7 Designer Breeds With Low Allergens

Imagine this: you fall in love with an adorable, fluffy pup—only to spend the rest of your day sneezing, itching, and reaching for allergy meds. Tragic, right? But don’t give up your dog dreams just yet.

An estimated 10–20% of people are allergic to cats and dogs, leading many hopeful pet owners to search for truly hypoallergenic dog breeds. But here’s the truth: no dog is completely hypoallergenic—not purebreds, not mixes, not even those trendy “designer” breeds, despite the marketing claims.

That said, some dog breeds are considered more allergy-friendly than others. These breeds typically have low-shedding, predictable coats that produce less pet dander, which doesn’t trigger allergic reactions, making them a better fit for people with dog allergies.

Welcome to the world of designer dog breeds with low allergens—the magical middle ground where snuggly meets sneeze-free. These hybrids aren’t just bred for their good looks and Instagram-worthy appeal; many were specifically created to be more compatible with allergy-prone households.

Whether you live in a high-rise apartment or a family home filled with kids, these low-allergen pups offer companionship without the Kleenex. Let’s explore the world of allergy-friendly designer dogs—where you can have your cuddle and breathe easy too.

Designer Breeds With Low Allergens

1. Labradoodle

Let’s be honest: the Labradoodle didn’t just walk into the designer dog world—it invented the red carpet. A joyful blend of the ever-loyal Labrador Retriever and the ultra-smart, curly-coated Poodle, the Labradoodle quickly became the poster pup for allergy-friendly hybrids. And for good reason.

• Standard Labradoodle:

  • Height: ~22–25 inches

  • Weight: 50–75 lbs

• Mini Labradoodle:

  • Height: 16–20 inches

  • Weight: ~30 lbs

Whichever size you choose, expect a dog that’s friendly, fun-loving, and full of energy. Originally bred in the late ’80s as a guide dog for allergy sufferers, the Labradoodle’s charm caught on like wildfire.

Today, they’re one of the most popular mixed breeds out there—known for their curly coats, friendly disposition, and let’s face it, Instagram-worthy looks. PetMD noted that Labradoodles, thanks to their gentle temperament and keen intelligence, are well-suited for training as service dogs.

Coat Chronicles:

• Coat types:

  • Woolly coat (curly): Most Poodle-like and allergy-friendly

  • Fleece (wavy): The fan favorite—soft, minimal shedding

  • Hair (straight): More Lab-like, and may shed more

• Colors: Cream, chocolate, black, apricot, red, silver, and everything in between

Grooming alert: Labradoodles = high-maintenance coats. Regular brushing (3–4x/week) and pro grooming every 6–8 weeks are musts to prevent mats and keep that fluff in check.

Personality Snapshot:

✅ These dogs love everyone—kids, adults, other pets, and the mailman.

✅ Training comes easy with this brainy blend. Great for first-time dog owners.

✅ Excels at agility, obedience, therapy work, or just being your shadow.

✅ Moderate to high exercise needs. Daily exercise and mental stimulation are a must.

Important Note: No dog is 100% hypoallergenic—but Labradoodles are generally low-shedding, especially those with Poodle-like coats. That said, coat type matters, and some Doodles can still trigger allergies.

2. Cockapoo

Before “designer dogs” were even a thing, there was the Cockapoo—a delightful cross between the clever Poodle and the sweet-natured Cocker Spaniel. These fluffy mood-lifters have been stealing hearts since the 1960s, and let’s be honest—they haven’t aged a day.

• Height: 10–15 inches

• Weight: 12–30 pounds

Cockapoos are small to medium-sized charmers with big, round eyes, a soft, wavy or curly coat, and a tail that never stops wagging. With their friendly face and soft curls, they look like living plush toys—and act like it too.

Bonus: Many Cockapoos inherit the Poodle’s low-shedding coat, making them a good choice for allergy-prone families (but no promises if you’re super sensitive).

Coat Couture:

• Coat types: Straight (Cocker-like), wavy (the fan favorite), or curly (Poodle vibes)

• Shed level: Low—especially in wavy/curly types

• Colors galore: From common browns and creams to rare hues like merle, blue, and jet black

Personality Snapshot:

✅ These dogs have big personalities—they love to entertain and be part of everything.

✅Gentle, playful, and naturally sociable

✅ Eager to please, great for first-time dog owners

✅ They don’t love being left alone and may become vocal or anxious without company

Grooming needs? Moderate to high. Brush regularly to avoid matting, and schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to keep them looking chic, not shaggy.

3. Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is what happens when you mix a sweet Maltese with a smart, low-shedding Poodle—and the result is pure joy in a fun-sized package. This designer favorite is practically engineered for companionship, cuddles, and cuteness overload.

• Height: 8–14 inches

• Weight: 10–20 pounds

Maltipoos may be tiny, but their personalities are anything but. These bouncy little buddies thrive on human interaction and fit right into almost any home, whether you’re a solo city dweller or a bustling family of five.

Fluff Facts & Coat Talk

• Low-shedding but high-maintenance: That soft, fluffy coat is often curly or wavy and looks effortless, but regular grooming is a must.

• Brush daily or every other day to prevent tangles and mats (these pups can go from cute to chaos fast).

• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks helps keep them fresh and fluff-tastic.

Personality Snapshot:

✅ Maltipoos are all about human connection and affection.

✅ Friendly with kids, adults, and often other pets—just introduce slowly.

✅ Their Maltese genes mean they may bark when they’re lonely or excited.

✅ These pups hate being left alone and may develop separation anxiety.

Bonus: Their coat is one of the more allergy-friendly options for sensitive sniffers.

They’re especially popular with apartment folks, thanks to their size… though their yappy side may not always score points with the neighbors.

4. Havapoo

The Havapoo (also known as a Poovanese, if you’re feeling fancy) is what happens when you blend the happy-go-lucky Havanese with the clever and curly Poodle. The result? A hypoallergenic-ish heart-stealer with a coat that turns heads and a personality that wins hearts.

• Height: 8–15 inches

• Weight: 7–20 pounds

Don’t let their teddy bear looks fool you—these dogs are low-shedding but not low-maintenance. That silky coat needs regular brushing to prevent knots and tangles from becoming a daily horror story.

Personality Snapshot:

These pups are born cuddlers and people-pleasers.

Great with kids, other pets, and strangers (hello, extrovert energy).

Poodle smarts + Havanese charm = a dream student in training class.

Their Havanese side may get their feelings hurt if training is too harsh. Use gentle, positive reinforcement.

Energy Level: Moderate—with playful bursts. Expect zoomies, but also nap marathons.

Fun fact: Havapoos often excel in obedience and trick training thanks to their intelligence and desire to make you happy. Yes, they’ll work for cheese.

5. Pomapoo

Say hello to the Pomapoo, a charming cocktail of fluff, sass, and smarts. Born from the bubbly Pomeranian and the brainy, low-shedding Toy or Miniature Poodle, this tiny designer dog brings major main-character energy in a compact, allergy-considerate package.

• Height: 8–10 inches

• Weight: 5–15 pounds

The Pomapoo might weigh less than your favorite throw pillow, but don’t let the size fool you—these dogs pack a ton of charisma into their petite frame. They’re affectionate, alert, and often act like they own the place (which, let’s be real, they probably do).

Their adaptable nature means they’re just as happy lounging in a studio apartment as they are frolicking around a suburban yard, as long as they’re the center of your universe.

Coat Confetti:

• Low-shedding potential: Thanks to their Poodle parent, many Pomapoos sport hypoallergenic-like coats.

• Textures galore: Coats may be soft and curly, fluffy and wavy, or more like the Pomeranian’s plush fur—each as adorable as the next.

• Color palette: These dogs come in a stunning array of shades—black, white, apricot, chocolate, sable, and even fun party colors (yes, party like it’s your birthday).

Personality Snapshot:

✅ Velcro dogs through and through—expect lap time.

✅ Friendly with strangers, other pets, and especially with attention.

✅ A little watchdog vibe, without the full bark-a-thon.

✅ Inherit Poodle smarts and love learning cute tricks (or manipulating you for treats).

Grooming tip: Brush 2–3 times a week to keep their coat soft and mat-free. Schedule frequent grooming every couple of months for a tidy teddy bear look.

6. Lhasapoo

Meet the Lhasapoo, a sassy fusion of ancient wisdom and modern-day wiggle. This designer hybrid blends the Lhasa Apso’s watchdog roots with the clever, low-allergen flair of the Poodle, resulting in a pint-sized pup with plenty of fluff and finesse.

• Height: 10–13 inches

• Weight: 10–18 pounds

The Lhasa Apso hails from the mystical mountains of Tibet, bred over 2,000 years ago to guard sacred monasteries. Their thick, long coat kept them cozy in the Himalayan chill, and their serious “don’t mess with me” bark still echoes in today’s Lhasapoo.

Add in a dose of Poodle charm, brains, and curls—and voilà! You’ve got a low-shedding lapdog who thinks they’re royalty (and might be right).

Coat Vibes:

• Lhasapoos often inherit a soft, wavy-to-curly coat that’s relatively low-shedding—great news for allergy sufferers.

• BUT… expect grooming duties. Their coat needs brushing several times a week to avoid becoming a tangle trap.

• Baths every 3–4 weeks will keep them looking and smelling majestic.

Personality Snapshot:

✅ These pups love to learn and aren’t afraid to voice their opinions.

✅ Expect barking when the doorbell rings (and maybe when a leaf moves).

✅ They bond deeply with their people but may be reserved with strangers.

✅ A little independent at times, but totally trainable with consistency and positive reinforcement.

Pro tip: Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner combo for that salon-fresh bounce.

7. Goldendoodle

If a Golden Retriever and a Poodle had a lovechild that turned into everyone’s favorite social butterfly, you’d get the Goldendoodle. This designer darling is the perfect blend of golden charm and poodle polish, with an allergy-friendly twist.

Size-wise? Take your pick:

• Standard: 51 to 80 pounds

• Medium: 36 to 50 pounds

• Mini: 15 to 35 pounds

Goldendoodles were originally bred to be the ultimate family-friendly companion with a low-allergen coat.

Thanks to their Poodle parents’ reputation for being more tolerable for allergy sufferers (emphasis on more, not magically sneeze-free), Goldendoodles are often considered one of the most allergy-conscious choices among designer breeds, as per Wikipedia.

Coat Confusion?

These cuties come in three main coat styles:

• Straight: Least allergy-friendly and most Retriever-like.

• Wavy coat (a.k.a. shaggy): The classic Goldendoodle look—like a teddy bear come to life.

• Curly: Most like a Poodle and best for minimizing dander and shedding.

Personality Snapshot:

✅ They live for cuddles, attention, and being part of the family group chat.

✅ Poodle smarts mean they catch onto training fast (and will gladly show off).

✅ Zoomies are real. Regular playtime and walks are non-negotiable.

✅ Super tuned in to your feelings—and prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long.

✅ These dogs usually thrive in family settings, especially with children.

Quick Reality Check: No dog is 100% hypoallergenic—not even this floofy heart-stealer. But many allergy-prone pup lovers find Goldendoodles easier to live with than heavy-shedding breeds.

Conclusion

For dog lovers with pet allergies, designer breeds with low allergens can be a breath of fresh air—literally. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, so-called allergy-friendly breeds like the Shih Tzu, Portuguese Water Dog, Bichon Frise, and Afghan Hound are less likely to trigger allergic attacks. These hypoallergenic breeds often shed minimally, have coats that grow continuously, and trap dander rather than releasing it. Regular grooming is essential to remove allergens, prevent mats, and manage pet hair and pet dander.

Athletic dogs like the Giant Schnauzer, Irish Water Spaniel, and Lagotto Romagnolo suit active owners, while breeds with minimal exercise needs—like the Yorkshire Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and Bedlington Terrier—fit quieter lifestyles. Don’t overlook hairless dogs like the Chinese Crested or American Hairless Terrier, which can reduce exposure to dander altogether. Whether you prefer a dense coat, a wiry coat, or no coat at all, there are parent breeds and other breeds that are both absolutely adorable and less likely to trigger allergic reactions, as long as you groom your dog regularly!