20 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Great For People With Allergies

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Pet allergies affect 10-20% of the world’s population and prevent many animal lovers from enjoying the companionship and fulfilment of owning a dog. Some people with allergies decide to get a dog, and most choose a hypoallergenic breed to help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.

What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?

While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, there are certain dog breeds that are better suited to allergy-sufferers.

This is because these breeds either have:

Non-shedding or low-shedding coats that produce less dander
Little or no hair
Single-layered coats (no undercoat)

As dog allergies are primarily caused by the protein in a pet’s dander, hair, and saliva, these dogs are less likely to cause a reaction. However, having a dog that sheds less and produces less dander does not guarantee allergy sufferers will be completely symptom-free.

It’s best to spend some time with the breed of your choice before bringing home a puppy of your own so you can see if they will trigger any allergies.

Best 20 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

1. Miniature Schnauzer

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The Miniature Schnauzer is a very popular small dog thanks to its love of playtime and fearless character. These dogs are considered hypoallergenic as they don’t drool and are minimal shedders, with regular grooming you are unlikely to see any dog hair around the house. Miniature Schnauzers are independent, intelligent, and make excellent watchdogs.

2. Bichon Frise

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This fluffy white dog is one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers. The Bichon Frise breed is cuddly, friendly and highly adaptable, they hardly ever drool and their fur captures loose dander so they are unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction. Bichon Frise dogs need to be regularly groomed to keep their coat well maintained.

3. Poodle

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The Poodle (including the standard, miniature, and toy sizes) is a hypoallergenic breed that is known for being intelligent, highly trainable, and friendly. Poodles are highly adaptable, they hardly shed, rarely drool, and are an ideal hypoallergenic family dog.

4. Maltese

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The Maltese are a hugely popular breed thanks to their small size, big personality, and low shedding fur. These fluffy dogs are playful and loving so make excellent family pets. The characteristic white coat of the Maltese needs to be brushed regularly, particularly if it is kept long.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

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Energetic, enthusiastic, and affectionate, the Yorkshire Terrier is a sprightly low-shedding dog that’s popular with families and first-time owners. Despite their small size, Yorkies are confident, courageous, and territorial. The long, silky coat of the Yorkshire Terrier is fine hair rather than fur and they hardly shed.

6. Afghan Hound

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The dignified Afghan Hound is energetic, loyal, and confident. These large dogs have long, silky coats so may not seem hypoallergenic at first but they rarely shed so are great for allergy sufferers. Afghan Hounds do require regular grooming and need regular exercise too.

7. Bedlington Terrier

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Bedlington Terriers have beautiful woolly coats that give them an almost lamb-like appearance. Bedlington Terriers are affectionate, adaptable, and confident, combine this with the fact they don’t shed much and these small dogs are an attractive choice for allergy sufferers.

8. Irish Water Spaniel

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Irish Water Spaniels are charming and affectionate with a distinctive curled coat. These medium-sized spaniels have an oily coat rather than a woolly one, they rarely shed and don’t drool. One thing to be aware of is the high grooming needs of the Irish Water Spaniel, they are prone to matting so need to be brushed regularly.

9. Lagotto Romagnolo

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The Lagotto Romagnolo is an adorable, curly-haired dog that is common in Italy as a working and family dog. This breed has a waterproof woolly coat that sheds minimally but requires regular trimming. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a great choice for allergy sufferers who enjoy long hikes and spend lots of time outside.

10. Portuguese Water Dog

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The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog with a thick, curly coat that tends not to shed. These dogs are playful, obedient and loyal, they are generally friendly. The Portuguese Water Dog is a high-energy breed that loves to swim so is particularly well-suited to active homes.

11. Xoloitzcuintli

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The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is a loyal, alert watchdog that makes a perfect hairless companion for those with allergies. As these dogs have no hair there is no shedding to worry about, but the tough skin of the Xoloitzcuintli needs special care to protect them from the sun.

12. Chinese Crested

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The Chinese Crested dog is almost entirely hairless with only a small amount of hair on its head, tail, and feet. This breed is fun, playful and does not shed so is great for those that struggle with pet hair. Although the Chinese Crested breed is hairless they still need regular grooming and skincare.

13. Havanese

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If you’d prefer a small dog with a silky, long coat the Havanese breed is a great choice. Havanese dogs are non-shedding, happy and curious. They make excellent pets with their affectionate and friendly nature. For easy maintenance, Havanese dogs can have their coats clipped short.

14. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

As their name suggests, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a silky soft coat that doesn’t shed much. These terriers make great family dogs, they are loveable, loyal, and tend to be great with children.

15. Scottish Terrier

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If you’re looking for a small dog that is low maintenance, the Scottish Terrier is an excellent companion. These terriers have a distinctive look and a fun-loving character. Scottish Terriers are highly adaptable, stubborn, and loyal pups.

16. Affenpinscher

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The Affenpinscher has a low-maintenance, slow-growing wiry coat that does not shed much. These small dogs are known for being entertaining, playful, and affectionate. Affenpinschers are naturally scruffy and have monkey-like faces which have earned them the nickname “Monkey Dog.”

17. Coton de Tulear

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The small Coton de Tulear has a white cotton-like coat that rarely sheds and these dogs produce very little dander. Cotons are a great choice for first-time owners as they were bred to be companions and are known for being eager to please, friendly, and laid-back.

18. Cairn Terrier

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The Cairn Terrier is a wiry-coated terrier that sheds less than other breeds. These energetic dogs don’t require much grooming and produce very little dander. Cairn Terriers make excellent family dogs and are great for first-time owners as they are easygoing, happy, and curious.

19. Basenji

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If you’re looking for a medium-sized hypoallergenic dog that loves adventures, Basenjis are a great option. The Basenji's short coat needs very little maintenance and doesn’t have a “dog” smell like other breeds. Interestingly, Basenjis don’t bark, instead, they yodel.

20. Kerry Blue Terrier

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The Kerry Blue Terrier is one of the larger and more unique hypoallergenic dog breeds. Their coat comes in varying shades of blue from slate to light grey. Kerry Blue Terriers don’t shed but they do need to be brushed regularly to keep their coat in good condition. These terriers are fun-loving, energetic, and loyal.

Be Aware That Hypoallergenic Dogs Can Still Cause A Reaction

Hypoallergenic dogs are less likely to cause an allergic reaction but they still produce dander so it is important to spend time with the dog before you bring them home. This is the best way you can test and make sure you don’t experience an allergic reaction.

No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, these breeds are the ones that shed less (or not at all), drool less, and are less likely to trigger reactions.