Introduction
For people who love dogs but suffer from allergies, finding a furry companion can seem challenging. However, hypoallergenic dogs provide a wonderful solution. While no dog is completely allergen-free, many breeds are known for producing minimal shedding and dander, which makes them more suitable for individuals with allergies or asthma. In this guide, we’ll explore 25 of the best hypoallergenic puppies that don’t shed, offering a variety of choices for every lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Best Hypoallergenic Puppies That Don’t Shed
1. Poodle
Poodles are a smaller type of hypoallergenic dogs and are widely known and recognized for their smaller stature and energetic nature. They do not shed, have unique curly coats and are among the top bought and sought out hypoallergenic dog breeds. Whether you want a toy poodle, miniature or standard poodle, their minimal dander and low-allergen fur make them a favorite choice for first time dog owners.
2. Bichon Frise
This fluffy breed is known for its cheerful personality and non-shedding coat, making it a perfect hypoallergenic choice. With regular grooming, the Bichon Frise will stay soft and allergy-friendly.
3. Labradoodle
A mix between a Labrador and a Poodle, Labradoodles are a popular hypoallergenic choice due to their low-shedding coats. These friendly dogs are also great for families. These crossbreed dogs are highly energetic and fun loving canines, they bring a level of fun to your household and are incredibly intelligent and super easy to train.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier’s silky coat bears a striking similarity towards human hair. Thus resulting in extremely little shedding and dander. Providing a sense of ease to their owners when it comes to cleaning and especially perfect for dog owners with allergies to hair and other pollutants.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have long flowing locky coats but surprisingly shed very little and produce almost little to no allergens, when groomed regularly, they can be easy to maintain dogs and can be a wonderful addition to allergic dog owners.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
This breed, famously chosen by the Obama family, has a curly, non-shedding coat that makes it a favorite for people with allergies. They are also active and affectionate companions. They are easy to maintain, love and care for their owners and are highly intelligent. They do not make a mess of your home and are easygoing pets for all those low maintenance dog owners.
7. Goldendoodle
A mix of the Poodle, the Goldendoodle is loved for its incredibly gentle and friendly nature and hypoallergenic coat. Its friendly and outgoing look makes it a wonderful dog for social situations and is a top favorite for people who are allergic to dog hair. They are highly active and affectionate furry companions and love going on daily walks.
8. Bernedoodle
Bernedoodles inherit the non-shedding coat of their Poodle parent, making them an excellent hypoallergenic option. Their old-manly vibe they bring to your house is a guaranteed way to turn your boring everyday lives into a fun packed event. With these dogs, every day is a bright and colorful one. Their friendly demeanor and lively behavior will surely bring a smile to your face whenever you go out with them.
9. Miniature Schnauzer
With their wiry, low-shedding coats, Miniature Schnauzers are a wonderful hypoallergenic breed. They’re also known for being energetic and loyal.
10. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a silky coat that sheds minimally, making them perfect for people with allergies.
11. Havanese
The Havanese is a small, non-shedding dog that’s ideal for people looking for a hypoallergenic companion. The Havanese is a small toy dog breed from Cuba with a rounded face, floppy ears, and either curly or straight long hair. They have friendly, affectionate, and playful personalities.Havanese dogs originated in Cuba centuries ago.
Spanish colonists brought the Bichon Tenerife to Cuba in the 1500s, and the Havanese is thought to have descended from this breed. They quickly became a popular pet among the Cuban upper class, and often given as gifts to visiting dignitaries. This breed remains the National Dog of Cuba.
12. Maltese
The Maltese has a silky coat that sheds very little, making it an allergy-friendly choice. The Maltese is a petite pup with dark, friendly eyes and a small black nose that stand out against a backdrop of luscious, long locks of all-white fur. While they traditionally have a long, silky coat, some pet parents give these little dogs short haircuts for easier upkeep. Due to their long history as companion animals, Maltese dogs have a love for laps and their people. Truly, their favorite place is to be wherever you are, and although they are not as energetic as herding breeds, they are lively and playful little dogs.
These friendly dogs are fairly social and generally get along well with other pets, provided they were properly trained and socialized. But even though they have a gentle manner, their small weight and height make them fragile. So, they should always be supervised around very young children and babies to make sure the pup isn’t injured or overwhelmed by rough play.
13. Chinese Crested
With its mostly hairless body, the Chinese Crested produces minimal dander, making it one of the most hypoallergenic dog breeds available. Its friendly and unique appearance also gives its owners a topic to talk about when they take it to social gatherings.
14. Coton de Tulear
This fluffy breed has a non-shedding coat, ideal for individuals with allergies. The Coton de Tulear is also known for its friendly and affectionate personality. This breed is thought to have originated from a group of small white dogs that swam across the Malagasy channel following a shipwreck. These dogs are small in stature and are easy to care for, they don’t get in your way and are perfect in house dogs.
15. Afghan Hound
Known for its flowing coat, the Afghan Hound surprisingly sheds very little and is hypoallergenic. Afghan Hounds are known for their long, flowing coat and slender builds. These pups are built for running and are one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. Afghan Hounds are loving toward their family but can be aloof toward people they’ve just met, so early and consistent socialization is vital for this breed.
16. American Hairless Terrier
As its name suggests, this breed is hairless and produces little dander and is a top choice for owners who are allergy prone to dog hair. The American hairless terrier is local to Louisiana and is a favorite pet because of its low maintenance and easygoing attitude. It truly is the perfect canine to have in your home.
17. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers have a wool-like coat that sheds very little, reducing allergens in the home. The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of small dog named after the mining town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. Originally bred to hunt, the Bedlington Terrier has since been used in dog racing, numerous dog sports, as well as in conformation shows and as a companion dog.
18. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos have a long, flowing coat that is hypoallergenic and great for people with allergies.The Lhasa Apso is a thousand-year-old breed that historically served as sentinels at palaces and monasteries isolated high in the Himalayas of Tibet. It is a showpiece dog specifically bred and trained specifically to be highly obedient and submissive towards its owners.
19. Irish Water Spaniel
With its curly coat, this breed is known for being allergy-friendly and low-shedding. With a sharp and intelligent personality, Irish water spaniels are incredibly loyal and excel in various tasks including hunting and companionship. With their agile build and unique look, they are perfect for outdoorsy dog owners.
20. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are known for their non-shedding coat and friendly personality, perfect for allergy sufferers. The Cairn Terrier is a terrier breed originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognised as one of Scotland’s earliest working dogs. The name “Cairn Terrier” was a compromise suggestion when the breed was brought to official shows in the United Kingdom in 1909, initially under the name “Short-haired Skye terrier”. A typical show dog, the Cairn Terrier is incredibly loyal and low maintenance and is incredibly submissive towards owners, perfectly designed to become a house dog.
21. Basenji
The Basenji, known as the “barkless dog,” has a short coat that sheds minimally and produces less dander. The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog. It was bred from stock that originated in central Africa. The Basenji is a complete proper hunting and outdoors companion, perfect for dog owners who love the outdoors and practice hunting and fishing, a loyal companion and incredibly loving towards its owners, it is the perfect canine to have if you prefer daily outings.
22. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers have a thick coat that sheds very little, making them a hypoallergenic breed. They are an independent and rugged breed with a wiry outer coat and a soft dense undercoat.The Scottish Terrier temperament can be defined as good for people but aggressive toward other dogs and animals. They are moderately open to strangers and are mostly friendly and playful with everyone. Scotties have a high adaptability level, so you can easily train them when they are small.
23. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds have a short coat that sheds minimally, making them ideal for allergy-prone homes. The Italian Greyhound or Italian Sighthound is an Italian breed of small sighthound. It was bred to hunt hare and rabbit, but is kept mostly as a companion dog. It is incredibly athletic and is a proper hunting canine but is also a great dog to have for your home, it also serves as a good guard dog.
24. Whippet
Whippets are a sleek, minimal-shedding breed that produces very little dander. The whippet is a British breed of medium-sized dog, of the sighthound type, related to the larger greyhound and the smaller Italian greyhound. They are a quiet and intelligent breed, they do not bark unnecessarily and are incredibly docile and loyal towards their owners.
25. Lagotto Romagnolo
This rare Italian breed is known for its dense, curly coat that sheds very little, perfect for allergy sufferers. The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed of dog. It originates in the marshlands of the Delta del Po in the eastern part of the Romagna sub-region of Italy. They are alert and highly intelligent and love to please their owners. Their playful nature and strong stature has made them perfect dogs for families.
Tips for Reducing Allergens in the Home
While hypoallergenic breeds shed less, it’s important to take additional steps to reduce allergens in your home:
- Regular grooming: Frequent brushing and baths can reduce dander buildup.
- Use HEPA air purifiers: These filters help trap pet dander and keep the air clean.
- Frequent cleaning: Vacuum furniture and wash pet bedding regularly to prevent allergen accumulation.
- Good ventilation: Keeping your home well-ventilated helps reduce airborne allergens.
- Limit carpet use: Carpets can trap dander, so consider replacing them with hard flooring to reduce allergen buildup.
Conclusion
Hypoallergenic puppies that don’t shed can make a world of difference for people with allergies. These 25 breeds offer a variety of options, from small lap dogs to larger family companions, all with the benefit of producing fewer allergens. With proper care, you can enjoy the companionship of a dog without sacrificing your health.
FAQs
Are hypoallergenic dogs completely allergen-free?
No, while hypoallergenic dogs shed less and produce fewer allergens, no dog is completely allergen-free. Regular grooming and cleaning can help minimize allergens.
Do hypoallergenic puppies require special grooming?
Yes, many hypoallergenic breeds have coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and dander buildup.
Can people with severe allergies own hypoallergenic dogs?
Many people with severe allergies can tolerate hypoallergenic dogs, but it’s best to spend time with the breed first to ensure there’s no reaction.
Do hypoallergenic dogs have specific health issues?
Some hypoallergenic breeds, like Poodles and their mixes, may be prone to specific health issues, but with proper care and regular vet visits, they can live healthy lives.
Which hypoallergenic dog is best for families?
Breeds like the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle are great for families due to their friendly nature and hypoallergenic coats.
