I remember when we lived at my parents’ house, the thought of bringing a pet home seemed impossible. My mom and little brother would sneeze nonstop at the slightest contact with a dog. It was like their allergies had a personal vendetta!
If only I had known that hypoallergenic dogs existed that could be perfect for our home!
If you or someone in your house has dog allergies, allergy-friendly teacup dog breeds might be a perfect choice.
It is important to note that although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, some breeds either produce less dander and allergens or do not shed excessively. Their coat traps loose hair and dander, which means there is less hair in the air and around the house.
This low-shedding nature can significantly reduce allergy flare-ups, allowing allergy sufferers to enjoy the company of a dog without the constant discomfort.
Here is a list of the top 7 hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed much, compiled just for you!
Allergy-Friendly Teacup Dog Breeds
1. Maltese
Ever seen a white cloud walking around the house? That’s a Maltese. Standing at only 8-10 inches tall and weighing around 4-7 pounds, this hypoallergenic breed is as sweet as a marshmallow!
Hailing from the island of Malta since ancient times, the Maltese are known for their long, silky coat that does not shed excessively but needs regular grooming. Daily brushing, regular baths, and a couple of trims in a month are needed to keep their coat looking luscious and tangle-free.
Maltese are calm and highly affectionate dogs and love spending time with their family. They get along well with strangers and other pets. In a study conducted by the American temperament test society ATTS) in 2023, 82.4% of Maltese pass the test, which is pretty awesome!
Due to their intelligence, they might be a little stubborn while training. But reward-based positive training methods often work well for them. They also love participating in agility, canine sports, and obedience.
They don’t need much exercise. Hopping around the house, play sessions in a fenced yard, or a walk around the block are sufficient for them.
2. Lhasa Apso
Dating back 1000 years, this long-haired Tibetan dog may come as a surprise to you as a hypoallergenic choice.
Their long, silky coat keeps growing but doesn’t shed much. Which means fewer allergy flare-ups but more grooming needs. Regular brushing and trims are important to prevent matting.
Historically, they worked as watchdogs and have carried those traits through the centuries. They are loving with their families but might seem aloof and a bit suspicious of strangers. Proper socialization from an early age works well to cope with their vigilant nature.
They do well in apartments and small homes as long as they get their daily exercise, which is also very simple.
Overall, Lhasa Apsos are a great choice for someone looking for a hypoallergenic dog with a regal presence and an affectionate, yet independent, temperament.
3. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is probably the most unique dog on our list. They come in two types: the hairless dog type and the powderpuff. Both varieties of this toy breed typically weigh around 8-12 pounds and make perfect lap dogs.
The powderpuff variety supports a soft, flowing coat that needs regular brushing. Whereas the hairless variety has smooth skin with tufts of hair present only at the ankles, tail end, and top of the head. Dog-related allergic reactions are minimized with that few hair. But having no hair comes with its challenges such as sensitive skin and irritation.
The hairless Chinese Crested is sensitive to heat and cold. Hence, extra care is required when taking them outdoors- a jacket in winters and sunscreen for the summers. Baths with a gentle soap are important to keep the skin clean.
They perform well in dog competitions, and the best way to teach them is with gentle and kind instruction. Or else these sensitive dogs may lose all interest in learning with you.
The Chinese Crested is truly one-of-a-kind. Whether hairless or powderpuff, these hypoallergenic cuties will keep you happy and sneeze-free!
4. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is another cloud-like breed on our list that comes in a fluffy white coat, which is obviously hypoallergenic and can be styled in many different ways.
The level of charm that these loving companions execute is unmatched. Got other dogs? Other pets, or perhaps frequent family visits? No problem at all! These high-energy dogs get along well with everyone and even draw attention when you take them along for a walk.
They typically do not shed much. All the hair they shed is trapped in their undercoat. So, daily brushing is a good idea. Other than that, professional grooming is recommended every 4-6 weeks.
They are intelligent and respond well to training. The only issue they face is with housebreaking. For that, it is important to start training them early on through methods such as positive reinforcement and consistent instructions.
All in all, Bichon Frises are small hypoallergenic dogs for small homes and apartment dwellers, ready to fill your home with lots of love and brightness!
5. Shih tzu
Weighing around 9-16 pounds, these little lions are tiny dogs with a big personality. Originally bred as lap dogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus are cuddly and affectionate.
Their hair, just like human hair, grows continuously rather than falling out, which reduces the amount of dander in the air, one of the main triggers for allergic response.
While they don’t shed much, their long coat does require regular grooming to keep it looking tidy and to avoid matting. Regular brushing is essential to maintain their hypoallergenic coat.
Shih Tzus are affectionate, friendly, and generally get along well with other pets and children. They have a calm demeanor and enjoy lounging with their owners.
The American Kennel Club, AKC, quotes Shih Tzus as ‘people dogs’ who train best with reward-based methods. Due to their royal past, they charm their way out of obedience and may not fully train for housebreaking. Puppy training classes may help tame their independent antics.
6. Havanese
The Havanese is one of those dogs that just brings a grin to your face as soon as you lay your eyes on them. They are rightfully called ‘velcro dogs’ as they love sticking by their owners.
Weighing about 7-13 pounds and standing under a foot tall, these small dogs are ideal pets for small spaces and allergy sufferers. Yes, their coat is long, but it doesn’t shed much, and most of the trapped loose hair can be taken out with a brush. A few trims here and there are sufficient to keep the fluff down.
The Havanese are people-pleasers, sweet, gentle, and a little clowish. They are the best dogs for houses with kids, small pets, and guests.
They are pretty straightforward and easy to train. They love listening to their human and would do anything to make them happy. A few treats here and there are sufficient to win them over!
7. Poodle
No list of small hypoallergenic dogs is complete without the ever-so-lovely and curly Poodle! They come in three types: standard poodle, miniature poodle, and toy poodle.
Whichever size you choose to go for, these water dogs have a super curly coat that barely sheds. Less hair in the house, less dander in the air, it is always a win-win!
Of course, that tight curl means regular grooming is essential. Regular baths, combing, and sometimes handstripping are needed. Hound Therapy suggests that they should be taken for professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Their special curly coat needs special attention!
Poodles are also incredibly smart. And I mean, scary smart. They pick up on things fast, whether it’s basic commands, fun tricks, or even those sneaky house rules you thought they’d never notice.
They’re affectionate, loyal, and love being part of the family. Plus, their energy level is pretty balanced, not too hyper, not too lazy. A few short walks, some playtime with their pet parents, and they’re happy campers.
If you want a sharp, allergy-friendly pup who’s just as stylish as they are snuggly, a Toy or Mini Poodle is a solid choice.
Conclusion
So, although there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed. The American Kennel Club suggests that all dogs produce some sort of allergens in the form of dander, hair, or even a dog’s saliva. But some dogs have qualities that help reduce their spread.
You can easily find a low-shedding dog or one with a non-shedding coat and combine it with regular grooming to achieve hypoallergenic results. The teacup breeds we covered above are great for allergy-prone folks who want a cuddly, compact companion. But don’t stop there—there are also medium dogs and even larger hypoallergenic options worth considering.
If you’re open to more size variety, breeds like the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, Bedlington Terriers, Yorkshire Terrier, and the impressive Giant Schnauzer are also considered good breeds for allergy sufferers.
At the end of the day, every dog is different, even within the same breed. Individual dogs can vary in how much they affect allergies, so spending time with a breed before making a decision is always a smart move.
