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(Last Updated On: )If you have allergies but want to have a dog as a pet, there are hypoallergenic dogs that may reduce the chances of your allergies flare.
A hypoallergenic dog breed is one that doesn’t shed or sheds minimally. A dog’s fur can house the dander that is the true source of allergic reactions.
If a dog is a prolific shedder, that dander is spread all over the pet owner’s clothes, house, couch, and is in the air.
Even if you get one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds, make sure that you brush them regularly.
Regular brushing with one of the Best Dog Brushes For Shedding 2021 helps keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Table of Contents
Here Are The Top 10 Dog Breeds That Are Hypoallergenic.
#1 Affenpinscher
These wiry-haired pups are great for allergy sufferers as their coats are low-maintenance. This breed can look pretty shaggy, but they are a little dog with a big personality.
Said to resemble a monkey, this tiny pup is also likened to a Wookie by Star Wars fans. Affens can be quite willful and domineering but are a very loyal and affectionate breed. They shed very little fur, and their fur is exceptionally slow-growing.
Although you will need to brush their coat every week, the dander will not be floating in the air or covering the couch cushions.
- Height: 9 – 11.5 inches
- Weight: 7 – 10 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- Breed Group: Toy
# 2 American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless dog breed that is native to the United States.
This breed is an excellent choice for allergy sufferers who would love to have a pet. They are intelligent, curious, and playful.
The hairless terrier might have eyebrows and whiskers, but the skin is smooth, and this dog is as hypoallergenic as a dog can get.
- Height: 12-16 inches
- Weight: 12-16 pounds
- Life expectancy: 14 -16 years
- Breed Group: Terrier
# 3 Basenji
Basenji are small, graceful hounds that have a glistening short coat, tightly curled tail, and wrinkled forehead. These non-barking dogs are fastidious and almost cat-like in their grooming.
They have limited dander and are classed as hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.
They shed very little and only about once a month. The Basenji is an independent and adaptable dog that tends to be aloof and a little stubborn.
- Height: 16 – 17 inches
- Weight 22 – 24 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 13 – 14 years
- Breed Group: Hound
# 4 Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is the oldest unbroken pedigree dating back to 1782. Reminiscent of a sheep, especially when their coat is trimmed that way, these dogs are lively and like to be at the center of things.
Despite a coat that grows quickly, these dogs don’t shed, making them a good companion for someone with allergies.
- Height: 15 – 16 inches
- Weight: 13 – 30 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 11 – 16 years
- Breed Group: Terrier
# 5 Bichon Frise
Their name means “curly lapdog,” and this cute little pup lives up to its name. The plush coat on the Bichon Frise continually grows and doesn’t shed.
While this dog breed is considered hypoallergenic, it does need daily brushing so that its coat won’t mat.
The Bichon Frise is small and lively with a great personality. With its small sizer, this cute pup is very adaptable for apartment living.
It loves and needs companionship from its humans and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. The Bichon Frise is very intelligent, and this non-drooler responds very well to training.
- Height: 9 – 11 inches
- Weight: 6 – 16 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- Breed Group: Companion
# 6 Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is an intelligent and playful breed that is eager to please. This breed has a double-layered coat, with a water-repellant outer layer, and a soft, downy inner layer.
This double-layer of coats ensures that the hair and dander that gets shed remains trapped in the coat. This factor keeps allergens at bay and makes them hypoallergenic.
The Irish Water Spaniel is child-friendly and good-natured. Exceptionally social, they are loyal and a bit on the goofy side. They like a lot of exercises and need socialization and training from puppyhood.
- Height: 20 – 23 Inches
- Weight: 44 – 70 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12 – 13 years
- Breed Group: Sporting
# 7 Maltese
This breed is hypoallergenic and rarely sheds or drools. Cute and button-eyed, the Maltese may have originated on the island of Malta, where it became the favorite pet of royalty.
This hypoallergenic dog is very popular with small dog lovers. It is loyal, playful, and full of charm.
Its silky white coat and little black nose give it lots of appeal. The anti-allergy hair is composed of a single layer with no undercoat and goes straight without curls.
The Maltese is lively and has a sweet nature with lots of energy, affection, and intelligence.
- Height: 8 – 10 inches
- Weight: 5 – 13 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- Breed Group: Companion
# 8 Miniature Schnauzer
Schnauzers are hypoallergenic, which is a great advantage to someone who wants to have a dog, but they are also incredibly friendly dogs eager to please and easy to train.
These dogs make a good companion that is wonderful as a family pet. Miniature Schnauzers shed very little and have a short, double coat.
The outside hair is wiry, and they have a softer undercoat. The undercoat sheds a little, and the hair gets tangled in its outer coat rather than shedding away. That is why it is important to groom these small pets regularly.
- Height: 13 – 14 Inches
- Weight: 9 – 19 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- Breed Group: Terrier
# 9 Portuguese Water Dog
Image Credit: https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/dog-breeds/portuguese-water-dog
This dog breed is hard-working, intelligent, and energetic. The Portuguese Water Dog has a robust coat of tight, low-shedding curls and is hypoallergenic but requires extensive grooming.
They benefit greatly from weekly grooming and an occasional bath. This breed once served as a crew on fishing vessels. They would retrieve lost gear and would herd fish into nets.
Today, they are great family pets as they are fun-loving and friendly. They have webbed feet and love the water.
- Height: 17 – 22 inches
- Weight: 33 – 66 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 11 – 15 years
- Breed Group: Sporting
# 10 Standard Poodle
While there are those pet owners that go for a fancy haircut, a standard poodle does just fine when its coat is in a natural state. They shed very minimally.
These dogs are intelligent and loyal and make for a good family dog. This type of poodle will need mental stimulation as they love a challenge and are eager to play games.
While there are other poodle breeds, it is the standard poodle that is good for people with allergies.
- Height: 15 – 24 inches
- Weight: 42 – 69 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 15 years
- Breed Group: Sporting
FAQ
Is there a dog or breed that is truly hypoallergenic?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a genuinely non-allergic dog or cat does not exist. There are, however, things you can do if you are sensitive to pet dander. Keep your pet out of your bedroom, wear a dust mask to vacuum, and don’t touch your face after petting your dog or cat.
What makes a dog “hypoallergenic?”
Overall, hypoallergenic dog breeds don’t shed, don’t have hair, or have short, single-layered coats. This means that there is less dander. Most allergies are not caused by the dog’s fur but are caused by dander from the dog’s skin.
What else can a person do to reduce allergies to pets?
You can use a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter on your furnace. Use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. The shampoos that you use on your dog can also cut down on dander. Make sure that you keep your pet’s hair short and groom them regularly.
Ian is an avid outdoorsman and dog lover. He lives in Central Florida with his wife Heather, and their 2 dogs – Panda (Purebread Rough Collie X English Golden Retriever) & Kuma (Blue Merl Purebread Rough Collie)