Guide to the Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

What are Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds that tend to cause fewer allergic reactions in people sensitive to dogs. However, there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs. All dogs produce allergens to some degree through fluids like saliva, dander, and urine. But some individual dogs and breeds produce fewer allergens than others.

Allergens come from proteins found in dog hair, dander, saliva and urine. When allergic people are exposed to these allergens, their immune systems overreact, causing allergy symptoms.

Hypoallergenic dogs shed less fur and produce less dander, so they disperse fewer allergens into the environment. Their saliva may also contain less allergenic proteins. This makes them more suitable choices for people with dog allergies.

What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?

Certain characteristics make a dog shed less and produce fewer allergens:

• Having hair instead of fur. Hair is less prone to shedding.
• Non-shedding or low shedding coats. Less shedding means less dander.
• Producing low amounts of certain proteins in their saliva, urine or dander that people are commonly allergic to.
• Not drooling much or licking people excessively. This limits exposure to saliva allergens.

No dog is completely non-allergenic. But breeds with more of these traits tend to be better tolerated by those with allergies.

The Role of Shedding

How much a dog sheds plays a major role in how hypoallergenic it is. As dogs shed, their fur and dander break down and release allergens into the air and environment. Minimizing shedding reduces airborne allergens.

When evaluating how much a breed sheds, consider:

• Coat type - Fur vs hair coats
• Shedding frequency - Seasonally vs year-round
• Coat maintenance - Do they require frequent brushing and grooming?

Single coated breeds with minimal shedding require less grooming to control hair/dander. This makes the environment more allergy-friendly.

The Role of Saliva

Dog saliva contains allergenic proteins that can stick to fur and human skin. When a dog licks or drools on people, they may react to these proteins.

Breeds that do not tend to excessively lick people or drool will reduce human exposure to saliva allergens. Individual dogs can vary in licking/drooling behavior though.

Most Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Here are some of the best dog breeds for allergy sufferers:

1. Poodle

Poodles have a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat that produces less dander. Their tight curled coats also trap dander and allergens near the skin rather than dispersing it into the air.

Poodle coats come in three varieties: toy, miniature and standard. All have the same non-shedding qualities. Poodles require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks and regular brushing to prevent matting and control shedding.

2. Portuguese Water Dog

This energetic, loyal breed has a single-layer, low-shedding coat. The hypoallergenic, water-resistant coat requires thorough brushing and clipping every 6-8 weeks to keep it healthy and dander-free.

Their minimal shedding makes Portuguese Water Dogs ideal for allergy sufferers. Their playful and affectionate nature also makes them wonderful family pets.

3. Maltese

The Maltese has a single, long, silky coat that sheds little. Regular brushing prevents tangles and minimizes shedding and dander. Many people with allergies tolerate Maltese dogs well.

These diminutive companion dogs are extremely affectionate and adaptable. They thrive both in apartments and houses as long as they get daily walks. Their small size also means they produce lower amounts of allergens.

4. Shih Tzu

Bred to be companion dogs, Shih Tzus have an easy-care double coat that sheds minimally. Their long, dense hair needs daily combing and brushing.

Shih Tzus produce less dander than many dogs and do not shed heavily most of the year. This makes them easier for allergy sufferers to be around. They make very loyal and lively indoor pets.

5. Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzers have a non-shedding, wiry coat that requires professional grooming every 6 weeks. They have minimal doggy odor thanks to their low-shedding quality.

Miniature Schnauzers also have minimal shedding from their double coats. Daily brushing prevents mats. Being originally bred as working dogs, Schnauzers are very intelligent, energetic, and loyal companions.

6. Griffon Bruxellois

This toy breed has a rough, scruffy coat that is non-shedding with minimal grooming needs. They have an outgoing and endearing personality.

Also known as Brussels Griffons, they produce lower amounts of pet dander despite their wiry coats. Their small size helps limit the amount of allergens dispersed as well. But their beards may harbor saliva that can cause reactions.

7. Greyhound

Greyhounds have short, smooth coats that require little grooming and shed minimally. They produce less dander than many breeds, making them a reasonable choice for mild allergy sufferers.

Despite their large size, they are very calm, mild-mannered dogs that need minimal exercise. Their laidback nature helps limit production of allergy-inducing saliva as well.

8. Irish Water Spaniel

These highly intelligent dogs have curly, dense, hypoallergenic coats. Their minimally shedding coats require regular brushing and trimming every few months.

Though they need plenty of exercise, their energetic and cheerful personalities make them ideal for active families. They are moderately allergy-friendly but do drool and produce some dander.

9. Kerry Blue Terrier

With their thick, curly coats, Kerry Blue Terriers shed minimally and produce low dander. Their coats require weekly brushing and trimming every 6-8 weeks.

Despite their size, Kerry Blues have relatively low saliva production and do not excessively drool or lick. However, their wiry coats may trap allergens near the skin where they can still cause reactions.

10. Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terriers have soft, fluffy, lamb-like coats that require weekly brushing but are relatively non-shedding. Owners report minimal issues with allergies.

They produce little pet dander thanks to their coats. Their athleticism makes them ideally suited for active families. Though they enjoyGames, they are also calm indoor companions.

11. Bichon Frise

The dense, curly coats of Bichon Frises are hypoallergenic and shed-free. High grooming needs including clipping every 4-6 weeks helps keep dander to a minimum.

Bichons have an affectionate but mischievous personality. Their small size and minimal shedding makes them a decent choice for allergy sufferers looking for a lapdog.

12. Chinese Crested

These tiny dogs come in two coat varieties - furless and powderpuff. Both are light shedders, but the hairless variety is more hypoallergenic and better for allergies.

With almost no coat, the hairless Chinese Crested has minimal dander. Their engaging, fun-loving temperament makes them wonderful pets for apartment dwellers and singles.

13. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear was bred as a companion dog and has a sweet, playful temperament. Their long, cotton-like coats shed minimally and require brushing several times per week.

Cotons produce low levels of dander and are considered moderately allergy-friendly. Their white coats also reduce visible dander. They make ideal low-shedding family dogs.

14. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies have a straight, fine, silky coat that sheds very little. Their small size also limits the amount of dander and allergens dispersed.

Regular brushing and trimming is needed every few months. Yorkies are great alert watchdogs that thrive in apartments. Overall they are a good pet choice for those with mild allergies.

15. Affenpinscher

The wiry, dense coat of the Affenpinscher requires brushing multiple times per week but hardly sheds. Trimming every 4-6 weeks maintains their neat appearance.

They produce minimal dander and coat oils due to their rough coat texture. Their smaller size also limits allergens. Affens are loyal, mischievous companions ideal for allergy-prone owners.

Other Allergy Friendly Breeds

While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, other breeds that tend to be better tolerated by allergy sufferers include:

• Italian Greyhound
• Wirehaired Fox Terrier
• Xoloitzcuintli
• Airedale Terrier
• Wheaten Terrier
• Havanese
• Puli
• Samoyed

Are Mixed Breeds Hypoallergenic?

While purebreds allow some prediction of allergy-friendliness based on typical coat types, mixed breeds can be more variable. It depends on which parent breeds they take after.

Some hypoallergenic mixes include:

• Labradoodle - Labrador Retriever crossed with Poodle
• Goldendoodle - Golden Retriever crossed with Poodle
• Schnoodle - Schnauzer crossed with Poodle
• Yorkipoo - Yorkshire Terrier crossed with Poodle
• Cockapoo - Cocker Spaniel crossed with Poodle

These Poodle mixes tend to be low-shedding and less allergenic. But grooming needs vary based on which coat characteristics are inherited from each breed.

Tips for Choosing a Hypoallergenic Breed

When selecting an allergy-friendly dog, consider these factors:

• Coat type - Prioritize hair over fur, non-shedding over heavy shedding.
• Grooming needs - Breeds requiring frequent grooming are lower maintenance for allergies.
• Shedding seasons - Some dogs shed heavily at seasonal coat changes.
• Size - Larger dogs disperse more allergens across environment.
• Activity level - Calm breeds produce less allergy-inducing saliva.
• Drooling tendency - Heavy droolers spread more saliva allergens when licking.

While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, selecting breeds with more low-shedding, low-dander traits can make a big difference in minimizing allergic reactions. Working with a reputable breeder is also recommended to ensure getting a high quality, healthy companion.

Are Allergy Shots an Option?

For extreme dog allergies, immunotherapy allergy shots may be an option. This involves administering gradually increasing amounts of dog allergens to desensitize the immune system.

Benefits of allergy shots include:

• Build tolerance to specific dog allergens
• Reduce allergy and asthma symptoms
• Allow having a dog despite allergies
• Effects last even after discontinuing shots

Allergy shots take 3-5 years to reach maximum effectiveness but can start reducing symptoms within 6-12 months. This option requires consultation with an allergist but provides long-term relief.

Living Comfortably with a Dog Despite Allergies

While completely avoiding exposure to allergens is unrealistic, these tips can help minimize reactions:

• Keep dogs out of bedrooms and restrict access to a few low-traffic areas.
• Bathe dogs weekly to control dander.
• Groom dogs regularly to remove loose hair and allergy particles.
• Use HEPA air filters to capture allergens.
• Clean frequently with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.
• Wash hands after contact with dogs.
• Take allergy medication as needed to control symptoms.

Working with an allergist can help identify specific dog allergens to avoid. However, proper breed selection goes a long way in allowing dog lovers to reap the benefits of dog ownership despite allergies.

The Bottom Line

While there are no completely hypoallergenic dogs, some breeds shed less and produce fewer allergens. Prioritizing non-shedding, low-dander dogs can allow most people with dog allergies to own pets successfully. Combined with lifestyle changes to limit allergen contact, the right breed selection provides the solution to living with dogs despite sensitivities.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.