Many people who love dogs also struggle with allergies, making the search for the right breed especially important. While no dog is completely allergy-free, certain breeds are often described as hypoallergenic because they tend to produce fewer allergens or shed less dander than others.
Allergic reactions to dogs are typically triggered by proteins found in dander, saliva, and urine — not just fur alone. Breeds with low-shedding coats or hair that grows continuously may help reduce allergen spread in the home, though individual reactions can vary.
This guide to hypoallergenic dog breeds highlights dogs that are commonly recommended for allergy-sensitive households. Below, you’ll find breeds grouped by size and lifestyle considerations, along with links to detailed breed profiles to help you learn more before choosing a dog.
Because allergy sensitivity differs from person to person, spending time with a dog before bringing one home is often recommended for individuals with allergies.
🐶 Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Small hypoallergenic dog breeds are often popular with allergy-sensitive households because of their manageable size and coat characteristics. While no dog is completely allergy-free, many small breeds are known for producing less dander or shedding less fur, which may help reduce allergen spread in the home.
These breeds are often well-suited to apartments, smaller living spaces, and families looking for a companion that fits comfortably into daily routines.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are intelligent, affectionate dogs with a curly, low-shedding coat that is often associated with reduced allergen spread. Their trainability and adaptability make them a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a small companion that fits well into allergy-conscious households.
👉 Learn more about the Toy Poodle breed
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are cheerful, sociable dogs known for their soft, curly coats and friendly disposition. They often do well in family environments and are commonly recommended for households looking for a small dog with lower shedding tendencies.
👉 Explore the Bichon Frise breed profile
Maltese
Maltese dogs have a long, hair-like coat rather than traditional fur, which may help reduce shedding. Their affectionate nature and close bond with their owners make them a good option for families or individuals seeking a gentle, indoor-friendly companion.
👉 Read about the Maltese breed
Havanese
Havanese dogs are adaptable, people-oriented companions with coats that tend to shed minimally. They often integrate easily into family life and are known for their playful yet gentle temperament, making them well-suited to allergy-aware households.
👉 Discover more about the Havanese breed
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers have fine, hair-like coats that shed less than many other breeds. Their small size and lively personality make them popular in homes where space is limited and shedding concerns are a priority.
👉 Learn more about the Yorkshire Terrier breed
Families seeking a dog with a bit more size may also want to explore medium hypoallergenic breeds that offer similar coat characteristics with additional energy or sturdiness.
🐕 Medium Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Medium-sized hypoallergenic dog breeds often appeal to families and individuals looking for a balance between size, activity level, and coat characteristics that may help reduce allergen spread. While allergy responses vary from person to person, these breeds are commonly chosen for their low-shedding or hair-like coats.
Many medium hypoallergenic dogs are adaptable, trainable, and well-suited to active households that enjoy daily interaction, walks, and structured routines.
Standard Schnauzer
Standard Schnauzers have a wiry, low-shedding coat that is often associated with reduced dander spread. They are intelligent, alert dogs that typically do well in family environments when provided with consistent training and mental stimulation.
👉 Learn more about the Standard Schnauzer breed
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are friendly, affectionate dogs with a silky, low-shedding coat. Their adaptable temperament and people-oriented nature often make them a popular choice for families seeking a medium-sized hypoallergenic companion.
👉 Read about the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed
Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers have a dense, curly coat that sheds very little and is often considered suitable for allergy-conscious homes. They are loyal, intelligent dogs that tend to form strong bonds with their families and thrive with regular training and engagement.
👉 Discover more about the Kerry Blue Terrier breed
Spanish Water Dog
Spanish Water Dogs are athletic, versatile companions with a tightly curled coat that sheds minimally. They often do well in active families that enjoy outdoor activities and structured exercise routines.
👉 Learn more about the Spanish Water Dog breed
For families seeking a larger hypoallergenic companion, some large dog breeds offer similar coat characteristics with increased size and strength.
🐕🦺 Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Large hypoallergenic dog breeds can be a good option for families or individuals who prefer a bigger dog but still want to minimize shedding and allergen spread. While no large dog is completely allergy-free, certain breeds are known for coat types that tend to shed less and trap dander more effectively than traditional fur.
These breeds are often best suited to households with enough space and time for regular exercise, training, and grooming.
Standard Poodle
Standard Poodles are highly intelligent, trainable dogs with a dense, curly coat that sheds very little. Their friendly temperament and adaptability often make them a strong choice for families seeking a large hypoallergenic companion that fits well into active households.
👉 Learn more about the Standard Poodle breed
Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers have a wiry, low-shedding coat and are known for their loyalty and intelligence. With proper training and socialization, they can do well in family environments, particularly with owners who enjoy structured routines and regular activity.
👉 Read about the Giant Schnauzer breed
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic, people-oriented companions with curly or wavy coats that shed minimally. They are often well-suited to active families who enjoy outdoor activities and want a large dog with hypoallergenic coat characteristics.
👉 Explore the Portuguese Water Dog breed
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniels are distinctive, athletic dogs with a tight, curly coat that sheds very little. Their playful nature and strong bond with their families make them a good option for households seeking a larger hypoallergenic breed with plenty of personality.
👉 Discover more about the Irish Water Spaniel breed
Bouvier des Flandres
Bouvier des Flandres dogs have a dense, rough coat that sheds minimally and is often associated with reduced allergen spread. They are calm, steady companions that tend to do well with families when given consistent training and daily engagement.
👉 Learn more about the Bouvier des Flandres breed
Because “hypoallergenic” and “low-shedding” are often used interchangeably, it’s helpful for families to understand how these terms differ when choosing the right dog.
🏡 Hypoallergenic Dogs for Families & Apartments
Families living in apartments or smaller homes often need to consider both allergy sensitivity and space limitations when choosing a dog. While size can be a factor, adaptability, energy level, and coat characteristics are often just as important when determining whether a dog will thrive in a family or apartment setting.
Many hypoallergenic dog breeds adjust well to apartment living when provided with daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent routines. Breeds with lower shedding coats may also help reduce allergen buildup in shared indoor spaces, which can be especially helpful for allergy-sensitive households.
For families balancing allergies with lifestyle needs, it can be helpful to compare dogs based on temperament, grooming requirements, and suitability for children.
👉 Families may also want to explore our guide to Best Family Dog Breeds when comparing temperament and lifestyle compatibility.
👉 Apartment dwellers can learn more about adaptable breeds in our Small Dogs for Apartments guide.
For households with young children, early training and routine-building are especially important.
👉 Visit our Puppy Care guide for tips on raising a well-adjusted family dog.
👉 Our Housebreaking guide also offers practical advice for managing indoor training challenges at different life stages.
Taking time to consider both allergy concerns and living arrangements can help families choose a dog that fits comfortably into their home and daily routine.
🌿 Hypoallergenic vs. Low-Shedding Dogs
The terms hypoallergenic and low-shedding are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. Understanding the difference can help families make a more informed decision when allergies or grooming concerns are a priority.
Hypoallergenic dogs are typically breeds that may produce fewer allergens due to coat type, shedding patterns, or dander distribution. However, no dog is completely allergy-free, and individual reactions can vary depending on the person and the dog.
Low-shedding dogs, on the other hand, are breeds that shed less fur overall. While reduced shedding may help limit the spread of allergens in the home, low shedding alone does not guarantee fewer allergic reactions, since allergens are also found in saliva and skin cells.
Some breeds fall into both categories, making them popular choices for allergy-aware households. Others may be low-shedding but not truly hypoallergenic, or vice versa.
👉 To explore breeds known to be low-shedding, visit our guide to Low-Shedding Dog Breeds.
For families with allergy concerns, spending time with a dog before bringing one home and maintaining consistent grooming and cleaning routines can also play an important role in managing allergy symptoms.