If you long for your own cuddly dog to have and to hold but your allergy conditions say otherwise, don’t despair! Depending on the type of dog allergy you have, you may be able to experience less symptoms with a “hypoallergenic dog.”
What is a hypoallergenic dog? According to American Kennel Club, no dog is completely allergy-free. However, there are quite a few hypoallergenic dog breeds that are less likely to cause reactions with allergy sufferers.
For some people, getting close to a dog can feel like cuddling with a dirty dust mop or moldy bathtub drain. Some people who are allergic to dogs experience symptoms about the same as with any other nasal allergy, while others experience skin reactions such hives or a rash where a dog licked them. For people who suffer that severe allergies to dogs, a hypoallergenic dog won’t be the solution.
Hypoallergenic dogs are only less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people than other dog breeds. What makes a dog hypoallergenic? While you may hear many people say it’s the difference between the dog having hair versus fur, that’s actually not true. What makes a dog hypoallergenic is whether or not they have a non-shedding coat, according to Ask A Naturalist.
Allergy sufferers are less susceptible to hypoallergenic dogs because the dog’s hair/fur mostly stays on their bodies until they are groomed instead of covering couches, beds, and clothes. That’s why I bought my little Yorkshire terrier, and I love that I don’t see dog hair/fur everywhere. I suffer from a pollen allergy, so when I do experience some allergies around my dog I like to use home remedies to cure them.
If you want to minimize your allergy symptoms or how frequently you need to vacuum, consider getting a non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog breed. You can find the small, medium, and big dogs that don’t shed from our list of the best hypoallergenic dogs below at an animal shelter or local breeder near you on Dog the Love.
Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
Maltese
Size
The normal height of a Maltese is nine to ten inches, while the average weight is four to seven pounds.
Coat
The Maltese coat is made up of straight, long, silky hair, so this hypoallergenic dog needs to be bathed regularly, and the coat brushed daily. Maltese have no undercoat and do not shed, making it a great hypoallergenic dog breed.
Temperament
Maltese are trusting, obedient, and usually friendly and good-natured. They tolerate other dogs, though they will not do well with poorly behaved children. They do not like to be alone for extended periods of time and do not do well if they are. Maltese are naturally obedient, so they are not difficult to train, but may be difficult to housebreak.
Yorkshire Terrier
Size
The Yorkie is typically eight to nine inches tall and weighs about seven pounds.
Coat
The Yorkie’s hypoallergenic coat needs to be brushed every day. It is fine and silky, constantly growing, and needs to be groomed periodically. If you’re not growing your dog’s hair long for shows, which would require pinning the long hair on its head with a bow or band, you may prefer keeping it clipped short. Yorkies are excellent hypoallergenic dog breeds because they have no undercoat and do not shed.
Temperament
The Yorkie is fearless and assertive. Mine thinks he’s a rottweiler! Yorkies are social and extremely affectionate, but they are territorial and protect what is theirs. Yorkies require a great deal of attention and don’t usually play alone for long. They get along well with other animals, although they can become bossy with other dogs, especially larger ones, and they enjoy well-behaved, mostly older children.
Toy Poodle
Size
The toy poodle is typically about 10 inches tall with a weight of six to nine pounds.
Coat
The toy poodle has hair instead of fur. The hair can be wavy and soft, or coarse and wooly. It is considered to be a hypoallergenic dog because it does not shed. The toy poodle must be bathed regularly and her hair clipped every six weeks.
Temperament
Toy poodles are loyal, affectionate, athletic, and lively. They do not do well alone and may bark constantly or become destructive. They are social and get along well with dogs and other pets, also with older, considerate children. The toy poodle makes a good watchdog, alerting her family to strangers. She is very intelligent and is considered to be one of the easiest hypoallergenic dog breeds to train. She responds well to patience, fair treatment, rewards, and consistency.
Shih Tzu
Size
The shih tzu’s height is eight to 11 inches, and his weight is nine to 16 pounds.
Coat
The shih tzu requires extensive grooming, as it has a long and abundant double coat. The outer coat may reach to the ground, while the undercoat is soft and wooly. If the hair on top of the shih tzu’s head is kept long, it will need to be held with a clasp or band. Because they're low shedders, shih tzu’s are considered to be hypoallergenic
Temperament
The shih tzu is devoted to his family and loves to be with them, indoors or out. He loves to be sociable and enjoys other animals and older children. He can be opinionated and doesn’t like to be forced into anything, so obedience training needs to be done with patience and motivation. He may be difficult to house train. The shih tzu doesn’t like being alone and may become destructive if left for long periods of time.
Bichon Frise
Size
The bichon frise is normally nine-and-a-half to 11-and-a-half inches tall and weighs ten to 18 pounds.
Coat
The bichon frise has a curled outer coat over the top of a soft and silky undercoat. She is non-shedding and considered to be hypoallergenic. She needs to be brushed daily and have professional grooming every four weeks.
Temperament
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog for kids, the bichon frise is a great choice as they are cheerful and love social interaction. She loves to play, gets along well with other dogs and pets, and is excellent with children. She will make a good watchdog as she will be vigilant to alert her family when there are visitors. She is an intelligent dog but is difficult to house train. Patience and consistency are important. She does not like to be left alone for long periods.
Australian Terrier
Size
The Australian terrier is 10 to 11 inches high and weighs 12 to 14 pounds.
Coat
He is double-coated, with the outer coat straight and rough, and the undercoat soft, thick, and weatherproof. This hypoallergenic dog sheds little or no hair, needs to be brushed several times a week, and be groomed every three months. Bathing an Australian terrier should only be done when absolutely necessary so that his hypoallergenic coat is protected.
Temperament
A bored Australian terrier may become destructive; he needs exercise and stimulation to be at his best. He needs to be trained with consistency, firmness, motivation, and praise. The Australian terrier is strong and fearless. He thinks he’s a larger dog than he is. He is loyal and affectionate and id interested in everything. He gets along well with other dogs and pets, as well as with older, well-behaved children.
Miniature Schnauzer
Size
This hypoallergenic dog breed is 12 to 14 inches high and weighs 13 to 15 pounds.
Coat
The miniature schnauzer has a wiry outer coat and a thick undercoat. Her hypoallergenic coat should be professionally plucked to remove dead hair. She should be brushed regularly and clipped professionally twice a year. Her hair is considered to be hypoallergenic.
Temperament
The miniature schnauzer is a very energetic hypoallergenic dog breed. She can get loud and destructive if left alone for long periods of time, so you’ll want to keep her busy. She can become quite demanding if not taught to obey. Consistency and firmness with patience and gentleness are needed, but she is fairly easily housebroken. She does not always get along well with other dogs and may chase cats or other smaller animals; she should also be supervised around small children.
Cairn Terrier
Size
The cairn terrier is the smallest of the terriers, typically nine to 13 inches tall and weighing 13 to 18 pounds.
Coat
The cairn terrier is double-coated with a rough outer coat and a short, furry undercoat. His hypoallergenic coat is weather resistant and does not need trimming. He needs to be brushed several times a week and the hair around his eyes and ears kept trimmed.
Temperament
The cairn terrier is brave and intelligent, lively, alert, and independent. He loves to chase other animals and is often restless, constantly looking for something to do. He is friendly and affectionate, and likes older children.
Xoloitzcuintli: Toy, Miniature, And Standard
Size
The toy xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican hairless, is nine to 14 inches tall and weighs five to 15 pounds; the miniature is 15 to 20 inches tall and weighs 15 to 30 pounds; and the standard is 20 to 30 inches tall and weighs 25 to 40 pounds.
Coat
The hypoallergenic xoloitzcuintli can be either hairless or coated. It has a short tuft of hair on her tail and head, as well as soft, smooth, and hardy skin that nevertheless needs sunscreen in the summer and a sweater in the winter. Minimal bathing is required for the hairless, and the coated xoloitzcuintli, which has sleek, short hair, requires minimal brushing. Both of these types are non-shedding and hypoallergenic.
Temperament
The xoloitzcuintli is an affectionate and intelligent hypoallergenic dog. She is highly protective of her home, family, and territory, and is not recommended for first-time dog owners. Instead of barking, the xoloitzcuintli will howl to alert her owners of danger. She does best with older, considerate children and dogs she has been raised with, and she may be aggressive toward dogs she doesn’t know. She demands a great deal of attention and will become destructive if left alone for an extended period of time.
Havanese
Size
The height of the Havenese is from nine to 11 inches, and his weight ranges between 10 and 16 pounds.
Coat
The coat of this bichon-related hypoallergenic dog is soft and silky. Because it is long, it requires a great deal of time-intensive grooming.
Temperament
The Havanese is happy, playful, and intelligent. He is very social and doesn’t like to be left alone; when he ism he may bark excessively or become destructive. He loves his family and makes a good watchdog without being aggressive.
Coton De Tulear
Size
The coton de Tulear is typically eight to 12 inches tall and eight to 13 pounds.
Coat
The coton de Tulear has a long, white, thick, cotton-like coat that must be brushed and combed often and in great detail to keep out the mats. It can also be cut short to minimize grooming. This hypoallergenic dog breed needs baths every two to four weeks.
Temperament
This is a happy little hypoallergenic dog. He is inquisitive, sociable, and very loving with his family. He is polite with people and other animals and doesn’t like to be left alone, so he may bark excessively or become destructive if left alone too long.
Löwchen
Size
The löwchen is 12 to 14 inches tall and weighs eight to 18 pounds.
Coat
The löwchen has a soft, silky coat that is usually trimmed to resemble a lion, and which requires professional grooming every four to six weeks. His hypoallergenic hair should be combed daily, while bathing should be weekly.
Temperament
This hypoallergenic dog breed is cheerful and loving. He loves his family and is protective and eager to please. He is also easy to train. He is courageous and bold, yet sensitive and gentle. The löwchen is good with children, other dogs, and other animals.
Lakeland Terrier
Size
The Lakeland terrier is 13.5 to 14.5 inches tall and weighs 17 pounds.
Coat
The Lakeland terrier has a double coat: the outer coat is hard and wiry, and the inner coat is soft and close to the skin. This hypoallergenic dog sheds little or no hair but needs frequent grooming. A professional needs to hand-pluck the hair about three times a year, including hair inside the ears. His beard also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis.
Temperament
This hypoallergenic dog breed does bark quite a bit, but he is very good with children and other dogs. If he learns to get along with cats at an early age, he will be fine with them. He is a happy, cheerful hypoallergenic dog that loves to chase things and to dig in your yard. He is so lively and busy that he needs to stay on a leash, unless he’s in a fenced-in yard.
Medium-Sized Hypoallergenic Dogs
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Size
The soft-coated Wheaten terrier is 17 to 19 inches tall and weighs 30 to 40 pounds.
Coat
This hypoallergenic dog breed has a single coat that sheds very little hair. The “Irish” coated variety has silky, curly hair, and the “American” variety has thick, wooly hair. He needs to be brushed once a day and trimmed regularly.
Temperament
The soft-coated Wheaten terrier is an energetic and affectionate hypoallergenic dog. He is very active, as most terriers are, and he gets along well with dogs and cats if he is socialized with them. He is protective of his family and barks to warn of danger, but rarely is aggressive. He is a great dog with children.
Puli
Size
The puli is 16 to 17 inches tall and weighs 25 to 35 pounds.
Coat
The puli has an unusual hypoallergenic coat, which is weather-resistant and thick; the outer coat is wavy and the undercoat is soft and wooly. Professional grooming is required from the beginning, and neither brushing nor clipping is needed.
Temperament
The puli is a cheerful and loving hypoallergenic dog breed, very protective of her owner and territory, intelligent and easy to train. She is not recommended for a home with small children, but if older children know not to pull on her long cords of hair, she can do fine with them. She tends to be aggressive with smaller or passive animals but will be fine with animals she has been socialized with.
Portuguese Water Dog
Size
The Portuguese water dog is 17 to 23 inches tall and weighs 35 to 60 pounds.
Coat
This hypoallergenic dog breed has a coat that sheds little to none, may be curly or wavy, and covers the whole body at an even length. He should not be bathed often, as his hypoallergenic coat is weather-resistant. Regular grooming with a fine-tooth comb or a wire brush is best. If he runs free in a fenced yard, it is necessary to check his thick coat for burrs.
Temperament
The Portuguese water dog is very intelligent and willing to learn, so he can be trained well, but he can also be stubborn, so patience and gentleness are required. He is loving, friendly, and protective, which means he can do well around children. However, he can also be combative around other animals, so he should be socialized with them to negate any aggressive tendencies.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Size
Her name is bigger than she is. The petit basset griffon Vendéen (PBGV) is 13 to 15 inches tall and weighs 25 to 35 pounds.
Coat
This hypoallergenic dog breed has a double coat: the outer coat is wiry and unkempt, providing protection when the dog hunts in thick brush, while the undercoat is soft and thick, providing warmth. She needs weekly brushing to remove loose hair, of which there is very little. Bathe or dry shampoo her when necessary.
Temperament
The PBGV is friendly, lively, independent, and always seeking adventure. She needs your attention and lots of activity. If she becomes lonely or bored, or if she is left alone for extended time periods, she may become destructive. She is good with children and fairly friendly to strangers, and she will usually get along well with dogs but not with other animals she may see as prey.
Irish Terrier
Size
The Irish terrier grows to be 18 inches tall and weighs 25 to 27 pounds.
Coat
The Irish terrier has a double coat; the outer coat is wiry and thick, and the undercoat is soft and fine. This hypoallergenic dog sheds little or no hair; he needs regular brushing with a stiff brush to minimize shedding, and bathing only when absolutely necessary.
Temperament
This terrier is bold and adventurous, loyal and loving to his family. He is very playful and is best suited for homes with older, considerate children. He is combative with other dogs and hot tempered, and he does not do well with other household pets. He is a great watchdog, as he is very protective of his home, territory, and family.
Tibetan Terrier
Size
The Tibetan terrier is 15 to 16 inches tall and weighs 18 to 30 pounds.
Coat
This terrier has a heavy double coat that protects her from harsh climates. Her outer coat is long and fine-textured and can be straight or wavy. The coat next to her skin is thick, soft, and wooly. This hypoallergenic dog sheds little or no hair, but she needs extensive grooming. Her hypoallergenic coat must be misted with conditioner and then combed several times a week; she should never be dry-combed as this will break her hair, and she should be bathed only when necessary.
Temperament
The Tibetan terrier is a very intelligent, loving hypoallergenic dog breed that can guard, protect, and herd, but has no terrier qualities (besides the name). She is a loyal dog and very social, but does not do well when left alone extensively. She can get along with considerate, well-behaved children and generally other pets. She will let you know when strangers arrive but is not aggressive.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Size
The Kerry blue terrier is 17.5 to 19.5 inches tall and weighs 30 to 40 pounds.
Coat
This hypoallergenic terrier has a soft, wavy, and thick coat that needs a lot of grooming to keep it nice. Her beard should remain longer, but the body hair needs to be kept short and neat. Grooming needs to be done every six weeks, and ear-hair plucking needs to be kept up. Bathing, brushing, and combing should be done once a week.
Temperament
The Kerry blue terrier is a lively, adventurous, independent dog that likes to be busy. She will benefit from lots of training exercises to keep her from being bored. She can be aggressive toward other dogs, so socializing with them as a puppy is recommended.
Whippet
Size
The whippet is 18 to 22 inches in height and weighs 20 to 40 pounds.
Coat
The hypoallergenic whippet’s coat is short, smooth, and soft. For colder climates, he will need protection from the cold. He is very easily groomed, and occasional brushing limits shedding. Bathing is required only about every six months, as his short coat does not hold dirt.
Temperament
The whippet is lively and loving but shy. He is a gentle, friendly, high-energy dog that should never be handled roughly. He would be a great companion for a child who knows how to handle a dog. He is easily trained but needs consistent training methods.
Bedlington Terrier
Size
The Bedlington terrier grows to a height of 15 to 18 inches and a weight of 17 to 23 pounds.
Coat
The Bedlington terrier’s hypoallergenic coat is thick and mostly soft but with coarser hairs mixed in. Frequent brushing is required, followed by combing, and frequent professional grooming is needed to keep the hair short so it doesn’t mat. Shedding is little or none making the Bedlington terrier a great hypoallergenic dog.
Temperament
This hypoallergenic dog breed is extremely affectionate with family members and does well with considerate children and with other pets it has been socialized with from puppyhood. She is a true terrier, sniffing and checking everything out. She loves to be involved with whatever her family does, and she can be well trained with patience and positive reinforcement.
Large Hypoallergenic Dogs
Airdale Terrier
Size
The Airdale terrier is about 23 inches tall and weighs about 45 pounds.
Coat
The Airdale terrier’s coat is wiry, crisp, and straight, lying close to the body. Dead hair needs to be plucked at least twice a year. She might shed heavily or not at all, depending on the coat’s cut. Washing the beard regularly is important.
Temperament
The Airdale terrier is lively, intelligent, and loyal to her family, but she needs to have firm handling and training. Dominance issues can arise if she is not firmly handled. She would fare best with an experienced dog owner. She loves to chase small critters but would do well with other animals if socialized with them from a puppy.
Bouvier Des Flandres
Size
The Bouvier des Flandres is 24 to 28 inches tall and weighs 69 to 90 pounds.
Coat
It has a thick, heavy, harsh and shaggy coat. He needs to be brushed daily and trimmed at least three times a year. If grooming is maintained properly, he will shed very little.
Temperament
Cheerful, playful, gentle, and easy to get along with, the Bouvier des Flandres is great with children but must be socialized with other animals from his puppyhood if they are to get along. He is intelligent, courageous, and responsible, but he is not recommended for new dog owners, as he is independent and can have dominance issues if not trained and disciplined.
Irish Water Spaniel
Size
The Irish water spaniel is 21 to 24 inches tall and weighs 45 to 58 pounds.
Coat
The majority of the Irish water spaniel’s body is covered with tight ringlets of hair, but the face, tail, and ends of the rear legs have smooth short hair. The inner coat is thick and serves as insulation from cold water. This hypoallergenic dog breed sheds little or no hair. Maintenance is extensive, with daily brushing and regular professional trimming required. Bathing should be done only when necessary.
Temperament
The Irish water spaniel is lively and confident. She loves socializing and is devoted to the whole family, but she gets along best with older, considerate children and animals if she has been socialized with them. She is protective of her family and wary of strangers, though not aggressive. This is a happy hypoallergenic dog breed that greatly enjoys life!
Komondor
Size
The komondor is 25.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weighs 70 to 80 pounds.
Coat
The komondor has a long and soft white coat that should always be corded. His coat would help him blend in with sheep if he were caring for them. His coat should always be heavy and natural. He must be treated with flea and tick preventative because his hair is so thick and corded it is difficult to remove them. Long hair growing between the pads of his feet must be trimmed.
Temperament
This dog is so devoted, loyal, and protective that he needs to be carefully trained as well as socialized with other pets. Additionally, the komondor is a great guardian. This hypoallergenic dog breed tends to protect everything he believes is his. He is a loving pet and does very well in obedience when he is trained.
Saluki
Size
The height of the saluki is 17 to 28 inches and the weight 35 to 65 pounds.
Coat
The saluki breed can have either a smooth or feathered coat. In either case, the coat is short and close and easy to take care of, requiring occasional combing and brushing. Their ears need regular cleaning and inspection, and they are minimal shedders.
Temperament
Salukis are gentle, loving, calm, and friendly. They are devoted to their family, often especially one person. They are curious, have a strong hunting instinct, and do not do well with other dogs or pets. They enjoy older, considerate children and may become overly protective of them. They become so attached to their family that they may become depressed if left alone for extended periods.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Size
The wirehaired pointing griffon, also known as a griff, has a height of 20 to 24 inches and weighs 50 to 60 pounds.
Coat
The griff has a rough double coat: the outer coat is wiry and hard, providing protection from rough weather and brush, while the undercoat is soft and dense. She needs to be brushed and combed twice a week. Professional stripping and trimming needs to be done twice a year, and she should be bathed only when necessary. Ears need to be kept clean and trimmed of hair.
Temperament
The griff is graceful, an excellent family pet, and an excited hunter. She is very intelligent, obedient, and deeply devoted and affectionate toward her family. She is very sociable and does well with considerate children. She gets along well with other dogs, but caution must be exercised about having cats or other small pets.
There you are! A full selection of hypoallergenic dog breeds of all shapes and sizes so that you can enjoy a play and a cuddle with your own loving pet without having any concerns about allergy attacks. If you have a friend looking for an non-shedding dog, be sure to SHARE this list with them!
