If you love dogs but dread the constant battle against pet hair on your furniture, clothes, and floors, you're not alone. For people with allergies, the struggle is even more real—sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes can make living with a furry friend challenging. The good news? There are dog breeds that shed minimally and are more allergy-friendly.
While it's important to understand that no dog is completely hypoallergenic (all dogs produce some dander), certain breeds produce less of it and shed far less fur. These low-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs can make life easier for allergy sufferers and anyone who'd prefer less pet hair around the house.
Despite the name, this breed comes in both hairless and coated varieties. The American Hairless Terrier is an excellent choice for allergy sufferers who want a dog with true terrier personality—brave, energetic, and protective. Though small in size, they make vigilant watchdogs who are fiercely loyal to their families.
A member of the Bichon family, the Bolognese is a calm yet playful companion with a fluffy white coat. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and can experience separation anxiety, so they're best suited for households where someone is home frequently. Their gentle nature makes them wonderful lap dogs.
Known for their distinctive "blue" coat that ranges from deep slate to light blue-grey, Kerry Blue Terriers are among the largest terrier breeds. Well-muscled and typically weighing around 40 pounds, they excel as both watchdogs and family companions. Their unique coloring and low-shedding coat make them stand out.
Poodles come in three sizes—standard, toy, and miniature—and all are hypoallergenic and low-shedding. Beyond their fashionable appearance, poodles are remarkably intelligent and easy to train. Their versatility in size means there's a poodle perfect for any living situation, from apartments to large homes.
The Löwchen, meaning "little lion" in German, is a small dog with a big personality. Popular in Europe, they're often groomed with closely-cut fur on their legs and tail while maintaining longer "manes" and tail plumes for a lion-like appearance. Despite their small size, they're sturdy and confident companions.
Most Peruvian Inca Orchids are hairless, though some have coats. These elegant sighthounds are known for their speed and agility, sharing characteristics with greyhounds and whippets. Their unique appearance and minimal grooming needs make them fascinating companions for the right owner.
Often simply called Bolonka, this breed's name translates to "Russian Colored Lapdog." Part of the Bichon family, they make excellent apartment dogs and get along wonderfully with children and other pets. Their small size and friendly disposition make them ideal for families.
Bichons were specifically bred to be hypoallergenic. Their super soft, curly white hair gives them the appearance of cuddly cotton balls, especially with a rounded haircut. These loving lap dogs have playful, entertaining personalities that bring joy to any household.
Dating back to the Tang dynasty in China, Shih Tzus were favorites of Chinese royalty. Despite being called "lion dogs," they don't shed heavily. Their hair can grow quite long and requires regular grooming, but you'll find far less of it on your furniture and clothes compared to other breeds.
The most popular Schnauzer breed, these intelligent watchdogs pack the breed's characteristic serious expression into a compact, portable package. Fearless and energetic, they shed minimally and love playtime, making them perfect for active families who want a smaller dog.
Yorkies may be small enough to fit in a purse, but they have huge personalities. Their fine hair has a texture similar to human hair, making it less likely to trigger allergies. However, they do require regular brushing and maintenance to keep their coats tangle-free and silky.
Weighing an average of just seven pounds, the Maltese is the quintessential lap dog. Their all-white coats rarely trigger allergies, and you can choose between a short, sporty trim or letting their soft fur grow long. Either way, marathon cuddle sessions won't leave you sneezing.
These medium-sized, curly-haired dogs gained fame as the Obama family's presidential pets. Their playful yet laid-back personalities suit any household, and they adapt surprisingly well to apartment living—though they'll still need regular walks. Their water-resistant coat sheds minimally.
The independent Scottie has a personality-filled presence. Originally bred as fierce hunters, their wiry, weather-resistant coats protected them in various climates. Today, these dignified dogs with their characteristic beards make loyal, low-shedding companions with strong personalities.
Easily recognizable with hair only on their feet, tail, and head, the Chinese Crested is perfect for those who struggle with pet hair. These hairless dogs make excellent housemates and won't cause sniffles, though their exposed skin requires some special care and sun protection.
The dog of the ancient Aztecs, the Xoloitzcuintli (or Xolo) is a loyal and alert watchdog available in both hairless and coated varieties. If you choose the elegant hairless variety, you'll need good dog sunscreen to protect their delicate skin from sun damage.
The largest of the Schnauzer types, Giant Schnauzers can grow to 75 pounds. Despite their shaggy eyebrows and substantial fur, they don't trigger allergies as much as other breeds. Their intelligent, task-focused temperament makes them highly trainable, though they do require moderate grooming.
Westies possess the curious and lively attitude typical of terriers, with minimal shedding as a bonus. These hardy dogs have cheerful demeanors and playful antics that keep families entertained. Their portable size and friendly disposition make them among the most popular terriers.
Happy and curious, Havanese dogs sport long, silky coats in various colors. Their low-shedding coats can be kept long for a regal appearance or clipped short for easier maintenance. Either way, these cheerful companions bring warmth and personality to any home.
These elegant hounds don't shed much, but their long, shiny coats do require attentive grooming. Originally bred for the mountains of Afghanistan, their beautiful hair can tangle without routine maintenance. Regular grooming sessions become valuable bonding time with these sweet-natured dogs.
Originating as African hunting dogs, Basenjis are unique among hounds—they don't howl or yap. Their short, fine hair sheds minimally, and they're known for their catlike demeanor. These fastidious dogs even groom themselves, making them exceptionally clean companions.
Cairn Terriers have coarse, wiry coats that shed less than many other breeds. These fearless little dogs have spirited personalities and make excellent companions. Their hardy nature and minimal shedding make them smart choices for allergy sufferers who want an energetic pet.
With distinctive poofs of fur atop their heads, Bedlington Terriers have a unique lamb-like appearance. These gentle, cuddly terriers excel as both watchdogs and cuddle buddies. Their curly, woolly coats can be professionally styled or kept in a low-maintenance short clip.
This charming "royal dog of Madagascar" will follow you around like a cheerful shadow. Resembling bichons with their soft, white hair, Cotons have hair rather than traditional fur, making them less likely to aggravate allergies. Their devoted, affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions.
Don't limit your hypoallergenic search to just terriers and toy dogs. Irish Water Spaniels are sporting dogs that love water and make natural swimmers. Their water-repellent coats keep allergies at bay while allowing them to enjoy aquatic activities without tracking excessive moisture indoors.
These wooly, small-to-medium-sized dogs check all the boxes: low-shedding, active but not hyperactive, easygoing, and affectionate. They even have a special talent for truffle-hunting, though in most homes they'll spend more time hunting toys in the backyard than delicacies in the forest.
Originally bred as guard dogs at monasteries and palaces in the Himalayas, Lhasa Apsos are small but spirited. They love brisk walks and playful antics. Many owners keep their full-grown pets in the shorter "puppy cut" to minimize grooming while maintaining their distinctive appearance.
Wheaten Terriers have soft coats the color of wheat and famously friendly personalities. They're known for the "Wheaten greetin'"—jumping up enthusiastically to welcome their owners home. Their unique coats don't shed much, though regular grooming prevents matting and keeps them looking their best.
When selecting a hypoallergenic, low-shedding dog, consider factors beyond just allergies and fur. Each breed has unique exercise requirements, grooming needs, and personality traits. Some, like the Portuguese Water Dog and Irish Water Spaniel, need substantial daily exercise. Others, like the Maltese and Bolognese, are content with shorter walks and plenty of lap time.
Grooming requirements also vary significantly. While hairless breeds require minimal brushing, they need skin care and sun protection. Long-coated breeds like the Afghan Hound and Havanese need regular brushing to prevent tangles, even though they shed minimally.
Most importantly, spend time with breeds you're considering before making a commitment. Even within hypoallergenic breeds, individual dogs can affect people differently. A visit with a breeder or rescue organization can help you determine which dog is truly the best match for your home and lifestyle.
