- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If you’re allergic to dogs but still long for a furry best friend, you might be on the hunt for a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Pet allergies are very common. In fact, between 10%-20% of the world’s population have an allergy to cats, dogs, or both—making hypoallergenic breeds more and more popular among animal lovers longing for sneeze-free snuggles.
The term “hypoallergenic” can be a little misleading, though. It doesn’t mean a dog is completely allergen-free, explains Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist at NYU Langone Health. She says this term refers to breeds that tend to produce fewer allergens like dander, the tiny flakes of skin that trigger most pet allergies.
Low-shedding dogs may produce less dander to spread around your home, certainly. But dog saliva and urine also contain allergens, Dr. Parikh says, which means no breed is truly allergen-free.
People with less severe allergies may do well with a low-shedding or hypoallergenic dog breed, like the 15 we’ve listed below.
Yorkshire Terrier
- Height: 7-8 inches
- Weight: 5-7 pounds
- Personality: Spunky, affectionate, and bold
“Yorkies have fine, human-like hair that sheds very little, helping reduce allergens in the home,” says Dr. Abel Gonzalez, clinical director and veterinarian at Dutch.
He adds that their coats need consistent grooming, including daily brushing and a trip to the groomer every six to eight weeks.
Regular grooming doesn’t just keep your pup looking sharp. It’s also important for keeping allergens in check.
Shih Tzu
- Height: 9-10.5 inches
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Personality: Playful, affectionate, outgoing, and good with kids and other dogs
“Shih Tzus have a long, dense coat that sheds minimally and tends to hold dander rather than spreading it,” Dr. Gonzalez says.
These sweet-natured and adaptable pups make great lapdogs, and they do well with families and in apartments. Just keep in mind they need daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
Poodle
- Height: Toy: <10 inches, Miniature: 10-15 inches, Standard: >15 inches
- Weight: Toy: 4-6 pounds, Miniature: 10-15 pounds, Standard: 40-70 pounds
- Personality: Smart, active, and people-pleasing
“Thanks to their tightly curled coat that traps dander, Poodles are often well-tolerated by allergy sufferers,” Dr. Gonzalez says, adding that they’re also smart and eager to please.
Poodles come in three different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. No matter their size, they need to be brushed daily. They should go to the groomer every four to six weeks for a bath and trim.
Keep in mind, too, that a Poodle’s hair can act as a magnet for outdoor allergens like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Doodle
- Height: Varies, depending on breed
- Weight: Varies, depending on breed
- Personality: Friendly, smart, and outgoing
“Doodles are often considered hypoallergenic due to their Poodle heritage—they’re a cross between Poodle and another breed,” says Dr. Bethany Hsia, veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet.
The size of a Doodle can vary widely, depending on the size of the parent dogs. Many Doodles are also low-shedding, but their allergen levels can vary depending on the traits they inherit from the non-Poodle parent, Dr. Hsia says.
Their hair can also trap more pollen and outdoor allergens, just like a Poodle’s hair. Doodles tend to have high energy and love outdoor adventures, which means they do best with active pet parents who can give them plenty of exercise.
Maltese
- Height: 7-9 inches
- Weight: Under 7 pounds
- Personality: Playful, charming, and gentle
“Maltese dogs have a single-layer, silky coat that doesn’t shed much and produces less dander,” Dr. Gonzalez says. “They’re gentle, affectionate, and thrive in calm homes—just be ready for regular brushing to keep their coat mat-free.”
Their small size also means they produce less dander overall. That said, they love to be close to their humans, so highly sensitive people may still experience allergy symptoms.
Bichon Frise
- Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Personality: Curious, playful, and peppy
“The Bichon Frise has a soft, curly coat that sheds very little,” Dr. Hsia says.
The texture of their coat helps trap dander and loose hairs until it’s brushed or washed, making consistent grooming your best tool for keeping allergens low. It’s best to brush them at least twice a week, ideally every day, to keep their coat free of tangles and dander.
This breed is perfect for families and first-time dog parents—just keep in mind they need monthly trips to the groomer for a bath and trim.
Schnauzer
- Height: Mini: 12-14 inches, Standard: 17.5-19.5 inches, Giant: 23.5-27.5 inches
- Weight: Mini: 11-20 pounds, Standard: 30-50 pounds, Giant: 55-95 pounds
- Personality: Loyal, protective, and active
Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic dog breeds, thanks to their wiry, low-shedding outer coats.
A Schnauzer’s coat should be washed and either clipped or hand-stripped every five to eight weeks. Most people choose to take their dog to a professional groomer. Between groomings, you can maintain their coat at home with regular brushing and occasional plucking of longer hairs.
These high-energy dogs love to patrol their space, so they may stir up more dust or pollen than couch-loving breeds.
Chinese Crested
- Height: 12 to 13 inches
- Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
- Personality: Alert, lively, and affectionate
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Both varieties make a great fit for people who want a quirky velcro dog.
The powderpuff Chinese Crested sheds only minimally. The hairless variety has little to no hair, which will drastically reduce allergens in your home. That said, you’ll need to bathe, moisturize, and apply sunscreen to these dogs regularly to protect their delicate skin and reduce skin allergens.
Afghan Hound
- Height: 25-27 inches
- Weight: 50-60 pounds
- Personality: Elegant, independent, and sometimes aloof
The Afghan Hound’s long, silky coat sheds very little, making it a more allergy-friendly option than you might expect from a long-haired breed.
But all that luxurious hair requires dedication, including several hours of weekly brushing to prevent tangles and mats and remove any debris. They also need regular bathing, with shampoo and conditioner.
These athletic dogs need regular exercise, and they may pick up outdoor allergens while on the move! Somewhat independent, they do best with experienced dog parents.
Coton de Tulear
- Height: 9-11 inches
- Weight: 8-15 pounds
- Personality: Playful, gentle, and happy-go-lucky
The Coton de Tulear has a soft, cotton-like coat sheds very little, which can help limit allergens in your home. However, that fluffy fur can easily trap dander, pollen, and dirt if not properly maintained.
Unless you opt for a short “puppy clip,” Cotons require a serious commitment to daily brushing. It’s important to gently brush all the way down to the skin. If the undercoat mats, it can become so tangled that you have to shave it completely.
Portuguese Water Dog
- Height: 17-23 inches
- Weight: 35-60 pounds
- Personality: Affectionate, adventurous, athletic, and good with kids
This breed’s thick, curly coat holds onto loose hair and dander, making it less likely to float around your home.
Just keep in mind these working dogs were bred for athletic tasks and are rarely content to sit still. And of course, regular outdoor adventures mean more exposure to pollen and dirt!
Their grooming needs include daily brushing and monthly bathing and trimming, which will help keep allergens at bay.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Height: 17-19 inches
- Weight: 30-40 pounds
- Personality: Happy, spirited, and people-oriented
With a silky, single-layer coat that sheds minimally, the Wheaten Terrier is often recommended for people with dog allergies.
This dog’s friendly nature and moderate size makes them a great all-around pet, as long as you can handle their grooming needs. Their coat requires near-daily brushing to prevent mats and dander buildup.
Lhasa Apso
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Personality: Confident, smart, and goofy
The Lhasa Apso’s dense, flowing coat sheds very little, which can help minimize allergy symptoms. However, if you keep their coat long, they’ll need a bath at least every two weeks, with brushing between washes to prevent tangles and mats.
If you opt for a shorter style, they’ll still need regular brushing and occasional baths between grooming appointments.
Affenpinscher
- Height: 9 to 11.5 inches
- Weight: 7 to 10 pounds
- Personality: Confident, funny, and brave
The Affenpinscher has a wiry, rough coat that people often describe as shaggy but still neat. Their coats shed very little and release minimal dander. Regular trimming will help keep allergens under control, and their small size means there’s less hair to worry about.
These dogs make a good option for first-time dog parents.
Basenji
The Basenji, sometimes called the “barkless dog,” has a short, fine coat that sheds very little. They also groom themselves like cats, which keeps their coats relatively clean.
However, these extremely active dogs love the outdoors, so they could bring in more pollen and outside allergens than some other breeds. They do best with active, experienced pet parents.
- Height: 16-17 inches
- Weight: 22-24 pounds
- Personality: Independent, smart, and energetic
How To Reduce Dog Allergies
Dr. Parikh says that in addition to choosing a hypoallergenic dog breed, you can also do a few things to reduce dog allergy symptoms and make life with a pup more comfortable.
- Create dog-free zones: Keep your bedroom or other key areas off-limits to your dog. Having a place with minimal allergens, especially your sleeping area, can make a big difference.
- Invest in a HEPA air purifier: These filters can trap dander, hair, and airborne allergens, which helps keep your home’s air cleaner.
- Have your dog groomed regularly: Frequent baths and brushings reduce the amount of loose hair and dander. If possible, have someone else handle grooming or take your dog to a professional.
- Use washable covers and clean often: Wash your dog’s bedding, blankets, and any fabric they lie on regularly in hot water. Vacuum furniture and carpets with a HEPA filter vacuum.
- Wash your hands after petting: This simple habit can go a long way toward preventing allergens from spreading to your face and eyes.
- Try allergy medication: Dr. Parikh recommends second-generation antihistamines, such as Allegra, to help reduce dog allergy symptoms. These non-drowsy options provide symptom relief without affecting your focus or energy.
- Talk to an allergist: They may suggest medications, lifestyle changes, or even allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help manage symptoms.
Consider testing for dog allergies before committing
If you’re unsure you might react to a specific dog or breed, it’s a good idea to test your body’s response before bringing them home.
A few helpful steps:
- Spend time with the breed first: Visit breeders, rescues, or friends who have the breed you’re considering. Spend a few hours around the dog so you can check your body’s response to their hair and dander.
- Foster first: Some shelters and rescues offer foster-to-adopt programs. This gives you time to test your reaction and help a dog in need of a home at the same time.
- Get an allergy test: An allergist can test for dander-specific allergens to help you understand the severity of your reaction.
Bringing home a dog when you have allergies takes a bit more planning, but it’s not impossible.
By choosing a hypoallergenic dog breed and taking the right steps to prepare, you may be able to find the right four-legged friend—one who doesn’t make you sneeze nonstop!
