From energetic playdates to cozy cuddles, there’s always something to be excited about as a dog owner. But perhaps the worst thing about it is dealing with shedding. Not only is it a hassle to deal with, but pet hair allergies also make shedding a huge problem. We have good news-there are breeds out there that don’t shed. These hypoallergenic dog breeds will be your new furry (or not) canine best friend.
1. Poodle
With three different sizes to choose from, poodles are widely sought-after pooches. Poodles don’t have an undercoat that sheds significantly, so people are much less likely to be allergic to them.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Non-Sporting Group HEIGHT: Standard: Over 15 Inches; Miniature: 10 To 15 Inches; Toy: 10 Inches And Under WEIGHT: Standard: 45 To 70 Pounds; Miniature: 15 To 18 Pounds; Toy: 5 To 9 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Curly, Dense Single Coats In A Variety Of Solid Colors Including White, Black, Grey, Brown, And Apricot LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 To 18 Years |
2. Maltese
The Maltese is known for its beautiful straight, white locks. They’re small, happy lap dogs considered to be hypoallergenic. Maltese dogs are great companion pets for those with mild or moderate allergies to dogs.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 8 To 10 Inches WEIGHT: 4 To 7 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: White, With A Long And Silky Single-Layer Coat Without An Undercoat LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 15 Years |
3. Chinese Crested
Lucky for those who are allergic to pet hair, the Chinese Crested doesn’t have much to speak of. Often seen in the show ring, Chinese Crested dogs show off tiny, hairless bodies with poofs of hair on their head, feet, and tail. They have little dander, drool, and shedding.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 11 To 13 Inches At The Shoulder WEIGHT: 8 To 12 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: It Has Soft And Silky Hair That Is Only Present On The Head, Feet, And Tail With Pinkish Grey Skin, Often With White Spots Along The Chest And Belly LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 To 18 Years |
4. Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is another dog considered to be hypoallergenic. Bichon frises are small pups with bright and affectionate personalities. Because their curly, white coat produces little dander, they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Non-Sporting Group HEIGHT: 9 To 12 Inches WEIGHT: 7 To 12 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Curly Coat In White (May Have Traces Of Apricot, Buff, Or Cream) LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 To 15 Years |
5. Portuguese Water Dog
A medium-sized dog, the Portuguese water dog is an intelligent and generally friendly breed. Individuals make great service dogs and have a natural ability to swim. They have a soft and fluffy black single coat that tends not to shed.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working (AKC) HEIGHT: 20 To 23 Inches For Males, And 17 To 21 Inches For Females WEIGHT: 42 To 60 Pounds For Males, And 35 To 50 Pounds For Females COAT AND COLOR: Curly Or Wavy Coat With Black, Black And White, And Brown Coloring LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 To 13 Years |
6. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an energetic and happy farm dog. Basenjis are very intelligent, athletic dogs with plenty of curiosity. They bare usuallyly shed at all, which means they may be suitable for those with non-severe dog allergies.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Terrier HEIGHT: 17 To 19 Inches WEIGHT: 30 To 40 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Soft, Silky Coat In Beige To Gold LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 14 Years |
7. Afghan Hound
With a long, silky coat and a regal presence, the Afghan hound is a fan favorite in dog shows. This breed is confident and independent, but also sweet and even goofy around their human family.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Hound HEIGHT: 25 To 27 Inches At The Shoulder WEIGHT: About 50 To 60 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Long, Silky Coat In Any Color Or Combination Of Colors, Including Brindle And Domino LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 14 Years |
8. Havanese
Cuba’s national dog is the Havanese, a compact and playful pooch who loves its owners. Their silky coat doesn’t shed as much as the coats of other dog breeds.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 8.5 To 11.5 Inches WEIGHT: 7 To 13 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Coat Can Be Silky Straight Or Curly In Many Colors Including Black, Silver, White, Cream, Tan, Fawn, Gold, Sable, And Red LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 To 16 Years |
9. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier, affectionately called the Scottie, may be little, but it doesn’t lack in the personality department. These feisty dogs are often recognized for their distinct head shape and beard-like facial hair. The breed has a long history of hard work: They were originally farm dogs in the Scottish highlands.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Terrier HEIGHT: 10 Inches WEIGHT: 19 To 22 Pounds (Males); 18 To 21 Pounds (Females) COAT AND COLOR: Double Coat With Longer Fur On The Face, Legs, And Lower Body In Black, Wheaten, Or Brindle LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 14 Years |
10. Schnauzer
Both miniature and standard schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic. And like the Scottie, they are characterized by a distinct beard. They will have a short, wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat that rarely sheds.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Terrier HEIGHT: 12 To 14 Inches WEIGHT: 11 To 19 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Wiry Coat In Salt And Pepper, Black And Silver, Solid Black LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 15 Years |
11. Basenji
The Basenji is really a bred hunting dog originating from central Africa. The breed originated in Ireland some 200 years ago where it guarded chicken coops and herded sheep on the farm.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Hound HEIGHT: 16 To 17 Inches WEIGHT: 20 To 25 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Smooth, Short Coat In Chestnut Red, Black, Brindle, Or Tri-Color (Black And Red); White Feet, Chest, And Tail Tip LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 To 14 Years |
12. Affenpinscher
Also known as the Monkey Terrier, the affenpinscher is a tiny, toy dog breed that’s relatively rare throughout the world. They make great companion pets for those looking for an affectionate and playful lap dog.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 9 To 11.5 Inches At The Shoulder WEIGHT: 7 To 10 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Wiry And Shaggy Coat In Black, Gray, Silver, Red, Black And Tan, Or Beige LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 15 Years |
13. Barbet
The Barbet is really a French water dog closely related to the poodle. These medium-sized fluffy pups have hair rather than fur, meaning they don’t shed in the same way other breeds do.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Miscellaneous HEIGHT: 19 To 24.5 Inches WEIGHT: 35 To 65 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Long, Dense, Curly Coat In Black, Grey, Brown, Or Fawn, Sometimes With White Markings LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 14 Years |
14. American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a non-shedding hypoallergenic dog breed that is relatively new to the world, first developed in the 1970s. Their energetic personalities and varying coat colors and patterns make them absolutely adorable.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Terrier HEIGHT: 12 To 16 Inches WEIGHT: 12 To 16 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Hairless Except For Whiskers And Guard Hairs On The Eyebrows And Muzzle; Coated Variety Has A Soft, Short And Dense Coat; Patterned Skin Pigmentation Varies LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 To 16 Years |
15. Xoloitzuintlis
Mexican Hairless Dogs, called Xoloitzuintlis, come in two varieties-hairless and coated. The hairless variety is best for those who suffer from allergies.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Non-Sporting HEIGHT: 14 To 23 Inches WEIGHT: 15 To 55 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Hairless: A Small Amount Of Short, Coarse Hair May Appear On The Top Of The Head, The Feet, And The End Of The Tail. Coated: Short, Smooth, And Close-Fitting Coat; Colors Vary But Can Include Black, Grey, Slate, Red, Brown, Or Bronze LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 To 17 Years |
16. Yorkshire Terrier
Despite the small size of the Yorkshire Terrier, they actually make excellent and effective guard dogs thanks to their protective nature. Their coat is long, straight, and silky to the touch.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 8 To 9 Inches WEIGHT: 5 To 7 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Standard Color Combinations Are Black And Gold, Black And Tan, Blue And Gold, And Blue And Tan In A Long, Straight Coat LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 To 16 Years |
17. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an unique dog coming in both hairless and coated varieties, but they’re usually hairless. They make great companion pets for everyone and they come in a wide range of sizes.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Miscellaneous HEIGHT: 9.75 To 25.75 Inches WEIGHT: 8.5 To 55 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Hairless With Any Skin Color, Including Pink And Black LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 To 12 Years |
18. Irish Water Spaniel
The tallest of all spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel is really a hunting dog often used to retrieve waterfowl, quail, or pheasants. They’re also known as Rat Tail Spaniels because of their distinctive flat tail, which helps them swim.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Sporting HEIGHT: 21 To 24 Inches WEIGHT: 45 To 68 Pounds COAT: Dense, Tightly Curled Coat; Colors Include Liver And White LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 To 12 Years |
19. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized hypoallergenic dog named for the mining town in England where they were first developed.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Terrier WEIGHT: 17 To 23 Pounds HEIGHT: 15.5 To 17.5 Inches COAT AND COLOR: Mixture Of Hard And Soft Hair, Crisp But Not Wiry; Blue, Sandy, Or Liver Coloring LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11 To 16 Years |
20. Goldendoodle
Most goldendoodles are hypoallergenic because the breed is really a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, which is thenother hypoallergenic breed. Goldendoodles generally retain the poodle coat type, giving them curly and bouncy locks.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Hybrid HEIGHT: 13 To 26 Inches WEIGHT: Typically 45 To 100 Pounds, But Can Weigh As Little As 15 To 30 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Shaggy And Often Curly Coat With Varying Colors, Including Gold, Cream, Red, Black, Brown, White, Gray, Or A Combination LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 To 15 Years |
21. Bolognese
Upon looking at the Bolognese dog breed, you can tell that they are indeed related to the bichon frise. In fact, this fluffy white breed is sometimes called the Bichon Bolognese. Calm and affectionate, the Bolognese is usually a wonderful, hypoallergenic furry friend.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Foundation Stock Service HEIGHT: 10 To 12 Inches At The Shoulder WEIGHT: 5.5 To 9 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Long, Cotton-Like Coat, Sometimes Cut Short To Reduce Grooming Needs; All White LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 14 Years |
22. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have hair instead of fur and shed far less than other breeds. Thus, they’re generally less likely to affect people with allergies. However, those allergic to dog saliva and dander should be cautious and spend time with a Shih Tzu before getting their own.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 8 To 11 Inches WEIGHT: 9 To 16 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Long Double Coat In Nearly Any Color, Most Commonly In Black, White, Blue, Gold, Liver, Or Combinations LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 To 16 Years |
23. West Highland White Terrier
This is not just another little, white dog breed. West Highland White Terriers, also known as Westies, have bright and spunky personalities. Because they are such lovable dogs that get along with practically everyone, they fit well into most households.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Terrier HEIGHT: 10 To 11 Inches WEIGHT: 13 To 20 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: White, With A Double Coat Of Medium Length LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 To 15 Years |
24. Lhasa Apso
Named for the sacred city of Lhasa in Tibet, the Lhasa Apso is a small dog popularly used as an indoor guard canine. They have long, dense double hair coats that are heavy and coarse. The way they shed is said to result in less airborne dog allergens.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Non-Sporting HEIGHT: 10 To 11 Inches At The Shoulder WEIGHT: 12 To 18 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Dense Double Coat Can Be Nearly Any Color, Including Black, White, Gold, Gray, And Cream LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 15 Years |
25. Coton de Tulear
The French word for cotton is “coton,” and appears in the name of the Coton de Tulear dog breed because of its signature cotton-like coat. They were originally bred as companion pets and are therefore very laid-back, friendly pups. If you’re in the market for a small, affectionate hypoallergenic dog, this may be the breed for you.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Non-Sporting HEIGHT: 10 To 11 Inches (Male); 9 To 10 Inches (Female) WEIGHT: 9 To 15 Pounds (Male); 8 To 13 Pounds (Female) COAT AND COLOR: Dense, Long, White Coat LIFE EXPECTANCY: 15 To 19 Years |
26. Brussels Griffon
Because they hardly shed or drool, Brussels griffons are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. With human-like facial expressions and entertaining personalities, these dogs, commonly referred to as griffs, will steal your heart at first glance. They’re unique-looking dogs with fleecy white coats that give them an almost sheep-like look.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 7 To 10 Inches WEIGHT: 6 To 12 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Smooth Or Rough Coat In Red, Black And Tan, Solid Black, Or Beige LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 15 Years |