Dogs are lovable creatures, but some pooches have coats that attract tumbleweeds, dirt, and allergens like a magnet. No fastidious pet owner wants their home to be filled with dander. Sometimes, vacuuming seems to be an arduous task.

Small hypoallergenic dogs are perfect for apartment dwellers who love little dogs but do not like dander all around. Hypoallergenic dog breeds produce fewer allergens and less dander. They shed minimally and make an ideal choice for allergy sufferers.

If you are interested in purchasing a hypoallergenic dog breed well-suited for apartment living, it is worth mentioning that there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. Even the most hypoallergenic breeds produce at least some pet dander.

Here are 7 compact hypoallergenic dog breeds to consider, especially if you are living in a small urban setting.

Compact Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

1. Poodle

All three Poodle varieties have been quite popular because of their high intelligence and hypoallergenic coats. Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodles are particularly loved by apartment dwellers thanks to their compact size and minimally shedding coat.

While Standard Poodles were originally bred for hunting, smaller Poodle variants were meant to be companion dogs. They are smart, lively, and tend to be calm in the house. These dogs produce fewer allergens and are well-suited for allergy sufferers.

Their curly coat is high maintenance and requires regular grooming to stay in top-notch condition. It also needs professional grooming every one to two months to prevent matting and tangles. Wondering how much tip to give your dog groomer? Use this dog calculator to find out:

Being a smart dog, the Poodle is perceptive of its owner’s moods and feelings, making it a wonderful emotional support animal.

2. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is a playful little pooch that looks and feels like a little white cloud walking on land. These dogs were originally bred as companions and make excellent family dogs for people living in smaller spaces due to their small size.

This small hypoallergenic dog has a non-shedding coat, making it suitable for individuals who are prone to allergic reactions due to pet dander. Bichons have an affectionate nature and form strong bonds with their owners.

Although the coat sheds minimally, it has high grooming needs. PetMD recommends brushing your Bichon’s coat every day to prevent mats and tangles. You should also take your pup to a professional groomer once every four weeks.

Bichons are highly intelligent and easy to train. They can quickly master basic training with positive reinforcement methods and entertain their family with the new tricks they learn.

3. Maltese

Another small hypoallergenic dog breed, the Maltese, is famous for its friendly and affectionate nature. One of the oldest breeds, they are lively and playful. Maltese can happily accompany you everywhere thanks to their compact size.

The long and silky coat of these little white dogs is complemented by their dark noses. The fur sheds minimally and does not cause allergic reactions, making them suitable pets for apartment dwellers suffering from allergies.

Malteses do well with owners who can keep up with their grooming needs. These pooches require regular grooming two to three times a week to prevent mats and tangles. Professional grooming also helps keep the coat in excellent condition.

Being a moderately energetic breed, the Maltese does not have extensive exercise needs. Two daily walks around the block provide enough stimulation. You can also engage them in indoor play sessions.

4. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three related Schnauzer breeds, including the Giant and the Standard Schnauzer. They were primarily bred as rat hunters and farm dogs. One of the hypoallergenic breeds, Mini Schnauzers are ideal pets for allergy sufferers.

Their low-shedding coat is relatively easy to maintain. According to PetPlan, their wiry beard needs to be combed every day to prevent matting. Some owners prefer to clean their Mini Schnauzer’s shaggy beard after they eat, but it is not necessary.

Professional grooming is required for Miniature Schnauzers. They are incredibly loyal and will normally choose a favorite human amongst the family. Mini Schnauzers are small enough to adapt to apartment life, but tireless enough to patrol acres of farmland.

These pooches are quite alert and playful, tending to make effective watchdogs. They need at least an hour of daily exercise every day and enjoy receiving attention.

5. Shih Tzu

Known for its adorable and charismatic personality, the Shih Tzu looks irresistibly cute with its curly coat and friendly nature. The coat of this Chinese dog breed is hypoallergenic and sheds minimally. It means they are well-suited for allergy sufferers.

Their compact size and moderate energy levels make them good apartment dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, short daily walks and indoor play time will suffice for them. Their short muzzles and flat faces mean they are brachycephalic.

It makes them prone to breathing issues, so you must never over-exercise your Shih Tzu. Their luxurious fur requires regular grooming using a slicker brush or pin brush. Professional grooming every few months is also required.

6. Havanese

The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese, stands out in the crowd because of their long and silky coat. If you are looking for a furry friend with a vivid personality and friendly demeanor, a Havanese may be the ideal choice for you.

These compact hypoallergenic dogs are known for their smart, energetic, and outgoing personalities. Their low-shedding coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Havanese also require professional grooming every four to six months.

A puppy cut makes grooming a lot easier. These cute doggies are very social and get along nicely with everyone, including kids, other pets, and strangers. Havanese are affectionate and eager to please, dogs who love spending time with their family.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are cute little hypoallergenic dogs with spunky and affectionate personalities. They adapt well to different living situations, from large homes to studio apartments. All they need is lots of attention from their family members.

While they were originally bred as ratters, today they are more likely to be found warming a lap. Yorkies are smart and loyal dogs who tend to be protective of their owners. Their silky coat has a texture similar to that of human hair.

The Yorkie coat sheds minimally, but requires regular grooming if kept long. Many pet parents keep their Yorkies in a short pet clip for easier maintenance. These active and sometimes bossy mutts need regular exercise of around half an hour every day.

Conclusion

Small hypoallergenic dog breeds are loved by dog owners due to their small size and low-shedding coat. Their petite frame, adaptable nature, and moderate exercise needs make them well-suited as pets for apartment dwellers and people living in small spaces.

Additionally, their minimally shedding coats make them ideal for fastidious owners who get easily frustrated by pet dander. Their coat produces fewer allergens due to which they also make great pets for allergy sufferers.