For all those dog enthusiasts who can’t cope with sneezes, itchy eyes, and a nose that runs like a faucet, the pet dream appears incredibly out of reach. It’s one many are left with: how to enjoy the unqualified affection of a dog without enduring constant clean-up and discomfort? Don’t worry, non-shedding breeds are the solution. These sweet friends bring the fun with little to no mess and hassle, and dog ownership is available to so many more.
The term “hypoallergenic” is a misnomer. There is no such thing as a shedding-free or 100% hypoallergenic dog. As Dr. Kathryn Dench, veterinarian and chief scientific advisor at Paw Origins, says: “While it’s true that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are some breeds that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.” Allergy is mostly derived from dander,saliva, or urine, not from hair alone even hairless dogs emit dander. The breeds below are genuinely low-shedding, releasing significantly less dander and hair into your home, which helps reduce allergic reactions.
If you’re ready to avoid endless vacuuming and allergy flare-ups, this list highlights breeds that are gentle on both your health and your cleaning routine. From playful small dogs to loyal large companions, there’s an option here for many lifestyles.
1. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodle is an international hit for its affectionate, playful nature and hypoallergenic coat. Based on personal experience, my Toy Poodle has not provoked any adverse reaction, illustrating how well they are suited to sensitive owners.They are smart and easy to train, and they settle easily into new families and living situations. Their clinginess and chattiness make them ideal best friends.Reaching about 10 inches in height and weighing 6–10 lbs, the Toy Poodle lives for 12–15 years. Due to their curly coat, they are low shedders, making them great for apartment dwellers and first-time dog owners who desire a clean house and loyal companion.
2. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher, or “monkey-like terrier,” is a unique-looking and active animal. Formerly used as a rat catcher, it still possesses keen instincts, thereby making it a small but efficient watch dog.Active, intelligent, and loving, they are well-suited for apartment living if brushed regularly. They live on entertainment and are always on their toes in their company.9–12 inches tall and 7–10 lbs, Affenpinschers are 12–14 years old. They have a wiry low-allergen coat that requires routine grooming, such as stripping and brushing.
3. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are full of personality and energy and are sure to miss the limelight with their lively personality. With their minds, they are smart students and entertaining family members.Loving and wanting to please, they require a great deal of mental and physical exercise to be content. Walking, training, and play are a necessity.They stand 11–14 inches tall and weigh 10–18 lbs, with a lifespan of 12–15 years. Their loyal, fiery temperament makes them best for active families that can keep up with their energy.
4. Saluki
The Saluki is among the world’s most ancient dog breeds, with its great speed, elegance, and low-shedding coat winning us over. Despite their plush appearance, they actually shed very little.Gentle, quiet, and wise, they adore comfort and plush surroundings, leaving no trace of hair behind. Its loyalty comes with a somewhat reserved temperament.Standing 23–28 inches tall and weighing 35–65 lbs, Salukis have a lifespan of 12–14 years. Salukis need space to run and a calm home life.
5. Irish Terrier
Well-known for its red coat and tough, fearlessness mentality, the Irish Terrier is a family guardian and low-shedder, too. Brave but loving with their families, these animals never shy away from showing love.Sporty and energetic, they love people and outdoor activities. Adventurous and tough, they are perfect companions for lively families.18 inches in height and weighing 25–27 lbs, they have a lifespan of 13–15 years, providing loyalty, spunk, and minimal shedding.
6. Maltese
A people-loving, small playmate who adores people attention, the Maltese is very loving. As a return gesture, they provide boundless love, and they make wonderful lapdogs.At the core of their gentle heart is a clever head that loves to play tricks and learn games. They love being trained because of their friendly natures.7–12 inches tall, weighing 4–8 lbs, and living 12–15 years make them a fantastic apartment dog with their minimal shedding and adaptability.
7. Kerry Blue Terrier
First developed for herding and guard work, the Kerry Blue Terrier is hypoallergenic, devoted, and intelligent. The blue-grey coat is distinctive and allergy-safe.They are easy to adapt to family life, loving to learn and play with their people.Tall enough at 17.5–19.5 inches and weighing 44–51 lbs, they live 13–15 years, providing ability and affection in equal proportion.
8. Shih Tzu
With their cute looks and friendly personalities, Shih Tzus are wonderful companions for most homes.These friendly dogs enjoy people’s company all the time, spreading joy wherever they go.Remaining between 8–11 inches in height, 9–16 lb heavies, they weigh 10–16 years on planet earth.They make homes tidy as they have a low-shedding coat.
9. Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is low-shedding, athletic, and intelligent. They’re good at obedience and agility activities.Nice and friendly to please, they get along well with physical and mental stimulation.Tail height 18–24 inches and weight 40–70 lbs, life expectancy 12–15 years. They have a curly coat that needs routine grooming to prevent matting.
10. Scottish Terrier
Self-reliant and self-sufficient, Scottish Terriers like to do their own thing but are strongly devoted to their masters.Wholehearted anything less than that is unacceptable to them.Firm, uncompromising in temperament and with a certain expression, they stand 10 inches tall and weigh 19–22 lbs, living 12–15 years.Function wiry, low-shedding coat allergy-free.
11. Australian Silky Terrier
Low-shedding Australian Silky Terrier with silky coat and lively, loving personality. Despising boredom, they must be kept physically and mentally active. Weighing between 9–10 inches and 8–10 lbs, they live for 12–15 years. Training is a pleasure with their fast intelligence.
12. Irish Water Spaniel
A lively retriever, the Irish Water Spaniel is fond of water and people. They require a lot of exercise and do well in energetic families. They reach maturity at a height of 21–24 inches and a weight of 45–65 lbs and live for 10–12 years. Low-shedding dense curly coat.
13. Cairn Terrier
Best known as Toto in The Wizard of Oz, Cairn Terriers are intelligent, devoted, and friendly.They tag along behind their family members wherever they go, happy to assist and play.They reach a height of 9.5–10 inches and weigh 13–14 lbs and live for 12–15 years.They have a light shedding ability and an energetic personality.
14. West Highland White Terrier
The Westie is lively, loving, and energetic.They love being alone but they love people too.Ear height of 10–11 inches and weight of 13–22 lbs with a lifespan of 12–16 years on average.Durable as they come, they are long-time favorites
The Truth About Hypoallergenic Dogs
There is no completely hypoallergenic dog, but low-shedding dogs emit fewer dander and hair, cutting down on allergic reactions. Dr. Kathryn Dench feels an allergy-free life is not possible, but certain breeds are less likely to be symptomatic.
Dander, saliva, and urine are the primary sources of allergens, not merely hair. Hairless breeds shed dander as well. While research indicates minimal statistical disparity between hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic dogs, low-shedding breeds will have a greater likelihood of succeeding for sensitive owners.
AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein points out that these breeds are less likely to cause a reaction by coat type. Daily grooming also keeps dander to reasonable levels. Always get to know a breed before adopting to test your reaction.
Practical Tips for Living With Allergies and Dogs
- Feed high-quality food to reduce shedding – A natural diet rich in omega fatty acids keeps skin healthy and shedding minimal.
- Replace carpets with tiles or wooden flooring – Hard surfaces trap less dander and are easier to clean.
- Wash your hands – Always clean your hands after contact to avoid transferring allergens.
- Invest in a quality air purifier with HEPA filters – Removes pet dander and hair from the air.
- Vacuum regularly – Frequent vacuuming and washing of bedding in hot water keeps allergens down.
- Set up a dog-free zone – Create an area, such as a bedroom, where your dog cannot enter, allowing symptoms to calm.
