Finding a dog that doesn’t trigger allergies while maintaining a clean home can be challenging. Thankfully, there are breeds known for being both allergy-friendly and low-shedding.
Whether you’re looking for a compact companion or a large, loyal friend, there’s a perfect match out there. Let’s explore these breeds that might just be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
1. Poodle
The Poodle, known for its intelligence and elegance, comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Its curly coat is not only stylish but also hypoallergenic.
Poodles require regular grooming to maintain their coat and keep shedding minimal. They are known for their lively spirit and adaptability to various living conditions.
With their keen sense of humor and loyalty, Poodles make excellent companions for families and singles alike.
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog with a fluffy, hypoallergenic coat that resembles a cotton ball. This breed is perfect for those with allergies as it sheds minimally.
Regular grooming keeps their coat looking pristine. They are known for their friendly nature and love to be the center of attention.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
With a love for water and an energetic spirit, Portuguese Water Dogs are ideal companions for active families.
Their curly or wavy coat is hypoallergenic, offering a solution for those with allergies. Regular grooming helps prevent matting and minimize shedding.
Intelligent and eager to learn, they are a joy to train and make loyal, playful family pets.
4. Maltese
Maltese dogs are known for their long, silky, hypoallergenic coats that require regular grooming. They are small in size but big in personality, often acting as if they own the place.
Maltese are affectionate and enjoy being pampered. They adapt well to apartment living, making them ideal for city dwellers.
With proper care, their coat stays stunningly beautiful, and shedding is kept to a minimum.
5. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are charming dogs with a soft, silky, and hypoallergenic coat. Their playful and friendly demeanor makes them great companions for families.
Regular grooming prevents their coat from matting and controls shedding. Wheatens are known for their boundless energy and love for fun.
6. Irish Water Spaniel
With their unique curly coat, Irish Water Spaniels are hypoallergenic, making them great for those with allergies. These active dogs love outdoor activities, particularly swimming.
Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it tidy and minimize shedding. Known for their intelligence and quick learning, they make training enjoyable and are perfect companions for adventurous families.
7. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is known as a truffle-hunting dog, with a dense, curly, hypoallergenic coat. Regular grooming keeps their coat in check and reduces shedding.
They are affectionate, intelligent, and make excellent companions. Lagottos are energetic and enjoy outdoor activities, making them suitable for active families.
8. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are distinctive with their lamb-like appearance and hypoallergenic coat. They are known for being lively and loving, often forming strong bonds with their families.
Regular grooming helps maintain their unique coat and minimize shedding. Bedlingtons are energetic and require regular exercise, making them great companions for active individuals.
Their gentle demeanor and playful antics make them a joy to have around.
9. Basenji
With a short, fine coat that sheds minimally, Basenjis are often called the “barkless dog.”
Their hypoallergenic nature makes them ideal for allergy sufferers. Known for their cat-like grooming habits and independence, they are curious and intelligent.
These dogs entertain themselves in unique ways, making them a low-maintenance and graceful choice for any home.
10. Havanese
Havanese dogs are the national dog of Cuba, known for their charming personality and hypoallergenic coat. Their silky fur requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and reduce shedding.
Havanese are sociable and thrive on human interaction, making them ideal companions for families.
Their playful nature and adaptability to various living situations make them a popular choice for city dwellers and suburbanites alike.
11. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless variety has minimal hair, making it nearly shed-free and hypoallergenic.
These dogs are playful and affectionate, often forming close bonds with their owners. They require regular skincare to keep their skin healthy.
Chinese Cresteds are known for their unique appearance and charming personality, making them a delightful addition to any home.
12. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are known for their distinctive beard and eyebrows, along with a wiry, hypoallergenic coat. Regular grooming keeps their coat tidy and reduces shedding.
These dogs are intelligent and spirited, making them great companions for active families. Miniature Schnauzers are loyal and protective, often acting as effective watchdogs.
13. Standard Schnauzer
With its robust build and wiry, hypoallergenic coat, the Standard Schnauzer is the original size in the Schnauzer family. Regular grooming helps manage shedding.
Known for their intelligence and versatility, they excel in activities and sports. Protective and loyal, these dogs form strong bonds with their families, making them perfect companions with a lively nature.
14. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers are the largest of the Schnauzer breeds, known for their commanding presence and dense, hypoallergenic coat.
Regular grooming is essential to control shedding. These dogs are intelligent, loyal, and protective, often acting as guardians for their families.
Giant Schnauzers require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, making them suitable for active households. Their dedication and affectionate nature make them excellent companions.
15. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a small dog with a big personality and a hypoallergenic coat. Regular grooming keeps their long, silky fur in top condition and minimizes shedding.
Yorkies are confident and often fearless, despite their small size. They are adaptable to various living environments, including apartments.
16. Lhasa Apso
Known for their luxurious, long coats, Lhasa Apsos are hypoallergenic with proper grooming.
These independent and confident dogs often act as if they’re in charge. Regular grooming keeps their coat beautiful and minimizes shedding.
Loyal and protective, Lhasas make excellent watchdogs while being affectionate companions.
17. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their regal appearance and long, silky, hypoallergenic coats. Regular grooming is needed to keep their coat in pristine condition and control shedding.
These dogs are affectionate and enjoy being pampered. Shih Tzus thrive in various living situations, including apartments.
With their charming demeanor and loving nature, they are excellent companions for families and individuals alike.
18. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are known for their striking appearance and long, flowing, hypoallergenic coats. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat’s beauty and reduce shedding.
These dogs are independent and often aloof but form strong bonds with their families. Afghan Hounds are elegant and enjoy outdoor activities, making them suitable for active households.
Their unique beauty and graceful nature make them a captivating choice.
19. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid, or Peruvian Hairless Dog, comes in hairless and coated varieties.
The hairless variety is nearly shed-free, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
These dogs are known for their affectionate and playful nature, often forming close connections with their families. With their unique appearance and lively personality, they are a delightful addition to any home.
20. American Hairless Terrier
With their hairless bodies, American Hairless Terriers are ideal for allergy sufferers. Lively and curious, they’re always eager for an adventure.
Regular skincare is essential for maintaining their skin health. These intelligent and adaptable dogs thrive in various living situations, making them great companions for both families and individuals.
21. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo, comes in hairless and coated varieties, with the hairless being nearly shed-free.
Regular skincare is necessary for the hairless variety. Xolos are intelligent and adapt well to various living environments.
Their unique appearance and affectionate demeanor make them cherished companions for those seeking an allergy-friendly breed.
22. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are small, spirited dogs with a tousled, hypoallergenic coat that requires regular grooming. These dogs are known for their bold and adventurous nature, often acting as if they own the world.
Cairn Terriers are intelligent and eager to learn, making training enjoyable. They are loyal companions and thrive in active households.
With their playful antics and affectionate nature, they are delightful pets.
23. Border Terrier
Border Terriers are known for their wiry, hypoallergenic coats that shed minimally with regular grooming. These dogs are friendly and affectionate, often forming strong bonds with their families.
Border Terriers are energetic and require regular exercise, making them ideal for active households. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training a breeze.
With their cheerful disposition and loyalty, they are beloved companions.
24. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a small dog with a big personality and a dense, hypoallergenic coat. Regular grooming helps keep shedding minimal.
These dogs are known for their expressive faces and affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their families. Their playful antics and unique charm make them delightful companions for any household.
25. Tibetan Terrier
With thick, shaggy coats, Tibetan Terriers are hypoallergenic and require regular grooming. These affectionate dogs form strong bonds with their families.
Intelligent and adaptable, they thrive in various living environments. Their playful and gentle nature makes them wonderful companions, cherished for both their unique appearance and loving demeanor.
26. Puli
The Puli is known for its distinctive corded coat, which is hypoallergenic and requires special grooming.
These dogs are energetic and enjoy outdoor activities, making them suitable for active families. Pulik are intelligent and quick learners, often excelling in various dog sports.
With their unique appearance and lively spirit, they are a captivating choice.
27. Komondor
Komondors are known for their massive, corded coats that are hypoallergenic with regular grooming. These dogs are protective and loyal, often acting as guardians for their families.
Komondors require plenty of space and exercise, making them suitable for rural or suburban living. Their intelligence and independence make them unique companions.
With their striking appearance and steadfast nature, they are a remarkable addition to any household.
28. Cockapoo
A mix of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, Cockapoos are known for their soft, curly, hypoallergenic coats. Regular grooming helps keep shedding under control.
These friendly, affectionate dogs form strong bonds with their families and are eager learners. Their playful and adaptable nature makes them ideal companions for both families and individuals.
29. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are known for their sleek, fine coats that shed minimally, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
These dogs are lively and affectionate, often forming close bonds with their families. Italian Greyhounds enjoy lounging and playing, making them adaptable to various living situations.
With their elegant appearance and gentle nature, they are beloved companions.