Key Takeaways
Hypoallergenic dogs don’t exist, yet breeds like bichon frise and poodles shed less and produce less dander.
Regular grooming and brushing can help manage shedding, keeping your dog’s coat healthy and your home tidy.
Are you looking for non-shedding dog breeds due to allergies or excessive fur around your home? While all dogs shed somewhat as a part of maintaining healthy coats, shedding can increase due to seasonal changes, health issues, or stress.
Are Low-Shedding Dogs Hypoallergenic?
If you think you need a hypoallergenic dog, it’s important to note there’s really no such thing. All dogs produce certain proteins that contribute to allergic reactions—the most common is Can f 1, often found in urine, saliva, and dried skin debris called dander. When Spot sheds, this allergy-laden dander floats into the air.
Does this mean a hairless dog won’t make you sneeze or have itchy eyes? Not necessarily, because she still has dander—or she loves to lick you! Each individual’s immune system determines their allergic response to Can f 1. While you might stuff up around one breed, another person won’t be affected.
“Breeds associated with being ‘hypoallergenic’ are generally those with single-layer coats, and those that shed less,” says Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club (AKC). “Breeds with double coats, like retrievers, Siberian huskies, and collies, among others, have protective dual-layer coats that usually shed significantly.”
Klein helped us put together a list of common and not-so-common AKC-registered breeds, including small dogs that don’t shed much.
She’s elegant and dignified, with a single layer of long flowing hair that requires much bathing and grooming, which helps reduce her shedding. The Afghan hound is a loving and loyal pet who fits in well with most families.
Named “monkey dogs” in Germany, these funny little guys are more than just lap dogs. Affenpinschers are intelligent, brave, and active pups known for their amusing personalities. Their medium-length, wiry coats need regular brushing to prevent tangles, but they don’t need regular haircuts like many small, low-shedding dogs.
Hailing from France, the barbet is creating a buzz in the U.S. because she’s social, loyal, sweet, and quite active, plus her tightly-curled coat is non-shedding. As a sporting water-loving canine, she has the nickname of “Mud Dog” because she’ll never hesitate to go into the swampy places to fetch what you need.
The American hairless terrier is a good consideration for people who want an active, trainable, smaller dog with a friendly disposition. Intelligent and great at agility sports, the American is also a feisty watchdog.
The Basenji is perhaps best known as the cat-like barkless breed that “yodels.” These unique canines are intelligent and possess a high prey drive along with a bit of a mischievous streak. In addition to shedding very little, they have simple, straightforward grooming needs and often lack the typical doggie odor.
With the looks of a lamb but the tenacity of a terrier, Bedlington terriers require consistent grooming to maintain their looks, but they don’t shed. As devoted family members, they’re content to frolic in the backyard or take leisurely walks.
Personable and energetic, cheerful bichons need attentive grooming to maintain their crisp white coats. Her hair continuously grows instead of shedding, so she has less dander, which might make her a good dog for allergy sufferers.
The rough-coated version of the Brussels griffon doesn’t shed and is easy to groom. She’s a tiny bundle of love and dedication and an excellent companion for an adult who appreciates her intelligence and sensitivity.
Like most terriers, family-friendly and loyal cairn terriers are earthdogs who like to keep busy, so give them a place to dig and they’ll be happy! Even though they have a double coat, the exterior is wiry, which reduces shedding.
There are two varieties of the affectionate Chinese crested: the hairless and the “powderpuff,” which has a long-hair coat. They’re diminutive, intelligent, and sweet dogs with an ancient history.
Small, white, and with a long coat they’re famous for, playful cotons have great personalities. They need a little more spa time, which helps keep them from shedding, but love your dedicated attention.
The Havanese is a toy breed known for soft, flowing locks of hair (though many pet parents trim them short for easier maintenance). These vivacious little white dogs from Havana are charming and friendly companions. Just remember to keep up with regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
The Irish water spaniel is a sporting dog with a shorter, brown, curly coat that helps her glide easily through the water and rarely leave fur on the couch. This lovable breed is energetic and clownish—ideal for an active family who loves the outdoors.
One of the better choices for folks looking for non-shedding and somewhat non-allergenic dogs, the medium-sized Kerry blue terrier has low dander and a striking wavy blue-gray coat. Active, devoted, and versatile, she lives well in apartments or on farms.
Most famous for sniffing out truffles in her native Italy, a Lagotto gets her teddy-bear looks from a coat of hair-like curls. A Lagotto is a smart, undemanding, and athletic breed with a big heart.
Though small, the Lhasa Apso is intelligent and courageous. A slight stubborn streak can pose some challenges in training, but their charm makes it all worthwhile. Some pet parents keep their long, luscious locks healthy with daily brushing while others trim them shorter for easier care (they’ll still need to be brushed a couple of times a week).
Tiny, delicate, and charming with a single white glamorous silky coat, a Maltese requires dedicated maintenance to keep her attractive appearance. Fortunately, she’s another one of the small dogs that don’t shed much, which leaves more time for play instead of cleaning.
An ancient hairless breed that originated in Peru, the Peruvian Inca orchid releases less dander, which means she might place high on your list of hypoallergenic dogs. Sweet, agile, and loyal, she comes in three sizes: small, medium, or large variety.
Poodle
The original “hypoallergenic breed,” the adoring and intelligent poodle is a versatile solid-color dog that comes in three varieties: toy, miniature, and standard. People who search for hybrid breeds that are good for dog allergy sufferers should simply consider one of these purebred versions.
Related to poodles, Portuguese water dogs are athletic, fun-loving, eager to please, and great family members. They have dense, wavy coats in many showy colors and combinations with white, and also get high marks for low dander and low shedding.
Schnauzer
You can have your choice of a miniature, standard, or giant schnauzer, but all shed less than other breeds and don’t release a lot of airborne dander. Each variety is also an energetic playmate for most children and extremely loyal—you’ll be proud of your fierce protector.
Scottish terriers are easily recognized due to their short stature, shiny black coats, and quintessential beards. This is one of the oldest and best-established dog breeds in the world, and they have the fanbase to show it. Scotties are smart, tenacious, and have an independent streak, but they make wonderful companions for the right family.
This classic lap dog is and was always bred as a companion dog. The shih tzu originated in China (likely first Tibet), where their name means “little lion.” These dogs love their humans and tend to stay close. The shih tzu’s coat will grow long and requires constant attention unless trimmed short.
This versatile, medium-sized golden terrier is a big mush puppet, which makes the soft-coated wheaten terrier a terrific family dog. She’s possibly more allergy-free(ish) than other breeds because her soft, wavy coat doesn’t shed much or release a lot of dander, but she needs consistent grooming to look her best.
Also a medium-sized dog, the lively Spanish water dog is rare in the U.S. but gaining popularity. She has curls all over her face and body and looks adorable! Generally easy to care for, she’s a tireless canine companion, especially with people who enjoy hunting and other sports in the great outdoors.
The West Highland white terrier is a small dog that’s much sturdier than he looks. These fun-loving dogs were first bred to be rodent hunters in the British Isles. Today, they retain that tenacity and bravery, but also make wonderful companions. Their thick, tough coats are all-white and grow to a medium length. Westies should have their coats brushed daily and periodically need to see a groomer for hand-stripping or more through coat grooming.
A beautiful hairless Mexican breed with a proud heritage comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. Xolos have elegant, refined demeanors but show their flash with various color combinations. She’s a quiet, attentive companion for an adult household.
The Yorkie is a popular toy breed with a long silky coat that can be trimmed short for easy care. These dogs love their humans and are often seen being carried around in purses or bags. However, these are terriers with a history as rat hunters, and they have the energy to prove it.
