It can be frustrating for some dog lovers if they suffer from allergies and can’t have a dog. Many people believe allergies mean they must forgo the joy of dog ownership, but fortunately, certain dog breeds have fewer allergens and shed less, making them more suitable for allergy sufferers. Although fully hypoallergenic dogs don’t exist, these pups will go a long way in keeping your allergies at bay while you get all the love and cuddles.
1. Bichon Frise
These little fluffballs might not seem very allergy-friendly with all their fur, but they might surprise you. Unlike many breeds, their hair grows continuously, similar to human hair, which means they require regular grooming but do not leave fur scattered around the home. This tightly curled coat traps dander, the primary allergen, reducing its release into the environment and making these pups a great hypoallergenic choice.
These pups are affectionate, social, and full of personality, making them a great addition to any home or family. They’ll most likely follow you around like a shadow in the house.
2. Irish Water Spaniel
These pups have a tightly curled, liver-colored coat that sheds very little. Their coat grows like human hair and is naturally water-resistant. Their coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its luscious curls. A weekly brushing session and a good trim every couple of months help keep their coat healthy and reduce the spread of dander. They also tend to get an ear infection, but a routine cleaning can help avoid these infections, and regular nail trimming and dental care are important, too.
These pups also have a lot of energy and are pretty smart, making them the perfect playful companion for an active family looking for someone to love.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are technically not dogs; they’re little humans living in your home, according to them. Their hair sheds very little, which helps minimize allergens in the home, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Yorkies need daily brushing, especially if their coat is kept long, to prevent mats and tangles, and baths every two to three weeks using dog-specific shampoos for sensitive skin.
Grooming Yorkies might be time-consuming, but it goes a long way to keep them in shape so as not to affect your allergies any further. Their affectionate and lively nature makes all the effort worthwhile to have them around.
4. Maltese
These pups have a luxurious, silky white coat that sheds very little and is great for cuddling up next to you. They have hair rather than fur that grows continuously and helps trap dander, reducing the spread of allergens in the home. Like other pups on this list, they need regular grooming to keep their hair tangle-free. Cleaning the hair around their eyes daily helps prevent tear staining or eye irritation.
These pups are a great addition to any home and will ensure you know that you are loved by constantly wanting to be around you. They are loyal and lovable, often forming strong bonds with their loved ones.
5. Goldendoodle
These cute pups are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle and are a great option for people who suffer from allergies. These pups have a low-shedding coat, especially those with a curly coat inherited from the Poodle side. Their curlier coats tend to trap dander more effectively and shed less, which helps a lot when it comes to allergies. Generations with higher percentages of Poodle genes, such as F1B and F1BB Goldendoodles, are generally more hypoallergenic because their coats are curlier and shed less.
6. Shih Tzu
These pups have a long, luxurious double coat that sheds minimally, helping reduce the spread of allergens. But every long coat has its problems because it requires consistent and thorough grooming to prevent tangles and mats, which can cause discomfort and skin issues. Regular trims every 4 to 6 weeks keep their coat manageable, especially if you prefer a shorter “puppy cut” style.
These pups also need regular eye cleaning to prevent tear stains, weekly ear cleaning to avoid infections, nail trimming every few weeks, and dental hygiene to prevent oral problems. They might seem high-maintenance, but they are worth all the attention for the love you get in return.
7. Afghan Hound
These slender pups have a long, silky coat, which is high-maintenance in their grooming routine. Regular brushing, ideally daily or at least three times a week for adults, using a pin brush and metal comb, is necessary to prevent tangles and mats, especially since the breed has a dual coat with a thicker undercoat and a fine overcoat. These pups were made for running and are one of the fastest dog breeds in the world, making exercise a priority in their routine.
They can be slightly aloof with people they meet, but they have a heart of gold, ready to love their owners with every bit of their hearts. To avoid extra grooming, you should invest in a snood that keeps the long ear hair out of the way during meals.
8. Lagotto Romagnolo
These medium-sized pups have a curly coat with a distinctive beard and eyebrows. They were bred as waterfowl retrievers and are well-known for being truffle hunters. They are intelligent, affectionate, and energetic, making exercise a big part of their daily routine. Their coat sheds minimally, making it a suitable option for allergy sufferers, though it does need consistent grooming to prevent mats and maintain its unique texture.
They are pretty social pups that get along with children and other animals. They are playful pups by nature, so they don’t thrive when left alone for long periods. They benefit from lots of interaction and engagement with their owners.
9. Shih-Poo
I mean, their name is cute enough, right? These pups are a cross between the Shih Tzu and Miniature or Toy Poodle and are the perfect hypoallergenic breed for allergy sufferers. They have a low-shedding, wavy to curly coat that requires regular brushing to prevent mats. These pups are bright and playful dogs that form strong bonds with their families, and they often tend to follow their owners around everywhere they go.
They are friendly with children and other pets, adaptable to various living environments, and respond well to positive, consistent training despite occasional stubbornness.
10. West Highland White Terrier
Westies are a lively and affectionate small breed with a distinctive white double coat that sheds minimally. They have personalities that are bigger than they’ll ever be and make for some of the best pup friends. They might be small, but they make for excellent watchdogs due to their alertness and tendency to bark at strangers or unusual sounds, though this vocal nature may require patient training.
They get along well with children and other pets but are wary of small rodents, as they have a strong prey drive. Their coat needs regular TLC to maintain its texture and reduce dander, helping to keep allergens at bay.
11. Affenpinscher
These little cuties have earned the nickname “monkey terriers” due to their expressive faces and lively antics. Their wiry, low-shedding coat makes them ideal for anyone who suffers from allergies. They love playing around but may be less tolerant of rough handling, so they are better suited to families with older children. Regular grooming, including brushing and occasional trimming, helps maintain their coat and minimize allergens.
Their larger-than-life personalities and heaps of energy make them ideal for an active lifestyle where they’ll be loved and cherished.
Explore more of our trending stories and hit Follow to keep them coming to your feed!
Don’t miss out on more stories like this! Hit the Follow button at the top of this article to stay updated with the latest news. Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
