Key Takeaways
- What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
- Airedale Terrier
- Affenpinscher
- Living with Pets
- Pet Compatibility
No pup is completely hypoallergenic, but certain breeds might be a better fit than others.
After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Petcare Hub! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms.
Hypoallergenic dogs are preferred by dog lovers with allergies because they believe these pets won't cause reactions. While no specific dog is completely free of allergens, certain dog breeds and mixes are considered allergy-friendly because they disperse fewer allergens than the average dog.
We spoke with a veterinarian to learn about hypoallergenic dogs and if they can reduce allergic reactions in people. Meet 33 of the best dogs for allergies.
What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
Hypoallergenic dogs are called such because they are considered less likely to trigger symptoms in people who are allergic to dogs. However, studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicate "there is no evidence to classify certain dog breeds as hypoallergenic." This is because all dogs naturally produce a series of proteins that potentially aggravate a person's immune response, especially if they're already prone to allergies. The most common protein is Can f 1, often found in dog saliva, urine, and skin debris known as dander.
Jerry Klein, DVM, is the chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club (AKC). "Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a true, completely hypoallergenic dog," he says. "Different breeds cause different reactions. Some people may respond strongly to one breed and less so to another." Additionally, many of those allergic to dogs also have reactions to cats.
He also notes that low-shedding dog breeds, including the rare hairless canines, "tend to be associated as less reactive for allergic people, since less dander is present at any one time."
Klein strongly recommends spending time with a pooch that catches your fancy before bringing them home. "At the AKC, we want the decision to get a dog to be thought out and not impulsive. Finding the right match is imperative to create a lifelong home." To find the best dogs for allergies, foster an animal, visit a breeder or a friend with a pup you like, or attend a local dog show.
Also consult an allergist about specialized testing to find out what type of protein you're reacting to, which might ultimately influence which hypoallergenic dog you bring home.
Airedale Terrier
The largest of the terrier breeds, the Airedale has a dignified appearance and athletic physique. These intelligent dogs love to stay active with their humans and are deeply loyal to their beloved family members. Their short, wiry coats are easy to maintain but may require a trip to the groomer once or twice a year for a professional touch.
Affenpinscher
With a nickname like "monkey dog," she must be a lot of fun, right? Frisky and fearless, the rare affenpinscher (or just 'affen') has wiry fur that's easy to care for without a lot of shedding, but you have to brush her often. An easy trade-off for a gentle yet active companion for mature adults ready to keep their minds stimulated with new tricks.
Afghan Hound
Her regal bearing and silky flowing hair make an Afghan hound a beauty to behold. As a single-coated breed, this sensitive and loyal pooch is less likely to shed. But her long locks need frequent grooming, especially after a brisk run, so if you're the person most allergic in the family, ask someone else to help. Then you can spend more quality time with this delightful independent thinker with a cuddly side.
American Hairless Terrier
Bright-eyed, intelligent, and protective, the American hairless terrier is a delightful playmate for both children and adults. There are two varieties: hairless and short-coated, both of which produce some dander, but the hairless may be a good choice for people with mild allergies.
This native of the African Congo is a fastidious breed that doesn't slobber a lot, so your overall exposure to Can f 1 might be less with her than with other dogs. The Basenji is a feisty, active companion who loves to run, hit the trail, and chase—just wipe her down with a towel afterward!
The Barbet is a water dog from France with a thick, curly coat. As far back as the 16th century, these dogs assited hunters by flushing out and retrieving waterfowl and game birds. Some historians believe that the barbet is an ancestor of the poodle, and it's easy to see why. These dogs are smart, easygoing, and active (but not hyper). Their medium to large size makes them a good fit in many homes.
Bedlington Terrier
With a glance, this precious pooch almost looks like a lamb, considering his long, fuzzy ears and soft curly coat. Devoted Bedlingtons love to romp and snuggle and are one of few breeds that seem to produce less dander than others.
Bichon Frise
If you want a cute, fluffy pup that doesn't shed, the happy-go-lucky bichon frise makes a wonderful pal. She has hair that continually grows instead of shedding, so while she needs regular grooming to look spiffy, she's also less likely to produce airborne dander.
The Bolognese is a rare Italian dog breed that can be traced back over 2000 years. They share ancestry with other small white dogs from the Mediterranean, such as the bichon and Maltese. The breed was beloved among royalty during the Renaissance period and remains a loyal companion dog to this day. Their soft, white coats have a whimsical appearance thanks to their kinky curls, which require grooming to manage.
Chinese Crested
Both the hairless and the coated "powderpuff" toy Chinese crested are absolute delights! They're unusual, fun, and super affectionate—wanting to be wherever their humans are at all times. They're also fairly calm dogs, especially in comparison to many others on this list.
Since Chinese cresteds hardly shed at all, they might be one of the best dogs for allergy sufferers. Regular teeth cleaning and dental checkups are a must for hairless cresteds, as they can be prone to missing, overcrowded, or decaying teeth.
Cocakpoos are believed to be the first hybrid dogs, created in the 1960s by crossing a cocker spaniel with a poodle. They look just like teddy bears and have the cuddly personality to match. Thanks to their poodle heritage, cockapoos don't tend to shed, but they'll need frequent grooming to care for their curly coats. Most cockapoos in the U.S. are crossed with American cocker spaniels, while European ones are often mixed with English cocker spaniels.
Coton de Tulear
A true loyal family pet, a coton de Tulear, which hails from Madagascar, has long wisps of snow-white hair that require daily gentle brushing, but she rarely sheds. She's a hearty, animated breed that loves to dash about with children and other dogs.
Giant Schnauzer
Weighing up to 85 pounds, the giant schnauzer is the largest of the three schnauzer breeds. Sturdy, strong, and majestic, these dogs are ready for adventure. Their wiry coats protect them from cold weather and harsh brush, making them great hiking buddies. As a working breed, the giant schnauzer is smart and determined. Best of all, these dogs produce less dander and shedding than many other breeds.
Goldendoodle
The beloved goldendoodle, a golden retriever and poodle hybrid, earns popularity points for his affectionate nature as well as his beautiful (and allergen-friendly!) coat. Thanks to their poodle parent breed, goldendoodles are typically considered "hypoallergenic" and a low-shedding breed (but because of the variation in hybrid breeds, it's impossible to guarantee each pup will have the same low-shedding coat).
For owners who want a big dog that doesn't shed, a doodle that's 75-percent standard poodle and 25-percent golden retriever (known as an F1B goldendoodle) is a good option. These inherit a curlier poodle coat that's better for those with dog allergies. Other poodle hybrid breeds that could make a potentially hypoallergenic pup include the Bernedoodle and Aussiedoodle.
These little guys are the national dog of Cuba and perhaps the poster child of cuteness. Small, outgoing, and gentle, the Havanese is a great companion for poeple with allergies who enjoy a playful little dog. They're smart, sweet, and respond well to training. Daily grooming is needed to care for their longer coats, but many pet parents opt to have their hair trimmed short for easier maintenance.
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish water spaniel sports soft, tight brown curls as part of her thick double coat. She's another breed considered low-dander, so hopefully people with dog allergies won't have trouble grooming her weekly. Funny and curious, she's a great addition to an active, outgoing family.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Because his sleek, wavy coat doesn't shed, a Kerry needs regular brushing and clipping. Fortunately, he produces little dander. He's an energetic, loyal, happy dog that loves to have tasks—keep this smart guy occupied with puzzles and interactive toys—and hang out with all his favorite humans.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is created by crossing a Labrador retriever with a poodle, and their size will vary depending on the type of poodle parent. These hybrid dogs are popular among people with allergies who want a fun-loving, happy, active dog like a Lab. Similar to Goldendoodles, not all litters will produce dogs with low-allergen coats.
Lagotto Romagnolo
With a thick coat similiar in curly texture to a poodle, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a outdoor-loving doggo with a keen talent: truffle hunting! While this might not be necessary in your daily life, at least you'll have an athletic, even-tempered, and long-living canine companion to explore with across any type of terrain. Steady attention to grooming keeps their fur from matting.
This dainty and affectionate cutie sweeps the floor with her luxurious silky white coat. Oh sure, you'll have to primp a Maltese, but she doesn't shed much or give off a lot dander, so hopefully your sneezes are replaced by giggles at her playful antics.
Miniature Poodle
Poodles are often the first breeds we think of when searching for the best hypoallergenic dogs because their curly, tightly-woven coats are less prone to shedding and dander release. One of three poodle varieties, the mini is smack-dab in the middle size-wise. These little cuties are highly intelligent, athletic, and entertaining.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature schnauzers are the smallest of the three schnauzer types, but they don't know it. Brave, protective, loyal, and energetic, these dogs will tell you if anyone walks by the house by earnestly barking. However, they adore trusted humans and are usually good with children. The big plus is that schnauzers produce less dander and shedding than other breeds.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Also known as a Pio, the Peruvian Inca Orchid can be hairless or short-coated, resulting in less floating dander, which is why she's considered a great choice for a "hypoallergenic" dog. Whether you choose a small, medium, or large variety, she's a loving, intelligent, and spry companion—long games of fetch are preferred!
Portuguese Water Dog
With her agile mind and pleasing disposition, a Portuguese water dog is easy to train and eager to do whatever her humans ask. She's often in high demand as one of the favorite hypoallergenic dog breeds for families because of her low dander production and curly dense coat that rarely sheds.
For people who desire a sweet, elegant lapdog that's no dummy, a shih tzu is the perfect choice. After a massive shedding once she leaves puppyhood, there won't be a lot of her hair floating around, but you'll need to set up a regular grooming routine for snazzy haircuts.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Another top allergy-free(ish) possibility for folks who like friendly, active working dogs is the wheaten. These attentive terriers originated in Ireland, where they were known as a "poor man's dog" popular with commoners. Their coats are actually longer and more wavy than other terriers, so keep a brush and comb handy.
Spanish Water Dog
Allergy sufferers deserve to take a second look at the lovable floppy mop known as the Spanish water dog. Completely devoted to her humans, this charming canine is as happy trotting on land as she is swimming! As long as she's doing any type of movement with you, she's one content pupper. Surprisingly, you don't need to brush, comb, or give her a blow-out: blot her with a towel after a bath and let her air dry to maintain her curls.
Standard Poodle
Standard poodles are the largest of the poodles and have a stately elegance about them. Don't let their fancy haircuts fool you—these are highly intelligent, athletic dogs who were bred to hunt and retrieve. Their thick, curly coats can protect their joints from cold water while working but are also low-shedding and produce less dander than many other breeds.
Standard Schnauzer
Smaller than their giant counterparts, yet larger than the miniature, the standard schnauzer is "just right" at a medium size. Like the other schnauzers, standards are smart and active with low-allergy coats that require regular grooming.
Toy Poodle
If you want one of the smallest "hypoallergenic" dogs around, look no further than the toy poodle. These portable pooches are just as smart and energetic as their larger cousins but contain it all in a tiny package. And don't assume their delicate appearance means they're prissy—toy poodles can get down and dirty with the rest of the dogs.
Wire Fox Terrier
Wire fox terriers have never met anyone they didn't love. These spunky, amusing, and high energy pups are great with kids and other dogs, too, but might be most appreciated by an active and experienced dog owner with mild allergies. Fox terriers have thick, wiry outer coats and fine undercoats but don't shed much with consistent grooming.
Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
You have many choices with the Xolo: toy, miniature, or standard sizes; as well as coated or hairless varieties; and numerous color combinations! She's quiet, thoughtful, and attentive, and doesn't need much grooming except for the occasional bath and brush. And make sure to lather on the sunblock—she needs good SPF protection to avoid sunburn.
Yorkshire Terrier
With a whole bunch of feisty personality packed into a pint-sized body, bubbly Yorkies are quite popular. Unlike other terriers with wiry fur, they have silky coats that resemble human hair, so they need a little more grooming, but it keeps shedding to a minimum. More opportunities for snuggles!
