15 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for People with Allergies

If you or someone in your home is allergic to dogs, a “hypoallergenic” dog can make sharing a space much easier. Below you’ll find a ranked list of the best low‑shedding breeds, what “hypoallergenic” really means, family and apartment picks, and quick comparisons like Poodle vs. Maltese.

What does “hypoallergenic dog” actually mean?

• Hypoallergenic = less likely to trigger allergies, not allergy‑proof.
• Dogs produce allergens in dander (skin flakes), saliva, and urine, not just hair.
• Low-shedding or hairless breeds typically spread fewer allergens around the home; however, individual variation exists. Always meet the specific dog you plan to adopt.

How did we rank these breeds?

We combined these factors:

• Sources: Data on dog breeds from: AKC, DogBible, TDC
• Allergy-friendliness: Coat type and typical shedding/dander spread.
• Grooming needs: Time/cost trade‑offs to maintain low allergen load.
• Family fit: Trainability, temperament, kid‑friendliness.

Scoring note: Allergy scores are relative (5 = typically friendliest for allergy‑sensitive homes). The scores are calculated from data and might vary.

15 best hypoallergenic dog breeds for Sensitive People

1. Poodle

• Why it’s great: Iconic low‑shedding, tightly curled single coat traps dander; extremely trainable.
• Temperament: Smart, active, people‑oriented.
• Grooming: High (pro grooms every 4–8 weeks + brushing).
• Allergy score: 5/5
• Good for: Families, first-time owners willing to put in the work, and sports enthusiasts/trainers.

2. Miniature Schnauzer

• Why it’s great: The wiry coat sheds minimally; it's versatile and sturdy.
• Temperament: Lively, loyal, good watchdog.
• Grooming: Moderate–high; hand‑stripping or clippering.
• Allergy score: 5/5
• Good for: Families, active homes; train barking early.

3. Bichon Frisé

• Why it’s great: Soft, curly double coat holds loose hair; cheerful companion.
• Temperament: Social, affectionate.
• Grooming: High; regular trims and frequent brushing.
• Allergy score: 5/5
• Good for: Apartment living, families, and social households.

4. Maltese

• Why it’s great: Long, silky single coat with very low shedding.
• Temperament: Gentle, devoted lapdog.
• Grooming: High if kept long; moderate if in a “puppy cut.”
• Allergy score: 5/5
• Good for: Small‑space living, calm households.

5. Havanese

• Why it’s great: Silky, low‑shedding coat; adaptable and sturdy toy breed.
• Temperament: Friendly, trainable, playful.
• Grooming: Moderate–high; brushing 2–4x/week or keep a shorter clip.
• Allergy score: 4.5/5
• Good for: Families, apartments, first‑time owners.

6. Portuguese Water Dog

• Why it’s great: Curly/wavy coat with minimal shedding; athletic and affectionate.
• Temperament: Energetic, eager to please.
• Grooming: Moderate–high; regular trims and brushing.
• Allergy score: 4.5/5
• Good for: Active families, yard or frequent exercise.

7. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

• Why it’s great: Single, silky coat; lower dander than many terriers.
• Temperament: Friendly, exuberant, kid‑loving.
• Grooming: High; daily detangling to prevent mats.
• Allergy score: 4.5/5
• Good for: Families who enjoy training and play.

8. Lagotto Romagnolo

• Why it’s great: Dense, curly single coat; sweet, biddable truffle dog.
• Temperament: Affectionate, smart, moderate energy.
• Grooming: Moderate–high; regular trimming and combing.
• Allergy score: 4.5/5
• Good for: Active owners who like training games.

9. Yorkshire Terrier

• Why it’s great: Hair is more like human hair; minimal shedding.
• Temperament: Bold, affectionate, portable.
• Grooming: Moderate–high unless kept in a puppy cut.
• Allergy score: 4/5
• Good for: Apartments, singles/couples, travel companions.

10. Shih Tzu

• Why it’s great: Long, flowing coat sheds little when maintained.
• Temperament: Friendly, adaptable, calm indoors.
• Grooming: High if long; easier in a puppy cut.
• Allergy score: 4/5
• Good for: Apartments, families with gentle kids.

11. Coton de Tuléar

• Why it’s great: Cottony, low‑shedding coat; clownish personality.
• Temperament: Affectionate, playful, social.
• Grooming: Moderate–high; cotony texture mats easily.
• Allergy score: 4.5/5
• Good for: Companionship, apartments.

12. Bedlington Terrier

• Why it’s great: Lamb‑like, crisp coat; little shedding, little odor.
• Temperament: Gentle indoors, sporty outdoors.
• Grooming: Moderate–high; breed‑specific trim.
• Allergy score: 4/5
• Good for: Active owners who like unique looks.

13. Kerry Blue Terrier

• Why it’s great: Soft, wavy single coat; very low shedding.
• Temperament: Confident, loyal, energetic.
• Grooming: Moderate–high; regular trimming.
• Allergy score: 4/5
• Good for: Experienced owners, older kids.

14. Xoloitzcuintli

• Why it’s great: Hairless variety = minimal hair shed; skin care is key.
• Temperament: Calm, affectionate, watchful.
• Grooming: Low hair care; moderate skin care (moisturizer, sun protection).
• Allergy score: 4–5/5 (varies by skin sensitivity)
• Good for: Allergy‑sensitive homes that can manage skin routines.

15. Irish Water Spaniel

• Why it’s great: Tight curls; lower shedding for a sporting breed.
• Temperament: Athletic, humorous, loyal.
• Grooming: Moderate–high; regular trims and combing.
• Allergy score: 4/5
• Good for: Very active families who love outdoor time.

List of small hypoallergenic dog breeds

• Toy/Miniature Poodle
• Bichon Frisé
• Maltese
• Havanese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Shih Tzu
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Coton de Tuléar
• Chinese Crested
• American Hairless Terrier

Poodle vs. Maltese for allergies (quick comparison)

Best hypoallergenic dogs for families with children

What to prioritize:

• Stable temperament and patience with kids
• Manageable size/energy for your home
• A coat you can realistically maintain

Top family picks:

• Poodle (Miniature or Standard): Highly trainable, versatile; teach polite handling.
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Friendly, playful; needs a brushing routine.
• Havanese: Cheerful, sturdy toy breed; great for apartments.
• Portuguese Water Dog: Athletic, loving, perfect for active families.
• Lagotto Romagnolo: Sweet, eager to please; excellent with training games.
• Miniature Schnauzer: Lively, devoted; early socialization reduces barking.

Best hypoallergenic dogs for apartment living

Key considerations:

• Bark level and trainability
• Exercise needs you can meet indoors/outdoors
• Grooming routine in small spaces

Top apartment picks:

• Havanese, Maltese, Bichon Frisé, Shih Tzu, Coton de Tuléar
• Toy/Mini Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer (with bark training)
• Chinese Crested (Hairless) for minimal shedding; mind skin care

Are Schnauzers good for allergy sufferers?

Yes. Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers have a wiry outer coat that sheds minimally. Regular hand‑stripping (or clippering if you prefer) plus weekly brushing helps keep dander down. Minis are popular for apartments; Standards and Giants suit active homes. Expect alertness and some vocalizing-train a “quiet” cue early.

Grooming requirements for low‑shedding dogs (step‑by‑step)

Daily–3x/week: Brush thoroughly

• Curly coats (Poodle, Lagotto, Portie): Use a slicker brush + metal comb to the skin.
• Silky/long coats (Maltese, Shih Tzu, Coton): Detangler + line‑brushing to prevent mats.
• Every 2–4 weeks: Bath
• Use a gentle or hypoallergenic shampoo; rinse very well.
• Dry fully (cool blow‑dry) and comb out to the skin.

Every 4-8 weeks: Professional groom

• Keep to a manageable length (puppy clip or breed trim).
• Terriers (Schnauzer, Kerry, Bedlington): Hand‑stripping maintains coat texture and reduces loose hair.

Weekly: Ears, nails, teeth

• Check/clean ears (especially drop‑eared breeds).
• Trim nails or use a grinder.
• Brush teeth 3–5x/week; schedule dental cleanings as your vet advises.

Allergen control habit

• Brush and wipe down dogs outdoors when possible.
• Launder dog bedding weekly in hot water.

Which dog breeds are truly non‑shedding?

As per AAAAI, no breed is 100% non‑shedding. Even hairless dogs shed skin cells (dander). Breeds often closest to “non‑shedding” at home: Poodles and Poodle‑type coats (Lagotto, Portie), some terriers (Wheaten, Kerry, Schnauzers), and hairless breeds (Xoloitzcuintli, American Hairless Terrier, Chinese Crested Hairless). Individual dogs vary; always test your reaction with the actual dog.

Hypoallergenic dogs: Pros and cons

How to reduce dog allergens in your home

• Make the bedroom dog‑free; use allergen‑proof mattress/pillow covers.
• Run a HEPA air purifier in common areas and the bedroom.
• Vacuum with a sealed HEPA vacuum 2–3x/week; mop hard floors weekly.
• Wash dog bedding, blankets, and soft toys weekly in hot water.
• Bathe and brush your dog on a schedule that works for skin/coat (often every 2–4 weeks for baths).
• Wipe your dog’s coat with a damp cloth or pet wipes after outdoor time.
• Replace or launder curtains, throws, and area rugs often; choose washable fabrics.
• Change HVAC filters monthly.
• Wash your hands and change clothes after close cuddle sessions if you’re reactive.
• Speak with an allergist about medications or immunotherapy if needed.

Real owner experiences: What people say and where to find them

Common themes from allergy‑sensitive owners:

• Regular grooming + HEPA purifiers make the biggest day‑to‑day difference.
• Meeting multiple individual dogs before choosing matters more than the breed label.
• “Puppy cuts” make coat care manageable for Maltese, Shih Tzu, Bichon, and Cotons.
• Terriers and Schnauzers need consistent brushing, even if they “don’t shed.”

Where to read more real‑world stories:

• Reddit communities: r/dogs, r/puppies, r/Allergies, breed subreddits (e.g., r/Havanese, r/Schnauzers)
• Facebook breed clubs and rescue groups
• AKC breed clubs and local meetups
• Tip: Arrange extended meet‑and‑greets or short foster‑to‑adopt trials to test your reaction to a specific dog.

FAQs

Are doodles hypoallergenic?

They can be low‑shedding, but it varies widely by genetics and coat. Even within a litter, some doodles shed and some don’t. Meet the puppy and, ideally, the parents to assess coat type.

What’s better for allergies: curly vs. silky coats?

Curly coats (Poodle‑type) tend to trap loose hair/dander, reducing spread. Silky single coats (Maltese, Yorkie) also shed minimally but require careful brushing to avoid mats.

Do hairless breeds eliminate allergies?

They reduce hair‑borne allergens, but dander and saliva still exist. Some people react to skin oils; proper skin care is essential.

Quick picks by scenario

• Minimal hair everywhere: Poodle (any size), Lagotto, Portuguese Water Dog, Schnauzers
• Gentle lap companion: Maltese, Coton de Tuléar, Shih Tzu, Havanese
• Active family dog: Standard Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Lagotto Romagnolo, Irish Water Spaniel
• Apartment life: Havanese, Bichon, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Toy/Mini Poodle, Coton
• Low‑shed terrier vibe: Miniature Schnauzer, Soft Coated Wheaten, Kerry Blue, Bedlington
• Hairless option: Xoloitzcuintli, Chinese Crested (Hairless), American Hairless Terrier

Before you choose

• Spend time with the exact dog (or close relatives) to test your reaction.
• Be realistic about grooming time and budget.
• Build an allergen‑reduction routine at home from day one.