27 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Keep Sniffles to a Minimum
Sniffle a whole lot less with these pups.
By Shelby Deering
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Bringing home an adorable dog is one of the best decisions a family can make. Between the wagging tails, sweet snuggles, and endless playtime, it's impossible not to fall in love! Plus, caring for a pet teaches kids so much about love and responsibility. But what happens when someone in the family starts sneezing or itching around your furry friend? Dog allergies can make life with a pup tricky, but they don't have to be a dealbreaker. Choosing a hypoallergenic dog breed can help. While the American Kennel Club reminds us that no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds shed much less, which means fewer allergy-triggering particles floating around your home.
Even though there's no such thing as a totally allergen-free pup, finding the right breed can make a big difference—and maybe help you cut back on the allergy meds, too. Before you bring home your new best friend, it's smart to chat with your doctor about what might work best for your family. And don't forget, you don't have to stick to purebreds! There are plenty of wonderful mixed-breed dogs, like goldendoodles or other doodle varieties, that are known for being low-shedding. You can also find amazing options at your local animal shelter or rescue group. And let's be honest—less dog hair on your couch and clothes is a pretty nice bonus! Here are the best breeds to consider as you start your search.
Maybe one of these breeds is your new best friend:
Soft, white, and endlessly huggable, the Bolognese looks like a walking cotton ball. Their curly coats don't shed much, which helps keep sneezes (and lint rollers) to a minimum. Sweet-tempered and calm, they love nothing more than curling up next to their favorite people.
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Standard Poodle
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Elegant yet full of personality, poodles are famous for their low-shedding coats and friendly personalities. The standard size is athletic and affectionate, while the miniature and toy versions make perfect companions for smaller homes. No matter the size, they're loyal, loving, and always up for fun.
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Portuguese Water Dog
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The Obamas made this breed famous for good reason. Portuguese Water Dogs are bright, energetic, and eager to please. They're playful companions who thrive with active families and love being included in every adventure.
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Maltese
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The Maltese might be small, but their charm is enormous. These gentle and loving dogs are happiest in someone's lap and known for their silky, snow-white coats. Regular grooming keeps them looking picture-perfect, but at only nine inches tall, that's no big task.
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Chinese Crested
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The Chinese Crested has a look all its own—and we love it! Whether you prefer the mostly hairless variety or the soft-coated "powderpuff," both are considered good options for allergy sufferers. They also form strong bonds and love to follow their favorite humans from room to room.
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Bichon Frise
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It's easy to see why these cheerful little pups are compared to stuffed animals. Bichons are playful, affectionate, and always ready to brighten the room. Their low-shedding coats make them ideal for families who want fun without the fur.
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Yorkshire Terrier
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Yorkies may be small, but they make a big impression. Their long, silky hair sheds very little, which is great news for allergy-prone homes. They're spunky, affectionate, and happiest when they're the center of attention—which, let's be honest, they usually are.
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Welsh Terrier
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This wiry-coated pup brings both charm and practicality to the family. The Welsh Terrier's dense, low-shedding fur means less sweeping for you and fewer sneezes for allergy sufferers. Always ready for an outing, they thrive on activity and love tagging along for hikes or errands.
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Basenji
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These sleek, short-haired dogs are best known for their quiet nature. (They actually don't bark, they yodel!) Their tidy coats shed very little, which helps keep both allergies and vacuuming under control. Basenjis are smart, curious, and loyal, with a personality that's full of surprises.
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Affenpinscher
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Tiny but full of attitude, the Affenpinscher looks like it stepped straight out of a cartoon. That coarse, wiry coat isn't just adorable—it's also low-shedding, which means less dander floating around the house. They're brave little companions who bring plenty of fun to everyday life.
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West Highland White Terrier
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“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.
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Afghan Hound
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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.
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Bedlington Terrier
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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.
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Komondor
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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.
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Kerry Blue Terrier
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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.
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Miniature Schnauzer
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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.
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Scottish Terrier
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“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.
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Shih Tzu
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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!
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Wire Fox Terrier
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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.
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American Hairless Terrier
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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.