Did you know that according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), up to 20% of people worldwide are allergic to pet hair. But here’s the good news: certain breeds minimally shed and produce way less dander, so they are totally fine for allergy-prone homes.
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, these nine come pretty close, so you can enjoy all the cuddles without the sneezes.
Non-Shedding Dog Breeds
1. Bichon Frise
There’s really no such thing as a completely non-shedding dog, but if you’re after one that comes super close, the Bichon Frise is it. They’re sweet, calm & composed and have a curly double coat that gives off very little dander. This makes them very close to being hypoallergenic. So they’re a great pick for people with dog allergies.
Even though they have a low-shedding coat, it still needs care. Otherwise, it can get tangled or matted, as highlighted by PetMD, which can hurt and cause skin issues like irritation, sores, and even infections.
To prevent mats and other such issues, their hair needs to be brushed to keep them comfy and looking good. It also helps spread natural oils and get rid of dead hair.
2. Bedlington Terrier
This dog has an instantly recognizable look, often resembling a lamb or sheep. That’s mostly because of its thick, curly coat that’s also hypoallergenic as it sheds minimally.
They’re called Bedlington Terriers because they came from the mining town of Bedlington in England. Back then, they were bred to hunt and kill rats that were common around coal mines. Their speed and quick learning abilities made them great at the job.
Now, though, they have evolved into a gentle, domestic pet breed. This breed loves and needs regular exercise, so it’s perfect for people who like to run or go on walks. It has a bouncy walk that can quickly turn into a fast run. Personality-wise, Bedlingtons are friendly, close to their people, and usually do well with other pets too.
3. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a small, lively, and alert dog breed. It comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Both are hypoallergenic, which is a plus for people with allergies. The powderpuff has long, silky hair, while the hairless one has smooth skin with bits of hair on the head, tail, and feet.
Powder puffs require regular grooming and brushing to keep their coat healthy and maintained. While hairless Cresteds are lower-maintenance in that area, their skin needs a bit more care, including regular bathing, sun protection, and moisturizing.
Overall, they’re playful, loving, and do really well in dog sports like agility, flyball, and obedience. They also make amazing therapy dogs.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
This medium-sized dog was first used to help fishermen in Portugal. It has a waterproof, thick, curly coat that doesn’t shed much, which makes the breed suitable for people with allergies.
These hypoallergenic dogs are smart, easy to train, and full of energy. They have high exercise needs (swimming is a favorite), and they love interactive games like fetch in the water.
Their coat, whether curly or wavy, requires regular grooming, including weekly brushing and occasional trimming. This breed is usually kept in two looks: either a lion clip or a retriever clip.
According to AKC, these dogs love and demand lots of attention and enjoy being around people, often greeting them with lots of excitement. They have a strong mind of their own and might sometimes push back, so gentle, positive training works best.
5. Coton de Tulear
The name comes from the French word for cotton, and it fits as this small dog breed has a soft, fluffy, and hypoallergenic coat that feels and looks just like cotton. The Coton de Tulear started in Madagascar as a pet, so it’s calm, friendly, and loves being with people. If you want a small, loving dog that won’t trigger an allergic reaction, this is a great choice.
Cotons are generally healthy, with very few genetic health issues reported. Most concerns, when they do pop up, are quite rare, usually only affecting a tiny percentage of dogs.
Cotons are alert with a protective nature. They need to meet people and see places early on, so they stay easygoing. Training helps them learn and stay happy. They don’t do well with harsh words but love fun, kind, and positive training lessons. They’re great at sports like agility and can even work as therapy dogs.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
Originally bred in Italy as water retrievers, Lagotto Romagnolos have thick, curly coats that helped keep them warm in cold water. They have the looks of a stuffed toy, but they’ve also got serious skills. They are known for their sharp noses, hence they are often used to hunt truffles, a rare and expensive treat.
Their curly, woolly coats are water-resistant and shed minimally, which makes them a good option for people with allergies. The coat needs trimming every 10 to 12 weeks, but brushing isn’t needed often; in fact, too much of it can mess up their natural curls.
They’re great with kids and love being in active homes where they can stay busy. They love outdoor time and being active, but they’re not meant to live outside alone. These dogs are happiest when they’re close to their people and involved in everyday life.
7. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli is one of the oldest dog breeds, going back over 5,000 years, as stated by Purina. Once known as the Aztec dog of the gods, today it’s a loyal family pet and a great watchdog.
This rare breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. You’ll find them either hairless or with a short coat, and both types are hypoallergenic. Their skin or coat comes in dark colors like black, gray, red, or bronze. Xolos have smart, thoughtful faces, and you might notice their forehead wrinkle when they’re thinking.
Hairless Xolos don’t need much grooming, though younger ones can get a bit of acne that needs care. Weekly grooming and the occasional bath are enough to keep them clean. Their nails should be trimmed often, and if they’re out in the sun a lot, they’ll need sunscreen to protect their skin.
8. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three Schnauzer types. It’s another breed with minimal shedding and a coat that is rough on top and soft underneath. Though Standard Schnauzers and Giant Schnauzers are also considered hypoallergenic, Miniature Schnauzers shed even less. You’ll need to brush it every day, give it a bath a few times a month, and take it to the groomer every few weeks.
These dogs are really smart and have affectionate personalities. They do well in apartments or houses, as long as they get about an hour of exercise each day. They love being around people and are super easy to train.
They also love to run and play. Just don’t let them off the leash in open places because they like to chase small animals and might not come back right away. To avoid such incidents, it’s also a good practice to learn how to stop your dog from jumping the fence.
9. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small hypoallergenic dog breed known for its long, luxurious coat and loving nature. It has hair instead of fur, which means it sheds much less than many other breeds.
People with mild allergies usually don’t get irritated by this breed, but it’s still a good idea to spend time with one first to see if there’s any reaction, as Shih Tzus do drool a bit, and it can trigger allergic reactions in those sensitive to it.
Their silky coat can be kept short for easier care or left long for a flowing, elegant look. If you choose the long style, be ready to brush them daily. For a shorter cut, brushing every couple of days is enough.
Britannica says this hypoallergenic dog breed has been around for over 1,000 years and originally came from Tibet before becoming a favorite of Chinese royals. Today, they’re still one of the most loved companion dogs, especially in the U.S.
Conclusion
Now you know, having allergies doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the company of a dog! In this article, we’ve explored 9 top hypoallergenic breeds, each with its own size, coat type, and personality.
From Portuguese Water Dogs to Shih Tzus, these breeds shed very little and produce fewer allergens, making them ideal for sensitive pet parents. And let’s not forget the hairless breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli and the fluffy yet allergy-friendly Coton de Tulear.
Beyond our main list, there are plenty more allergy-friendly options. Shout-out to terrier breeds like the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkies), and American Hairless Terrier. Poodles, whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodles, are also fantastic low-shedding companions.
You’ve also got the elegant Maltese dogs and the sporty Irish Water Spaniel, both excellent picks for allergy sufferers.
We couldn’t include them all, but all of these breeds are worth checking out if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic best friend!
