Hypoallergenic Breeds for People With Dog Allergies

For some people, allergens present in dog saliva and dead skin cells (this is called dander) can cause allergies. While there is no totally non-allergenic dog or hypoallergenic dog, the good news is that some breeds do seem to cause fewer allergies than others. Typically, it's because these breeds don't shed as much fur, or they have a coat that requires frequent bathing. Smaller dogs also produce less saliva than bigger dogs.

These dog breeds seem to cause the fewest allergies.

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Poodle and Poodle Hybrids

woman taking picture of her poodle — Allison Michael Orenstein Collection/The Image Bank/Getty Images

Poodles come in various sizes, colors, and coat lengths. Recent cross-breeding with other breeds, such as cocker spaniels and Labrador retrievers, has been popular. Generally speaking, poodles shed less hair and dander, and therefore cause fewer allergy symptoms.

2

Schnauzer

Schnauzers come in three sizes:

Miniature
Standard
Giant

All types are good choices for people with dog allergies.

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Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a close relative of the poodle.

4

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

All varieties of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier appear to be good choices for people who suffer from dog allergies. The various varieties include Traditional Irish, Heavy Irish, English, and American types.

5

Maltese

White dog sleeping — Emilija Manevska / Getty Images

The Maltese are part of the toy-size class of dogs, and it does not shed. It has been suggested that the fact that these dogs are frequently bathed and groomed helps to reduce their ability to cause allergies.

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Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos are another small breed of dog that does not shed its coat. The fact that these small dogs are frequently bathed may be one reason why people with dog allergies have few symptoms with owning this breed.

7

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, as they are frequently called, is another toy-sized breed of dog. Their reputation as a hypoallergenic breed may be in part due to their small size.

8

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are yet another small breed of dog that likely owe their hypoallergenic nature to their small size and need for frequent bathing and grooming by their owners. They also don't shed much.

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