Being allergic to dogs can be a real buzzkill. You dream of those slobbery kisses and wagging tails but your body has other plans. The mere sight of a dog triggers an epic sneezing symphony that would put Beethoven to shame. But the universe has conspired to bring you joy in the form of hypoallergenic dog breeds.
When you encounter one of these dog breeds, you’ll feel your eyes widening in awe, your heart melting, and your nose – well, it remains as clear as can be. But figuring out the absolute best dog breed is easier said than done. Amid all this confusion, it is up to us to ease things for you.
Read through our guide where we’ll discuss 21 hypoallergenic dog breeds and explore how they can be the answer to your allergy-ridden dreams. By the end of it, you'll find your ideal hypoallergenic match – the furry friend that suits your lifestyle just right. If you still aren't sure, check out our Breed Selection Service. An experienced dog trainer will review your family's criteria for a new pet and help determine which breed you should go with!
What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Hypoallergenic dogs are special breeds ideal for people with allergies. These dogs typically have hair instead of fur which reduces allergens. Unlike fur, which sheds more, hair tends to trap allergens and keep them from circulating. Hypoallergenic dogs often have less oil on their skin which also contributes to a lesser allergen presence.
No dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, as all dogs produce allergens to some degree. But hypoallergenic breeds are known to produce fewer allergens or shed less hair and dander, reducing the chances of causing an allergic reaction.
21 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds (Ideal For Allergy Sufferers)
If you love dogs but have allergies, here’s a list of dog breeds that are less likely to make you sneeze. We’ll take a close look at each hypoallergenic breed and learn about their traits and characteristics to help find the perfect fit for you.
1. Poodle
Originating from Germany, the poodle is an intelligent and highly trainable breed. They come in 3 sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They have a dense and curly coat that's not only hypoallergenic but also doesn't shed much. That makes them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
Grooming them regularly to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy is a must.
Poodles are known for being active, alert, and sociable dogs. They require mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and excel in various dog sports and activities.
- Weight: Standard: 45-70 pounds; Miniature: 15-17 pounds; Toy: 6-9 pounds
- Height: Standard: 18-24 inches; Miniature: 10-15 inches; Toy: 9-10 inches
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
2. Bichon Frise
The bichon frise hails from the Mediterranean region, specifically from France and Belgium.
These adorable small dogs have curly and hypoallergenic coats that shed minimally. To keep their fur from getting tangled, brush them regularly. To learn the best brush to use for curly hair check out our Furminator Review. You can also take them to a professional groomer to help them maintain their signature fluffy appearance.
Bichon Frises are known for their cheerful and affectionate nature. They are great family pets and get along well with children and other animals. This breed thrives on human companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
- Weight: 10-20 pounds
- Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
3. Portuguese Water Dog
Originating from Portugal, as the name suggests, the Portuguese water dog is a medium-sized breed with a wavy or curly hypoallergenic coat. These dogs were historically used by fishermen to assist in various tasks, including retrieving items from the water.
Their thick coat requires regular brushing and occasional professional grooming to maintain its quality. Portuguese water dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic nature. They are typically good with children and make excellent companions for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities.
- Weight: 42-60 pounds
- Height: 20-23 inches
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
4. Maltese
Originating from the Mediterranean island of Malta, the Maltese is a small and elegant breed known for its luxurious, long, and silky hair. Their hypoallergenic coats are prone to tangling and matting, requiring regular brushing and grooming to maintain their beauty.
Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese dogs have lively and playful personalities. They are affectionate and social and enjoy spending time with their human companions. These little companions can adapt well to various living situations and are suitable for families and individuals alike.
- Weight: 4-7 pounds
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- GENTLE CLEANSING – TropiClean hypoallergenic dog shampoo is gentle enough for puppies and and has a moisturizing subtle, long-lasting coconut scent.
- SEASONAL ITCH RELIEF
- FEEL-GOOD INGREDIENTS – This sensitive dog shampoo is made from natural ingredients.
- PET PARENT APPROVED – A gentle dog wash that's paraben, dye, soap and cruelty free. Suitable for use on dogs 12 weeks or older.
- Protects hairless dog's skin and coat from Sun and UV rays
- Non-greasy formula of Jojoba + Shea butter conditioners
- Dog-safe ingredients; alcohol-free, no Zinc Oxide.
- Easy to use, non-aerosol sprayer.
- Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours
- Perfect for Hairless Dogs: protects from sun rays and reflection off snowy surfaces
- Premium Materials: lined with thick coral fleece, soft, comfortable and hypoallergenic skin-friendly, keeps dogs super warm during winter
- Windproof & Waterproof Dog Jacket: made of water resistant fabric
- Exquisite Design: collar protects the dog's neck and head.
- 6 Sizes Available: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL dog snow jacket fit for nearly all breeds of dogs.
9. Basenji
The Basenji is an ancient breed believed to have originated in Central Africa. This breed has a short, hypoallergenic coat that requires minimal grooming. Basenjis have unique characteristics, including their tendency to groom themselves like cats, which contributes to their minimal shedding.
Basenjis are known for their intelligence, independence, and mischievous nature. They have a strong prey drive and are more suitable for experienced dog owners. Basenjis are generally clean dogs and have less of a doggy odor compared to some other breeds.
- Weight: 20-25 pounds
- Height: 16-17 inches
- Life Expectancy: 13-14 years
10. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish water spaniel originated in Ireland and has a dense, curly, and hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally. Their hair, coupled with their skin's low oil production, limits dander, making them an ideal choice for individuals with pet allergies.
Grooming the Irish water spaniel's coat requires regular brushing and occasional professional grooming to maintain its texture. They excel in water activities and are often described as enthusiastic swimmers. Irish water spaniels are generally good with children and can be great family pets for those who lead an active lifestyle.
- Weight: 55-65 pounds
- Height: 21-24 inches
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
11. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry blue terrier hails from Ireland where it was initially bred as a versatile working dog. This breed has a soft, wavy, and hypoallergenic coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its quality. Their low-shedding hair lessens dander.
Kerry blue terriers are known for their spirited and independent personalities. They are intelligent and alert and require mental stimulation and regular exercise to be happy. Start socializing and training them early on to channel their natural instincts. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and are generally good with children.
- Weight: 33-40 pounds
- Height: 17.5-19.5 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
12. Afghan Hound
The Afghan hound is an ancient breed that originated in Afghanistan. They have a long, silky, and hypoallergenic coat that requires regular grooming. Despite their elegant appearance, Afghan hounds are known for their playful and lively personalities.
Afghan hounds are independent, dignified, and often have a mischievous streak. They thrive in homes that can provide them with ample exercise, mental stimulation, and room to run. They are very close to their families but may be reserved around strangers.
- Weight: 50-60 pounds
- Height: Male: 27 inches or more, Female: 25 inches or more
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
13. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington terrier is a small to medium-sized breed that hails from England. They have a unique coat that is both curly and hypoallergenic – an ideal combination if you have pet allergies.
Bedlington terriers are known for their gentle, affectionate, and loyal nature. They are intelligent dogs and can be trained for various activities. Despite their calm demeanor indoors, they have a playful and energetic side, enjoying outdoor adventures and activities.
- Weight: 17-23 pounds
- Height: 15-17.5 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
14. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels griffon is a small breed that originated in Belgium. They have a dense and wiry coat which is known to produce fewer allergenic substances compared to other breeds. While grooming is still important to maintain the quality of their coat, the Brussels griffon's low-shedding hair helps reduce the presence of allergens in your home.
Brussels griffons have the cutest and most expressive faces. People often say they look like little monkeys. These dogs will bond well and love being close to you. They can be a bit sensitive, so they enjoy a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
- Weight: 6-12 pounds
- Height: 7-10 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
15. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn terrier is a small, sturdy breed that is originally from Scotland. These dogs have a double coat consisting of a harsh outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. This combination helps to trap allergens and reduce the amount of dander in the environment. They shed minimally which means fewer allergens are released into the air.
Cairn terriers are lively, cheerful, and intelligent. They are curious by nature and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Despite their small size, they are confident and fearless. Cairn terriers are also known to be affectionate and good with children which makes them a wonderful addition to a family.
- Weight: 13-18 pounds
- Height: 9.5-10 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
16. Havanese
The Havanese is a charming and lovable breed that hails from Cuba. These dogs are highly regarded for their hypoallergenic characteristics as they have a unique coat that is long, silky, and profuse. Despite its luxurious look, their hair is considered hypoallergenic because it grows continuously instead of shedding.
Havanese dogs are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are intelligent and trainable which makes them suitable for various activities like obedience training and agility. These hypoallergenic dogs are versatile and adapt well to different living situations.
- Weight: 7-13 pounds
- Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
- Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
17. American Hairless Terrier
Originating in the United States, the American hairless terrier is a unique and fascinating breed. As the name suggests, these dogs are completely hairless. Without fur, American hairless terriers do not shed and produce significantly less dander.
American hairless terriers have an energetic and lively personality so engaging them in various activities is important. They can adapt well to different living environments but it's important to protect their sensitive skin from excessive sun exposure and cold weather.
- Weight: 12-16 pounds
- Height: 12-16 inches
- Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
18. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa apso is an ancient breed that has Tibetan roots. These adorable dogs were traditionally kept as watchdogs in Buddhist monasteries. Their hair grows continuously and does not shed excessively, reducing the amount of allergens released.
Lhasa apsos are known for their loyalty and independent nature. They are intelligent and have a keen sense of hearing which makes them excellent watchdogs. Despite their small size, Lhasa apsos are confident and fearless and they have strong protective instincts. They are stubborn at times so patient training is required.
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
19. Giant Schnauzer
Originally bred as working dogs, the giant schnauzer is a large and powerful breed that hails from Germany. Their wiry, double coat serves as a protective barrier against allergens, as it sheds minimally and does not produce as much dander.
Giant schnauzers are naturally protective and make excellent watchdogs. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and well-behaved companions. Giant schnauzers have a lot of energy and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and balanced.
- Weight: 65-90 pounds
- Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
20. West Highland White Terrier
The west highland white terrier, often called the Westie, is a small and lively breed from Scotland. They have a double coat that consists of a dense, wiry outer layer, and a soft undercoat which helps minimize shedding and dander.
Westies have a distinct personality that is full of spunk and confidence. They are known for their independent nature and can sometimes be stubborn. They are also intelligent and quick to learn which makes training an enjoyable experience. Make sure to socialize with them early on. It helps prevent them from getting too dominant or possessive.
- Weight: 15-22 pounds
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
21. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish terrier, often referred to as the Scottie, is a small and sturdy breed that originated in Scotland. These dogs have a dense and wiry double coat that helps minimize the shedding of allergens. Their coarse outer coat protects them from various weather conditions while their soft undercoat provides insulation. This combination reduces the amount of loose hair and dander that can trigger allergies.
Scottish terriers are known for their independent and spirited nature. They have a strong sense of loyalty and can be quite devoted to their families. Because of their independent streak, start training and socializing them from an early age.
- Weight: 19-22 pounds
- Height: 10 inches
- Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
How Can Suburban K9 Help You Pick The Perfect Hypoallergenic Dog Breed
At Suburban K9, we understand the challenges individuals with allergies face, and we're dedicated to helping you find a furry companion that won't trigger your allergies. We offer personalized breed selection consultations to help you identify the hypoallergenic breeds that best suit your needs.
Our knowledgeable dog experts will assess your specific allergies and discuss any concerns you have. After your personalized consultation, we'll give you a list that has the top 10 hypoallergenic dog breeds. Once you receive your list, you can schedule a follow-up conversation with one of our experienced dog experts.
For each breed, we will provide you with detailed information explaining why they were chosen for you. We’ll consider factors like low-shedding coat types, minimal dander production, and a generally lower tendency to provoke allergic reactions. We'll also give you the scoop on each breed's personality, exercise requirements, grooming needs, and what makes them a good match for people with allergies.
Once you've chosen your perfect hypoallergenic dog breed, Suburban K9 continues to offer support and training services. We offer both board and train programs and private in-home lessons.
At Suburban K9, we have a great way to train dogs called balanced training. Our approach combines rewards with gentle corrections when needed. This helps your dog learn the right behaviors and understand boundaries.
We believe that positive reinforcement is important for training. But it's also important to use fair corrections to teach your dog about limits and show them that you're the leader. When you set clear boundaries, your dog will see you as a strong and confident guide.
Hypoallergenic Dogs and Grooming
A lot of people think that hypoallergenic dogs won't shed and many people don't consider the cost of grooming. However, looking over our top 20 list of Hypoallergenic dogs you may have noticed that many of them are breeds that require a lot of grooming to keep them looking good. You will also want to make sure that you have a way to clean up any stray hairs from your pup. Here are a couple of products that can help with the grooming needs of your hypoallergenic pup.
If considering a Hypoallergenic Dog Look Into:
- 7 in 1 grooming tool: removes loose hair and makes dog hair shiny and smooth
- Dust cup: 3L dust cup can be used for grooming two large dogs.
- Quiet Operation: noise reduction to ensure dogs won't be afraid
- Grooming & Vacuum: powerful vacuum design can capture 99.99% of the hair
- After-Sales Service: Comes with a 1-year warranty.
- NO MORE HAIR EVERYWHERE: The ultimate pet hair roller for effective dog hair removal.
- CONVENIENT: Take the fur out of furniture once and for all! Ideal for cleaning couches, pillows, rugs, and more.
- EASY TO USE: Just roll back and forth along any surface to trap fur and lint into the built-in receptacle.
- SUSTAINABLE - reusable dog hair roller requires no adhesives or sticky tape, and can be used again and again.
