20 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds: The Best Options for Allergy Sufferers

Dog allergies affect roughly 10–20% of the global population, yet millions of allergy sufferers still live with and love dogs. This is not recklessness — it is a testament to the fact that careful breed selection and proper home management can make dog ownership genuinely viable for many allergy sufferers. Low-shedding breeds keep dander levels lower, and some individuals find certain breeds trigger far milder reactions than others. Here are 20 of the best options, with honest shedding ratings and practical notes.

1. Poodle (All Sizes)

Size: Toy / Miniature / Standard  |  Shedding: Very low

The Poodle is the gold standard of hypoallergenic dogs, and for good reason. Their dense, curly coat traps shed hairs rather than dispersing them into the environment, drastically reducing airborne dander. They are also brilliant, highly trainable dogs that excel in every context from city flat to rural estate. Regular grooming every 6–8 weeks is essential to prevent matting. All three size variants share the same coat properties.

2. Bichon Frisé

Size: Small (3–5 kg)  |  Shedding: Very low

The Bichon's fluffy double coat is soft, minimal-shedding, and considered one of the safest for allergy sufferers. Their cheerful, playful temperament makes them a joy in households with children. Like Poodles, they require regular professional grooming — the trade-off for a coat that barely sheds into your home.

3. Portuguese Water Dog

Size: Medium (16–23 kg)  |  Shedding: Low

Made famous as the breed chosen by the Obama family (allergies in the household were a deciding factor), the Portuguese Water Dog is athletic, intelligent, and low-shedding. Their wavy or curly coat requires regular grooming but disperses minimal dander. They need substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation.

4. Maltese

Size: Very small (under 3 kg)  |  Shedding: Very low

The Maltese has a single-layer, silky white coat that grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally. This single-coat structure means far less loose hair and dander in the environment. They are affectionate, lively small dogs that thrive on human companionship. Daily brushing prevents tangles.

5. Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, Giant)

Size: Small to Large  |  Shedding: Low

All three Schnauzer sizes share a wiry double coat that sheds very little. Their characteristic beard and eyebrows are part of a coat structure that holds hair in rather than releasing it. Schnauzers are spirited, loyal, and highly intelligent. They require hand-stripping or clipping several times a year.

6. Yorkshire Terrier

Size: Very small (2–3 kg)  |  Shedding: Very low

The Yorkie's fine, silky coat is more similar in texture to human hair than typical dog fur, which means it sheds minimally and disperses little dander. Despite their tiny size, they are confident, energetic, and vocal. Their coat requires daily brushing and regular trims to stay manageable.

7. Shih Tzu

Size: Small (4–7 kg)  |  Shedding: Low

The Shih Tzu's dense, flowing double coat sheds far less than it appears. Many allergy sufferers report tolerating Shih Tzus very well. Their calm, affectionate temperament and modest exercise requirements make them excellent indoor companions. Grooming is time-intensive — many owners keep the coat clipped short for practicality.

8. Havanese

Size: Small (3–6 kg)  |  Shedding: Low

The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese has a soft, silky coat that sheds minimally and is generally well-tolerated by allergy sufferers. They are sociable, playful, and adaptable dogs that bond strongly with their families. Their outgoing nature means they are typically excellent with children and other pets.

9. Chinese Crested

Size: Small (2–5 kg)  |  Shedding: Minimal to none (hairless variety)

The hairless variety of the Chinese Crested is as close to a no-fur dog as exists. With no coat to shed, airborne dander is dramatically reduced — though the dog still produces saliva and skin-based allergens. The hairless skin requires moisturising and sun protection. The powderpuff variety has a soft coat that also sheds very little.

10. Lagotto Romagnolo

Size: Medium (13–16 kg)  |  Shedding: Low

Originally an Italian truffle-hunting dog, the Lagotto has a thick, curly, woolly coat similar to a Poodle that sheds minimally. They are energetic, affectionate, and very trainable. Their working dog heritage means they need consistent mental and physical engagement. An underrated choice for allergy sufferers who want a robust outdoor companion.

11. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Size: Medium (14–20 kg)  |  Shedding: Low

The Wheaten's silky, soft single coat is genuinely low-shedding and widely recommended for allergy sufferers. They are energetic, joyful, and fun-loving — the archetypal "bouncy terrier." Daily brushing prevents their coat from tangling, and they need regular grooming appointments.

12. Kerry Blue Terrier

Size: Medium (15–18 kg)  |  Shedding: Very low

The Kerry Blue's distinctive blue-grey, wavy coat is single-layered and sheds minimally throughout the year. They are spirited, adaptable, and loyal — strong enough for outdoor adventures but calm enough for family life. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks keeps the coat healthy and tidy.

13. Basenji

Size: Medium (9–11 kg)  |  Shedding: Very low

The Basenji is an ancient African breed that does not bark (they produce an unusual yodel-like sound) and grooms itself like a cat. Their extremely short, fine coat sheds very little and is easy to maintain. They are intelligent, independent, and athletic. A fascinating, low-allergen choice for experienced owners who appreciate a more independent canine personality.

14. Afghan Hound

Size: Large (23–27 kg)  |  Shedding: Low

Despite their voluminous, flowing coat, Afghan Hounds shed relatively little because their fur has a texture more like human hair. Many allergy sufferers report fewer reactions to Afghans than to heavy-shedding breeds. They are dignified, aloof, and require significant grooming commitment — daily brushing is essential.

15. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)

Size: Toy / Miniature / Standard  |  Shedding: None (hairless) or minimal (coated variety)

One of the world's oldest breeds, the Xolo is available in three sizes and two coat types — hairless and short-coated. The hairless variety produces virtually no airborne hair allergens. They are loyal, calm, and surprisingly versatile dogs. Hairless skin needs protection from the sun and cold.

16. Coton de Tuléar

Size: Small (3.5–6 kg)  |  Shedding: Very low

Named for the cotton-like texture of their coat, the Coton de Tuléar has a soft, fluffy coat that sheds minimally and is well-tolerated by many allergy sufferers. They are cheerful, gentle, and sociable — adapting well to families, singles, and seniors alike. Regular brushing prevents matting.

17. Bedlington Terrier

Size: Small–Medium (8–10 kg)  |  Shedding: Very low

With a lamb-like woolly coat that barely sheds, the Bedlington Terrier is a genuinely unusual and beautiful dog. Beneath the gentle appearance is a tenacious, athletic terrier that loves play and needs regular exercise. Their curly, non-shedding coat requires professional grooming several times a year.

18. Barbet

Size: Medium (17–28 kg)  |  Shedding: Low

The Barbet is a rare French water dog with a curly, woolly coat similar to the Poodle's — low-shedding and considered hypoallergenic. They are athletic, good-natured, and highly trainable, making them excellent active family dogs. Their rare status means finding a reputable breeder requires research.

19. Poodle Mixes (Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Cockapoo)

Size: Varies  |  Shedding: Low to moderate (varies by generation)

Poodle crosses are popular with allergy sufferers because they often inherit the Poodle's low-shedding coat. However, coat type is not guaranteed in crossbreeds — some individuals in a litter may shed more than others. F1b generations (75% Poodle) tend to have the curliest, lowest-shedding coats. Always spend time with the specific dog before committing.

20. Spanish Water Dog

Size: Medium (14–22 kg)  |  Shedding: Low

The Spanish Water Dog has a curly, woolly coat that forms natural cords as it grows — similar to a Komondor but much smaller. This unique coat structure sheds minimally. They are energetic, loyal, and highly intelligent working dogs that thrive with active owners who can provide consistent training and exercise.