Around 10 to 20% of the world’s population is allergic to pets with fur, including cats and dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Pet parents who are prone to allergies often wonder what dog breed to adopt.
A hypoallergenic dog is the right choice for such individuals. Hypoallergenic dogs are specifically bred to produce fewer allergens than other breeds. They have a non-shedding coat.
However, no dog is 100% allergen-free. Even the dogs that do not produce a lot of pet dander contain allergens in their skin, saliva, and urine. If you are prone to pet allergies, we would recommend cleaning your dog’s bed frequently, keeping up with their grooming, and not letting your dog sleep on your bed.
Also, use pet air purifiers and vacuum cleaners to get rid of pet hair and allergens.
Wondering which dog breeds are ideal for allergy sufferers? Here are the top hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Best Dog Breeds for Preventing Allergies
1. Poodle
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 24 inches (Standard)
Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 18 years
Poodles are recognized by their dense and curly coat. The coat colors can vary from black to brown, white, apricot, and gray. Poodles are single-coated, low-shedding, and hypoallergenic dogs.
Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
These intelligent and cheerful dogs make great family pets. Poodles are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. Poodle ears are covered with fur, which prevents regular airflow into the ear canal. Regular ear cleaning can help avoid ear infections caused by debris, bacteria, and fungi.
2. Airedale Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 23 inches
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Lifespan: 11 to 14 years
The King of Terriers, Airedale Terriers, are the bearded dogs with a double coat. The upper coat is rough, dense, and slightly wavy, whereas the undercoat is soft. Airedale terriers produce less dander and shed less than many other dog breeds.
These hypoallergenic dogs are well-suited for allergy sufferers. However, they can become allergenic due to improper grooming, inadequate bathing, and a lack of proper cleaning.
Therefore, keep your Airedale Terrier clean and tidy by regular cleaning, using air purifiers, and anti-allergy sprays.
3. Coton de Tulear
Breed Profile
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Lifespan: 15 to 19 years
Coton de Tulear breed name comes from a French word for “cotton,” “coton,” and “Tulear,” a city in Madagascar. They are popular for their profuse coat that is as soft and white as cotton, explains the American Kennel Club.
Like other dogs on our list, they are also hypoallergenic and well-suited for allergy sufferers. They are low shedders but tend to lose extra fur in spring. Coat care includes occasional brushing a few times a week.
4. Maltese
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Another white dog breed, Maltese, is known for their long, straight, and silky coat. They lack an undercoat. Maltese dogs are hypoallergenic and do not shed much, reducing the risk of allergens in the environment.
The coat requires extensive grooming. They cannot withstand extremely cold temperatures due to having a single coat. Therefore, get ready to buy a lot of dog sweaters for your Maltese this winter.
Coat care includes daily brushing, bathing with high-quality dog shampoo, and cleaning tear stains and food residue.
5. Shih Tzu
Breed Profile
Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 17 years
Shih Tzus have a luxurious double coat that grows continuously. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the top coat is long and flowing.
It is another hypoallergenic dog breed as its coat does not shed hair. Regular grooming can help minimize potential allergy risks.
If left uncut, their fur can grow so long that it drags the ground. Longer fur also makes brushing and bathing a weekly chore. Therefore, PetMD suggests shaving the coat into a short “puppy cut” to avoid continuous grooming.
6. Tibetan Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 14 to 17 inches
Weight: Up to 30 pounds
Lifespan: 15 to 16 years
These small to medium-sized dogs are also hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. They have a shaggy double coat—the undercoat is thick while the top coat is long and can be wavy or straight. This bushy dog requires a lot of grooming.
Brush your Tibetan Terrier’s coat daily to prevent mats and tangles. Make sure to mist the hair prior to brushing.
Getting your dog a “puppy cut” can reduce their grooming needs to some extent. They are not huge shedders, which makes them hypoallergenic.
7. Affenpinscher
Breed Profile
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Weight: 7 to 10 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
According to WebMD, Affenpinschers are small dogs with a wiry coat that is short in some regions while long in others. The rough coat requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Affenpinschers’ coat holds on to shedding, making them a hypoallergenic breed.
Affenpinschers have moderate grooming needs. You have to brush their coat twice a week, first with a brush and then with a metal comb.
The coat falls into their eyes and needs to be trimmed every few months. Schedule a professional grooming session for your Affenpinscher from time to time.
8. Bichon Frise
Breed Profile
Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Lifespan: 14 to 15 years
Bichon Frise is a small dog with a personality. This breed’s glory is its hypoallergenic white coat that feels plush and velvety to touch. The woolly coat does not shed much—it captures dander instead of dropping it into the environment.
Their friendly disposition, calm demeanor, and high trainability make them excellent family pets. The coat needs to be brushed two to three times a week.
It also requires monthly baths to stay clean and tidy. Take your Bichon Frise to a professional groomer every four to six weeks.
9. Chinese Crested
Breed Profile
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Lifespan: Up to 18 years
These loving companions come in two variants: hairless and powderpuff. Hairless dogs have smooth tufts of fur on their head, tail, and feet. Lack of hair makes them well-suited for allergy sufferers. The powderpuff variety is completely covered in long and silky hair.
The powderpuff dogs are also non-shedding, but have a double coat that requires regular grooming.
If you have a Chinese Crested dog with lighter skin, make sure they wear sunscreen or a light coat when going out in the sun. It will protect their sensitive skin from sunburns.
10. Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
These compact dogs are known for their feisty and brave nature. Their floor-length silky coat varies in color from steel blue to rich golden tan. The hypoallergenic coat is quite similar to human hair. The long coat must be trimmed for neatness and to prevent tripping.
The coat needs to be brushed daily. The upper part of the head should be trimmed or pulled up into a topknot to keep hair from falling into the eyes.
You also need to bathe them every week. Yorkies do not shed much, thereby producing less pet dander, which can cause allergic reactions in humans.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds are known for being hypoallergenic, which means they do not shed much. Such dogs are well-suited for allergy sufferers. If you are a person prone to allergies and looking for a pet, one of the breeds mentioned in the article might be the right choice for you.
Remember, no dog breed is completely free from allergens. Even the most hypoallergenic dogs require regular cleaning and grooming to stay allergen-free.
