32 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Anyone With Allergies (2024)

Dogs

Dog Breeds

Hybrid Dog Breeds

Remember, no dog is truly hypoallergenic, but some shed less than others.

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy is a cat and dog expert and writer who is also a dedicated Humane Society volunteer. She has also been trained in animal behavior and is an experienced dog walker and pet sitter.

Learn more about The Spruce Pets'Editorial Process

Updated on 12/11/23

Reviewed by

Petal Smart

Reviewed byPetal Smart

Petal Smartis a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has beenan editorin the veterinary and medical sciences since 2015. She has edited more than 700 assignments, including research studies published in various academic journals,continuing medical education materials, and articles on pet health.

Learn more about The Spruce Pets'Veterinary Review Board

32 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Anyone With Allergies (3)

Hypoallergenic dog breeds produce less dander, hair, and saliva, which may reduce their impact on those with mild or moderate dog allergies. Keep in mind that no dog is truly hypoallergenic, so be thoughtful when bringing one of these dogs into your home—they still can cause triggers in some people with allergies.

Here are 32 hypoallergenic dog breeds that could be your new best friend.

Tip

Beyond selecting a hypoallergenic breed, dog lovers with allergies can manage their allergy triggers with visits to the allergist, filtering the air at home, and removing carpeting, among other methods.

21 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed (Much)

01 of 32
Poodle

With three different sizes to choose from, poodles are widely sought-after pooches. Poodles don’t have an undercoat that sheds significantly, so people are much less likely to be allergic to them.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Non-Sporting Group
HEIGHT:Standard: over 15 inches; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: 10 inches and under
WEIGHT:Standard: 40 to 70 pounds; miniature: 15 to 18 pounds; toy: 5 to 9 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Curly, dense single coats in a variety of solid colors including white, black, grey, brown, and apricot
LIFE EXPECTANCY:10 to 18 years
16 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
02 of 32
Maltese

The Maltese is known for its beautiful straight, white locks. They’re small, happy lap dogs considered to be hypoallergenic. Maltese dogs are great companion pets for those with mild or moderate allergies to dogs.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Toy
HEIGHT:7 to 9 inches
WEIGHT:4 to 7 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:White, with a long and silky single-layer coat without an undercoat
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 15 years
03 of 32
Chinese Crested

Lucky for those who are allergic to pet hair, the Chinese Crested doesn’t have much to speak of. Often seen in the show ring, hairless Chinese Crested dogs show off tiny bodies with poufs of hair on their heads, feet, and tail. The 'powderpuff' variety does have a soft silky coat that should be brushed often. They have little dander or drool and rarely shed.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Toy
HEIGHT:11 to 13 inches at the shoulder
WEIGHT:8 to 12 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:It has soft and silky hair that is mainly present on the head, feet, and tail with pinkish grey skin, often with white spots along the chest and belly, which can be prone to sunburn
LIFE EXPECTANCY:13 to 18 years
04 of 32
Bichon Frise

The bichon frise is another dog considered to be hypoallergenic. Bichon frises are small pups with bright and affectionate personalities. Because their curly, white coat produces little dander, they can be less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Non-SportingGroup
HEIGHT:9 to 12 inches
WEIGHT:12 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Curly coat in white (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream)
LIFE EXPECTANCY:14 to 15 years
Continue to 5 of 32 below
05 of 32
Portuguese Water Dog

A medium-sized dog, the Portuguese water dog is an intelligent and generally friendly breed. Individuals make great service dogs and have a natural ability to swim. They have a soft and fluffy black single coat that tends not to shed.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Working (AKC)
HEIGHT:20 to 23 inches for males, and 17 to 21 inches for females
WEIGHT:42 to 60 pounds for males, and 35 to 50 pounds for females
COAT AND COLOR:Curly or wavy coat with black, black and white, and brown coloring
LIFE EXPECTANCY:10 to 13Years
06 of 32
See Also
Small Dog Rescue and Adoption- Adopt a Small Dog Near You 36 Cutest Small Fluffy Dog Breeds You’ll Love (With Pictures)13 Cute Dog Websites With Adorable Photos & Tips (2023)Find Purebred Puppies & Dogs for sale in India | Mr n Mrs Pet
Basenji

The Basenji is a bred hunting dog originating from central Africa. Basenjis are very intelligent, athletic dogs with plenty of curiosity. They barely shed at all, which means they may be suitable for those with non-severe dog allergies.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Hound
HEIGHT:16 to 17 inches
WEIGHT:20 to 25 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Smooth, short coat in chestnut red, black, brindle, or tri-color (black and red); white feet, chest, and tail tip
LIFE EXPECTANCY:13 to 14 years
07 of 32
Afghan Hound

With a long, silky coat and a regal presence, the Afghan hound is a fan favorite in dog shows. This breed is confident and independent, but also sweet and even goofy around their human family.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Hound
HEIGHT: 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder
WEIGHT: About 50 to 60 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Long, silky coat in any color or combination of colors, including brindle and domino
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 18 years
08 of 32
Havanese

Cuba’s national dog is the Havanese, a compact and playful pooch that loves its owners. Their silky coat doesn’t shed as much as the coats of other dog breeds.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Toy
HEIGHT:8.5 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT:7 to 13 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Coat can be long and silky in many colors, including black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable,andred
LIFE EXPECTANCY:14 to 16 years
Continue to 9 of 32 below
09 of 32
Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, affectionately called the Scottie, may be little, but it doesn’t lack in the personality department. These feisty dogs are often recognized for their distinct head shape and beard-like facial hair. The breed has a long history of hard work: They were originally farm dogs in the Scottish highlands.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Terrier
HEIGHT:10 inches
WEIGHT:19 to 22 pounds (males); 18 to 21 pounds (females)
COAT AND COLOR:Double coat with longer fur on the face, legs, and lower body in black, wheaten, or brindle
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 14 years
10 of 32
Miniature Schnauzer

Both miniature and standard schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic. And like the Scottie, they are characterized by a distinct beard. They have a medium, wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat that rarely sheds.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Terrier
HEIGHT:12 to 14 inches
WEIGHT:11 to 20 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Wiry coat in salt and pepper, black and silver, solid black
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 15 years
11 of 32
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an energetic and happy farm dog. The breed originated in Ireland some 200 years ago, where it guarded chicken coops and herded sheep on the farm.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Terrier
HEIGHT:17 to 19 inches
WEIGHT:30 to 40 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Soft, silky coat in beige to gold
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 14 years
12 of 32
Affenpinscher

Also known as the monkey terrier, the Affenpinscher is a tiny, toy dog breed that’s relatively rare throughout the world. They make great companion pets for those looking for an affectionate and playful lap dog.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Toy
HEIGHT:9 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder
WEIGHT:7 to 10 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Wiry and shaggy coat in black, silver, red, black and tan, or beige
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 15 years
Continue to 13 of 32 below
13 of 32
Barbet

The Barbet is a French water dog closely related to the poodle. These medium-sized fluffy pups have hair rather than fur, meaning they don’t shed in the same way other breeds do.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Miscellaneous
HEIGHT:19 to 24.5 inches
WEIGHT: 35 to 65 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Medium to long, dense, curly or wavy coat in black, gray, brown, fawn, or white
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 14 years
14 of 32
American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a non-shedding hypoallergenic dog breed that is relatively new to the world, first developed in the 1970s. Their energetic personalities and varying coat colors and patterns make them absolutely adorable.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Terrier
HEIGHT:12 to 16 inches
WEIGHT:12 to 16 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Hairless except for whiskers and guard hairs on the eyebrows and muzzle; coated variety has a soft, short and dense coat; patterned skin pigmentation varies
LIFE EXPECTANCY:14 to 16 years
15 of 32
Xoloitzcuintli

Mexican hairless dogs, called Xoloitzcuintli, come in two varieties—hairless and coated. The hairless variety is best for those who suffer from allergies.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Non-Sporting
HEIGHT:10 to 14 inches (toy)
14 to 23 inches
WEIGHT:10 to 15 pounds (toy)
15 to 55 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Hairless: A small amount of short, coarse hair may appear on the top of the head, the feet, and the end of the tail. Coated: Short, smooth, and close-fitting coat; colors vary, but can include black, gray, slate, red, brown, or bronze
LIFE EXPECTANCY:13 to 18 years
See Also
Chihuahua Puppies for Sale - AdoptaPet.com
16 of 32
Yorkshire Terrier

Despite the small size of the Yorkshire Terrier, they actually make excellent and effective guard dogs, thanks to their protective nature. Their coat is long, straight, and silky to the touch.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Toy
HEIGHT:7 to 8 inches
WEIGHT:5 to 7 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Standard color combinations are black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, and blue and tan in a long, straight coat
LIFE EXPECTANCY:11 to 15 years
Continue to 17 of 32 below
17 of 32
Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a unique dog coming in both hairless and coated varieties, but they’re usually hairless. They make great companion pets for everyone and they come in a wide range of sizes.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Miscellaneous
HEIGHT:9.75 to 25.75 inches
WEIGHT:8.5 to 55 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Hairless with any skin color, including pink and black
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 14 years
18 of 32
Irish Water Spaniel

The tallest of all spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel is a hunting dog often used to retrieve waterfowl, quail, or pheasants. They’re also known as Rat Tail Spaniels because of their distinctive flat tail, which helps them swim.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Sporting
HEIGHT:21 to 24 inches
WEIGHT:45 to 68 pounds
COAT:Dense, tightly curled coat; colors include liver and white
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 13 years
19 of 32
Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized hypoallergenic dog named for the mining town in England where they were first developed. They’re unique-looking dogs with fleecy white coats that give them an almost sheep-like look.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Terrier
WEIGHT:17 to 23 pounds
HEIGHT:15.5 to 17.5 inches
COAT AND COLOR:Mixture of hard and soft hair, crisp but not wiry; blue, sandy, or liver coloring
LIFE EXPECTANCY:11 to 16 years
20 of 32
Bolognese

Upon looking at the Bolognese dog breed, you can tell that they are indeed related to the bichon frise. In fact, this fluffy white breed is sometimes called the Bichon Bolognese. Calm and affectionate, the Bolognese is a wonderful, hypoallergenic furry friend.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Foundation Stock Service
HEIGHT:10 to 12 inches at the shoulder
WEIGHT:5.5 to 9 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Long, cotton-like coat, sometimes cut short to reduce grooming needs; all white
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 14 years
Continue to 21 of 32 below
21 of 32
Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus have hair instead of fur and shed far less than other breeds. Thus, they’re generally less likely to affect people with allergies. However, those allergic to dog saliva and dander should be cautious and spend time with a Shih Tzu before getting their own.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Toy
HEIGHT:8 to 11 inches
WEIGHT:9 to 16 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Long double coat in nearly any color, most commonly in black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations
LIFE EXPECTANCY:10 to 16 years
22 of 32
West Highland White Terrier

This is not just another little, white dog breed. West Highland White Terriers, also known as Westies, have bright and spunky personalities. Because they are such lovable dogs that get along with practically everyone, they fit well into most households.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Terrier
HEIGHT:10 to 11 inches
WEIGHT:13 to 20 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:White, with a double coat of medium length
LIFE EXPECTANCY:13 to 15 years
23 of 32
Lhasa Apso

Named for the sacred city of Lhasa in Tibet, the Lhasa Apso is a small dog popularly used as an indoor guard dog. They have long, dense double hair coats that are heavy and coarse. The way they shed is said to result in less airborne dog allergens.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Non-sporting
HEIGHT:10 to 11 inches at the shoulder
WEIGHT:12 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Dense double coat can be nearly any color, including black, white, gold, gray, and cream
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 15 years
24 of 32
Coton de Tulear

The French word for cotton is “coton,” and appears in the name of the Coton de Tulear dog breed because of its signature cotton-like coat. They were originally bred as companion pets and are therefore very laid-back, friendly pups. If you’re in the market for a small, affectionate hypoallergenic dog, this may be the breed for you.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Non-Sporting
HEIGHT:10 to 11 inches (male); 9 to 10 inches (female)
WEIGHT:9 to 15 pounds (male); 8 to 13 pounds (female)
COAT AND COLOR:Dense, long, white coat
LIFE EXPECTANCY:15 to 19 years
Continue to 25 of 32 below
25 of 32
Brussels Griffon

Because they hardly shed or drool, Brussels griffons are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. With human-like facial expressions and entertaining personalities, these dogs, commonly referred to as griffs, will steal your heart at first glance.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Toy
HEIGHT:7 to 10 inches
WEIGHT:6 to 12 pounds
COAT AND COLOR:Smooth or rough coat in red, blackandtan, solid black, orbeige
LIFE EXPECTANCY:12 to 15 years
26 of 32
Goldendoodle

Most goldendoodles are hypoallergenic because the breed is a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, which is another hypoallergenic breed. Goldendoodles generally retain the poodle coat type, giving them curly and bouncy locks.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT:13 to 26 inches
WEIGHT:Typically 45 to 100 pounds, but can weigh as little as 15 to 30 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Shaggy and often curly coat with varying colors, including gold, cream, red, black, brown, white, gray, or a combination
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 15 years
27 of 32
Lagotto Romagnolo

These curly dogs hail from Italy where they have been used for years as truffle hunters. Their coats are curly and wooly but low-shedding and water-resistant. They make great companions in active households.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting
HEIGHT:17 to 19 inches (males); 16 to 18 inches (females)
WEIGHT:28 to 35 pounds (males); 24 to 30 pounds (females)
COAT AND COLOR: Wooly, curly, water-resistant double coat; solid off-white, white with orange or brown patches, brown, brown roan, brown or orange with white patches, or occasionally tan markings
28 of 32
Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry blue terriers are not the typical family dog because of their history as working farm dogs. However, they can be great companions for experienced dog owners. While their coat is fairly high-maintenance, it returns the favor by not shedding all over your home and furniture (at least too much).
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT:17 to 19 inches
WEIGHT:30 to 40 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat that is soft and wavy with no undercoat in blue-gray
Continue to 29 of 32 below
29 of 32
Shih-Poo

The shih-poo is a mix of two hypoallergenic breeds, the shih tzu and the poodle. These small dogs are great family companions, but be prepared to spend lots of time on their coat—they will need frequent grooming to prevent mats.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT:Varies, but usually 8 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
WEIGHT:Varies, but usually 7 to 20 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: May be straight, wavy or curly in black, white, brown, red, silver, gold, blue or apricot, with or without white markings or dark-colored patches
30 of 32
Poochon

The poochon is a mix of the toy or miniature poodle and bichon frise. Because both of the parent breeds have low-shedding coats, the poochon's should follow suit. The coat will vary depending on the traits they inherit from their parents, but it will require brushing and maintenance to prevent mats.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT:About 9 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
WEIGHT:About 6 to 20 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly, coarse, and dense. May or may not have an undercoat.Usually solid colors; may be white, black, cream, apricot, red, brown, or silver.
31 of 32
Italian Greyhound

These small dogs are essentially tiny greyhounds. Their short coats barely shed, and because of that short coat and their low body fat, this breed could benefit from sweaters or coats in cold or inclement weather.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT:13 to 15 inches
WEIGHT:7 to 14 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in gray, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combination
32 of 32
Airedale Terrier

The distinct head shape of Airedale terriers makes them instantly recognizable, along with their black-and-tan coat. The coat is wiry and dense to protect them from harsh conditions while working on farms. Although their training and exercise needs are high, their grooming needs are long. Their coat doesn't shed much and just needs weekly brushing to keep it healthy.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT:23 to 24 inches (male), the female is slightly smaller
WEIGHT:40 to 65 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Hard, wiry, dense, straight, short topcoat, with a softer undercoat; the head and ears are tan, and the body is a mix of tan and black or dark grizzle