounds. Known for their intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities, these dogs adapt well to various living environments. However, to keep them happy and healthy, it’s important to ensure they get at least an hour of exercise every day.
5. Standard Schnauzer
Standard Schnauzer
Standard Schnauzers: Larger Hypoallergenic Dogs with Lots of Energy
The Standard Schnauzer, while larger than the Miniature Schnauzer, shares many of the same qualities that make the breed popular among hypoallergenic dog owners. Weighing up to 45 pounds, these dogs are active and enjoy long walks, playing fetch, and engaging with puzzle toys to stimulate their minds.
6. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers: Large Hypoallergenic Dogs with High Energy
Giant Schnauzers are among the largest hypoallergenic dogs, capable of reaching heights over 27 inches and weighing up to 85 pounds. These active dogs require plenty of exercise to stay happy, including long walks, neighborhood runs, weekend hikes, and games of fetch.
7. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise: Small, Hypoallergenic Dogs with Big Personalities
The Bichon Frise is a small, playful, and affectionate hypoallergenic dog with a curly coat that makes them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Known for their high intelligence and trainability, Bichons can quickly learn the basics of training through positive reinforcement and even go on to master fun tricks to entertain the family.
8. Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested: Unique Hypoallergenic Dogs with Two Varieties
The Chinese Crested is a small hypoallergenic dog breed known for its unique appearance. There are two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The powderpuff Chinese Crested is covered in long, silky hair, while the hairless variety has smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and paws. Both varieties are hypoallergenic, and this breed is known for being playful, affectionate, and an excellent companion.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs: Hypoallergenic, Energetic Companions
The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed originally bred to assist fishermen in Portugal. With their thick, curly coats that shed minimally, they are a popular hypoallergenic dog breed. Known for their intelligence, trainability, and friendly nature, Portuguese Water Dogs are high-energy pups who thrive on regular exercise, such as swimming, to stay happy and healthy.
10.Labradoodle
Labradoodle
Labradoodles: Hypoallergenic, Friendly, and Intelligent Family Pets
The Labradoodle is a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, originally bred to be a hypoallergenic service dog. Known for their intelligence, friendly nature, and excellent compatibility with families, Labradoodles are highly trainable and gentle. Proper exercise and early socialization are key to ensuring these dogs grow up well-behaved and happy.
11. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles: Hypoallergenic, Friendly, and Highly Intelligent
Goldendoodles, another popular doodle breed developed in recent decades, share many qualities with the Labradoodle. Known for shedding minimally, Goldendoodles are friendly, highly intelligent, and make wonderful family pets. While many feature the iconic golden coat from their Golden Retriever parent, Goldendoodles come in various colors and textures. Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and maintain their coat’s health.
12. Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo: Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Curly Coat
Originally bred as water retrievers, Lagotto Romagnolo dogs have a curly, woolly coat designed to protect them from cold waters. Although less common than other hypoallergenic breeds, Lagotti Romagnoli (the proper plural of the breed’s name) are known for being great with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs.
13. Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers: Small Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Unique Look
Affenpinschers are small hypoallergenic dogs recognized for their monkey-like appearance. Their dense, wiry coat produces fewer allergens compared to many other breeds, but it requires regular care, including at-home brushing and stripping. Stripping is a grooming process where hair is removed by the root, rather than simply trimming it.
14. Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniels: Hypoallergenic, Friendly, and High-Energy
The Irish Water Spaniel is a friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable hypoallergenic dog, originally bred for retrieving game in water. Known for their thick, curly coat, which is always liver (brown) in color, they require regular grooming to maintain its health. With a high energy level, Irish Water Spaniels need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
15. Aussiedoodle
Aussiedoodle
Aussiedoodles: Hypoallergenic Dogs with High Intelligence and Energy
An Aussiedoodle is a crossbreed between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle, known for being hypoallergenic. These dogs inherit their intelligence and high energy from both parent breeds, making them highly trainable and active. To keep an Aussiedoodle happy, plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is necessary.
16. Bolognes
Bolognese
Bolognese: Hypoallergenic, Playful Dogs with a Fluffy Coat
Bolognese dogs are adorable hypoallergenic pups that originated in Italy. Known for their long, fluffy white coat, these dogs require regular grooming to maintain their appearance, despite their naturally messy look. Playful and easygoing, Bolognese dogs are great with children and other pets, making them an excellent fit for various living situations.
17.Maltese
Maltese
Maltese: Small Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Luxurious Coat
The Maltese is a small hypoallergenic dog known for its luxurious white coat. These affectionate and playful dogs make wonderful companions for pet parents who can keep up with their grooming needs, especially if you prefer their hair to stay long. To simplify grooming, many owners opt for a short “puppy” cut for their Maltese.
18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Silky Coat
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized Irish breed known for its silky, hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally. Despite their soft appearance, these terriers maintain a high energy level throughout their life. To keep a Wheaten Terrier happy and well-behaved, they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
19. Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear
Cotons de Tulear: Small, Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Friendly Disposition
Cotons de Tulear are a small hypoallergenic breed that originated in Madagascar. Known for their easygoing nature, these friendly dogs get along well with both other pets and children, especially when introductions are handled properly.
20. Schnoodle
Schnoodle
Schnoodles: Hypoallergenic Doodle Dogs with Low-Shedding Coats
The Schnoodle is a unique doodle breed, combining two hypoallergenic dog breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Their coat can be either curly or wavy, depending on the traits inherited from their parents, but it’s always low-shedding, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
21. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terrier: Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Distinctive Look
Often described as “a lamb in dog’s clothing,” the Bedlington Terrier is a small, curly-haired hypoallergenic breed recognized for its unique topknot hairstyle and pom-pom ear tufts. These affectionate dogs enjoy being close to their owners and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
22. Xoloitzcuintli
Xoloitzcuintli
Mexican Hairless Dogs (Xoloitzcuintli): Ancient Hypoallergenic Dogs
Mexican Hairless Dogs, also known as Xoloitzcuintli, are one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds. Available in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—Xolos can either be hairless or have a short coat. Both the hairless and short-coated varieties are hypoallergenic, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
23. Whoodle
Whoodle
Whoodles: Hypoallergenic Dogs with an Affectionate and Intelligent Nature
When a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is crossed with a Poodle, the result is a Whoodle—a friendly, hypoallergenic dog that sheds very little. Whoodles inherit the intelligence and affectionate nature of both parent breeds, making them great companions.
24. Bernedoodle
Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles: Large Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Friendly, Affectionate Nature
Bernedoodles are a crossbreed between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, known for their friendly, affectionate nature and gentle demeanor. These large hypoallergenic dogs are a popular choice for families with children and other pets. To keep them happy and healthy, be sure to provide plenty of exercise, as they thrive on staying active.
25. Shorkie
Shorkie
Shorkies: Small Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Playful and Friendly Nature
The Shorkie is a mixed breed created by crossing two hypoallergenic dogs—the Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier. These small, playful, and friendly dogs combine the best traits of both breeds. However, like most hypoallergenic dogs, they require a consistent grooming routine to maintain their coat and keep shedding to a minimum.
26. Afghan Houn
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds: Elegant, Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Need for Speed
Afghan Hounds are renowned for their long, flowing coat and sleek, slender build. These dogs are built for speed and are among the fastest breeds in the world. While they are loving and devoted to their families, Afghan Hounds can be aloof with strangers, making early and consistent socialization essential for this breed.
27. Barbet
Barbet
Barbet: Cheerful Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Shaggy Coat
The Barbet is a cheerful, hypoallergenic dog known for its shaggy, woolly coat. The name “Barbet,” pronounced “bar-bay,” comes from the French word barbe, meaning beard, a reference to the dog’s signature hairy chin. This large breed loves swimming, thanks to their curly, water-resistant coat.
28. Shih-Poo
Shih-Poo
Shih-Poo: Small Hypoallergenic Dogs Ideal for Any Living Situation
The Shih-Poo is a mixed breed created by crossing a Shih Tzu and a Poodle (usually the Toy Poodle). This small hypoallergenic dog adapts well to various living situations, as long as they receive 30 minutes of exercise and regular brushing every day to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding.
29. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Peruvian Inca Orchids: Rare Hypoallergenic Dogs with Nearly Hairless Bodies
Peruvian Inca Orchids are rare, hypoallergenic dogs known for their nearly hairless bodies. This ancient breed, which comes in small, medium, and large sizes, is also the national dog of Peru. Their unique coat makes them a great option for those with allergies.
30. Malshi
Malshi
Malshi: Small Hypoallergenic Dogs with a Love for Companionship
The Malshi is a delightful, small hypoallergenic dog resulting from the cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu. These affectionate pups thrive when they’re close to their favorite humans and require constant companionship to stay happy.
Tips for Living with a Hypoallergenic Dog
Before bringing a hypoallergenic dog into your home, there are a few important things to consider to ensure a healthy and allergen-friendly environment.
Maintain Regular Grooming
Hypoallergenic dogs require extra care to help maintain a clean, allergen-free home. Regular grooming and bathing are key to reducing dander and keeping your dog’s coat healthy. Aim to groom your dog weekly and bathe them every four to six weeks. Using specialized products like Allerpet® Dog Dander Remover can help minimize pet dander for those sensitive to allergens.
Many hypoallergenic dogs also need regular trimming, hand-stripping, or other grooming treatments. Be sure you’re prepared to visit a professional groomer or learn to groom your dog at home to keep their coat in top condition.
Maintain a Clean Home
To minimize allergens, it’s essential to keep your home clean. Regularly vacuuming, dusting, and washing bedding can help reduce pet dander. Using air purifiers and keeping your house well-ventilated will also improve air quality and reduce allergens in your living space.
Consult Your Doctor
When living with a hypoallergenic dog, managing allergies and preventing allergic reactions is key. The best approach is to talk to your healthcare provider about allergy treatments, such as medication, nasal sprays, and injections. Additionally, it’s important to minimize contact with the dog’s saliva or urine, as these can also trigger allergic responses.
Bringing home a hypoallergenic dog offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with allergies to enjoy the companionship of a pet without the constant worry of allergic reactions. These dogs can significantly improve the quality of life for allergy sufferers.
