It is a common misconception that there are completely hypoallergenic dog breeds. No specific breed of dog is 100% allergen free or non-shedding, however, some breeds are better for allergy sufferers than others. If you are looking for a new companion and looking for dog breeds that don’t shed much, check out our top 10 picks!
Breeds such as the Maltese and the Yorkie contain single layers of fur, making them good candidates for those with allergies.
In contrast, Poodles are known for their tight curls and short coats that stay close to the skin and rarely shed.
The dog breeds below are low-shedding and can be great companions for those who are allergic to pet hair.
So, if you are looking for a new addition to your family and want a dog that is easy to take care of, then consider one of the breeds in our list of dogs that are low shedding!
10 Low-Shedding Dogs Perfect as a Family Pet
1. American Hairless Terrier
With no body hair or dander, it is a choice for allergy sufferers.
It has pink skin and gray, black, golden, or red spots.
This fun terrier is playful and loving. It will need daily exercise and weekly bathing.
This hairless dog breed must avoid sunburn and stay warm in cold weather.
They normally live 14 to 16 years. Size: 7 to 16 inches, 5 to 16 pounds.
2. American Water Spaniel
This intelligent, trainable dog lives 12 to 15 years and has a wavy or curly outer coat in shades of liver, brown, or dark chocolate with a protective undercoat.
A perfect hunting partner, it requires plenty of exercise.
Size: 15 to 18 inches tall and 25 to 45 pounds.
3. Bichon Frise
These little guys live 15 or more years.
They have long outer coats that cover a soft undercoat.
They’re white and fluffy, with an identifiable haircut requiring regular professional grooming.
Bichons are loving, sociable dogs that need a daily walk.
Most weigh 7 to 12 pounds and reach 9 to 12 inches tall.
4. Chinese Crested (Hairless)
The Powder Puff variety has a long, soft coat. The Hairless has hair only on its feet, head, and tail.
Both come in many solid or spotted shades.
They live 10 to 12 years and need constant companionship, a daily walk, and sunscreen to thrive.
Some Chinese Cresteds are allergic to lanolin and wool.
Their size is 12 inches tall, not exceeding 10 pounds.
5. Hairless Khala
They’re medium-sized hounds that become dark gray at maturity.
They’ve loving and docile with family members but can be unfriendly with strangers.
They grow to between 14 and 20 inches tall, depending on the type, and weigh 15 to 30 pounds.
Export to the United States is limited, so there’s no calculated age range here.
6. Miniature Poodle
Miniature poodles have a curly coat, or corded coat, and come in a range of colors such as black, blue, silver, gray, cream, apricot, red, white, brown, or café-au-lait.
These smart, cheerful dogs love children but are high-strung without lots of exercise.
Since they don’t shed, their coats must be clipped regularly.
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. Size: 16 to 17 pounds, 11 to 15 inches tall.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
The non-shedding coat is black, white, brown, mixed, silver, or gray.
These water-loving dogs have a pleasant disposition and a sense of humor.
They love being in the spotlight and need daily mental and physical exercise during their 10 to 14 years.
They weigh between 35 to 49 pounds and stand 17 to 22 inches tall.
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years.
8. Standard Schnauzer
These shed-free dogs have wiry coats that are solid black or salt and pepper.
They are great watchdogs and very clever but not great with children.
Standard Schnauzers will need a daily walk and usually live at least 15 years.
They also require daily combing or brushing to avoid mats.
Their size is 17 to 19 inches tall, between 30 and 45 pounds.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
These dogs are hypoallergenic, with silky hair in shades of tan and blue or black.
Yorkies can be bred to be smaller than the standard four pounds because they have fewer health problems when they’re bigger dogs.
They live 12 to 15 years and need daily exercise but love being lapdogs.
They’re intelligent and can be a little yappy.
Yorkies are 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh between four and seven pounds.
10. Maltese
Maltese dogs are one of the most popular breeds for those looking for a small, affectionate companion.
According to the American Kennel Club, these little pups usually weigh less than seven pounds and have a beautiful white coat that is low-shedding.
This makes them an ideal choice for those living in smaller spaces such as apartments.
Despite their size, owners should still be prepared to maintain regular brushing to prevent matting.
Luckily, due to their compact size, it shouldn’t take too long to keep them well-groomed.
These ten breeds of dogs make great companions for people with allergies. So, if you are looking for a new addition to your family and want a dog that is easy to take care of, look no further than dog breeds that don’t shed.
What Can You Do If You Still Have Pet Allergies?
If you are still allergic to dogs even though you have one of the dog breeds that don’t shed listed above, there are a few things that you can do.
First, make sure to keep your house clean and free of pet hair and dander.
This means sweeping and vacuuming often.
You should also dust with a damp cloth instead of using an upright vacuum cleaner, so you don’t stir up any pet hair.
If these dogs are still causing allergy problems, try getting a hypoallergenic dog bed to keep the allergens off your floor and furniture.
You can also use pillowcases that prevent dust mites from attaching themselves to the fabric, so they aren’t on your bed or couch in between washings.
Finally, if you are struggling with your allergies, talk to your doctor about taking allergy medications.
Many different types of medications can help control your symptoms and make living with dogs a little easier.
What Kind Of Medications Help Allergies to Pets?
Some allergy medications that your doctor might prescribe are antihistamines, decongestants, or corticosteroids.
Antihistamines help to stop the body from reacting to allergens. They come in both pill and nasal spray forms.
Decongestants work by shrinking the blood vessels in your nose so that there is less swelling. This will help you breathe better and make it easier for the allergens to leave your body.
Corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory medicine that helps to control the allergic response in your body. They come in both pill and nasal spray forms and can be very effective at stopping allergy symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about which type of allergy medication would be best for you.
They can help you find the right one to control your symptoms and make living with dogs a little easier.
In Conclusion
There are several different things you should look at when considering adding a dog to your family and having an issue with allergies.
In addition to size, and temperament, you obviously will want to avoid heavy-shedding dogs.
Hopefully, the dogs on our list of dog breeds that don’t shed or at minimum are low-shedding will be a start in finding your perfect companion AND keeping allergies at bay.