Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds | 30 Dogs For Allergy Suffers

Dogs offer so much to your life. They’re not only great companions, but they’re members of the family. And some breeds will give you more than just love. Some are known to give their owners allergic reactions. However, the good news is that they are hypoallergenic dog breeds.

If you’re one who suffers from pet allergies, owning a dog may seem out of the question. However, you don’t have to give up on the idea of owning a dog. While many dogs can cause mild allergies to extreme allergic reactions, there are plenty of hypoallergenic breeds available to allergy sufferers. 

30 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Perfect for Families

In the United States, around three in ten people have allergic reactions to dogs. While no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, there are some that cause fewer symptoms than others, as they shed little fur. This means that if your allergy isn’t severe, you may still be able to welcome a furry friend into your home.

Below, we are going to talk about thirty “hypoallergenic” dog breeds that are perfect for families. Let’s get started!

1. American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier has a lot of the same qualities as most Terriers, minus the hair. These are the only hairless dogs that originate in the US. Also, they are a small breed that exhibits high-energy. They’re funny and curious and make great alert dogs.

Like hairless cats, with this dog breed, you don’t have to worry about shedding and dander collecting around the house. So if you want a small, truly hypoallergenic breed, then look into the American Hairless Terrier to see if it’s right for you. 

2. Barbado Da Terceira

The Barbado Da Terceira originated from Portugal and was bred to aid farmers with their herds. These are highly intelligent dogs, easy to train, friendly, yet protective of their homes and family. Because of their herding instincts, they have a lot of energy and require a lot of exercises. 

These medium-sized dogs are robust, with a long, wavy coat that requires regular brushing. Despite their long hair, this breed is considered hypoallergenic and can be a good choice for those with allergies. If you’re an experienced dog owner, the Barbado Da Terceira is a dog breed to consider.  

3. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian dog that was originally bred to retrieve prey for its owners, and later, truffles on the country hillsides. This earned them the nickname “truffle dogs.” Lagotto Romagnolos are intelligent and trainable; however, not all Lagotto Romagnolos make good family dogs. 

Some don’t do well with children. The same goes for other pets in the home. Lagotto Romagnolos are soft-coated with almost wool-like hair. Also, the best thing about their coats is they don’t shed. This makes them a desirable breed for allergy sufferers.

4. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are full-breed dogs registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and one of the most popular family dog breeds. Miniature Schnauzers are energetic and fun-loving. They make great companion dogs, especially for the elderly, because of their small size and easy maintenance. 

This small breed has a double coat. Basically, a soft undercoat sits underneath a wiry outer coat. You should brush this breed regularly to keep the undercoat from tangling with the outer coat. Although you may find a hair or two around the house, the shedding is minimal, and people with allergies do fine with this breed.

5. Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer looks just like the miniature version, only super-sized. They’re fun and playful and love attention. Giant Schnauzers are highly intelligent and train easily but need a confident owner. Like the miniature, this dog sports an under and outer coat. 

It’s got a wiry outer coat with a soft undercoat, so regular brushing is necessary to keep it manageable and tangle-free. When properly groomed, this dog breed rarely sheds hair or dander, making it a popular hypoallergenic dog.

6. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is one of the most recent breeds to be recognized by the AKC. A Coton de Tulear is an adorable little breed of hypoallergenic dogs that sports a white coat of cottony fur. These little dogs are people-pleasers.

Additionally, they not only love their owners but all people, so don’t look to this breed as being a little guard dog for your family. Coton de Tulears are not shedders, and although this is great for those with a dog allergy, you’ll need to bathe and brush them weekly to keep their coats clean and healthy.  

7. West Highland Terrier 

There are several types of Terriers, and the West Highland Terrier comes from the Western part of Scotland. It is a small, hardy dog with short little legs. These dogs were born to hunt low-ground prey, like rabbits. Westies were bred to have a white coat for easy spotting. And they’re hypoallergenic, too. Westies, as they’re known, have double coats; the soft undercoat and the wiry topcoat. With proper brushing, Westies won’t shed much hair or dander; two triggers for an allergic reaction.

8. Peruvian Inca Orchid

Once you’ve seen a Peruvian Inca Orchid, you may not forget it. Especially the hairless version. This particular breed comes in three different sizes; small, medium, and large, and in both coated and hairless versions.

Basically, these are sleek, sturdy-looking dogs that are built similar to the Whippet or Greyhound. They’re strong and agile and like to chase, which may be a problem in a house with small animals or children. A hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid may be suitable for you if you are allergic to dogs but want one.   

9. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

For anyone allergic to dogs, the Terrier breed is a great option. One of the types of terriers, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, is a short little dog with a longer body and a big personality. Dandies are fun, loving, and loyal to their family. 

They are also calm and well-mannered, which varies a little from some of the other Terrier breeds. Also, they can be stubborn-minded but ultimately like to please. These dogs don’t shed, nor do they drool. For allergy sufferers, they are the ideal pet. 

10. Spanish Water Dog

This breed is often referred to as rustic-looking dogs. They have a unique look of lengthy, tight curls that hang in tight rows of cords around its frame, including over its face. Also, the curls cover their expressive eyes, but the dogs can see fine. And since it was bred to chase small land prey and waterfowl, the long locks protect its eyes. Spanish Water Dogs are hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coats and lack of drooling. 

11. Wire Fox Terrier

Here’s another Terrier that falls into the hypoallergenic category. This is a sturdy little dog that’s quick and feisty. It was bred to chase foxes out of their hiding spots. Also, this breed of Terrier is smart, easily trained, full of energy, and loves its family. The breed is highly recognizable with its wedge-shaped head and wiry-looking hair. Underneath the wiry layer is a soft undercoat, and it usually doesn’t shed. Most commonly, the Fox Terrier has a white coat, but it can come in brown with black tones, too.

12. Yorkshire Terrier 

Another small dog, Yorkshire Terroirs, is known to be incredibly loyal, devoted, and loving pets. However, like most toy breeds, they are best suited to families with older children due to their size. One benefit of these playful pups is that they are excellent watchdogs. They are very protective of their owners and will be sure to let any unwanted guests know about it! Want to learn more about your furry friend? You can find out if your Yorkie is purebred by clicking the link.

13. Irish Water Spaniels

Ireland Water Spaniels are an intermediate-sized dog and the tallest in the Spaniel family. It came from Ireland and was bred to fetch fowl from the water. The Irish Water Spaniel has a coat built for swimming. Its coat is thick and wavy and sports a top-knot of loose curls at the crown of the head. 

This is a non-shedding breed and is considered hypoallergenic. These dogs are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn. First-time dog owners should consider the time it’ll take to training them and keep them active.   

14. Basenji

The Basenji is also known as the “barkless” dog. While they don’t bark, they do make other sounds, often described as a yodel or chortle. Also, these are quick, agile, and quick-stepped dogs. They are regal to look at while sitting, but even more intriguing to watch them running in their fast-paced trot. 

Additionally, the breed has short, glistening hair, a tight, little curled tail, and almond-shaped, expressive eyes that seem to express human-like emotions. Basenji’s like to keep their hair clean and groom themselves like a cat. This helps to reduce hair and dander so allergy sufferers can live allergy-free. 

15. Bolognese

The Bolognese is small and sprite, and lots of fun. The Bolognese is energetic and playful, and although they are trainable, they are known to be a bit stubborn and crafty. Dog owners who don’t have time for obedience training or are first-time dog owners might find this little dog challenging. But if you’re looking for a small, hypoallergenic dog that can make a great companion and lovable pet, this just might be the breed for you.  

16. Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is sometimes referred to as the Rothbury lamb due to its wooly, white coat. Also, the tight curls might look wiry, but they’re quite the opposite; soft and pliable. Also, this is a medium-sized dog with a unique look. This Terrier boasts an elongated, narrow-shaped head and long, floppy ears.

Additionally, they’re sturdy and agile, and their body is built for speed. If you want a fun, energetic companion to accompany you on outdoor adventures while also being hypoallergenic, this is a great breed of Terrier to consider. No shedding and no drooling are two big bonuses for allergy sufferers.  

17. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos are a popular breed. They’re small, affectionate, and lovable to everyone. They are great dogs for apartment living, elderly people, and they’re very kid-friendly. Lhasa Apsos have long, flowing hair that requires regular grooming to keep it looking and feeling good, but it doesn’t shed.

These dogs won’t leave their fur or dander around the house or on the couch, where you’ll often find these little guys napping or just lounging. This is a sweet, loving lap-dog that anyone with pet allergies can live with.

18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

This medium-sized dog has a sweet disposition and loves people, kids, and other animals. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have long, wavy hair that’s soft to touch. It’s a single coat, unlike other breeds of Terriers, and they hardly lose but a couple of hairs a day and are not considered to be much of a drooler.

These qualities put them on the list of hypoallergenic dogs, suitable for people who are typically allergic to certain dogs or even cat breeds. Also, these intelligent, friendly, and playful dogs are popular and make great pets for apartments or small houses. 

19. Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers are small and high-spirited little dogs. They are friendly to most people but could be a bit reserved to strangers and will be the first to alert you to one with a bark. Cairns may be small, but they’re sturdy and not your typical lap dog, although they may take a spot on the couch to lounge close to you. Cairns have medium-length, soft hair that doesn’t shed, nor do they produce much dander, which can trigger allergic reactions. 

Fun Fact: Toto from the Wizard of Oz was a Cairn Terrier. 

20. Maltese

Maltese are small, sweet, and hypoallergenic. This little dog has lots of personalities to go with all that beautiful, flowing fur. The flattened muzzle of this breed is similar to that of the Shih-Tzu, and they are often mistaken, one for the other. Maltese are considered to be lap dogs.

They’re popular with elderly people and those who want a small, sweet, docile lap dog that doesn’t shed or drool. Maltese do require a lot of grooming with their long, flowing fur. And many owners will tie their flowing top-knot up in bows to add a little flair to their look.

21. Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is a short, stalky dog with long wavy hair and tall, pointy ears. A Scottie can have a bushy beard that can become quite messy, so grooming is important, especially in the traditional Scottie look. These dogs don’t shed, and they don’t drool. Scottish Terriers are fun and spunky and have a big-dog attitude. This could be a great hypoallergenic dog for you. 

22. Havanese

Havanese are small dogs and great for apartment living. They are fun-loving dogs with a sweet disposition. Havanese get along with most people, kids, and other pets. They’re smart and trainable and are generally happy-go-lucky dogs. 

Havanese make a great dog for someone who has pet allergies. They don’t shed or drool, and they don’t require a lot of work with grooming, especially because they are house dogs and should only go out for walks and a little playtime. 

23. Afghan Hound

Yes, this dog looks like he’s wearing an afghan, and if you’ve ever seen an Afghan Hound, you won’t soon forget him. The Afghan is a large, beautiful dog that sports a long, flowing, silky coat. Afghans are intelligent, sweet, and loving and one of the most elegant and regal dogs registered on with the AKC. Despite the long, flowing hair, these dogs don’t shed their fur or much dander to speak of. While many people would think they are highly allergen-producing dogs, they are actually quite the opposite.

24. Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested dog is considered a toy-sized breed and is quite funny-looking. It can be hairless or coated, and the unique look is, of course, the hairless. While the body is bare, there are silky tufts of hair on the crest of its head, its feet, and it is tail. The Chinese Crested dog is delicate-boned and elegant in its mannerisms. 

Chinese Crested dogs are great for apartment living or small homes and prefer to remain indoors all the time. Despite being constantly indoors, they won’t cause allergic reactions like some breeds due to their lack of hair shedding. 

25. Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier isn’t one of the most well-known Terriers, but they have a lot of great qualities. They are large Terriers; strong, lovable and make great companions. Despite being intelligent and capable of training well, they can be stubborn and best left alone.

Kerry Blue Terriers have a beautiful gray/blue coat that doesn’t shed like lots of other large breeds. They also don’t drool, another element that can cause allergic reactions. Kerry Blue Terriers are great family dogs, loyal and protective of the entire family.

26. Bichon Frise 

Bichon Frise is generally playful, gentle, and docile dogs, so they are considered a great breed for kids. Known for their fluffy white fur, they don’t shed but require regular grooming to keep them from getting matted. As they are only small, they are quite adaptable and can live well in both apartments and houses. However, on the downside, these little dogs can be challenging to housebreak. Check out these best ways to potty train a puppy if you’re struggling!

27. Shih Tzu

While Shih Tzus are not the fastest learners, they are excellent family pets due to their affection, happiness, and loyalty. Often referred to as “snuggle-bugs,” they love cuddling and don’t require much exercise. They are also known to be peaceful with other pets and less happy than other small breeds. Like the Bichon Frise, their only downfall is that they can be difficult to housebreak.

28. Portuguese Water Dog

If you want a pup to take on adventures, then the Portuguese Water Dog is a great breed to consider. Getting their name from their love of swimming, they are full of liveliness and bravery. Due to their energetic nature, they need vigorous exercise and plenty of toys to keep them occupied. However, if you don’t mind that, they can make a tremendous loyal pet.

29. Poodle

Poodles are lots of fun, being both affectionate and energetic. Compared to some of the other breeds on this list, they are very smart and generally easy to train. This makes them great for families as they can follow a strict routine. They also come in different sizes, including toy, mini and standard. Just make sure that you have plenty of free time to play with them. Otherwise, that boredom may turn a bit destructive.

30. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

We believe the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is one of the most bizarre breeds of dogs. The name sounds classy, and that’s what you’ll find with this bundle of fun. Also, it is a Russian breed that loves its family, including other pets. 

They’re smart, trainable, funny, and playful. And if you love to snuggle, this breed makes a great lap dog, too. The RTB may have long, flowing hair, but it’s hypoallergenic because it is a non-shedding breed. It’s a perfect, small pet for those with pet allergies.  

Last Updated on 07/12/2023 by Karen Snow