12 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds 

by Maddy Pappas

Image via: Unsplash (Opens in a new window)

Dogs add everything from joy to companionship to our lives. Their unconditional love and presence can help people through the ups and downs of everyday life. However, for some people, owning a dog may be just a dream.

This is particularly true for those suffering from allergies. For these individuals, owning a dog is characterised by watery eyes and a runny nose rather than pure joy and hours upon hours of fun.

However, people suffering from allergies don’t have to simply admire dogs from afar. In fact, there are various dog breeds that are dubbed hypoallergenic. As such, even severe allergy sufferers can enjoy the companionship of a dog.

Understanding dog related allergens

While there are many hypoallergenic dog breeds to choose from, it’s important for allergy sufferers to have all the information. This is because no dog or dog breed for that matter is 100% allergen free (Opens in a new window).

This is largely due to the fact that not all dogs produce the same proteins. For example, one Maltese dog in a litter might set off your allergies, however, contact with another Maltese from the same litter may cause no reaction.

As such, understanding dog allergies can be confusing. That’s why it’s important to note that a dog allergy isn’t just your human body reacting to fur. In fact, the human body will react to everything from a dog’s saliva and urine to their dander (Opens in a new window).

As such, a hypoallergenic dog won’t shed as much as other breeds. This may be because they have a non-shedding coat that produces minimal dander. Alternatively, an allergen-free breed might have no hair and therefore, no dander clings to the skin.

12 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

There are many great things about dogs that are deemed hypoallergenic. For one, this variety of pet won’t instigate allergies. Additionally, hypoallergenic dog breeds come in a range of sizes.

Remember however that all dog breeds will need grooming. So, in order to ensure a stress free visit, approach visiting the groomer like visiting the vet (Opens in a new window). Visit regularly and start your pup young to get them into the routine.

1. Affenpinscher

A great household companion, Affenpinschers are classified as small dogs. With an abundance of energy, Affenpinschers are wiry-haired animals. Additionally, this loving breed doesn’t shed often, making them a perfect hypoallergenic breed.

2. Italian Greyhound

Craving constant companionship, Italian Greyhounds have a beautiful nature. Complete with a very little coat, Italian Greyhounds aren’t known as shedders. This makes them a perfect companion to those looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed that is also loving.

3. Wire Fox Terrier

Terriers at heart, Wire Fox Terriers are full of energy. Importantly, this breed is also smart and independent. Their rough, oftentimes wiry coats are incredibly low maintenance. Typically their coats seldom shed.

4. Havanese

Complete with silky long hair, Havenese dog breeds are deemed hypoallergenic. This is great news for allergy sufferers as Havanese pups are generally characters. Displaying both funny and intelligent traits.

5. Afghan Hound

Despite their thick and yet fine, silk coat, Afghan Hounds are deemed hypoallergenic. Perfect for those with children, Afghan Hounds are equal parts friendly, loving, loyal and yet independent.

6. Samoyed

For those looking for a medium sized dog, Samoyed are perfect. While a Samoyed is characterised by their thick and white double-layered coat (Opens in a new window), they have minimal levels of dander.

7.  Labradoodle

A Labradoodle is a Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle. The result? A gorgeous looking hypoallergenic dog breed. Smart and sociable, some Labradoodles don’t shed while others will shed minimally.

8. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise are characterised as small hypoallergenic dogs. While these dogs are on the smaller scale, they are extremely playful and yet gentle. Best of all, Bichon Frise has been bred to be hypoallergenic.

9. Poodle

Large, toy and even miniature Poodles, along with Labradoodles are known as hypoallergenic. Equally important, Poodles are also super smart and easy to train, making them fantastic pets.

10. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are characterised by their fine hair. In fact, their hair is often deemed closer to human hair rather than animal fur. While this breed of terrier is hypoallergenic, remember to brush their hair regularly for proper maintenance.

11. Basenji

Originally deemed African hunting dogs, Basenjis are an incredibly unique dog breed. For one, Basenjis don't bark. Additionally, they have fine hair that seldom sheds. Basenjis also have cat-like tendencies so will keep on top of their own grooming needs.

12. Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers are another breed of terrier deemed hypoallergenic. This is largely due to the fact that Scottish Terriers were bred as hunters (Opens in a new window) and as such, have wiry, weather resistant coats.

Choosing the right dog for you

Thanks to a variety of hypoallergenic dog breeds, allergy sufferers now have every chance to bring a dog home. However, as no dog is completely hypoallergenic, try to spend as much time with them as possible before bringing them home. This way, you can ensure that you are making the right decision for your health and also, the pet’s wellbeing.