18 Best Hypoallergenic Dogs!

If you are searching for the best hypoallergenic dogs in the United States then you have come to the right place. Hypoallergenic dogs do exist, and they make the perfect pets for allergy sufferers.

There are Hypoallergenic dogs in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Regardless of what you are looking for, you will be able to find the perfect fit for you.

Some of the most popular breeds globally are even hypoallergenic, such as Goldendoodles, Maltese’, and Shih Tzus. Below you will find the true meaning of a hypoallergenic dog.

Then you can browse the many different breeds available. This is not a complete list, as there are so many Hypoallergenic breeds in the world, but this will give you a good idea about some of the most allergy-sensitive canines.

Before scrolling down this list of hypoallergenic dogs, check out these other guides from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Hypoallergenic Dogs For Families and Best Hypoallergenic Teacup Dogs.

What Makes a Dog Considered Hypoallergenic?

Now that you know hypoallergenic dogs do exist, you might be wondering how? When it comes to dogs, the word Hypoallergenic means a dog that releases limited amounts of dander into the air. Often, the dander on a dog is what irritates allergies most.

Dander describes the flakes that come off dogs’ skin, humans and other animals with skin also produce dander. Although most dogs have dander, the shedding of their fur causes dander to become airborne and irritate allergies.

Therefore, when you hear someone talking about a hypoallergenic dog, it typically means the dog sheds very minimally. It’s important to note, no dog is entirely void of shedding.

Just like humans, every dog will naturally shed a little bit of hair. Below you will find a list of dog breeds that shed minimally, making them the best for allergy sufferers.

Related: Best Low Energy Hypoallergenic Dogs and Best Short-Haired Hypoallergenic Dogs.

What Are The Considerations for Hypoallergenic Dogs?

You have decided to adopt a hypoallergenic dog but don’t know what breeds to choose from. The first thing you should do is determine what size of dog you want. This decision will help you narrow down what breeds are available.

Therefore, the list below is divided into sections based on size. Remember, no dog is 100% Hypoallergenic. All dogs shed a little bit and these just shed minimally. To minimize this shedding further, you should follow a grooming routine.

Regularly brushing your dog ensures hair is less likely to be shed. Additionally, if your dog needs a haircut, get it groomed outside of your house. By doing this, you ensure your home has minimal airborne dander. Lastly, remember that all dogs are unique.

The environment can directly affect the amount of shedding your dog does. When dogs are stressed, they can lose significant amounts of hair, just like humans. When the weather gets hot, you may also notice a bit of extra shedding.

You may see some excess hair around at times with hypoallergenic dogs, which is normal. However, the shedding should remain minimal. If you find your dog shedding more than usual, you may want to contact your veterinarian.

Related: Best Large Hypoallergenic Dogs and Best Hypoallergenic Guard Dogs.

Best Hypoallergenic Dogs

Now that we have reached our list of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds based on size. Categorization is based on breed standards. These standards determine whether the dog is small, medium, or large.

Related: Best Hypoallergenic Dog Mixes

Small Hypoallergenic Dogs

Whether you live in an apartment or you just prefer a smaller companion, you can find many hypoallergenic dogs in this size range. Below you will find the best small, hypoallergenic dogs. A dog is considered small if it weighs 20lbs or lighter.

• Bichon Frise: Typically weighing between 9 to 11 lbs, Bichon Frise’s are beautiful hypoallergenic dogs. These little puppies are playful, curious, and active, making them a delight to be around. Bichon Frise’ are known for their curly, non-shedding white coat and make it an excellent companion for anyone looking for a small, Hypoallergenic dog.
• Maltese: Similar to the Bichon Frise in size and color, Maltese’ is also an excellent choice for people seeking a Hypoallergenic dog. These dogs are loving, obedient, and loyal companions. Maltese are known for their straight, white hair and excellent temperament. However, their grooming needs are high as they require daily brushing and frequent conditioning to maintain their distinct look.
• Shih Tzu: Shih Tzu is a popular breed among allergy sufferers. These dogs are blessed with a top coat and an undercoat, meaning shedding is minimized as the dander gets caught in the second coat of hair. These spunky puppies come in many different colors, such as white, black, and red. Shih Tzus are loyal, intelligent, and courageous, making them the perfect match for families looking for a fierce, little guard dog.
• Yorkshire Terrier: A popular dog among city-dwellers, Yorkshire Terriers, is great for those looking for an extra-small Hypoallergenic dog. These are feisty, affectionate, and excitable little dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds across the world. Luckily for you, they have minimal shedding as their hair is closer to human hair than dog fur. These dogs need to be groomed regularly but don’t worry, these little divas won’t mind coming with you to your salon so they can be pampered.
• Havanese: Havanese are sweet and beautiful Hypoallergenic dogs. This breed is known for its gentle, affectionate, and intelligent nature, making it an excellent choice for families with children. Havanese come in various colors, including black, brown, and white. Regardless of what color you are looking for, there is a Havanese out there for you. These dogs typically have double coats and long hair, making them less likely to shed.
• Toy/Miniature Poodle: When hypoallergenic dogs are mentioned, many people automatically think of Poodles. Poodles are available in all sizes and colors, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to adopt a Hypoallergenic dog. Toy Poodles are typically around 10 inches tall and weigh up to 9 lbs. Miniature Poodles are slightly larger at 11:15 inches tall and 15 to 17lbs. These are just the small Poodle options; we will talk about the larger ones later. These dogs are lovely and intelligent. If you are looking for a Hypoallergenic dog that is easy to train, a Poodle is a perfect choice.
• Coton de Tulear: Less well-known than the other breeds on this list, the Coton de Tulear is an attractive option for those looking for a small, hypoallergenic dog. Described as “charming, bright, and happy-go-lucky,” these dogs form a strong bond with their owner and are great for families with children. Known for their soft, white coats, Coton de Tulear’s shed very little but do require daily brushing to maintain.

Medium

If a small dog isn’t your style, but a big dog is daunting a medium-sized dog is a way to go. Below are the best medium-sized Hypoallergenic dogs. To be considered medium, a dog must weigh in between 20:60lbs, “medium” has a pretty extensive range for dogs.

• Standard Poodle (Female): As mentioned before, Poodles are extremely beautiful and intelligent Hypoallergenic dogs. Female Standard Poodles weigh between 40:50lbs, making them closer to medium size (you will find the male under our large section). Gender does not always make a huge difference when looking at the size of a dog. Still, there can be anywhere from a 15:20lb difference between males and females when it comes to Standard Poodles. Therefore, when looking for a medium-sized Hypoallergenic dog, remember that females Standard Poodles are closer to what you are looking for.
• Portuguese Water Dog: If you are a person who spends a lot of time in the water, a Portuguese Water Dog is an excellent choice for you. These dogs were bred to help fishermen herd fish and deliver messages from boats to shore. These are great dogs for people looking for Hypoallergenic dogs that are medium-sized and very active. Portuguese Water Dogs are also extremely intelligent and eager-to-please, so they are effortless to train. They have a dense, curly coat that needs regular brushing and grooming.
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a friendly, joyful, and highly loyal Hypoallergenic dog. These dogs come in an array of brown hues and have silky, wavy coats that produce minimal shedding. These dogs require extensive grooming as their hair can become matted very quickly.
• Standard Schnauzer: Have you ever seen a dog with a very distinguished beard? Chances are it was a Schnauzer. Like Poodles, Schnauzers come in various sizes, making them a versatile choice for people looking for a Hypoallergenic dog. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs are “fearless, smart, and spirited,” making an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dog with lots of personalities. Schnauzers are very active dogs, so you must provide yours with lots of exercise. These dogs have an undercoat that prevents dander from entering the air. However, they require brushing 2:3 times a week to maintain a beautiful and healthy coat.

Large

Now that you know all about the best small and medium-sized Hypoallergenic dogs, it is time to tackle the large group. Here we will group large and extra-large together so these dogs can weigh anywhere from 60lbs and up!

• Standard Poodle (Male): We’ve come to our last (purebred) Poodle of the group. Male Standard Poodles have the same intelligence and obedience as females. They are just larger, usually weighing around 60:70lbs. They come in all colors and require professional grooming to maintain their beautiful Hypoallergenic coats.
• Afghan Hound: Coming from a royal background, Afghan Hounds carry themselves in a very dignified manner. Do not let their looks fool you though, these dogs are fiercely loyal to their family and highly athletic. Afghan Hounds have long, flowy hair that adds to their dignified look. These dogs require daily brushing, so be ready to devote several hours a week to maintaining your Afghan Hound’s aesthetic.
• Giant Schnauzer: These dogs are identical to Standard Schnauzers in everything but size. Giant Schnauzers can weigh anywhere between 60 to 85 lbs. These dogs require daily brushing to maintain a healthy coat. However, keep in mind these dogs are much larger than other Schnauzers, so this daily brushing can be very time-consuming.
• Irish Water Spaniel: This breed is brave, affectionate, and active, making it a great companion for outdoor activities. Irish Water Spaniels are always a solid liver color and have dense curls covering their body. Along with being hypoallergenic, their coats are also considered waterproof! These dogs require weekly brushing to maintain their beautiful curls.

Best Hypoallergenic Hybrid Dogs

Remember, this is not the complete list of Hypoallergenic dogs, these are just some of the best. Any of the dogs above can be bred with a non-Hypoallergenic dog to create a Hypoallergenic puppy. When it comes to mixed breeds, certain combinations result in the least amount of shedding. Below you will find the best hybrid dogs for allergy sufferers.

• Goldendoodle: Golden Retriever mixed with Poodle, Goldendoodles are among the most popular Hypoallergenic dog breeds in the world. These dogs have beautiful personalities and look. Because they are a mix, Goldendoodles do not require as frequent grooming as some of the other dogs on our list, typically only needing a proper groom every 6:8 weeks.
• Maltipoo: A mix between Maltese and Poodle, Maltipoos are considered one of the most Hypoallergenic breeds ever. Both parent dogs are Hypoallergenic. Regardless of what parent traits are more dominant, you are guaranteed your Maltipoo will shed very minimally.
• Havapoo: Similar to a Maltipoo, Havapoos have two Hypoallergenic parents, Havanese and Poodle. Havapoos can vary in coat type depending on what parent they take after more. Havapoos can have very curly hair similar to a Poodle or straighter hair similar to a Havanese. The texture of your Havapoo’s coat will determine the amount of grooming your puppy needs.

Conclusion For the “Best Hypoallergenic Dogs”

As you can see, there are so many options for people looking for Hypoallergenic dogs. Whether they want small, medium, large, or black, white, or brown, you will be able to find a Hypoallergenic option that matches your desires. What are you waiting for? Don’t let your allergies stop you from adopting the dog of your dreams.

For more guides similar to this list of hypoallergenic dogs, you can check out these other dog lists from our team at We Love Doodles:

• Best Small Hypoallergenic Breeds
• Best Dogs That Don’t Bark or Shed
• Best Hypoallergenic Hunting Dogs

You can learn more about this non-shedding dog breeds by watching “Top 10 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Smell” down below: