Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds For People With Allergies

When I first started looking for a dog, one of the biggest hurdles wasn’t finding the right personality or size, it was my allergies. I grew up sneezing around almost every dog I met, and the idea of actually living with one full-time seemed impossible.

But after doing a ton of research (and more than a few sneezing playdates), I discovered something reassuring: some dogs are considered hypoallergenic.

Now, here’s the catch, no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Every pup produces some dander and saliva proteins that can trigger allergies. But certain breeds produce far less of these allergens and shed a lot less, which makes them easier for allergy sufferers to live with.

That’s where the best hypoallergenic dog breeds come in. These dog breeds can make a huge difference for families or individuals dealing with mild to moderate allergies.

Top 10 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

When people ask for a list of the top 10 best hypoallergenic dog breeds, the same names often pop up: Poodles, Bichon Frises, Maltese, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Schnauzers, just to name a few. What they all have in common is a coat type that sheds very little, trapping dander and hair instead of releasing it into your home.

Best Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

If you live in an apartment or just prefer a dog you can scoop up and cuddle, small hypoallergenic breeds are a great option. These dogs are usually under 20 pounds and are well-suited to city living.

Breeds like the Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Yorkshire Terrier are often top picks because their coats are fine and don’t shed much. Even better, small dogs are easier to bathe regularly, which helps reduce allergens even further.

Best Medium Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Medium-sized hypoallergenic dogs are the sweet spot for many families. They’re big enough to join you on outdoor adventures but not so large that they take over the couch.

Breeds like the Miniature Schnauzer, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, and Lagotto Romagnolo fall into this category. These dogs often have curly or wiry coats that catch dander before it spreads, making them a solid choice for allergy-prone households.

Best Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

For those who love big dogs but struggle with allergies, the good news is that there are several large breeds considered allergy-friendly. Poodles (Standard size), Irish Water Spaniels, and Giant Schnauzers are among the best hypoallergenic dog breeds in this category.

Their dense, curly coats do require grooming, but with regular brushing and trimming, they shed minimally compared to most large breeds.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Kids

Kids and dogs can be the best of friends, but if a child has allergies, the wrong breed can quickly make life miserable. Breeds like the Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, and Maltese are often recommended for families with children because they’re both hypoallergenic and have playful, affectionate temperaments.

These dogs are small enough not to overwhelm younger kids but energetic enough to keep up with playtime.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Families

Families often look for dogs that are not only low-shedding but also social, patient, and adaptable. Some of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for families include the Labradoodle (Poodle mix), Portuguese Water Dog, and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. These breeds tend to be friendly, affectionate, and thrive in busy households with kids, visitors, and lots of activity.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

If you’re new to dog ownership, you’ll want a breed that’s hypoallergenic but also relatively easy to care for. Some low-shedding breeds come with very high grooming or training needs, which can be overwhelming for first-timers.

Breeds like the Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and Shih Tzu strike a nice balance, minimal shedding, manageable grooming routines, and generally beginner-friendly temperaments.

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Seniors

For seniors, the best hypoallergenic breeds are often smaller, calmer dogs that don’t require marathon exercise sessions. Breeds like the Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, and Coton de Tulear are great fits.

They’re affectionate lap dogs, relatively easy to groom, and thrive on companionship without being overly demanding. Their size also makes them easy to manage, especially for seniors with mobility concerns.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

While all dogs shed a little, there are a few hypoallergenic breeds that shed so little it’s barely noticeable. Poodles, Maltese, and Portuguese Water Dogs are great examples.

Their curly coats hold onto loose hair, which means less of it ends up floating around your house. These breeds do need regular grooming to prevent matting, but the payoff is a much cleaner, allergy-friendly home environment.

Best Dogs for Allergies and Asthma

For people with both allergies and asthma, choosing the right breed is critical. Even small amounts of dander can trigger breathing issues, so dogs with low-shedding coats are best. Here’s a simple chart to show some good options:

FAQs

Are hypoallergenic dogs completely allergy-free?

No, there’s really no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. All dogs produce proteins in their dander, saliva, and urine that can cause allergies. However, the best hypoallergenic dog breeds produce far less of these allergens and don’t shed much, which makes them much easier for allergy sufferers to live with.

Do hypoallergenic dogs need special grooming?

Yes in fact, grooming is a big part of why these breeds are allergy-friendly. Breeds like Poodles and Bichons have coats that trap hair and dander instead of releasing it, which means you’ll need to brush, bathe, and trim them regularly to keep allergens under control. Skipping grooming can actually make allergies worse.

Which is the easiest hypoallergenic dog to take care of?

For beginners, the Maltese and Miniature Schnauzer are two of the easiest. They’re relatively low-maintenance compared to breeds like Poodles, which need professional grooming. The Maltese is small, gentle, and affectionate, while the Schnauzer is sturdy, smart, and sheds very little with regular brushing.

Can large hypoallergenic breeds really be good for allergies?

Yes. While many people think only small dogs are hypoallergenic, larger breeds like Standard Poodles, Giant Schnauzers, and Irish Water Spaniels are also great options. These dogs require more grooming because of their size, but they shed far less than most large breeds, making them suitable for allergy sufferers who prefer big dogs.

Do hypoallergenic dogs work for people with asthma?

They can, but it depends on the individual. Many people with asthma find that hypoallergenic breeds reduce flare-ups because there’s less dander and hair in the environment. However, some asthma sufferers are sensitive to even small amounts of allergens, so spending time with a breed before adopting is always recommended.