10 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed
Small hypoallergenic dogs might just be the perfect solution. These adorable pups not only bring joy and companionship but also suit those with allergies due to their minimal shedding and low dander production. Small dogs are adorable and make wonderful companions. However, you may have second thoughts about getting a cuddly pet due to allergies. Small hypoallergenic dogs are perfect for people who love little dogs but don’t love fur all over the house. Hypoallergenic dog breeds are also ideal for people who suffer from dog allergies.
10 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed for Home
When considering a furry addition to your home, these breeds offer a blend of affection, manageable grooming needs, and minimal shedding. Their compatibility with allergy-prone individuals makes them standout choices for creating a loving, sneeze-free environment. Here’s a detailed look at 10 small hypoallergenic dogs that are ideal for home environments, offering companionship without triggering allergies:
1. Bolognese
These adorable, fluffy dogs are not high-energy or rambunctious, but they are playful and affectionate with their family. The Bolognese is an intelligent and serious breed that can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Calm and easy-going, this is a good breed for people in apartments.
2. West Highland Terrier
Another lovely dog breed! Its representatives, also known as “Westies” are friendly, active, and fun-loving and can become great family dogs. Your children will receive a loyal friend and an energetic playmate! Adaptive, playful, and open to new people, these dogs will bring a lot of joy to your life.
3. Coton de Tulear
These super cute fluffy balls originate in the city of Tuléar, Madagaskar, and remain the national dogs of the island. Their gorgeous cotton-like coat has a texture more similar to hair than fur, with a medium to long length. These cuties are great family dogs and get along with both other animals and children.
4. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is an unforgettable breed with prominent, pointed ears and a scruffy mustache that can’t be mistaken. It is an independent and confident breed that thinks for itself and brightens the mood in any home. The Scottish Terrier stands about 10 inches tall and weighs between 18 and 22 pounds.
5. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an incredibly loyal and lovable dog, if also a bit stubborn sometimes. They’re great family dogs, and they don’t shed very much. However, their coat does require diligent care, so be prepared with the combs, brushes, and other tools.
6. Havanese
This lovely breed, whose representatives are also known as “Havana Silk Dogs” or “Little White Dogs of Havana” are gorgeous small canines with robust bodies and gorgeous silky coat. These cute doggies are friendly, social and can become great family pets. Intelligent, social, adaptive, the Havanese will be a great addition to your family.
7. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier boasts a short, curly coat and adorable thin tail. It is a larger terrier, standing between 15 and 17.5 inches and weighing between 17 and 23 pounds. It is often described as a charming breed prone to wandering around in enjoyment of its surroundings. At home, they are gentle and loving companions.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
If you want a super small hypoallergenic dog, you’ll love the Yorkshire Terrier, otherwise known as the Yorkie. Though they are small in size, the Yorkshire Terrier’s bark can pack quite a punch. They are the smallest of the Toy Terriers and are usually less than 7 pounds. They have a glossy, long, silky coat that you can keep long or short depending on your preference.
9. Doodle
A Doodle is a cross between a Poodle and another dog. Mini Doodles are hypoallergenic and non-shedding and are great for people who like Poodles but want something a bit different. Doodles are affectionate and intelligent, but their true personalities vary depending on their parent breeds.
10. Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds and are well-loved by their owners. A cairn terrier is a small, short-legged dog. They have a weather-resistant outer coat of harsh, stiff hair with a soft, dense undercoat. The most common colors are gray or grayish brown, but they can also be black, wheaten, brindle, or red.
10 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed in India
3. Lhasa Apso
They’re known for their protective personality, and even served as watchdogs in palaces and temples. Although they can be shy around strangers, they readily show love to their family. Their coat should be trimmed regularly. If you let the coat grow long, it will need to be brushed every day to prevent mats and tangles.
4. Basenji
Although the Basenji is technically a medium-sized dog, we’ve included them on our list of small hypoallergnic dogs because they aren’t much larger than some of the others on the list. The Basenji is predominately a hunting dog with a working-breed demeanor. They make great family pets and are excellent with children.
5. Chinese Crested
These doggies come in three variations: with hair, without hair, and a mixed version. They develop a strong bond with their owner and family members, which may result in developing separation anxiety and exhibiting bad behaviors if left alone for longer periods of time.
6. Poodle (Toy/Miniature)
Poodles are smart and lively but tend to be calm in the house. The curly, non-shedding coat is high-maintenance, requiring professional grooming every one to two months and regular brushing to prevent mats. The dogs of this breed are considered family-oriented and a good choice for families with children.
7. Maltese
The silky-coated Maltese is one of the oldest breeds of dog, with Mediterranean roots going back more than 2,000 years on the island nation of Malta. Extremely affectionate and people-oriented, Maltese are perfect for those who want a cuddly lap dog.
8. Bichon Frise
Bred to be hypoallergenic, bichons are one of the allergy sufferers. Their name is French for “fluffy white dog,” and it’s the ideal descriptor for these cuddly little cotton balls. Their small size also makes them a fun fit for cozy living spaces.
9. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of three related Schnauzer breeds, including the Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer. All share similar backgrounds as farm dogs and rat hunters, and all have wiry, low-shedding coats trimmed to leave a shaggy beard, mustache, and eyebrows.
10. Shih Tzu
Adorable and charismatic, the Shih Tzu loves to play and gets along great with people of all ages, including respectful children. The long, flowing double coat sheds very little, so the breed is often compatible with people with mild allergies.
10 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed in America
1. Maltese
Size: Small
Temperament: Affectionate, playful, gentle
Coat: Long, silky, minimal shedding
Suitability: Beloved in America, they thrive indoors and require regular grooming. The snow-white, long, silky coat doesn’t shed, but it needs professional grooming and daily brushing with a pin brush or comb to prevent tangles and breakage.
2. Bichon Frise
Size: Small
Temperament: Cheerful, outgoing, friendly
Coat: Curly, low shedding
Suitability: Popular in American households, they’re playful and their hypoallergenic coat is suitable for allergy sufferers. This adorable fluffy dog is small but is just as strong and sturdy as other much-larger breeds. The most distinctive feature of this dog is its velvety white hypoallergenic coat.
3. Shih Tzu
Size: Small
Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, friendly
Coat: Long, non-shedding
Suitability: Adaptable to various climates in America, they enjoy indoor living and have minimal shedding. If you are looking for a small and quiet dog who enjoys lazing around, then the Shih Tzu will be perfect for you.
4. Havanese
Size: Small
Temperament: Playful, social, adaptable
Coat: Silky, minimal shedding
Suitability: Well-loved in American homes, they’re affectionate and get along well with kids and other pets. These adorable, fluffy dogs are not high-energy or rambunctious, but they are playful and affectionate with their family.
5. Poodle (Toy/Miniature)
Size: Small
Temperament: Intelligent, active, trainable
Coat: Curly, virtually non-shedding
Suitability: Highly trainable and adaptable, they’re a popular choice in America and require regular grooming. Being hypoallergenic, the Toy Poodle is perfect for homes whose occupants might have allergies.
6. Schnauzer (Miniature)
Size: Small
Temperament: Alert, spirited, affectionate
Coat: Wiry, sheds minimally
Suitability: Good watchdogs and family pets, their low shedding coat makes them an ideal choice. The Miniature Schnauzer is a great family dog, as they love children and get along well with other animals. They are also relatively easy to train.
7. Coton de Tulear
Size: Small
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, lively
Coat: Soft, cotton-like, minimal shedding
Suitability: Known for their friendly nature, they’re great companions and adapt well to indoor living in America. The Coton de Tulear is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. They are also known for being very affectionate and loving, making them great companions.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Size: Small
Temperament: Spirited, affectionate, bold
Coat: Fine, non-shedding
Suitability: Feisty and suitable for limited space, they’re excellent companions in American households. Yorkies are lively but so small that one or two daily walks, or even a few sessions of indoor fetch, will take care of their exercise needs.
9. Italian Greyhound
Size: Small
Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, athletic
Coat: Short, minimal shedding
Suitability: Adaptable and loving, they make good indoor companions in American homes. Having such a small amount of fur means this dog is as low maintenance as they come. You won’t have to worry about brushing the Peruvian Inca’s coat or any other complex grooming.
10. West Highland White Terrier
Size: Small
Temperament: Confident, friendly, adaptable
Coat: Double coat, minimal shedding
Suitability: Playful and adaptable, they make great companions and are well-suited for indoor living in America. These breeds with minimal shedding are popular choices in America, fitting well into households seeking hypoallergenic dogs.
20 Best Small Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed
First of all, there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, but there are several breeds that are more hypoallergenic than others, such as the Yorkshire terrier, Maltese, poodle, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested. Here’s an extensive list of 30 small hypoallergenic dogs known for minimal shedding:
- Yorkshire terrier
- Maltese
- poodle
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Silky Terrier
- Tibetan Terrier
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli (Hairless)
- Affenpinscher
- Japanese Chin
- Papillon
- Havanese
- Lhasa Apso
- Lowchen
- Manchester Terrier
- Bolognese
- Brussels Griffon