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If you or someone in your family have dog allergies but are determined to welcome a dog into your family, we have good and bad news for you. The good news is that you may be able to bring home a “hypoallergenic dog breed” and live with them in harmony.
Here’s the bad news: while certain dogs are considered more allergy-friendly than others, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog.
What is a dog allergy?
To start, it helps to have a little background on dog allergies. Contrary to popular belief, dogs’ fur is actually not much of an allergen on its own. Rather, the skin cells (called dander), dust, and pollen that collect in the fur are what can trigger allergic reactions. The most common dog allergen is Can f1, affecting nearly 50 percent of people suffering from dog allergies. Some people are allergic to dander, while others are allergic to dogs’ saliva or even their urine.
Find Out Which Dog Allergy You Have
Since “allergic to dogs” is actually a very general term, before you consider adopting a dog, find out if your allergy is to pet dander, saliva, or urine. If you’re allergic to dog urine, as long as the dog urinates outdoors, it’s not usually much of a problem; but if you’re allergic to saliva, one lick may be enough to trigger a severe reaction.
If you’re allergic to saliva and your doctor approves of you adding a canine family member, you can ask your local rescue groups to keep an eye out for an adult dog that doesn’t lick people. You need a mature pooch because you’ll be able to tell exactly what the dog’s licking behavior is — unlike with a puppy whose behavior has yet to become permanent.
Also, consider fostering a dog for a rescue group or animal shelter before adopting. This will give you time to make sure your allergies will tolerate the specific dog before you permanently add them to your family.
What is a hypoallergenic dog?
A “hypoallergenic” dog produces less dander, and dog breeds considered hypoallergenic generally have hair instead of fur, which can help reduce shedding and dander. It’s important to note, though, that just because a dog breed is considered more hypoallergenic doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will be allergy-friendly. People with allergies should always spend time with a dog before bringing them into their home to see if they have a reaction to the specific pup.
Are there mixed-breed hypoallergenic dogs?
Many mixed-breeds with one parent who is a low-dander breed will also be appropriate for dander-allergic people. For instance, some poodle mixes are low-dander.
Is there a correlation between hypoallergenic dog breeds and size?
Hypoallergenic dogs can be all sizes. Many hypoallergenic dogs are small, as you’ll see in the list below.
Do hypoallergenic dogs not shed at all?
While no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, if you’re allergic to dander, you may be able to tolerate a so-called “low-dander” dog. Several breeds of dogs are known as low-dander. These types of dogs have coats that are more like hair than fur, and they tend not to shed much. They also usually require a lot of brushing and grooming because their hair is constantly growing.
Many people with allergies also do well with hairless breeds like the American Hairless Terrier or the Chinese Crested Hairless.
Which dog breeds are hypoallergenic?
The following list is a round up of 15 breeds experts generally consider hypoallergenic — and who make fantastic companions to boot.
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Poodle
Poodles are known for their curly coats of hair, which makes them hypoallergenic because hair doesn’t shed the way fur does. Much like human hair, however, poodles’ coats require regular brushing and trims. If you want to get fancy, you can even groom their hair into fun shapes, a practice that originally started when Poodles were working water dogs; they were shaved to improve their movement through water and left with only a few key furry spots over organs and joints to keep them warm.
Poodles also need regular play time and lots of company to maintain their sunny demeanors and keep their minds occupied. This breed can be several sizes: Standard, Medium, Miniature, and Toy.
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Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise grows a long, fluffy white coat that requires regular brushing and grooming but spreads relatively little dander. The Bichon Frise was once bred as a performing dog and was often featured in circus shows. That friendly, eager-to-please nature remains even after retiring from show business; the Bichon Frise is playful, loves hanging out with you — whether that’s cuddling or romping through the park — and does best with consistency and companionship. This breed is also known for being fairly quiet, unlike many other small dogs — though they will yap if they want your attention.
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Maltese
Another low-shedding hypoallergenic dog that needs regular brushing and a wash once or twice a month, the Maltese is incredibly friendly and loves luxuriating in your company; they want a nice walk and then to get back on the couch with you. They are very trainable and pretty adaptable to their environments. They are small, though, so while they like kids, those kids need to know how to delicately handle them.
The downside of these wonderful companions is that they tend to have health issues, especially deafness, shaker syndrome, and dental health problems. Make sure you stay on top of vet appointments to keep them happy and healthy.
Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear breed supposedly descends from a group of small white dogs who swam to safety following a shipwreck and landed in Madagascar. “Coton” means cotton in French and is a pretty good descriptor for their puffy white coats. This low-shedding breed needs to be brushed a few times a week and given baths to prevent mats and general stinkiness, but they shed very little. These pups are pretty quiet, though they can be good guard dogs and will notify you of guests. Like many small breeds, they want to be with their pet parents most of the time and don’t do well alone. Be sure to socialize them early and lovingly. They take well to training and only need moderate exercise.
Maltipoo
Maltipoos can have straight or curly hair of various colors and produce less dander than most dogs. But because this breed is a mix of a Maltese and a Poodle, each dog can inherit different personality or physical traits from each parent. Some Maltipoos, therefore, have more dander than others, though a Maltipoo with a lot of dander for the breed still probably has less dander than the average non-hypoallergenic dog.
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Schnauzer
Schnauzers come in three sizes — Miniature, Standard, and Giant — and all three are considered hypoallergenic. These loyal dogs are low shedders but still require a lot of grooming; they have a double coat with long pieces of fur around their faces and legs that tend to get into stuff. You may need to bathe them as often as once a week and brush them at least that often.
Schnauzers are hypoallergenic dogs good for families, especially those with children, because they’re playful, hearty, and love their pack. They are tough little pups, however, with muscular frames and a lot of energy. They’re very trainable, smart, and generally know how to keep themselves occupied with toys and chews for a while. You can even leave the TV on for them as extra entertainment. But beware — they love to “talk.”
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Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkshire Terriers’ gorgeous coats can be kept long or short and are low shedding, but be warned: Like many hypoallergenic pups, Yorkies need a fair amount of grooming. Even when their hair is kept short, they’ll need regular appointments with the groomer. Their unique look is worth all the effort, though, and these lively and confident pups make great pets for the right family, as this breed is both loyal and playful.
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Basenji
Basenjis are dogs with a number of unique characteristics: Not only do they shed less than the average pup, but they even self-groom like cats. They’re also known for being less smelly than most other dogs and vocalize with a yodel instead of a bark — a noise their families get very familiar with because they make it often.
Unlike many other lap-dogs on this list, Basenjis are very independent and tend to bond with just one or two people — although once they love you, they show a lot of affection. They need a lot of patience to train, and training them is super important — this former hunting breed has a tendency to dig, chew, and follow their prey drive.
Yorkiepoo
The Yorkiepoo is part Yorkshire Terrier and part Toy or Miniature Poodle, and like other mixed breeds, their dominant characteristics vary. They consistently have low-dander, low-shedding coats, though, and their coats are also soft, silky, and curly, making them a joy to pet and snuggle. Yorkiepoos are also small and generally friendly, which makes them great companion pets, just like their parents. These hypoallergenic dogs are calm enough to chill on the couch, but still require moderate physical and mental exercise. Being a mixed breed also means they’ll likely have fewer health problems than purebred pups.
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Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs have long coats that usually curl but can also take the form of beautiful waves or tight ringlets. This low-shedding breed originally had a job working with Portuguese fishermen to herd fish and retrieve nets, and they’re still incredibly energetic dogs who need a lot of exercise to stay happy and keep from destroying the furniture. They’re great for families that spend a lot of time adventuring outside. These beautiful dogs love to learn and are easy to train, and are not big barkers, but they do have a Big Bark when they need to make their opinion known.
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Originally from Ireland, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can have one of two coat types: Irish or Heavy. The Irish coat is more hypoallergenic and has a silky, wavy texture that requires some brushing. The Heavy coat is what it sounds like: Thick! Full! Heavy! These pups are friendly and family-oriented but need a fair amount of exercise like most of their terrier brethren. These dogs are sturdy, playful, loyal, and considered good dogs for first-time pet parents.
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Lhasa Apso
A well-groomed Lhasa Apso has a very distinctive look: Their silky coat parts at the center of their head and then flows down their ears, resembling a perfect blowout. Their non-shedding coats require a great deal of brushing, though some pet parents keep their Lhasas shorn. This small breed originates from Tibet, where they were used as guard dogs. Lhasas are known for being a bit stubborn and demanding space when they need it, but that means they don’t mind alone time as much as some of the other small, fluffy breeds.
Cara Dolan / Stocksy
Goldendoodle
Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic, but when you mix them with a Poodle, there’s a chance you’ll get a hypoallergenic dog. All Poodles mixed with a non-hypoallergenic breed, such as a Labrador Retriever (Labradoodle) or a Bernese Mountain Dog (Bernedoodle), have a chance at producing both heavy-shedding and low-shedding dogs. How Poodle-y your Goldendoodle is will be the determining factor in how much dander and shedding to expect. No matter how much they shed, though, the Goldendoodle is eager to please, easy to train, and very energetic. Goldendoodles need a lot of exercise, so they’re a great choice for active pet parents and families.
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Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli (“Xolo” for short) is a hairless dog with only a decorative tuft of hair on the top of their head, similar to the Chinese Crested. Sometimes they don’t even have that tiny toupee. This hypoallergenic Mexican dog breed obviously doesn’t shed because they don’t have any hair to spare. They’re usually gray or brown and can have pink spots. Xolos don’t need as many baths as most dogs with hair, and lots of bathing can take off their natural skin oils, which causes various issues. Bathing once a month, paired with a warm cloth rub-down once in a while, is good for this breed. The Xolo usually attaches to one family member but is friendly with anyone they’re comfortable with and aren’t known for being aggressive. Despite being fairly small, they like regular long walks and outdoor time.
Vista Photo / AdobeStock
Havanese
Native to Cuba, Havanese have beautiful silk coats that wave around them like a lion’s mane. Their resemblance to a lion ends, though, once you look at their goofy faces and floppy ears. Their low-shedding coat requires regular grooming, though it can be kept cropped or long. These small hypoallergenic lap-dogs are known as great therapy dogs because of their inexhaustible need for human attention. The downside of that need is that this breed can get very loud and even destructive if you leave them alone too long. Keep these adorable friends by your side, and you’ll have a devoted companion for life.
How To Prevent or Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Will getting a hypoallergenic dog eliminate allergies? No, but there are a few methods you can use to try to neutralize pet allergens. If you still have an allergic reaction to a hypoallergenic dog, you can take steps to prevent or reduce those symptoms.
Groom Your Dog Regularly
Regularly bathing and brushing your dog reduces the amount of dander and allergens in their fur; there are even shampoos designed to reduce dander. It’s important to make sure you keep your dog’s skin as healthy as possible (whether your dog has hair or not) because dogs with dry skin tend to scratch a lot, which causes their dander to be released into the environment around you. You can also look for a cleanser that you can wipe on your dog’s coat once a week to fight allergens. Also, be sure to brush your dog outside or in a well-ventilated area to prevent the allergens from spreading in your home.
Keep Your House Clean
Make sure you wash your bedding, your dog’s bedding, any fabric they sit on regularly, and rugs and curtains often to rid them of dander, saliva, and dust. Vacuuming your floors and furniture with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can help remove any allergens that escape into the house, and air purifiers with HEPA filters help clear airborne allergens. Use a damp cloth for dusting surfaces because dry dusting can send those allergens into the air.
You should also keep yourself clean — make sure to wash your hands after playing with or petting your dog, especially if your hands come in contact with toys that have been in your dog’s mouth.
Pet-Free Space
You can also consider creating a designated area in your home that’s off-limits to your dog. That way, you have someplace to go if your allergies are acting up. The bedroom is a great choice since you spend around eight hours of your day breathing in there.
Visit an Allergist
Especially if nothing else is helping, try talking to an allergist and see if they can recommend allergy shots or medication that feel manageable for you.
Hypoallergenic Dog FAQ
Are hypoallergenic dog breeds completely non-allergenic?
No, just because a breed is considered more hypoallergenic doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will be completely allergy-friendly.
Do hypoallergenic dogs not shed at all?
“Hypoallergenic” dog breeds produce less dander, and dog breeds considered hypoallergenic generally have hair instead of fur, which can help reduce shedding and dander.
Can hypoallergenic breeds be kept by all people with dog allergies?
People with allergies should always spend time with a dog before bringing them into their home to see if they have a reaction to the specific pup.
Is there a correlation between hypoallergenic dog breeds and size?
Small dogs may shed less dander than larger dogs, but hypoallergenic dogs can be all sizes.
Can hypoallergenic dogs be a good option for people with mild allergies?
Yes, hypoallergenic dogs can be a good option for people with mild allergies.
Will a hypoallergenic dog eliminate allergies?
No, a hypoallergenic dog will not eliminate allergies, and people with dog allergies may have reactions to individual dogs even if they are a hypoallergenic breed.
Are mixed breed dogs with hypoallergenic breeds in their lineage also hypoallergenic?
Mixed-breed dogs who have at least one parent who is a hypoallergenic breed will also be appropriate for dander-allergic people.
Why are hypoallergenic dogs more expensive than other breeds?
Most hypoallergenic dogs are bought from breeders, especially if they are purebred dogs — although you can find low-dander dogs in shelters and through rescue groups.
Are there any scientifically proven hypoallergenic dog breeds?
No dog breed is 100 percent hypoallergenic, but if you’re allergic to dander, you may be able to tolerate a so-called “low-dander” dog.
Which dog breeds are hypoallergenic?
A number of dog breeds are hypoallergenic, including Poodles, Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Basenjis, Portuguese Water Dogs, and more.
References
Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Really Exist?
AAAI: The Truth about Pet Allergies
The myth of hypoallergenic dogs (and cats)
Why There’s No Such Thing as a Truly Hypoallergenic Dog
Dog allergen levels in homes with hypoallergenic compared with nonhypoallergenic dogs
Study: No such thing as hypoallergenic dogs
Cleveland Clinic: Are Any Dog Breeds Hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds: Is There Such a Thing?
What makes a dog hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic Dogs Not Allergy-Proof, Study Finds
Allergic to your dog? Easy tips to prevent and control your allergy
No Difference in Allergenicity Among Small-Sized Dog Breeds Popular in Korea
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