Living with allergies shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the love of a dog. The best hypoallergenic dog breeds for allergy sufferers are low-shedding, produce less dander, and make wonderful companions for sensitive owners. This guide explores 20 hypoallergenic breeds, their traits, and tips to help you find the perfect pet for your allergy-friendly home.
Why Choose a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
Hypoallergenic dogs shed less fur and dander, reducing allergens that trigger sneezing or itching. While no dog is 100% allergen-free, these breeds are easier on allergy sufferers and often suit apartments or small spaces. They’re also great for families or singles seeking low-maintenance, loving pets.
Factors to Consider for Allergy Sufferers
When choosing a hypoallergenic breed, consider grooming needs, temperament, and exercise requirements. Look for dogs that are friendly, trainable, and compatible with your lifestyle, whether you’re in a busy city like New York or a quiet suburb. Budget for regular grooming to keep dander at bay.
Top 10 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers
Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard)
- Characteristics: Curly, dense coat; elegant build.
- Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, and highly trainable.
- Grooming Needs: High; regular clipping every 6–8 weeks.
- Exercise Requirements: 30–60 minutes of daily activity.
- Why It’s Great: Poodles are low-shedding and come in sizes for any home. Buy a Poodle puppy.
Maltese
- Characteristics: Silky white coat, small frame.
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and playful.
- Grooming Needs: High; daily brushing to prevent matting.
- Exercise Requirements: 20–30 minutes of walks or play.
- Why It’s Great: Maltese are low-shedding and perfect for allergy sufferers. Adopt a Maltese puppy.
Bichon Frise
- Characteristics: Fluffy white coat, compact size.
- Temperament: Cheerful, social, and great with families.
- Grooming Needs: High; regular brushing and grooming.
- Exercise Requirements: 30 minutes of daily play.
- Why It’s Great: Bichons are low-shedding and love human interaction. Buy a Bichon Frise puppy.
Shih Tzu
- Characteristics: Long or short coat, sturdy build.
- Temperament: Calm, friendly, and affectionate.
- Grooming Needs: High; daily brushing for long coats.
- Exercise Requirements: 20–30 minutes of light activity.
- Why It’s Great: Shih Tzus are low-shedding and apartment-friendly. Adopt a Shih Tzu puppy.
Havanese
- Characteristics: Silky coat, small but sturdy.
- Temperament: Sociable, gentle, and easy to train.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 30 minutes of walks or play.
- Why It’s Great: Havanese are low-shedding and great for small spaces. Buy a Havanese puppy.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Characteristics: Soft, wavy coat; medium size.
- Temperament: Friendly, energetic, and loyal.
- Grooming Needs: High; regular brushing and trimming.
- Exercise Requirements: 45–60 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Wheatens are low-shedding and full of personality. Adopt a Wheaten Terrier puppy.
Miniature Schnauzer
- Characteristics: Wiry coat, distinctive beard.
- Temperament: Alert, intelligent, and trainable.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular trimming.
- Exercise Requirements: 30–45 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Schnauzers are low-shedding and adaptable. Buy a Miniature Schnauzer puppy.
Portuguese Water Dog
- Characteristics: Curly or wavy coat, athletic build.
- Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, and friendly.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular grooming.
- Exercise Requirements: 60 minutes of daily activity.
- Why It’s Great: Their low-shedding coat suits active allergy sufferers. Adopt a Portuguese Water Dog puppy.
West Highland White Terrier
- Characteristics: White coat, sturdy frame.
- Temperament: Confident, playful, and friendly.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing and trimming.
- Exercise Requirements: 30–45 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Westies are low-shedding and great for families. Buy a Westie puppy.
Labradoodle
- Characteristics: Curly or wavy coat, medium size.
- Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, and social.
- Grooming Needs: High; regular clipping.
- Exercise Requirements: 45–60 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Labradoodles are low-shedding and versatile. Adopt a Labradoodle puppy.
11–20 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers
Yorkshire Terrier
- Characteristics: Silky coat, small size.
- Temperament: Confident, affectionate, and intelligent.
- Grooming Needs: High; daily brushing or trims.
- Exercise Requirements: 20–30 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Yorkies are low-shedding and easy to manage. Buy a Yorkshire Terrier puppy.
Greyhound
- Characteristics: Sleek coat, delicate frame.
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and quiet.
- Grooming Needs: Low; minimal brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 30 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Their short coat minimizes dander. Adopt an Italian Greyhound puppy.
Coton de Tulear
- Characteristics: Fluffy, cotton-like coat.
- Temperament: Cheerful, social, and gentle.
- Grooming Needs: High; daily brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 30 minutes of play or walks.
- Why It’s Great: Cotons are low-shedding and great companions. Buy a Coton de Tulear puppy.
Lhasa Apso
- Characteristics: Long or short coat, sturdy build.
- Temperament: Independent, loyal, and calm.
- Grooming Needs: High; daily brushing for long coats.
- Exercise Requirements: 20–30 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Lhasa Apsos are low-shedding and low-energy. Adopt a Lhasa Apso puppy.
Brussels Griffon
- Characteristics: Expressive face, small size.
- Temperament: Loyal, charming, and social.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 20–30 minutes of play.
- Why It’s Great: Griffons are low-shedding and affectionate. Buy a Brussels Griffon puppy.
Chinese Crested (Hairless)
- Characteristics: Hairless body, tufts on head and feet.
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, and alert.
- Grooming Needs: Low; skin care instead of brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 20–30 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Hairless Cresteds produce minimal dander. Adopt a Chinese Crested puppy.
Basenji
- Characteristics: Short, sleek coat; elegant build.
- Temperament: Intelligent, independent, and quiet.
- Grooming Needs: Low; minimal brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 45 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Basenjis are low-shedding and barkless. Buy a Basenji puppy.
Affenpinscher
- Characteristics: Wiry coat, monkey-like face.
- Temperament: Bold, playful, and loyal.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 30 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Affenpinschers are low-shedding and charming. Adopt an Affenpinscher puppy.
Xoloitzcuintli (Hairless)
- Characteristics: Hairless or short-coated, sleek build.
- Temperament: Calm, loyal, and protective.
- Grooming Needs: Low; skin care for hairless variety.
- Exercise Requirements: 30–45 minutes of exercise.
- Why It’s Great: Xolos produce minimal allergens. Buy a Xoloitzcuintli puppy.
Cairn Terrier
- Characteristics: Wiry coat, small but sturdy.
- Temperament: Energetic, friendly, and curious.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate; regular brushing.
- Exercise Requirements: 30–45 minutes of activity.
- Why It’s Great: Cairns are low-shedding and adaptable. Adopt a Cairn Terrier puppy.
Tips for Allergy Sufferers with Dogs
- Grooming to Reduce Allergens
Regular grooming keeps dander and loose fur under control. Brush your dog weekly and bathe them monthly with hypoallergenic shampoo. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks helps for high-maintenance breeds like Poodles. - Home Environment Tips
Use air purifiers and vacuum with HEPA filters to reduce allergens. Wash your dog’s bedding weekly and keep their crate or bed clean. These steps make living with a dog easier for allergy sufferers. - Training for a Stress-Free Home
Use positive reinforcement to teach commands and reduce behaviors like excessive jumping, which can stir up dander. Socialize your dog early to ensure they’re calm around guests. Visit AKC.org for training tips. - Essential Supplies
Invest in a grooming brush, hypoallergenic shampoo, a crate, and a HEPA-filter vacuum. Interactive toys and a comfy bed keep your dog happy and your home allergen-free.
FAQ: Common Questions About Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
- What are the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for allergy sufferers?
The best hypoallergenic dog breeds for allergy sufferers include Poodles, Maltese, and Bichon Frise due to their low-shedding coats. Buy a Poodle puppy for a great start. - Are hypoallergenic dogs completely allergen-free?
No dog is 100% allergen-free, but breeds like Shih Tzus and Havanese produce less dander. Regular grooming helps minimize allergens. - Which hypoallergenic dog is easiest to train?
Poodles and Miniature Schnauzers are highly intelligent and easy to train. Adopt a Miniature Schnauzer puppy for a trainable companion. - What hypoallergenic dogs are good for apartments?
Maltese, Havanese, and Italian Greyhounds are low-shedding and apartment-friendly. Buy a Havanese puppy for a small-space pet. - Which hypoallergenic dog needs the least grooming?
Hairless breeds like Chinese Crested and Xoloitzcuintli require minimal grooming, just skin care. Adopt a Chinese Crested puppy. - Are hypoallergenic dogs good with kids?
Bichon Frise and Havanese are gentle and great with kids. Buy a Bichon Frise puppy for a family-friendly dog. - How much exercise do hypoallergenic dogs need?
Most hypoallergenic breeds need 20–60 minutes of daily exercise. Breeds like Maltese require less, while Wheatens need more. - What is the most low-maintenance hypoallergenic dog?
Italian Greyhounds and Basenjis are low-maintenance due to minimal grooming needs. Adopt a Basenji puppy for an easygoing pet. - How do you choose a hypoallergenic dog?
Consider grooming needs, exercise requirements, and temperament. Choose a low-shedding breed like a Maltese to match your lifestyle. - Can hypoallergenic dogs live with other pets?
Yes, breeds like Havanese and Bichon Frise are social and get along with other pets. Buy a Havanese puppy for a pet-friendly companion.
Conclusion
The best hypoallergenic dog breeds for allergy sufferers, like Poodles, Maltese, and Shih Tzus, make pet ownership possible without the sneezes. With proper grooming and care, these breeds fit seamlessly into any home. Ready to find your allergy-friendly companion? Explore our puppies for sale today!
AUTHOR
Ash Perera
For Ash, it has always been about helping people. After earning her masters degree, she worked as a special education teacher in NYC public schools for five years prior to diving in to Central Park Puppies full-time. For more than 8 years now, Ash has been helping families find the perfect puppy for their homes. She serves as a co-founder and chief marketing officer of the online platform Central Park Puppies, a company committed to ethical breeding and a genuine love for all things canine. When she's not busy helping families connect with their dream pups, she is often embarking on adventures with her two daughters, husband, her beloved chihuahua and spunky schnauzer.
