10 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
All dogs produce allergens, but hypoallergenic dogs are specifically bred to produce fewer allergens in their hair. This can make them a good fit for some people with allergies. For many dog lovers, allergies can be a real concern when considering bringing a furry friend into their homes. However, there’s good news: several hypoallergenic dog breeds exist that minimize allergic reactions, making them ideal companions for families. Here’s a comprehensive list of 10 hypoallergenic dog breeds that could be the perfect addition to your home in 2023.
10 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds in the World
Each of these breeds is recognized for being hypoallergenic due to their coat types, which produce fewer allergens. However, individual reactions can vary, so spending time with a breed before bringing them home is advisable for those with allergies. Here’s a comprehensive overview of 10 hypoallergenic dog breeds from around the world:
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a beautiful sighthound that has a long, flowing coat. Although at first glance they appear to be heavy shedders, they actually shed very little and are a great breed for someone suffering from allergies. This regal pup stands tall among its peers, and its lucky owner can live happily without any worries of watery eyes or sneezing.
Maltese
The Maltese breed has been around since ancient times and remains a popular choice today. These tiny lap dogs have long, silky hair and non-shedding coat that rarely sheds, making them a great option for those with allergies. The Maltese are also known to be gentle and affectionate — perfect for families looking for an easy-to-care-for pet.
Chinese Crested
Originating from China, these unique dogs come in both hairless and powderpuff varieties. The hairless version, obviously, sheds minimal dander, making them hypoallergenic. They are likely to enjoy digging and climbing, hence you can provide them with a garden or a yard, they will enjoy playing in.
Basenji
This African breed, known for its unique yodel-like sound, has a short, fine coat that sheds minimally, reducing allergens in the home. They can be hard to train, like most hounds), but they are loveable pups. Although they don’t usually bark, they can still be very noisy, making sounds like yodels, whines, and even screams!
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon is an active breed with a demanding & assertive nature. They don’t make a good kennel dog as they like being with their owners. This breed is a perfect choice for people living in an apartment with small backyards but will require daily exercise. Brussel griffons are intelligent dogs but can be stubborn at times.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers originated in Ireland and were originally bred to hunt foxes, rats, and other small animals. The Kerry Blue Terrier is one of the most popular medium-sized hypoallergenic breeds because of their distinctive wiry coat that sheds very little.
Schnoodle
While many doodle breeds are a mix of a Poodle and an allergenic dog, the Schnoodle combines two hypoallergenic dog breeds: the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Their coat can be curly or wavy, depending on what they inherit from their parents, but it’s always low-shedding.
Whoodle
When a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is crossed with a Poodle, the result is a Whoodle: a friendly dog that doesn’t shed very much at all. These dogs inherit their intelligence and affectionate nature from both parent breeds.
Bedlington Terrier
Another hypoallergenic dog with a recognizable appearance, the Bedlington Terrier’s coat is reminiscent of a sheep. These dogs are known for their liveliness and desire to be the center of attention. Bedlington Terriers have crisp and curly coats that are a mix of soft and harsh hair. However, they’re not wiry, unlike many other terrier breeds.
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale, Bingley, or Waterside Terrier is the largest terrier breed. This hypoallergenic dog is perfect for allergic families, as the Airedale Terrier doesn’t shed any hair, although they require weekly brushing and regular trimming to keep their coats neat. Airedale Terriers are independent and extremely intelligent.
10 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Families
As we mentioned, there are some hypoallergenic dog breeds that are perfect for allergic families. Most of the dogs in this list are breeds that don’t shed hair, hairless breeds, and breeds that do not produce dander. Hypoallergenic dogs don’t shed as much as regular dog coats. here’s a list of 10 hypoallergenic dog breeds that are not only suitable for allergy sufferers but also make wonderful additions to family life:
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier has a coat similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and makes an equally great family companion. They are minimal shedders and make a great choice for the person or family looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
Poodle:
Intelligent, versatile, and available in various sizes, Poodles are hypoallergenic due to their curly coat, making them great for families with allergies. The Standard Poodle was originally bred for hunting and is the largest of the three, while the Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle were both bred to be smaller versions of this breed.
Bichon Frise:
Playful and affectionate, these small dogs have a curly coat that sheds minimally, perfect for families seeking a hypoallergenic companion. In France, they were first bred as companions where the small white dogs enjoyed an easy life as pets to the wealthy, but later found a new profession as delightful circus dogs.
Maltese:
Gentle and affectionate, Maltese dogs have long, silky hair that doesn’t shed much, making them a good choice for families with allergies. Even marathon cuddle sessions won’t leave you sneezing, since their all-white coats aren’t likely to trigger allergies.
Portuguese Water Dog:
The Portuguese Water Dog is fascinating not only because they’re bred to help fishermen off the coast of Portugal, but they also require minimal grooming. Energetic and friendly, Portuguese Water Dogs have a coat that minimizes shedding and dander, suitable for families with allergy concerns.
Schnauzer
Both standard and miniature Schnauzers are known for their distinctive appearance and hypoallergenic coat, making them great family pets. Schnauzers have coarse, wiry fur that doesn’t contain much dander like normal dog fur. Schnauzers are playful, energetic, and protective, making them the ideal family dog.
Shih Tzu
Known for their friendly nature, Shih Tzus has a luxurious double coat that doesn’t shed much, reducing allergens in the home. It has soft hair which sheds only during grooming. It is the perfect dog for lap dog lovers. These small dogs are usually on the perky side and tend to follow their people around wherever they go.
Havanese
The Havanese stands out in a crowd thanks to its beautiful, long silky coat. The breed originated in Havana, Cuba, more than 300 years ago, where they were cherished lapdogs of the wealthy. It is incredibly cute and gentle and can be your best four-legged companion.
Coton de Tulear
Known for their clownish and playful personalities, the breed develops incredibly close bonds with their humans and makes excellent companions. Their soft white coat is hypoallergenic but requires consistent grooming in order to avoid matting and excessive shedding.
Samoyed
Samoyeds are large, fluffy sled dogs. Many people are surprised to hear that Samoyed dogs are hypoallergenic. Truthfully, they are less hypoallergenic than other breeds. If you have severe allergies, this may not be your breed.
10 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Adoption
Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue not only provides a loving home for a pet in need but also gives individuals seeking hypoallergenic breeds a chance to find their perfect companion without contributing to breeding demands. Additionally, many mixed-breed dogs possess hypoallergenic traits and are waiting for adoption in shelters. Here’s a list of 10 hypoallergenic dog breeds that are often available for adoption:
Barbet
Barbet is a medium-sized French water dog. This is a hypoallergenic dog, which has curly and woolly fur, does not shed or drool, and makes a good pet for people with allergies. Barbet is an intelligent, sporty, and energetic dog that loves water.
Old English Sheepdog
This is an athletic, sturdy, and protective dog, which has an unmistakable shaggy coat and long fur that sheds very little or doesn’t. The Old English Sheepdog makes an excellent companion and hypoallergenic dog.
10 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Home
When considering a hypoallergenic breed for your home, spending time with the dog to ensure no allergic reactions occur is essential. Regular grooming and proper care can also help minimize allergens and ensure a comfortable living environment for both you and your furry companion. Here are 10 hypoallergenic dog breeds that are well-suited for homes, especially for individuals with allergies:
Bolognese
With a gentle and friendly nature, the Bolognese is a charming member of the bichon family. Originally from Bologna, Italy, these dogs stand out for their fluffy pure-white coat and compact, square body. While they are calm and not highly energetic, Bolognese dogs are intelligent and witty.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog from the terrier category of dogs, originating from Ireland. This is an intelligent and hardy dog, which was used to herd and guard livestock. They are easy to get along with, playful, and enjoy being around people.
Schnauzer
Both standard and miniature Schnauzers have a hypoallergenic wiry coat that sheds less, making them well-suited for home living. The modern iteration of the low-shed dog is also as equally suited to apartment life as it once was to rural farm life, requiring only moderate exercise.
Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are intelligent, loyal family dogs that can adapt to most environments. Some are prone to barking & some to digging. If you are fond of lapdogs, this breed is not for you. These dogs can be feisty with other dogs & deadly with errant rodents & smaller pets.
Border Terrier
This dog breed is not like any other terrier breed. People bred Border terriers with less dog-aggressive temperaments & to run peacefully with foxhounds. These dogs are obedient, affectionate, easily trainable & can live & work peacefully with other dogs.
Australian Terrier
Even today, they maintain the same traits. Australian Terriers are delightful companions, ferocious earth dog competitors, and conformation & obedience show dogs. This breed makes a good choice for the people dwelling in an apartment due to their small size, low shedding & maintenance coat.
Yorkshire Terrier
Despite their long, silky hair, Yorkies are hypoallergenic as they shed very little, making them a good choice for home environments. This is the dog breed I grew up with. Their signature long coat is more akin to human hair than dog fur, which makes them low-allergen.
Maltese
This breed averages around seven pounds and is considered a lap dog. They can stay in your arms all day long, and you will still not have any allergic reactions. You can choose the length of their fur, and their white coats will remain hypoallergenic.
Löwchen
Löwchen have been a favorite breed among Europeans since at least the 15th century, thanks to their lively and affectionate personalities and portable size. German for “little lion,” these dogs earn their name thanks to their distinctive haircuts.
Havanese
Cheerful and adaptable, Havanese dogs have a soft, silky coat that doesn’t shed much, making them suitable for homes. The breed gets along well with people of all ages, including gentle children. The low-shedding coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats. It can also be kept in an easier short style.
30 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds List in 2023
Each of these breeds has unique characteristics and coat types that result in minimal shedding and reduced dander, making them more compatible with individuals prone to allergies. Remember, while these breeds are considered hypoallergenic, individual reactions may vary, so spending time with a specific breed before adoption is recommended to ensure compatibility with potential allergic reactions. Here’s an extensive list of 30 hypoallergenic dog breeds that are known for producing fewer allergens:
- Poodle
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Schnauzer (Standard/Miniature)
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Havanese
- Basenji
- Chinese Crested
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Bedlington Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Afghan Hound
- Italian Greyhound
- Spanish Water Dog
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Standard Poodle (as distinct from Miniature or Toy)
- Tibetan Terrier
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Samoyed
- Lhasa Apso
- Scottish Terrier
- Wire Fox Terrier
- Airedale Terrier
- Barbet
- Brussels Griffon
Conclusion:
Before bringing any dog home, spend time with the breed to ensure no allergic reactions occur. Regular grooming, including baths and brushing, can also help reduce allergens.
Adoption centers, breed-specific rescues, and reputable breeders are excellent places to find these hypoallergenic breeds. Remember, adopting a pet is a long-term commitment, so ensure you’re ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership.
In 2023, these hypoallergenic dog breeds offer companionship, love, and joy without triggering severe allergic reactions, making them fantastic choices for families seeking a four-legged addition to their home.