Having a dog is one of life’s greatest joys. Their mere presence can bring a smile to your face, while their loyalty and love has the potential to be immeasurable. As Roger A. Caras, the author of A Dog Is Listening: The Way Some of Our Closest Friends View Us, puts it, "If you don’t own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life."
As true or as cheeky as that might be, having a dog that sheds everywhere can be both annoying and unhealthy — and pesky allergies that are triggered by pet hair and dander can make the situation even worse. But you don’t have to let shedding or allergies keep you from having an animal friend of your very own.
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Whether you’re looking for a small puppy pal or a larger canine companion, a classic pooch or a unique "designer" option, check out these 14 hypoallergenic dog breeds or dogs that don't shed.
1. Shih Tzu
The shih tzu’s name may originate from the Chinese word for “lion,” but thankfully, these small dogs don’t have the same sort of bushy mane that their wild feline counterparts have to manage.
Beyond being incredibly adorable, this breed is a popular choice for anyone looking for a dog that doesn’t shed. The shih tzu’s wavy and coarse coat can be kept short, and its hair only falls out when you brush your fluffy companion.
2. Poodle
Along with being intelligent and quick learners, poodles are also considered to be hypoallergenic, with a coat that won’t take on that pesky doggy odor if kept clean. It’s also a breed with a range of sizes, including toy poodle (10 inches and under at the shoulder), miniature poodle (between 10 inches and 15 inches at the shoulder), and the largest size, which is a standard poodle (over 15 inches at the shoulder).
3. Labradoodle
If you’ve always wanted a Labrador retriever, the ultimate family dog, but can’t handle their luscious golden coats — which can be a pain for anyone who has pet allergies or just hates an abundance of hair being shed around the house — then consider a Labradoodle.
A crossbreed that was developed in the late 1980s, this enormously popular dog is a mix between a Labrador retriever and either a standard or miniature poodle. Smart and with a good-natured temperament, Labradoodles barely shed, and their coats can be hypoallergenic.
4. Scottish Terrier
Scottish terriers — also called Scotties — are a great fit for those who don’t want to deal with a complicated grooming routine. With a wiry outercoat and a soft undercoat, this breed barely sheds and is definitely considered hypoallergenic.
5. Bouvier des Flandres
You might be surprised to find a big, bushy gentle giant like the Bouvier des Flandres on this list, but their coats are in fact tolerable for those with allergies. However, their hair does require a lot of grooming to ensure that it stays healthy and untangled, so make sure you’re prepared for the work!
6. Cairn Terrier
Another Scottish breed, you might recognize the cairn terrier as the type of dog that played Toto in The Wizard of Oz. With a double coat — a soft undercoat and wiry outercoat — the pup not only can handle rough weather but also is hypoallergenic.
7. Bichon Frise
You might recognize bichon frise dogs as critters with super-puffy coats — like Flynn, the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show winner. However, most owners choose a simple, short cut that won’t end up shedding all over their homes.
8. Maltese Terrier
Maltese terriers are another pure-white breed that is adorably angelic. With no undercoat, the dogs have little to no shedding if given proper grooming, which involves a weekly shampoo and occasional trips to the groomer. And unless your pet is a show dog with a competitive coat, you’ll probably want to opt for a short "puppy cut" that keeps the hair trimmed to 1 or 2 inches.
9. Schnauzer
Super smart and with plenty of energy to spare, schnauzers have been used throughout the years as police dogs as well as search-and-rescue dogs. But they’re also loyal companions that would suit anyone who’s looking for a pet with a hypoallergenic coat that doesn’t tend to shed if brushed regularly. And honestly, how can you resist those bushy eyebrows and beard?!
10. Brussels Griffon
If you were utterly charmed by Ewoks the first time you watched Star Wars, then you’ll love Brussels griffons. The movie franchise’s creator, George Lucas, apparently used the breed — and his own pets — as his inspiration for the otherworldly creatures, which is why bringing one of the pups home would be like adding an adorable alien to your family. As a bonus, Brussels griffons barely shed any hair and are also hypoallergenic.
11. Yorkshire Terrier
A spunky breed with lots of energy, Yorkshire terriers look like tiny teddy bears. While their brown and black coats require a nice shampoo and brushing on a regular basis, Yorkies shed only a little and are considered to be hypoallergenic.
12. Havanese
Havanese dogs tend to have long coats, but their soft, lightweight hair is hypoallergenic. Although the silky strands require loving care to prevent them from becoming too oily or frizzy, the hair tends not to fall out like other dogs that shed their thick coats. Some owners even style their Havanese dog’s hair into cords, which further prevents shedding. However, this should only be done by a professional groomer.
13. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese water dogs are another great choice for those looking for a larger breed. With a single-layered coat that does not shed (though requires regular grooming), this is a fabulous pet for those who would love a loyal and energetic pet by their side.
14. Chinese Crested Dog
Undeniably the most unique critter on this list, the Chinese crested dog is a small breed with a puffy tail, fluffy ankles, and one heck of a hairdo. With a body that’s mostly bald, it should be no surprise that this pup hardly sheds and is considered to be hypoallergenic.
