Got Allergies? Check Out These Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Getting a cute dog for your family is a wonderful experience. The love, snuggles, and playtime, not to mention the responsibility it can teach your kiddos, is well worth it. But what if someone, or more than one person, in your family is allergic to dogs? Whether you know already, or someone develops an allergy, it can make dog ownership not nearly as fun as it should be. That’s why it can be helpful to bring a hypoallergenic dog into your lives. While there's no such thing as a dog that's 100% hypoallergenic, as the American Kennel Club says, you can find a breed that doesn't shed as much, which means less allergy-causing dander around the house!
Again, although there is no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic dog, you can ease your symptoms, or at the very least, your allergy medication might have you fully covered. Before purchasing a family dog, be sure to talk to your doc. And remember, these purebred breeds aren’t the only option—you can discover a mix of these pups like a goldendoodle or explore options at your local shelter or rescue center. And let’s face it, if you aren’t jazzed about consistently picking up dog hair or having it gather on your clothes, one who sheds less might be a good choice anyway! Here are 31 dogs to consider as you get started.
Maybe one of these breeds is your new best friend:
Goldendoodle
Known as a go-to, hypoallergenic family dog, goldendoodles are a cross between golden retrievers and poodles and are famous for being gentle and good with everyone, including little ones. They're also highly intelligent!
Bolognese
White with irresistibly curly fur, these low-shedding doggos love to be around people and are good with other dogs. Cousin to the other white floof, the bichon frise, they're playful yet easygoing and relatively calm.
Standard Poodle
Reaching around 15 inches tall at their shoulders, these statuesque pups are also quite affectionate and are friendly with guests and new people. The smaller miniature and toy poodles are also great choices if you have less space.
Portuguese Water Dog
This is the breed that the Obamas brought to the White House. You can get one as cute as “Bo” with a Portuguese water dog who’s intelligent, attention-loving, and easy to train. They have a lot of energy, so they're great for active families.
Maltese
Snow-white with some of the sweetest faces around, the Maltese is extremely gentle and affectionate. They do require frequent haircuts, but they only grow up to about nine inches tall so those trips to the groomer won't take long!
Chinese Crested
Now that’s a unique-looking pup! These tiny dogs sure turn heads wherever they go, and in addition to their amazing hairstyles, they also tend to be Velcro dogs and follow their owners wherever they go.
Bichon Frise
Looking just like a teeny teddy bear, bichon pups are almost so cute, you might not think they’re real! But they most certainly are and come with traits like a gentle demeanor and a fun, energetic spirit.
Yorkshire Terrier
Who can resist a Yorkie?! These mini pups pack a lot of dog into a tiny package, with sass, energy, and perkiness. They tend to be very protective of their families and require a lot of attention, but are great in households of any size.
Welsh Terrier
With a sophisticated look, the Welsh terrier is friendly and playful, and will love nothing more than to hang out with their family. They do require plenty of exercise, so would do well with active owners who take them on adventures.
Basenji
Originating from Africa, this breed is known for their quizzical brow and smooth, glossy coat. Basenjis are incredibly smart dogs and also strive to please their owners each and every day.
Affenpinscher
With a face that we think looks a little like an Ewok, the way-too-cute affenpinscher is brave for their small size and can definitely get a little feisty. They are best with adults and older children.
West Highland White Terrier
“Westies” are some of the most adorable pups on the planet, and they’re ideal for allergy sufferers, too. With minimal shedding, these dogs are happy, independent, and curious while also being quite loyal to their families.
Afghan Hound
How gorgeous is this dog? Looking a bit like a canine supermodel, the Afghan hound sheds infrequently, even though they have a lot of hair. And they are loyal and affectionate, but should be trained early to socialize with others.
Bedlington Terrier
How’s that for a cool hairstyle? Sporting some seriously fuzzy fur reminiscent of a lamb, the soft Bedlington terrier is begging for pets and loves to be the center of everyone’s attention.
Komondor
With truly one-of-a-kind fur, the komondor surprisingly doesn’t shed a lot. They’ll certainly take center stage wherever they go, and they’re known to loyally protect and love their people.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Showing off little “beards,” these cute pups have a lot of character but also enjoy being affectionate with those they love. They are great around people, but less so around other dogs due to their protective nature.
Miniature Schnauzer
Typically weighing no more than 11 to 18 pounds, these diminutive dogs are friendly, super smart, and scrappy. They do just as well on a farm as they do in a cityscape, so they're great options for everyone.
Scottish Terrier
“Scottie” dogs are the absolute cutest! They tend to be big dogs in little dog bodies, with lots of energy and confidence. They are known to be quite loyal and protective of their families, too.
Shih Tzu
Showcasing hair that can be put into a teeny-tiny ponytail, these small dogs are usually on the perky side and tend to follow their people around wherever they go. They're great with other dogs, too!
Wire Fox Terrier
Looking a lot like little stuffed animals, these tiny terriers are very lively and are said to be extremely charming. Like many terriers, they are also excellent athletes if you like to go on adventures.
American Hairless Terrier
Since they don’t have fur, you better believe these pups won’t be doing any shedding around your house! Their temperaments are energetic, playful, and curious with both adults and young kids alike.
Lhasa Apso
Those puppy-dog eyes! These dogs enjoy training and are playful, intelligent, and quite vocal. They naturally have longer fur, so you may want to opt for a shorter "puppy cut" to reduce shedding.
Brussels Griffon
With eyes that look pretty human-like (and beards to boot!), the Brussels griffon is famed for its affection for its people and constant curiosity. They also don't need a ton of exercise.
Lagotta Romagnolo
Curly hair and sweet eyes make this pup the whole package. In addition to shedding very little, these dogs are also alert, obedient, and loving. They do need frequent exercise and mental stimulation, as they were bred to be working dogs.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Like the name suggests, you and your kiddos will love petting this pup’s extra-soft fur. They also are devoted to their humans, are cheerful, but are best with space to run around.
Hungarian Puli
Displaying distinctive fur, the puli is a confident herding dog who is also entirely loyal. They grow to be medium sized, about 20 to 30 pounds as adults, and can be quite vocal.
Coton de Tulear
Small with big personalities, these dogs show their people a lot of love and are generally very sweet with everyone they meet. While they do require training (like all dogs!), they are good options for first-time owners.
Cairn Terrier
You’ll say, “aww,” every time you spot the Cairn terrier’s little legs! Apart from being over-the-top adorable, these dogs are also smart and inquisitive. They are known to be quite chatty as well, so keep that in mind!
Italian Greyhound
Quick on their feet with super-smooth coats, Italian greyhounds make great family dogs because they’re so gentle once trained. They also tend to be quiet if you worry about barking.
Border Terrier
Always down for a training session, Border terriers learn quickly and have energy to spare. Give them a lot of exercise, but don't fret if you have an apartment or small house. They can adapt to smaller spaces with ease.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
As one of the bigger hypoallergenic dogs, these pups are shaggy (but don’t shed a lot) and love to be active with their people. They can be a bit stubborn, but they're both clever and confident as well.
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