Skip to content

Hypoallergenic Dogs – Breeds, Allergens & Allergy-Free Dogs

↯ Key takeaway points

  • Hypoallergenic dog breeds are dogs that work well with people who are allergic to dogs.
  • Some experts believe hypoallergenic dogs are just a marketing fad, as every dog secretes proteins that can cause allergies.
  • Hypoallergenic dog breeds are smaller in size and shed less hair, reducing the chances of allergens entering a human system.
  • Each dog secretes proteins uniquely, making some dogs more tolerable for allergic individuals than others from the same breed.
  • To minimize allergies when having a pet, regular grooming, cleaning the house vigorously, and using an air purifier can help.
Breeding Business is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Zoo and wildlife doctor in veterinary medicine passionate about animal welfare and preventive medicine.
Published on
Friday 18 January 2019
Last updated on
Thursday 29 June 2023
Guide on Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
This page may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Hypoallergenic dog breeds can be a great solution if you’re a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies. It’s frustrating to have an allergic reaction every time you’re near a dog you adore. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog at all! Hypoallergenic breeds are dogs that work well with people who are allergic to dogs.

Sometimes, pet owners don’t even realize they are allergic until it’s too late. This can be difficult for both the pet and the owner. If you’re determined to keep your dog despite the allergies, there are a few things you can do. Regularly bathing and brushing your dog and maintaining extra cleanliness in your home becomes crucial and more frequent. It may also help to designate a dog-free area in your home where you can take a break from allergens. In extreme cases, if your budget allows, hiring a caretaker for your dog could be recommended. Hypoallergenic dog breeds can make this situation easier to manage.

Do Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Really Exist?

Veterinary doctors, researches, biologists, and pulmonologists across the globe are divided on whether hypoallergenic dogs actually exist. Some experts believe it is just another fad and a way to earn money by marketing them to allergic people.

The fact is that every dog secretes protein. Pet hair and dander are mere carriers for the secretions. Therefore, how much hair a dog has becomes irrelevant. This is because even a hairless dog will produce proteins and instead of the hair, they will be carried into a human through dander or even touch. The dander can remain airborne for days and stick to carpets and furniture as well.

However, studies also showed that allergic people showed more tolerance towards some breeds as compared to others – this group of dogs was then termed hypoallergenic. These breeds had mainly two things in common:

  1. they shed less hair, and
  2. they were smaller in size.

How are Hypoallergenic Dogs Special?

Hypoallergenic dog breeds are smaller in size and shed less hair, therefore the chances of their secretions entering a human system are lesser.

Hypoallergenic dog breeds are compatible with allergic humans because humans with these allergies have a sensitive immune system. This makes them react abnormally to the proteins that some animals secrete. As such, these secretions are completely harmless for people with normal immunity. These secretions tend to stick to pet hair, saliva and dander and via these, enter the human body. This is when a weak immune system goes for a toss, causing allergic reactions.

Another interesting finding was that for every allergic person, there is a chance of there being one perfectly hypoallergenic dog – not even breed – but one dog. Some humans showed more tolerance towards a particular dog, as compared to another from the same breed. This happens because each dog also secretes protein uniquely. This means, finding the perfect dog could just be as tough as finding a soulmate – and just as worthwhile too!

Are you Allergic to your Dog?

One way to determine if you have pet allergies is to check for symptoms within 30 minutes of being around your dog. Common symptoms of pet allergies include:

  • Red or itchy eyes
  • Discomfort
  • Itchiness around the nose
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • In severe cases, it may also trigger asthma attacks.

You may feel like something sharp is causing discomfort inside you. Some people also experience skin reactions such as immediate breakouts, rashes, or even hives in areas where the dog has licked or touched. To be completely sure if these symptoms are caused by your pet, doctors may recommend skin or blood tests. Non-prescription allergy tests are usually inconclusive for pet allergies, so it’s best to trust your doctor. For milder allergies, you could try staying away from your dog for a few days and observe if the symptoms improve.

Regarding “pet allergy tests,” it seems like the statement was cut off. If you can provide more context or complete the sentence, I can assist you further.

pet allergy tests
A bunch of pet allergy tests exists to check if you are allergic to dogs.

10 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Hypoallergenic dog breeds could be purebred or crossbred. If you’re allergic to dogs and are looking to get one, there are a few things you must consider beforehand. Like the area of your house, the frequency of cleaning the house, how often do you have help around the house and how bad are your symptoms. All of this must be factored in to determine the best suitable breed for you.

Here is the list of the most recommended hypoallergenic breeds of dogs:

1. Poodle

Nothing exudes snobbishness as poodles do and yet they are adorable and highly intelligent. Plus you have a choice as they come in 3 sizes – toy, miniature & standard. Not only are they super cute, but poodles can also be great companions for sensitive humans because their dander and dead hair get caught in the tightly curled fur that covers their body.

Moreover, their hair follicles have a longer shelf life, which makes poodles, very occasional hair shedders. However, this breed requires frequent bathing and brushing, to maintain their fur and keep them looking sharp. So be prepared to work hard if you’re getting one!

2. Maltese Terriers

One look at them could melt your soul – it is hard to imagine that these cloudy balls of fluff were used to catch rodents in Medieval times. Today the Maltese Terriers make for great hypoallergenic pets owing to the fact that they don’t shed their fur at all. They are bright and active and very warm. Pet owners who prefer their hair short need to ‘puppy trims’ for this breed.

However, their gorgeous long silky coat requires frequent grooming and washing. This is a plus too, as such high maintenance minimizes any chance of dander around the house.

3. Bichon Frise

The name literally translates to “curly lap dog” in French and when you look at them, you’ll realize how aptly they’ve been names. You want to snuggle these furballs and the good thing is that you can! Even if you’re allergic! Their mated, tangled curls make it impossible for dander to escape into the environment while minimizing hair shedding.

However, these are extremely high maintenance dogs – so either you should hire a caretaker or be prepared to have a full-time job as a dog groomer yourself. This breed is also prone to skin conditions, so you have to be extra cautious with their health. They are amongst the most expensive dog breeds, too.

4. Labradoodle

Crossbred in Australia, the Labradoodle is a mix of a Labrador and a Standard Poodle and exhibits the qualities of both very well. Friendly and warm, these are being preferred as family dogs. Low-shedding is what makes this breed a good choice for allergic people. However, one must ensure that the parents of the pup you are getting also had low-shedding coats.

As it is a crossbreed, it can be temperamental and demand a lot of patience and flexibility from its humans. This breed is prone to a lot of health issues also owing to its crossbred lineage.

5. Portuguese Water Dog

A strong and reliable companion, the Portuguese Water Dog does not shed much and so is a good choice for someone who is mildly sensitive. If you are highly allergic to dogs, it is best to consult a doctor and then go ahead. While these canines can be fiercely loyal, they are prone to a horde of genetic health issues like hip dysplasia and cataract, thus demanding as much loyalty from the humans in return. Don’t get this breed if you’re not prepared to care for the dog in its later life.

6. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

This pure breed from Ireland has a matted soft coat that needs frequent grooming. However, they rarely shed hair and are also great as therapy pets. While its long coat comes in two types – American which is thicker and Irish which is silky – both can get really dirty owing to the matted curls. They make for excellent family pets because they are warm and welcoming towards people and show little to no aggression.

The downside is that in spite of their warmth, they are stubborn and slightly more difficult to train than other dogs.

7. Chinese Crested Dog

Also known by many other names like the Chinese Ship Dog or Chinese hairless dog, this is a toy breed. There are two varieties – powderpuff, which comes with a soft double coat and hairless, which as the name suggests has a coat akin to human skin. They are friendly but high maintenance and the hairless variety is prone to acne and sunburns just like humans. This breed may be inadvisable to highly sensitive individuals due to direct skin contact. However, if maintained well, they can be a good hypoallergenic breed owing to their small size.

8. Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers make for great hunting and family pets as well as good watchdogs. They are proof that even hairy dogs can be hypoallergenic. This adorable crossbreed of a Schnauzer and black Great Danes has a non-shedding coat and is not very high maintenance either and requires minimal brushing and regular grooming.

Originally created to work as farm dogs, they are a popular family pet breed today and are excellent around children too. Their low aggression, fierce loyalty, patience, and protective nature make them good babysitters. However, Giant Schnauzers require an area big enough to roam freely.

9. Afghan Hounds

Uniquely attractive and exuding warmth, Afghan Hounds are the fashionistas of the dog world. With their thin dramatic features and thin fashion-model structure, they stand out. As the name suggests, these purebred dogs hail from Afghanistan where they are colloquially called Tazis. They have made quite a few appearances as fictional characters in Disney movies.

A happy breed for families, these are low shedders and therefore a good pick for allergic people. Afghan Hounds are usually high maintenance and need frequent grooming and regular exercising. Even though they aren’t as big, they still require enough space to be able to walk around freely.

10. Kerry Blue Terrier

A delightful little breed that is covered in a gorgeous blue-grey curly coat, the Kerry Blue Terriers make for great family pets. They are low dander dogs with matted curls that disallow allergens to escape. This makes them good dogs for allergic people and they can even live peacefully with asthma patients.

This breed does require constant grooming to detangle their hair and prevent matting. This is an important part of keeping the Kerry Blue Terrier as a pet because severe matting cannot only be traumatic to the dog and the owner, it could also result in hair breakage, causing allergens to float into the environment.

small hypoallergenic dog breeds
A list of small hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Hypoallergenic Dogs – Common Questions

Because a lot of people have mild allergic reactions to cats and dogs, a lot of future pet parents or current dog owners have questions pertaining to allergy-free dog breeds. We have tried to answer them as concisely and precisely as possible below.

What dogs are good for asthma patients?

Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Schnauzers, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, and Kerry Blue Terrier are breeds you can consider. However, you must keep some dog-free zones around the house as no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Dogs with low dander and low hair shedding are good options for any person prone to pet allergies.

How to stay away from allergies when having a pet?

If you are allergic and in the presence of any dog breed, you must follow these ground rules:

  • Get a caretaker or another family member to maintain the pet
    • Assign regular bathing and brushing duties to someone
    • Some pets require more frequent grooming than others
    • Speak to your breeder about the breed’s maintenance requirements
  • Your house will also require a lot more cleaning than usual
    • Vacuuming carpets, tapestries, linen and dusting around the house is essential
  • Strictly pet the dogs and let them lick you only after they have been bathed and brushed to minimize allergens.

Obviously, identifying dog-free zones is a must when you have pets. Especially areas like the kitchen and the bedroom should be no-entry for your pets, no matter how much you love them.

What is the best dog for a child with allergies?

Kerry Blue Terriers are the top match – they are warm, sprightly and patient. Giant Schnauzers are also recommended for children – they are loyal and completely trustworthy with almost nil aggression despite their impressive sizeable presence. These breeds also have traits of being overprotective about their humans, making them good guard dogs and watchdogs for the kids, while being hypoallergenic too.

Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Giant Schnauzer are crossbred with low dander and hair shedding. Both are equally low maintenance also – which works in favor of working parents with allergic kids. You already have a lot on hand, so the pet won’t be an extra chore for you.

What dog breeds cause the most allergies?

Basset Hounds – they drool a lot and can sometimes have low control over their bladder, causing allergens to stick onto the house through saliva and urine.

Dachshunds – Dachshunds are proof that not all hairless dogs are hypoallergenic. In fact, hair has nothing to do with allergies except act as a carrier. Dachshunds tend to shed a lot of dander causing allergens to float in the air.

Saint Bernard, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels – These dog breeds are a no-no for allergic people, all for the same reason, that they shed a considerable amount of hair, and are prone to dandruff and drool a lot. This releases a lot of allergens.

Siberian Husky – Huskies have a thick double coat that they shed twice a year resulting in a lot of pet hair. The dander sticks to the hair and can cause allergies.

Boxers and Bull Dogs – Yet another short-haired breed that is not good for allergies. Both these breeds shed their short hair in copious quantities. They also drool a lot.

German Shepherds – While excellent as pets, German Shepherds shed their thick furry coats all through the year. They are also prone to a lot of dander shedding, making them detrimental to those who suffer from allergies.

How to eradicate pet allergies from home?

Pet allergens come in contact with humans via dander, hair, urine, and fecal matter. In order to make your home free of these allergens, you must consider taking the following steps:

Clean the house vigorously

Cleaning the house isn’t a chore if you’re an allergic pet owner – it is a compulsion. Allergens can remain airborne and even accumulate on upholstery, tapestry, carpets, and even solid surfaces via pet hair, dander, etc. If your dog tends to drool, you have an uphill task. Vacuum clean the house every day to get rid of any pet hair and dry skin that may have stuck to your linen and tapestry. Solid surfaces can be wiped with a wet rag.

Clean your clothes

Make your laundry area a dog-free zone and make sure that you dust your clothes clean before you throw them in the wash. Use a sticky lint roller to get the hair out of your clothes if you must.

Cover all bedding

Ideally your bedroom should be a dog-free zone, but in any case, cover your bedding with a bed cover or plastic so that none of the allergens stick to your bed. Failing to do so could give you multiple sleepless nights and disturb your sleep pattern.

Invest in an air purifier

A good air purifier will rid the air within the house of any potential allergens that can cause you discomfort.

Get Allergen Spray

Easily available online, allergen sprays work on dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen and eliminate all kinds of allergens from the environment. It is highly recommended for people with allergies but even those who don’t have allergies can use these to get a better breathing environment.

Clean your pet

Regularly bathing, grooming, and brushing your pet can minimize allergens, making the home habitable for allergic people. Use good quality shampoo to reduce hair and dander shedding.

One comment on “Hypoallergenic Dogs – Breeds, Allergens & Allergy-Free Dogs”

  1. Bouvier des flandres are also considered hypoallergenic and non shedding. Although they do require a lot of grooming because their coat will mat.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *