24 Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don't Shed
Sam volunteers at her local animal shelter and is a parent to two poodles named Bo and Derek and a cat named Crumbs.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 10% of the world's population is allergic to dogs. But this respiratory sensitivity doesn't deter dog lovers with allergies from finding possible alternatives.
While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, some non-shedding breeds are compatible with people who have mild allergies because they produce less saliva and less dander—the source of allergy-causing proteins in dogs. There are conflicting studies on whether less saliva and less dander actually mitigates allergy symptoms, but anecdotal evidence has suggested that the following breeds have not caused any problems for allergy sufferers.
Best Hypoallergenic Dogs
- Poodle: No to minimal shedding
- Italian Greyhound: No shedding
- Maltese: No shedding
- Basenji: No shedding
- Havanese: No to minimal shedding
- Schnauzer: Minimal shedding
- Portuguese Water Dog: Minmal shedding
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: Minimal shedding
- Shi-Tzu: Minimal to no shedding
- Labradoodle: Barely any shedding
- Yorkshire Terrier: No shedding
- Border Terrier: Minimal shedding
- Bichon Frise: Minimal shedding
- Brussels Griffon: No shedding
- Puli: Minimal shedding
- West Highland White Terrier: Minimal shedding
- Lagotto Romagnolo: No shedding
- Scottish Terrier: Minimal shedding
- Australian Silky Terrier: No shedding
- Airedale Terrier: Very little shedding
- Xoloitzcuintli:No shedding
- Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka: No shedding
- Chinese Crested: No shedding
- Peruvian Inca Orchid: No shedding
1. Poodle
Size:
- Toy: Under 10 inches tall
- Miniature: 10-15 inches
- Standard: Over 15 inches
Lifespan: 14-18 years
Shedding: No to minimal shedding
Grooming: Every 4-6 weeks
Personality: Smart, affectionate, loyal
No matter what size, the toy, the miniature, or the standard Poodle has a curly hypoallergenic coat and does not shed. Although Poodles are often portrayed as fancy, prissy dogs, they are actually quite athletic and family friendly. Their happy-go-lucky personalities and high intelligence make them easy to train and even easier to love.
2. Italian Greyhound
Size: 13-15 inches
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Shedding: Barely any
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Grooming: Occasional brushing
Personality: Clever, agile, can be stubborn
This small, slender dog is agile and alert. The Italian Greyhound loves to play, loves to cuddle, and doesn't require much grooming because it barely sheds. Just give it an occasional brushing and this dog is good to go.
Because Italian Greyhounds have very little hair, they adore sunbathing and can get really miserable in cold weather. I would recommend getting one of the furrier hypoallergenic dogs on this list if you live a region with snowy winters.
3. Maltese
Size: 8-10 inches
Lifespan: 15-18 years
Shedding: Almost none
Grooming: Frequent haircuts and brushing, professional grooming
Personality: Playful, fiesty, energetic
It's impossible to talk about the Maltese without talking about its elegant, silky white coat. While the coat requires a lot of grooming to maintain its luster, the Maltese rarely ever sheds and allergy sufferers delight in its hypoallergenic coat and fun-loving personality.
4. Basenji
Size: 15-17 inches
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Shedding: None
Grooming: Not necessary
Personality: Stubborn, independent, intelligent, inquisitive, cat-like
Known as the "barkless dog," this highly intelligent canine has a short coat and never sheds. Though he doesn't bark, he does yodel and howl. The Basenji is easy to care for because he doesn't require any grooming, but he is difficult to train due to his highly independent streak. If you plan on adopting this breed, make sure you have high fences. Basenjis have a reputation of being escape artists.
5. Havanese
Size: 9-11 inches
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Shedding: Very little
Grooming: Daily brushing and professional grooming
Personality: Extremely affectionate, ready to please, playful
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba and was bred to keep wealthy families company. His double coat requires frequent grooming, but because he rarely sheds, he makes a great companion for allergy sufferers. If you don't mind spending a little more each month on grooming, the Havanese is the perfect family dog and is very easy to train and obedient. This breed loves to play and gets along well with strangers, other dogs, and even cats.
6. Schnauzer
Size: 18-20 inches
Lifespan: 10-16 years depending on size
Shedding: Hardly at all
Grooming: Brush twice a week to prevent mating
Personality: Great watch dog, highly intelligent, keen instincts
Described as having "human-like" intelligence, the Schnauzer is an all-around stellar companion and working dog. They have double coats—a wiry top coat and a smoother undercoat that catches fallen hair, so they don't shed very much nor do they produce odor. They are perfect for people with asthma or allergies.
This breed was historically bred to guard the house and hunt rodents, so they make great family dogs and farm dogs.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Size: 17-23 inches
Lifespan: 10-14 years depending on size
Shedding: Very little
Grooming: Brush every week
Personality: Affable, loves water, highly energetic, outgoing
This lovable breed became popular when the Obamas welcomed two of them into the White House. They love to be in water, so providing them with a place to swim is essential to their happiness. Like Poodles, they rarely shed and make great pets for people who are sensitive to dog dander. If you're thinking about adopting a Portuguese Water Dog—or Porty—as they're affectionately called, get ready to spend a lot of time outdoors running, swimming, and playing catch. They love to play!
Note: The Porty featured in the pictures above is Bo, the Obamas' camera-loving dog.
8. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Size: 17-19 inches
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Shedding: Light
Grooming: Brush every week
Personality: Easygoing, fun-loving, spirited