Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds: 35 Best Companions For Allergies

35 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for People With Allergies

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from dog allergies but still dream of having a canine companion, you’re in luck. While no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, certain breeds produce significantly fewer allergens, making them more suitable for allergy sufferers. These special breeds can help you enjoy the companionship of a dog without the constant sneezing, watery eyes, and respiratory issues that typically accompany pet allergies.

Hypoallergenic dogs typically have non-shedding or low-shedding coats that produce less dander, which is the primary trigger for allergic reactions in humans. Additionally, these dogs often produce less allergenic proteins in their saliva and skin oils. While they may not completely eliminate allergic reactions, they can significantly reduce them, especially for those with mild to moderate allergies.

What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?

Before diving into specific breeds, it’s important to understand what actually makes a dog more suitable for allergy sufferers. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not dog hair itself that causes allergic reactions, but rather proteins found in a dog’s:

• Dander (dead skin cells)
• Saliva
• Urine

Dogs considered hypoallergenic typically share one or more of these characteristics:

• Non-shedding or minimal shedding coats that trap dander rather than releasing it into the environment
• Hair-like coats instead of fur (hair grows continuously like human hair, while fur grows to a certain length and sheds)
• Less dander production overall
• Lower levels of allergenic proteins in their saliva

It’s important to note that even hypoallergenic breeds can still trigger allergies in highly sensitive individuals. Spending time with a specific breed before bringing one home is always recommended if you have severe allergies.

Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Small hypoallergenic dogs are particularly popular for allergy sufferers living in apartments or smaller homes. These compact companions require less space, are often easier to groom, and still provide all the love and companionship of larger breeds.

1. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, cotton-ball-like dog with a gentle, playful temperament. Their curly, non-shedding coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but this maintenance helps minimize dander in your home.

Breed Overview

• Group: Non-Sporting
• Height: 9 to 12 inches
• Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, gentle
• Energy Level: Medium
• Coat and Color: Curly white coat
• Life Span: 14 to 15 years

2. Maltese

Known for their luxurious, silky white coat, the Maltese is an ancient breed that has been cherished as a companion for thousands of years. Despite their elegant appearance, Maltese are surprisingly robust and make excellent apartment dogs with minimal shedding.

Breed Overview

• Group: Toy
• Height: 7 to 9 inches
• Weight: Up to 7 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Gentle, playful, affectionate
• Energy Level: Medium
• Coat and Color: Long, silky white coat
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

3. Miniature Schnauzer

Both miniature and standard schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic with their distinctive beard and eyebrows. They have a medium, wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat that rarely sheds, making them excellent choices for allergy sufferers.

Breed Overview

• Group: Terrier
• Height: 12 to 14 inches
• Weight: 11 to 20 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Friendly, lively, alert
• Energy Level: Medium
• Coat and Color: Wiry coat in salt and pepper, black and silver, solid black
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

4. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or “Yorkies,” are small but mighty companions with silky, hair-like coats that continue to grow much like human hair. Their minimal shedding makes them excellent for allergy sufferers, though their long coats require regular grooming.

Breed Overview

• Group: Toy
• Height: 7 to 8 inches
• Weight: 7 pounds or less
• Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish
• Energy Level: Medium to high
• Coat and Color: Long, silky coat in blue and tan
• Life Span: 11 to 15 years

5. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu’s name means “little lion,” but these dogs are known for their sweet, friendly demeanor. Their luxurious coat grows continuously and sheds minimally, making them a good choice for those with allergies who don’t mind regular grooming sessions.

Breed Overview

• Group: Toy
• Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
• Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, outgoing, playful
• Energy Level: Low to medium
• Coat and Color: Long, flowing coat in various colors
• Life Span: 10 to 16 years

6. Coton de Tulear

Named for their cotton-like coat (“coton” is French for cotton), these charming dogs are known for their friendly, affectionate nature. Originally bred as companion animals, they’re laid-back, friendly, and produce very little dander.

Breed Overview

• Group: Non-Sporting
• Height: 9 to 11 inches
• Weight: 8 to 13 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, lively, companionable
• Energy Level: Medium
• Coat and Color: Soft, cotton-like white coat
• Life Span: 15 to 19 years

7. Bolognese

These cute, fluffy companions originated in Italy and have a distinctive white coat that requires regular grooming despite its characteristically disheveled appearance. Bolognese dogs are playful, easygoing, and get along well with children and other pets.

Breed Overview

• Group: Toy
• Height: 10 to 12 inches
• Weight: 5.5 to 9 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Playful, devoted, calm
• Energy Level: Low to medium
• Coat and Color: Fluffy, white coat
• Life Span: 12 to 14 years

Medium and Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

If you’re looking for a larger companion that’s still allergy-friendly, several medium and large breeds offer the same hypoallergenic benefits as their smaller counterparts.

8. Standard Poodle

Perhaps the most well-known hypoallergenic breed, Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. All three varieties have the same curly, non-shedding coat that makes them excellent for allergy sufferers. Standard Poodles are highly intelligent, active, and make versatile companions.

Breed Overview

• Group: Non-Sporting
• Height: Over 15 inches (standard)
• Weight: 40 to 70 pounds (standard)
• Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, active, proud
• Energy Level: High
• Coat and Color: Curly coat in various solid colors
• Life Span: 10 to 18 years

9. Portuguese Water Dog

Made famous as the Obama family’s choice of White House dog, Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic, intelligent companions with waterproof, non-shedding coats. Originally bred to assist fishermen, they’re excellent swimmers and require plenty of exercise.

Breed Overview

• Group: Working
• Height: 17 to 23 inches
• Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, athletic, loyal
• Energy Level: High
• Coat and Color: Wavy or curly coat in black, white, or various patterns
• Life Span: 11 to 13 years

10. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

This medium-sized Irish breed features a silky, wheat-colored coat that’s incredibly soft to the touch and sheds minimally. True to their terrier heritage, Wheatens maintain high energy throughout their lives and need ample exercise to be well-behaved companions.

Breed Overview

• Group: Terrier
• Height: 17 to 19 inches
• Weight: 30 to 40 pounds
• Personality/Temperament: Happy, steady, confident
• Energy Level: High
• Coat and Color: Soft, silky wheat-colored coat
• Life Span: 12 to 14 years

11. Aussiedoodle

A cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle, the Aussiedoodle is an intelligent, energetic hybrid that often inherits the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat. These dogs require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors.

Breed Overview

• Group: Hybrid
• Height: 10 to 15 inches (mini), 14 to 23 inches (standard)
• Weight: 15 to 25 pounds (mini), 25 to 70 pounds (standard)
• Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, active, loyal
• Energy Level: High
• Coat and Color: Wavy to curly coat in various colors and patterns
• Life Span: 10 to 13 years

Tips for Living with Dogs When You Have Allergies

Even with a hypoallergenic breed, managing your environment can help minimize allergic reactions. Consider these tips:

• Regular grooming: Brush your dog frequently outdoors to remove loose hair and dander before it can spread in your home.
• Bathing: Regular baths (every 1-2 weeks) can help reduce dander and allergens.
• Clean home: Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum, wash pet bedding weekly, and consider removing carpets which can trap allergens.
• Air purifiers: HEPA air purifiers can help remove allergens from the air in your home.
• Designated pet-free zones: Keep at least one room, preferably your bedroom, completely pet-free to provide an allergen-free sanctuary.
• Hand washing: Wash your hands after petting or playing with your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there truly hypoallergenic dog breeds?

No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. However, certain breeds produce fewer allergens and may be better tolerated by people with mild to moderate dog allergies. These dogs typically shed less and produce less dander, which is the primary cause of allergic reactions.

Can I live with a dog if I have severe allergies?

It depends on the severity of your allergies. For some people with severe allergies, even hypoallergenic breeds may trigger reactions. It’s best to spend time with the specific breed you’re interested in before bringing one home. Consider consulting with an allergist who can provide personalized advice and possibly recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms.

Do hairless dogs cause fewer allergies?

Hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested still produce dander and saliva proteins that can cause allergic reactions. However, the advantage is that they’re easier to bathe frequently, which can help remove allergens from their skin more effectively.

How can I tell if I’m allergic to a specific dog?

Arrange to spend time with the dog breed you’re considering. Allergic reactions typically occur within minutes to hours of exposure and may include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rash, or difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, you may be allergic to that particular dog.

Are mixed breeds or designer dogs like Labradoodles truly hypoallergenic?

Mixed breeds or designer dogs that have a Poodle or another hypoallergenic breed as a parent may inherit the low-shedding coat, but this isn’t guaranteed. Each individual dog’s allergen production can vary, even within the same litter. Some first-generation crosses may inherit more characteristics from their non-hypoallergenic parent.

Remember that while these breeds may reduce allergy symptoms for many people, individual reactions can vary. Spending time with a specific breed or even a specific dog before bringing one home is the best way to determine if you’ll be able to live comfortably with your new companion.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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