Love dogs but worried about sneezing, itching, or constant sniffles? You’re not alone and the good news is, you don’t have to give up your dream of having a furry best friend. Some dog breeds are naturally better for allergy sufferers, thanks to their low-shedding coats, reduced dander, and overall allergy-friendly traits. These are called hypoallergenic dog breeds, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. From the playful Poodle to the charming Maltese and the sporty Portuguese Water Dog, there are plenty of options that won’t leave you reaching for tissues every hour.
This guide covers everything you need to know, whether you’re looking for a cuddly lap dog or an active companion for people with dog allergies. Let’s dive into the best hypoallergenic dog breeds and help you find your perfect match.
What Makes a Dog Hpoallergenic?
You might have heard the word hypoallergenic and thought it means “allergy-free,” but that’s not exactly true. No dog is completely free of allergens, but some breeds are much easier to live with if you have allergies.
It comes down to how much they shed, how much dander they produce, and even how much they drool. All of these things can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Dogs that shed less tend to spread fewer allergens around your home, especially if they have curly or wiry coats that trap dander.
That’s why some breeds are called hypoallergenic. They don’t eliminate allergies, but they’re far less likely to cause a reaction. With the right dog and some good grooming habits, many people with allergies can still enjoy having a furry best friend.
Top Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for People with Allergies
1. Poodle
Poodles, found in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, are considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coats. Their curly hair traps dander, preventing it from floating around the home and causing allergic reactions. With no undercoat to shed significantly, they produce far fewer allergens compared to other breeds. This makes them an ideal choice for allergy sufferers looking for a smart and affectionate companion.
- Group-: Non-sporting
- Height-:
- Standard: 15 inches taller
- Toy: under 10 inches
- Miniature: 10 to 15 inches
- Weight-:
- Standard: 40 to 70 pounds
- Toy: 5 to 9 pounds
- Miniature: 15 to 18 pounds
- Personality-: Smart,loving and energetic
- Energy level-: High (these dogs love staying active)
- Coat and color-: Poodles have a curly, dense coat that comes in an array of solid colors, such as white, black, apricot, gray, and brown, making them as stylish.
- Life span-: 12 to 15 years
2. Basenji
- Group-: Hound
- Height-: 16 to 17 inches
- Weight-: 20 to 25 pounds
- Personality-: Independent, intelligent and quiet
- Energy level-: High (this dog breed loves activity)
- Coat and color-: Short, smooth coat in shades of chestnut red, black, brindle, or tri-color (black and red), often with distinctive white markings on the feet, chest, and tail tip.
- Life span-: 12 to 16 years
3. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a happy, cloud-like companion noted for its joyful energy and loving nature. This small breed is often a great choice for allergy-sensitive homes thanks to its soft, curly coat, which traps dander instead of letting it spread. Unlike many other breeds, the Bichon doen’t shed as much, making it less likely to stir up allergy symptoms. Friendly, affectionate, and full of charm.
- Group-: Non-sporting
- Height-: 9 to 12 inches
- Weight-: 12 to 18 pounds
- Personality-: Friendly and playful
- Energy level-: Medium (they enjoy daily playtime and short walk)
- Coat and color-: Curly coat that’s primarily white, sometimes with hints of apricot, buff, or cream.
- Life span-: 14 to 15 years
4. Havanese
The Havanese is a small, cheerful dog with a big heart and a strong love for people. This affectionate breed is known for its soft, silky coat, which sheds very little making it a more allergy-friendly option for sensitive owners. While they do require regular grooming, their minimal shedding means less dander in the air, which can help reduce allergic reactions.
- Group-: Toy
- Height-: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
- Weight-: 7 to 13 pounds
- Personality-: Bright and playful
- Energy level-: Medium ( enjoys play session)
- Coat and color-: Long, silky coat that can be straight, wavy, or have ringlets; seen in a wide range of colors including black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, and red.
- Life span-: 14 to 15 years
5. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is often considered a good option for allergy-sensitive individuals due to its low-shedding, wiry coat. This dense outer layer helps trap dander and loose hairs, reducing the amount of allergens released into the home. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, the Scottie’s coat makes it easier to manage for people with mild dog allergies.
- Group-: Terrier
- Height-: 10 inches
- Weight-:
- Males: 19 to 22 pounds
- Females: 18 to 21 pounds
- Personality -: Alert,fearless and loyal
- Energy level-: Medium ( enjoys regular walks)
- Coat and color-: Harsh double coat with longer hair on the face, legs, and underside; found in black, wheaten, or brindle shades.
- Life span-: 12 to 15 years
6. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small, sturdy breed with a big personality and a coat that makes it a potential fit for allergy-sensitive homes. Though relatively rare, this wiry-haired toy dog is often praised for its low-shedding coat, which helps limit the spread of dander, a common allergy trigger.
- Group-: Toy
- Height-: 9 to 11.5 inches
- Weight-: 7 to 10 pounds
- Personality-: Loyal and fearless
- Energy level-: Medium ( enjoys play time)
- Coat and color-: Wiry, shaggy coat adds to their charmingly disheveled appearance and comes in a variety of colors, including black, silver, red, black and tan, and beige
- Life span-: 12 to 15 years
7. Barbet
The Barbet, a charming French water dog with roots as deep as its curls, is often seen as a cousin to the Poodle both in lineage and looks. Medium-sized and covered in a dense, woolly coat of hair rather than fur, the big dog Barbet doesn’t shed a lot like most breeds, making it a favorite among allergy-conscious dog lovers and fans of low-shedding companions.
- Group-: Sporting
- Height-: 19 to 24.5 inches
- Weight-: 35 to 65 pounds
- Personality-: Calm and goofy
- Energy level:- High (enjoys outdoor activity )
- Coat and color-: Barbet wears a dense, curly or wavy coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, gray, brown, fawn, and white.
- Life span-: 12 to 14 years
8. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is often labeled hypoallergenic due to its unique coat, which traps shed hair instead of releasing it into the air. This reduces common allergens in the home. With consistent grooming and care, potential allergy triggers can be significantly minimized, making the Shih Tzu a charming and allergy-friendly companion for sensitive pet lovers.
- Group-:Toy
- Height-: 8 to 11 inches
- Weight-: 9 to 16 pounds
- Personality-: Friendly,intelligent and playful
- Energy level-: Medium ( enjoys play session)
- Coat and color-: Flowing double coat in a rainbow of colors black, white, gold, blue, liver, and countless charming combos
- Life span-: 10 to 16 years
9. Lhasa Apso
Hailing from the mystical city of Lhasa in Tibet, the Lhasa Apso isn’t just a pretty face . This small dog was once a revered guardian of ancient temples. Known for its keen senses and bold spirit, the Lhasa excels as a vigilant indoor watchdog. Its long, textured double coat isn’t just for show. It helps trap loose hair and dander, which means they don’t shed much, and fewer allergens floating around your space.
- Group-: Non-sporting
- Height-: 10 to 11 inches
- Weight-: 12 to 18 pounds
- Personality-: Lovely, watchful and independent
- Energy level-: Medium (playful but also perfectly content to relax)
- Coat and color-: Thick, dense double coat that comes in a wide spectrum of colors from black and white to gold, gray, and cream
- Life span-: 12 to 15 years
10. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a standout in the dog world both in looks and personality. Whether flaunting its signature “hairless” look or draped in a soft, full coat, this breed turns heads and warms hearts. Known for their cheerful, people-loving nature, Cresteds are devoted companions who love to entertain and be near their humans.
- Group-: Toy
- Height-: 11 to 13 inches
- Weight-: 8 to 12 pounds
- Personality-: Spirited, affectionate and delightfully quirky
- Energy level-: Medium ( playful)
- Coat and color-: Comes in two eye-catching varieties: the “Hairless” with silky tufts on the head, feet, and tail, and the full-coated “Powder Puff.” Skin can be pink, gray, or brown with spots; coat colors range from white to gray to black.
- Life span-: 13 to 15 years
11. Soft-coated wheaten terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier brings the best of the terrier spirit with a softer touch literally and figuratively. With a golden, flowing coat and a sunny personality to match, this breed is a bundle of enthusiasm and affection. Wheaten Terriers are friendly with people and pets alike, thriving on play and companionship. Their high energy and joyful bounce make them ideal for active families looking for a devoted and spirited four-legged friend.
- Group-: Terrier
- Height-: 17 to 19 inches
- Weight-: 30 to 40 pounds
- Personality-: Warm-hearted, spirited, and full of charm
- Energy level-: High ( always ready for adventure or a spirited game)
- Coat and Color-: Luxuriously soft and silky coat that ranges from warm beige to rich golden hues
- Life span-: 12 to 14 years
12. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo for short, is one of the world’s oldest and rarest breeds, revered by ancient Aztecs and still admired today for its elegance and loyalty. Whether hairless or coated, this breed is known for its striking appearance and calm, watchful nature. Behind their statuesque look lies a deeply affectionate, devoted companion who bonds closely with their humans.
- Group-: Non-sporting
- Height-:
- Standard: 18 to 23 inches
- Miniature: 18 to 14 inches
- Toy: 10 to 14 inches
- Weight-:
- Standard: 30 to 55 pounds
- Miniature: 15 to 30 pound
- Toy:10 to 15 pounds
- Personality-: Intelligent , productive and quite
- Energy level-: Medium (enjoys regular activity )
- Coat and color-: Smooth, tough, and close-fitting skin with little to no hair black red,grey,etc color
- Life span-: 13 to 18 years
13. Yorkshire Terrier
Don’t underestimate the Yorkshire Terrier based on size alone .This tiny titan is a surprisingly fierce little guardian. With a bold, protective spirit packed into a compact frame, Yorkies make excellent watchdogs, always alert and ready to sound the alarm.
- Group-: Toy
- Height-: 7 to 8 inches
- Weight-: 5 to 7 pounds
- Personality-: Affectionate, bright, playful
- Energy level-: High (Always active)
- Coat and color-: Long, straight; comes in black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, and blue and tan
- Life span-: 11 to 15 years
14. Peruvian Inca orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a rare, elegant dog known for its hairless body and ancient roots in pre-Columbian Peru. Intelligent, alert, and affectionate, it makes a loyal companion. Found in various sizes and colors, this unique breed thrives on human connection and requires gentle care especially for its sensitive skin.
- Group-: Miscellaneous
- Height-: 9.75 to 25.75 inches
- Weight-: 8.5 to 55 pounds
- Personality-: Intelligent and alert
- Energy level-: Medium ( enjoys play session)
- Coat and color-: Smooth skin in various colors (e.g.,black,pink)
- Life span-: 12 to 14 years
15. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier blends elegance with grit, rocking a cloud-like coat and the heart of a fighter. Bred in England’s mining towns, this high-energy pup is loyal, clever, and always ready for action. Its non-shedding hypoallergenic curls in blue, sandy, or liver shades turn heads, while its affectionate nature makes it a standout companion in any home.
- Group-: Terrier
- Height-: 15.5 to 17.5 inches
- Weight-: 17 to 30 pounds
- personality-: Intelligent and affectionate
- Energy level-: High ( Active and playful)
- Coat and color-: a crisp, curly, low-shedding coat that comes in blue, liver, or sandy, with or without tan markings.
- Life span-: 11 to 16 years
16. Irish water spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel, the tallest of all spaniel breeds, is a superb hunting companion, usually employed to retrieve birds including waterfowl, quail, and pheasants. Nicknamed the “rat tail spaniel” due to its smooth, tapering tail, this unique feature also aids in swimming. These energetic dogs thrive on plenty of physical activity to stay mentally and physically content.
- Group-: sporting
- Height-: 21 to 24 inches
- Weight-: 45 to 68 pounds
- Personality -: Lively and devoted
- Energy level-: High(thrives on activity)
- Coat and color-: Thick, tightly curled coat in a rich liver color
- Life span-: 12 to 13 years
17. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature and Standard Schnauzers, much like the spirited Scottish Terrier dogs are hypoallergenic, easily recognized by their expressive eyebrows and distinct bearded muzzle, combining keen intelligence, alertness, and a bold yet affectionate temperament that makes them both charming companions and vigilant watch dogs.
- Group-:Terrier
- Height-: 15 to 17.5 inches
- Height-: 17 to 23 pounds
- Personality-: Graceful, spirited, affectionate
- Energy Level-: Medium to high
- Coat and color-: Crisp, curly coat in blue, liver, or sandy colors, with or without tan tips
- Life span-: 12 to 16 years
18. Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons, often called “Griffs,” are considered hypoallergenic thanks to their minimal shedding and drooling, and with their human-like expressions and lively, endearing personalities, they’re sure to steal your heart at first glance.
- Group-: toy
- Height-: 7 to 10 inches
- Weight-: 6 to 12 pound
- Personality-: Active,playful and loyal
- Energy level-: medium
- Coat and color-: Smooth or rough coat in red, black and tan,solid black, or beige
- Life span-: 12 to 15 years
19. Kerry Blue Terrier
With roots as hard working farm dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers may not be the go to choice for first time pet owners, but in the hands of experienced dog parents they become fiercely loyal and engaging companions. Their distinctive blue gray coat may require regular upkeep, but it rewards you by keeping shedding minimally and your furniture mostly fur free.
- Group:- Terrier
- Height-: 17 to 19 inches
- Weight-: 30 to 4o pounds
- Personality-: Alert,loyal and attentive
- Energy level-: High
- Coat and color-: Silky, wavy coat with a plush texture and no undercoat, showcasing a signature blue gray shade
- Life span-: 12 to 15 years
20. poochon
The Poochon is a delightful hybrid known for its affectionate nature and playful spirit. Thanks to its parent breeds, it often boasts a low-shedding hypoallergenic coat, though its texture and curl can vary. No matter the coat type, consistent grooming is key to keeping it healthy and mat-free. With its cheerful personality, the Poochon family dog makes a lively addition to any loving home.
- Group:- Hybrid
- Height:- 9 to 15 inches
- Weight:- 6 to 20 pounds
- Personality:- Playful and lively
- Energy level:- Medium( enjoys play session)
- Coat and color:- Thick, curly, and textured coat that may include a soft underlayer, appearing in a variety of shades such as white, black, cream, apricot, red, brown, or silver.
- Life span:- 10 to 18 years
Do hypoallergenic dogs require special grooming?
Yes, hypoallergenic dogs often need more frequent or specialized grooming than other breeds. Although they typically shed less and produce fewer allergens, their coats can trap dander, dust, and loose hair. Regular grooming is essential not just for keeping your home cleaner, but also for maintaining the dog’s skin and coat health.
Many hypoallergenic breeds have curly or dense fur that’s prone to matting, which can worsen allergies buildup. Brushing several times a week, routine bathing, and professional grooming every few weeks are highly recommended. With consistent care, these dogs remain a better option for people with allergies.
Read More: Best Hypoallergenic Dog Foods for Dogs with Allergies
Conclusion
While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, certain breeds are far less likely to trigger allergies thanks to their low-shedding coats, minimal dander, and reduced saliva production. Dogs that are hypoallergenic can make a world of difference for allergy sufferers who still want the joy of canine companionship. Ultimately, finding the right hypoallergenic breed is about understanding your own sensitivities and choosing a dog whose grooming needs, temperament, and lifestyle compatibility align with yours. With the right match, even allergy-prone pet lovers can enjoy a happy, sneeze-free life with their four-legged friend.
