Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Make Great Pets – The Best Dogs Pups For People With Allergies
For animal enthusiasts who struggle with pet allergies, finding the right dog can be a tricky task. While Poodles are commonly celebrated as the go-to hypoallergenic breed, several other options can also be great fits for allergy sufferers.
The main factor is choosing a dog that sheds minimally. Some breeds, such as the nearly hairless Chinese Crested, don't shed at all, while others like the Welsh Terrier have thick, low-shedding coats that tend to be gentler on sensitive noses. Keep reading to explore more breeds that could be perfect companions for those with allergies.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier features a soft, fluffy coat that doesn't shed. With their short legs tucked beneath a low-slung body, they usually weigh no more than 24 pounds.
These dogs thrive with moderate exercise and, thanks to their compact size, are great candidates for apartment living. Despite their small, cuddly appearance, they possess a surprisingly deep and formidable bark. Known for their courage and independent nature, early and consistent training is essential for this breed.
Schnauzers
Schnauzers are often considered one of the top dog breeds for allergy sufferers due to their minimal shedding coats. They come in three coat varieties—traditional, super, and mega—with textures that vary from soft to coarse and wiry.
No matter the coat type, Schnauzers consistently produce very little pet dander, making them an excellent option for people with allergies. Plus, with toy, standard, and giant sizes available, there's a Schnauzer to suit almost any home and lifestyle.
Brussels Griffons
Brussels Griffons might not be the typical pick for allergy sufferers, but they make delightfully charming companions. These petite dogs stand out with their expressive eyes and short muzzles, which give them a somewhat Pug-like look.
Their coats vary from smooth and glossy to rough and wiry, similar to that of a Schnauzer. Beyond their unique appearance, Brussels Griffons are cherished for their spirited, almost human-like personalities, making them affectionate and entertaining pets for anyone who enjoys their quirky nature.
Komondorok
Similar to the Puli, Komondor dogs have distinctive corded coats that need specialized grooming. While they do shed seasonally, they generally don't shed very often. A key difference between the two breeds is their size.
Pulis usually weigh around 30 pounds, whereas Komondorok can tip the scales at about 100 pounds, boasting a strong, muscular build. These dogs enjoy running and playing but require early training due to their stubbornness and independent nature.
Sealyham Terriers
Sealyham Terriers feature a double coat that doesn't shed, but it does require brushing a few times a week to keep mats at bay. Keeping their fur trimmed short can also help reduce grooming demands.
With their short legs, Sealys stand just around 10 inches tall, giving them a charmingly compact appearance. While they can be a bit stubborn, early training is key, and these dogs reward their owners with loving, lively personalities full of charm and spirit.
Salukis
Salukis are a beautiful, ancient dog that looks similar to a Greyhound. They have either smooth coats, like a Whippet's, or feathered coats. Whichever texture they have, they only shed occasionally.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns and have sweet eyes that can melt your heart. These energetic dogs do need regular exercise to stay happy and do best with a fenced-in yard since they love to run.
Spanish Water Dogs
The curly coat of a Spanish Water Dog can look similar to that of a Poodle. Their coat is woolly and can grow out to form cords, but it's advised to become educated on the grooming process for cords or to keep their fur short.
Spanish Water Dogs shed infrequently and their coats come in black, brown, beige, or white, and also can be multicolored. They are highly active and make for great running companions.
Xoloitzcuintli AKA Mexican Hairless
The Xoloitzcuintli ("show-low-eats-queen-tlee"), more simply referred to as Xolo or Mexican Hairless, comes in two varieties of fur: none at all, or a short, flat coat. Those that have fur shed infrequently.
Xolos are ancient dogs and were highly regarded by the Aztecs. They have a lot of energy and need daily exercise, but are known for being calm in the house. The alert dogs are deeply loyal and can make for great watchdogs.
Kerry Blue Terriers
Kerry Blue Terriers are named after two things: the Irish country they originated from and the color of their coat. The black-blue color of its coat varies so that some are more blue-gray or slate. Their coats are thick and soft, but they do not shed.
The muscular dogs typically weigh up to 40 pounds and love playing with their owners. They do well with training and enjoy a mental challenge, but also enjoy a well-deserved snuggle session.
Poodles
Similar to Schnauzers, Poodles are available in multiple sizes and have a hypoallergenic coat that sheds very little, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies. Their signature curly fur, however, needs regular grooming to prevent tangles, which is why many owners opt for a shorter trim.
Poodles are highly intelligent and quick learners, often shining in sports and obedience events. Because of their allergy-friendly coat, Poodles are frequently crossed with other breeds to produce low-shedding mixes—providing even more choices for those with sensitivities to pet dander.
Havanese
Havanese have impressive coats that look more like hair than fur when well-groomed and grown out. Since their fur is prone to matting and tangles, some owners prefer to keep the coat short.
Either way, Havanese only occasionally shed and don't need to be bathed often. Their eyes do need to be cleaned daily to prevent stained fur around their tear ducts. The joyful dogs are social and intelligent companions that don't like being left alone for a long while.
Whippets
Whippets are graceful, slim dogs with sleek coats available in a variety of colors and markings. Often compared to a smaller Greyhound, they have the same lean frame that gives them impressive speed and agility.
With their low-shedding, easy-care coats, Whippets are well-suited for people with allergies. They require little grooming and, as long as they get daily exercise, are happy to lounge around—making them ideal pets for apartment dwellers.
Scottish Deerhounds
Scottish Deerhounds are gentle giants, standing at around 30 inches to the shoulder and weighing in at 75-110 pounds. Though their coat comes in different colors, they are generally known for their blue-gray colored coat.
Their wiry coats only need to be brushed every couple of weeks and they don't have a high amount of shedding, as it comes in seasons. The sensitive canines need lots of attention and generally do well with other dogs.
Bolognese
The Bolognese dog is a great choice for those who love floofy animals but are prone to allergies, because this breed is an infrequent shedder. Their longer coat does need some maintenance, so owners who want to groom less often typically keep the coat shorter.
The tiny dogs don't grow more than a foot tall and typically weigh less than ten pounds. Bolos are very affectionate and don't take well to being left alone for long periods of time.
Welsh Terriers
A well-groomed Welsh Terrier looks more like a plush toy than a living animal thanks to their soft, thick coat. Fortunately for those with allergies, the cute pups don't shed with frequency and are relatively easy to keep groomed.
The spirited animals are full of energy and need a fair amount of running time. Ensuring enough playtime and activity helps keep these intelligent canines relatively obedient. Those looking for an outdoor pet rather than a lap dog may enjoy the company of a Welsh Terrier.
Chinese Cresteds
Chinese Cresteds stand out with their unique look, featuring long hair on their heads, tufts on their feet, and fluffy tails that give them a playful, rockstar flair. With minimal shedding, especially in the hairless variety, they're an excellent option for allergy-sensitive owners.
Weighing about ten pounds, these small dogs do well in compact homes and need only moderate exercise. If you have a hairless Crested, remember they’ll need sun protection—so grab some pet-safe sunscreen or a stylish outfit before heading outside!
Scottish Terriers
Scottish Terriers tend to have wiry soft coats and dense undercoats, two features that make the dog less likely to shed allergy-inducing dander. Though the pooches are small, they are upbeat and independent.
They tend to be wary of other dogs and of strangers, making them a great watchdog. They have bursts of energy and love vigorous play, but generally can do well in small spaces, making them a great apartment dog.
Löwchen
Löwchen have a name that translates to "little lion" since their coat, when long, can look like a lions mane. Whether long or short, their fur doesn't shed unless it's brushed. Since longer fur requires more brushing, those with especially sensitive allergies may prefer to keep their Löwchen's coat short.
Another great characteristic of these canines is that their life expectancy is at least 15 years! They are also very affectionate and love doing activities with their owner.
Hungarian Pulik
The Hungarian Puli (plural: Pulik) is an easy breed to recognize on account of their distinctive mop-like coat. Since their fur forms into cords naturally, they do not shed often. At the same time, their dense coat does require some attention in the way of grooming.
The agile dogs love to exercise and need mental stimulation since they are naturally driven. A Puli can be headstrong, so you'll want to be a firm alpha from the start, but don't be surprised if their independence peeks out now and again.
Affenpinschers
Affenpinschers are tiny dogs that are known for their humor. Their wiry coats do require quite a bit of attention since the fur mats easily, but it grows at a slow rate and therefore doesn't need frequent trimming.
Affens are only seasonal shedders thanks to their unique coat, which comes in a variety of different colors. The canines are fearless and do well with a couple of walks a day and indoor play, making them great for apartment dwellers.
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