For dog lovers with allergies, owning a dog can seem difficult. However, some breeds shed much less than others and may be easier for allergy-sensitive people to live with.
No dog is completely hypoallergenic. Allergies are usually triggered by proteins found in dander, saliva and urine rather than simply by dog hair. Still, low-shedding breeds may spread fewer allergens around the home.
Here are 29 popular breeds worth knowing about.
1. Poodle
Best for: Families, active owners and apartment living
Poodles have a curly, low-shedding coat that tends to hold loose hair and dander. They are highly intelligent and come in Toy, Miniature and Standard sizes.
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2. Bichon Frise
Best for: Families and apartment living
The Bichon Frise has a soft, curly coat that sheds very little. Regular brushing and grooming help keep its coat healthy and reduce loose hair.
3. Maltese Dog
Best for: Small-home living and companion-dog lovers
Maltese dogs have a long, silky coat that generally sheds less than typical dog fur. Their small size makes them popular for indoor living.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Best for: Active families
Portuguese Water Dogs have a curly or wavy coat that sheds relatively little. They are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and activity.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
Best for: Families and city living
Miniature Schnauzers have a wiry coat that produces relatively little loose hair. They are alert, energetic and highly recognizable for their distinctive facial furnishings.
6. Giant Schnauzer
Best for: Active and experienced owners
Giant Schnauzers have a wiry, low-shedding coat. They are large, energetic dogs that need regular exercise, training and grooming.
7. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Best for: Active families
This breed has a soft, silky coat that sheds relatively little. Regular brushing is important because its hair can easily become tangled.
8. Kerry Blue Terrier
Best for: Active owners
Kerry Blue Terriers have a distinctive wavy coat that sheds very little. Their coat needs regular trimming, while their energetic nature requires consistent activity.
9. Irish Water Spaniel
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and active families
The Irish Water Spaniel has a dense, curly coat that sheds relatively little. It is an athletic breed that needs plenty of exercise.
10. Lagotto Romagnolo
Best for: Active families and outdoor lovers
The Lagotto Romagnolo is known for its curly coat and history as a truffle-hunting dog. Its coat generally sheds very little but needs regular grooming.
11. Barbet
Best for: Active families
The Barbet is a French water dog with a thick, curly coat that tends to shed minimally. Regular coat care is important for this energetic breed.
12. Spanish Water Dog
Best for: Active owners and families
Spanish Water Dogs have naturally curly or corded coats and generally shed very little. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
13. Bedlington Terrier
Best for: Families and experienced owners
The Bedlington Terrier is known for its lamb-like appearance and soft, curly coat. It sheds very little but needs regular grooming.
14. American Hairless Terrier
Best for: People interested in hairless breeds
The American Hairless Terrier has little or no body hair, so there is very little loose hair around the home. However, it can still produce allergens through its skin and saliva.
15. Chinese Crested
Best for: Apartment living and small-dog lovers
Chinese Cresteds come in hairless and Powderpuff varieties. The hairless type produces very little loose hair but still needs proper skin care.
16. Xoloitzcuintli
Best for: Experienced owners and unusual-breed enthusiasts
The Xoloitzcuintli comes in hairless and coated varieties. The hairless type produces little loose hair but requires appropriate skin care.
17. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Best for: Experienced owners
The Peruvian Inca Orchid can be hairless or coated. Its hairless variety produces very little loose hair but needs protection and care for its exposed skin.
18. Coton de Tulear
Best for: Families and companion-dog lovers
The Coton de Tulear has a soft, cotton-like coat that generally sheds relatively little. Its long hair needs regular brushing to prevent tangles.
19. Havanese
Best for: Families and apartment living
Havanese dogs have a soft, silky coat that generally sheds less than many other breeds. Regular brushing helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat healthy.
20. Lhasa Apso
Best for: Apartment living and experienced owners
The Lhasa Apso has a long, dense coat that grows continuously and sheds relatively little. Regular grooming is essential, especially when the coat is kept long.
21. Shih Tzu
Best for: Families and indoor living
Shih Tzus have a long, flowing coat that generally sheds relatively little. Their small size and adaptable personality make them popular companion dogs.
22. Yorkshire Terrier
Best for: Apartment living and small-dog lovers
Yorkshire Terriers have a fine, hair-like coat that typically sheds very little. Their long coat requires regular brushing and grooming.
23. Scottish Terrier
Best for: Experienced owners and terrier enthusiasts
Scottish Terriers have a distinctive wiry coat that generally sheds relatively little. Regular brushing and trimming help maintain their coat.
24. West Highland White Terrier
Best for: Families and active owners
The West Highland White Terrier has a rough outer coat that tends to shed less than many other breeds. Regular grooming helps manage loose hair.
25. Afghan Hound
Best for: Experienced owners and grooming enthusiasts
Despite its long, flowing coat, the Afghan Hound can be relatively low-shedding. However, its impressive coat requires frequent and careful grooming.
26. Brussels Griffon
Best for: Small-home living and companion-dog lovers
Brussels Griffons come in rough- and smooth-coated varieties. The rough-coated type generally sheds less and benefits from regular grooming.
27. Toy Poodle
Best for: Apartments and small-dog lovers
Toy Poodles have the same curly, low-shedding coat associated with the Poodle. They are intelligent, trainable and need regular grooming.
28. Standard Poodle
Best for: Active families and large-dog lovers
Standard Poodles combine a large athletic build with a dense, curly coat that sheds very little. They need regular exercise, training and grooming.
29. Schnauzer
Best for: Families and active owners
Schnauzers have a characteristic wiry coat and generally shed relatively little. They are available in Miniature, Standard and Giant sizes.
Are Any Dogs Truly Hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely free of allergens. The proteins responsible for allergic reactions can be found in a dog's dander, saliva and urine.
A low-shedding dog may release less hair and dander into the home, but individual reactions can vary. Spending time with a specific dog before bringing it home can therefore be useful.
How to Reduce Dog Allergens at Home
Regular grooming, cleaning and washing the dog's bedding can help reduce hair and dander around the house. Keeping the dog out of the bedroom can also reduce exposure.
For people with significant allergies, discussing pet ownership with an allergy specialist before getting a dog may also be worthwhile.
