22 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

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.

20 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (Much)

While you might love a dog’s snuggles, playfulness, and loyalty, it’s natural to be less enamored with fur all around the house. Whether you need a low-shedding dog to reduce allergies or to keep things clean, we have some tips on which breeds work best.

After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she’s an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms.

Maybe you’re curious about the best non-shedding dog breeds because you or someone in your family has a dog allergy. Or perhaps the robot-vacuum and lint roller simply can’t keep up with Fido’s fluff all over everything, and you’d like to wear non-furry clothes again!

If you’re thinking you need a hypoallergenic dog, it’s important to note there’s really no such thing. All dogs produce certain types of 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’ll likely still have a smattering of dander—or she loves to lick you! Each individual’s immune system determines their allergic response to Can f 1. While you might snuff up around one breed, another person won’t be affected at all.

The majority of dogs shed, as it’s the normal way for them to release damaged or old hair. But PetMD points out that some canine companions might do it more depending on the season, or when they’re ill, stressed, or experiencing an allergic reaction or skin irritation.

“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.”

He helped us put together a list of both common and not-so-common AKC-registered breeds, including small dogs that don’t shed much.

Afghan Hound

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.

American Hairless Terrier

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.

Bedlington Terrier

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.

Bichon Frise

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.

Brussels Griffon

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.

Cairn Terrier

Like most terriers, family-friendly and loyal cairns 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.

Chinese Crested

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.

Coton de Tulear

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.

Irish Water Spaniel

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.

Kerry Blue Terrier

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.

Lagotto Romagnolo

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.

Maltese

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.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

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.

Portuguese Water Dog

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.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

This versatile, medium-size golden terrier is a big mush puppet, which makes the wheaten 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.

Spanish Water Dog

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.

Barbet

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.

Xoloitzcuintli

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.

22 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Small, medium and large pups that won’t shed fur all over the house.

If you’re craving a cuddle with an adorable and furry friend but have allergies to pet dander, then a hypoallergenic dog might just be the answer to all your needs.

Dogs that are hypoallergenic can work great for people with allergies because they don’t shed as much as other breeds do. That means there’s not as much dander coming off their coats and sticking to your upholstery. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, there’s a threshold at which people with allergies tend to react to the dander (which is made up of dead skin cells) or saliva that causes sufferers to feel itchy, sneezy or short of breath. As an added bonus, dogs that shed less can help cut down on cleaning up all of that stubborn hair around the house.

The experts at the American Kennel Club have pinpointed a whole array of dogs with lots of love to give, with less shedded fur to collect. From small dogs (like Bichons and Yorkies) to medium-sized pooches (like Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs) to larger pups (consider the Giant Schnauzer), you’ll find your new best friend among these hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed, and also happen to make great family pets.

And when you welcome your pup to its new fur-ever home, check out these fun dog toys to help show them just how much they’re loved.

Bichon Frise

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Bred to be hypoallergenic, bichons are one of the American Kennel Club’s top picks for allergy sufferers. Their name is French for “fluffy white dog,” and it’s the ideal descriptor for these cuddly little cotton balls. Their small size also makes them a fun fit for cozy living spaces.

Miniature Schnauzer

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The most popular Schnauzer breed on the market, these astute watchdogs are a perfect pocket option for Schnauzer fans. They have that same serious expression as their larger counterparts, but in a more compact package. These fearless companions shed minimally and love lots of playtime, so get ready for plenty of games of fetch.

Poodle

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All poodles fall under the hypoallergenic umbrella, including the standard, toy and miniature versions, so you can choose your own dog adventure. Super-smart poodles are also extremely easy to train, making them one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. As for that fancy “poodle clip,” the traditional cut protects the water-loving dogs’ joints and vital organs while swimming, in addition to looking absolutely adorable.

Yorkshire Terrier

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Sweet-faced little Yorkies fit in purses and laps, but their small size packs a ton of attitude. Their fine hair has a texture that’s similar to humans’ manes, so it’s less likely to make you sneeze. But groom-averse dog fans, beware: Yorkies do require regular brushing and maintenance to keep their hair tangle-free and silky soft.

Shih Tzu

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The almighty “lion dogs” known as Shih Tzu’s date back to the Tang Dynasty. One look and you’ll understand why the breed once won over royalty with their regal (but low-shedding!) looks and charming, friendly personas. Because their hair naturally grows long, they do require a fair amount of upkeep. Get to know a good groomer, and start early to teach your pup to love regular brushing.

Maltese

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Averaging a teeny-tiny seven pounds, the ancient Greek breed basically defines the concept of “lap dog.” Even marathon cuddle sessions won’t leave you sneezing, since their all-white coats aren’t likely to trigger allergies. You can choose between cutting their soft fur into a sporty trim or letting it grow long, depending on how much maintenance you can handle.

Portuguese Water Dog

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You may recognize these medium-sized furballs after “First Dogs” Sunny and Bo Obama helped put the curly-haired Portuguese water dogs in the spotlight. Their playful and laid-back personalities make great additions to any household, even if yours is less than presidential. They even adapt well to apartment living for those in small spaces, but will still need regular walks to keep them fit.

Scottish Terrier

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You may recognize the personality-filled Scottie dog from Disney classic dog movie, Lady and the Tramp, but the independent and sometimes stubborn Scotties make great pets IRL, too. They were originally bred as fierce hunters, and their wiry, weather-resistant coats kept them protected in a range of climates. Today, their dignified beard will probably spend most of its time gracing your couch.

Chinese Crested

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The Chinese Crested is an easily recognizable breed that has a feathery tail and feet. For those that have a hard time with pet hair, these hairless dogs make great housemates and won’t cause the sniffles since the only place they have hair is on their feet, tail and head. Even if they’ve got faces only a mother could love, you’re sure to fall head over heels with yours.

Xoloitzcuintli

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Known for being the dog of the ancient Aztecs, the Xoloitzcuintli is a loyal and alert watchdog. These dogs come in two varieties — hairless and coated. If you go for the elegant hairless variety, pick up a good dog sunscreen to protect their delicate skin from damage.

Giant Schnauzer

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We’re in love with the giant Schnauzers’ iconic shaggy eyebrows, but all that fur doesn’t mean they’ll make you sneeze. They do require a moderate amount of grooming, so get a quality dog brush. The largest of the three Schnauzer types, they can grow to 75 pounds and have an intelligent, task-focused temperament that lends itself well to training.

West Highland Terrier

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Just like other terriers, Westies possess a curious and lively attitude — with the added bonus of minimal shedding. These hardy dogs have a cheerful demeanor that will keep you giggling with their playful antics. Their portable size and friendly disposition make them some of the most popular terriers.

Havanese

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Happy and curious, Havanese dogs sport long, silky coats in a variety of colors. They can look positively royal if you let their low-shedding coats grow long and carry them around like the kings and queens they think they are. Many owners prefer to give them a shorter clip for easier maintenance.

Afghan Hound

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These sweet hounds don’t shed much, but their long coats do require some attentive grooming. Because they were originally bred for the mountains in Afghanistan, they have long, shiny hair that can tangle without routine maintenance. Make grooming time part of your bonding ritual, and you’ll discover what “man’s best friend” really means.

Basenji

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Basenjis originated as African hunting dogs, but they don’t howl and yap like a lot of hounds tend to do. They have short, fine hair that sheds minimally, so you’ll barely know they live with you. Basenjis are known for their catlike demeanor, and these fastidious little creatures will even groom themselves.

Cairn Terrier

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Lots of coarse-haired terriers shed less than other groups, making the wiry-coated breeds a smart choice for allergy sufferers. Owners especially love Cairn terriers for their fearless personalities — you may recognize the breed as Toto in The Wizard of Oz!

Bedlington Terrier

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Bedlington terriers grow distinctive poofs of fur at the top of their heads, giving the sweet-looking breed a lamb-like look. These gentle, cuddly terriers make great watchdogs and downtime partners. Professionals spend a lot of time styling the curly, wooly coat for dog shows to get them that picture perfect look. If you just want a snuggly pet, you can opt for a lower-maintenance short clip instead.

Coton de Tulear

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Pronounced “coTAWN day two-LEE-are,” this charming companion breed will follow you around the house like a cheerful little shadow. The “royal dog of Madagascar” is allegedly descended from dogs who survived an ancient shipwreck near Madagascar, and they resemble bichons with their soft, white hair. It’s less likely aggravate your allergies than traditional fur.

Irish Water Spaniel

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If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic breed, don’t limit yourself to terriers and toy dogs. Irish water spaniels belong to the sporting group, and (surprise!) they love water. These natural-born swimmers even have coats that repel it, so not only will they keep your allergies at bay, they can hop in and out of the pool all day.

Lagotto Romagnolo

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Don’t let the fancy name fool you. These wooly, small- to medium-sized pups aren’t pretentious in the least. They check off everything on dog lovers’ wish lists: low-shedding, active but not too hyper, easygoing and affectionate. They even have a hidden talent: Lagotti are especially excellent at truffle-hunting. In your care, they may spend more time hunting down toys in your backyard.

Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She’s a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.

Katarina Avendaño (she/her) is the senior SEO editor for Good Housekeeping, where she writes and edits lifestyle content and contributes to SEO strategy. Before joining GH in 2021, she was the digital editor at New York Family, where she was responsible for the website’s content and strategy. Katarina received her bachelor’s degree in communications and Spanish from the University of Washington.