Having dog allergies doesn't automatically rule out dog ownership. It's a common myth that there are truly 100% hypoallergenic dogs. The truth is, all dogs produce some allergens. However, some breeds are considered "hypoallergenic" because they produce fewer allergens. This might be because they shed less, produce less dander, or have coats that trap allergens.
In the following AnimalWised article, we'll explore the best 10 hypoallergenic dog breeds.
American Hairless Terrier
Looking for a dog that's good for allergies? The American Hairless Terrier might be the perfect fit. This unique breed is a popular choice for allergy sufferers because they're hairless and produce minimal dander.
These intelligent and affectionate dogs stand about 40 cm (16 inches)tall and have an athletic build. They're easy to train and energetic, making them great companions for active people.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are a great choice for allergy sufferers living in smaller spaces. At just 15-23 cm (6-9 inches) tall, these little dogs are the perfect size for apartment living and offer a more allergy-friendly option.
Their single-layer coat sheds very little, which helps keep allergens from spreading throughout your home. They do need daily brushing to avoid matting and keep their coat healthy, but this regular grooming also helps control loose hair and dander.
Maltese, Frize and Bolognese
Looking for a fluffy friend that won't trigger your allergies? Then meet the Bichon family, which includes the Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Bichon Bolognese.
They are a popular choices for allergy and asthma sufferers. Their coats shed very little, and the unique texture actually traps loose hair, preventing it from floating around your home.
These small dogs, typically 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) tall, might look like teddy bears, but their hypoallergenic coats do require daily brushing and special care for their eyes and tear ducts to avoid staining and irritation
Schnauzer
Looking for a dog that's good for allergies and comes in different sizes? The Schnauzer might be the perfect fit. Available in Miniature (30-35 cm, 12-14 inches), Standard (45-50 cm, 17.5-19.5 inches), and Giant (60-70 cm, 23.5-27.5 inches) sizes, there's a Schnauzer for almost any home.
Their wiry double coat sheds very little, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. These intelligent and energetic dogs are easy to train and love being part of a family.
Schnauzers are playful and make wonderful companions for both adults and kids, but they do need consistent attention and interaction to stay happy and avoid separation anxiety.
Understanding your dog's coat type is key to maintaining its hypoallergenic qualities. Learn the secrets of proper coat care in our expert grooming guide.
Water dogs
Water dogs like the Spanish Water Dog, Portuguese Water Dog, and Poodle are excellent choices for allergy sufferers. Their unique, woolly, curly coats trap shed hair, preventing it from spreading around your home.
They come in a variety of sizes too. Standard Poodles measure 45-60 cm (18-24 inches), Miniatures are 28-35 cm (11-14 inches), and Toys are 24-28 cm (9.5-11 inches).
While their coats are hypoallergenic, they do require regular brushing with special tools and professional grooming to keep them looking their best and maintain their allergy-friendly qualities.
Intrigued by water dogs? Discover the differences between these two hypoallergenic cousins in our detailed comparison guide.
Shih tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, hypoallergenic dog breed originally from China, typically standing 20-28 cm (8-11 inches) tall.
Their coats shed very little, and instead of shedding seasonally, their hair grows continuously. This helps minimize the spread of allergens in your home.
Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and sociable personalities, making them wonderful family pets. However, their coats do require daily brushing and regular professional grooming to stay healthy and maintain their hypoallergenic qualities.
Italian and English Greyhound
Looking for a low-shedding dog? Both Italian Greyhounds and English Greyhounds are known for their short, fine coats that produce minimal dander, making them good choices for people with allergies. Italian Greyhounds are smaller, standing 33-38 cm (13-15 inches) tall, which makes them a great fit for apartment living. If you prefer a larger dog, the English Greyhound, at 68-76 cm (27-30 inches) tall, might be more your style.
Both breeds are known for their loyal and gentle personalities, but keep in mind that even though their coats are short, they still need some basic grooming to stay healthy.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is an interesting case when it comes to hypoallergenic dogs. While they have a thick, plush double coat, they actually produce very little dander, which is a major trigger for allergies. However, be warned, Samoyeds do shed a lot, especially during their seasonal "coat blow" when they lose their undercoat.
Daily brushing can help manage the shedding, but if you have allergies, it's a good idea to spend some time with a Samoyed before bringing one home to make sure you can tolerate their shedding.
These beautiful dogs are active and affectionate and make wonderful companions for people who are prepared for some serious shedding. They typically stand 50-60 cm (19.5-23.5 inches) tall.
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of the terrier breeds, standing at 58-61 cm (23-24 inches) tall. Their wiry coat sheds very little, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.
These intelligent dogs are known for their protective instincts, but they're also gentle and good with children. To keep their coats healthy and minimize shedding, Airedales need weekly brushing and regular professional grooming. They're easy to train, but like all terriers, they're energetic and need plenty of mental and physical exercise to stay happy and well-behaved.
Other hypoallergenic dog breeds
While the breeds we've talked about are often considered good choices for people with allergies, it's important to remember that everyone's allergies are different. What works for one person might not work for another.
Here are some more breeds that are known for producing less dander and shedding less, which can make them easier to live with if you have allergies:
Small to medium breeds (20-35 cm, 8-14 inches):
- Basenji
- Bedlington Terrier
- Chinese Crested
- Cairn Terrier
- Coton de Tulear
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Fox Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Welsh Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
Medium to large breeds (35-60 cm, 14-24 inches):
- Bearded Collie
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Puli
- Irish Water Spaniel
If you're considering getting a dog and you have allergies, it's always a good idea to spend some time with the breed you're interested in before making a decision. This will help you see how your allergies react to that specific dog.
"Just like humans, dogs need allergy relief too. Learn about gentle, natural options in our detailed guide to canine antihistamines.
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