Hypoallergenic Dogs & Tips to Prevent Dog Allergies
Free Pet Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
There are many dog lovers that want to bring a new dog into their lives, but the one thing that is stopping them from doing so is allergies.
While there is no such thing as an allergy-free dog, there are many dog breeds that are considered hypoallergenic which means that they don’t result in any allergic reactions.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
A dog breed is considered hypoallergenic because they have a coat that doesn’t shed as much, which means that less dander is released. Dander is what causes allergies in humans and is attached to the dog’s hair that sheds.
Another great reason to consider a hypoallergenic breed is that if the dog sheds less, you will have less fur over your couch, clothes and everywhere else!
If you are a dog lover but tend to have an allergic reaction to most dogs, we came up with a list that should allow both you and your new pup to live together happily!
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Top 16 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Here is our list of hypoallergenic dog breeds that are great for those with allergies:
Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
Bichon Frise
The adorable Bichon Frise has a wooly-textured coat that releases very little dander. Not only are they considered one of the more playful dog breeds, but they are also very sociable and peppy. With their white coat that is velvety and soft in texture, they are also known to be hypoallergenic pups.
Hairless Chinese Crested
The Hairless Chinese Crested is one of the few breeds that have minimal hair which, of course, means this pup will barely shed. They are a great option for dog parents who are very sensitive to dander and should very rarely have an allergic reaction to this pup.
Havanese
The Havanese is another popular choice among hypoallergenic dogs. Not only do these adorable pups have a great, outgoing personality, but their hair is wavier and less curly which prevents hair from shedding regularly and everywhere in your home!
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a large, slender dog that has a very thin coat of hair that barely sheds. Despite being a greyhound, these little dogs are among the toy dog groups weighing less than 12 pounds. Athletic and sociable, these gems are great for dog lovers with allergies and are very sociable and smart.
Maltese
The Maltese is a popular and renowned toy dog that is adorable and playful. With his white fluffy-like fur and button nose, this charming breed sheds very little and is a great choice for those who are allergic. The Maltese has been around for almost 3,000 years and with their amiable demeanor, they are certain to continue to brighten any family for a long time. A daily brush will keep these cuties looking great and properly groomed.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of Schnauzer breeds and is an outgoing, healthy low-shedding dog breed. With his muscular build and sporty look, the Miniature Schnauzer is known as a great family dog. One of the more enthusiastic dogs with a big personality, you will not only love your new pooch but because they shed so little, but you will be able to hug this guy endlessly (this dog loves hugs)!
The Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a toy-sized breed with hair that is similar to humans, which enables allergy sufferers to cope much more readily. While the coat needs to be maintained with regular brushing, these adorable dogs are great for families, apartment living and love human laps. They are one of the more popular hypoallergenic dogs.
Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier, descendants of the many terrier breeds, has a crinkly wiry-like coat that covers their entire body. Because their hair is so dense, the Wire Fox Terriers are known to shed less and are easy to groom. With their adorable, squarely shaped proportion and shorter backs, they are great running partners with their endurance and speed. Allergies will stay at bay with these pups!
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, another Terrier breed, is a smaller pup as they weigh from 4 to 7 pounds. Like the Poodle, their fur is more hair-like which makes them a great choice for dog lovers with allergies. Their undercoat is barely visible and easy to keep short, groomed and shed free. Due to their compact size, they are very easy to travel with and are a great choice for apartment living.
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Luna
PetFirst saved his parents
$6,712
A happy energetic Luna one morning couldn’t hold her food down. After months of multiple costly vet visits to specialists and an endoscopy, the problem was discovered and fixed. Luna put 22 pounds back on in no time and her parents were grateful for having PetFirst by their side to pay the bills.
Large Hypoallergenic Dogs
Irish Water Spaniel
An Irish Water Spaniel is unique among the breeds since it doesn’t have an undercoat. Even though these pups tend to have curly fur, they shed less since they have less fur. Grooming is important with this breed and regular brushing is necessary. But, allergy sufferers will be happy with this breed
Kerry Blue Terrier
A Kerry Blue Terrier is one of the few breeds that sheds every few weeks which can be a huge help for those with allergies. The Kerry Blue has a wavy like, curlier coat which helps prevent the fur from shedding regularly. Of course, brushing is still necessary but these gems are great for dog lovers with allergies.
Komondor
The Komondor, which is also referred to as a Hungarian sheepdog, is a large breed with almost dreadlock type hair which is why they are commonly referred to as a ‘mop dog’. As adults, they don’t really shed because their cord is so thick and tightly formed that cords of hair will fall off sporadically making them great for allergy-prone dog lovers.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle, which is known as a ‘designer’ hybrid, was originally bred to be a hypoallergenic guide dog and is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. These adorable pups are great with families as they are affectionate, playful and devoted dogs. Most Labradoodles are not heavy shredders and are a great option when looking for a hypoallergenic pup.
Poodle
The poodle is a great dog for people with lighter allergies or asthma. Their curly coat actually hangs onto the dander making them shed less. Maintenance is easy with regular brushing. The coat, which is really more like hair, sheds very little and can be really helpful to the allergy-prone. They are smart, dignified and playful dogs and get along well with almost anyone.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a great choice for those who are only mildly allergic. The Portuguese Water Dog sheds less than most other dogs. Known to be energetic and fun, they are medium-sized and a great companion for families. Keeping these pups’ coat well maintained and groomed is the secret to lessen their allergic component.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a breed that originated from Ireland and generally has two different kinds of coats: Heavy or Irish. The Irish coat is wavier and silky while the Heavy Coat is fuller. Both coats are soft and more like hair and shed very little. They are generally medium-sized and very affectionate, family-friendly pups.
While all these dogs are considered hypoallergenic, it doesn’t mean they are suitable for everyone with dog allergies. Each dog and/or breed is different so it depends on the breeder or even just how you specifically react to the dog.
But, if you do have allergies, this list is a great place to start looking as most would agree they are all considered hypoallergenic.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
How to Reduce Allergy Symptoms
If you are a dog lover and have allergies, there are other things you can do to help your allergies.
The goal is to keep your home as fur-free as possible because the dander that sheds with the fur is the real culprit in causing the allergic reaction.
6 Tips to Help Keep Your Home Fur-Free
- Vacuum your floor, furniture, car and all over your home a few times a week.
- Wash your bedding often and your pet’s bed every few days.
- Air filters should be changed on a regular basis.
- Consider a HEPA high-efficiency air cleaner.
- Wash your dog regularly or have your pup groomed with a hypo-allergenic shampoo.
- Brush your dog daily with a FURmiantor or a proper dog brush that is designed for removing fur and dander.
Dogs are amazing, loyal companions that are a great addition to any family.
If you are allergic to dogs, one of these 16 hypoallergenic dogs will be a great choice to add to your home while keeping your allergies at bay!
Regardless of the breed you choose, there is a pet insurance plan out there for you!
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
We have many dog-related additional resources to help with finding the best pet insurance companies or the top insurance for dogs and puppies. We have a great section to help you train your dog with an extensive list of articles about frequently asked dog questions. Don’t miss out on our look at safe and healthy foods for your dog or puppy in our ‘Can my dog eat’ section. Last you may find our dog breed and related common dog health problems articles very helpful.
Dog Yoga: Why ‘Doga’ Don’t Cut It
The Wrong Way to Break up a Dog Fight
Hypoallergenic Dogs & Tips to Prevent Dog Allergies
Will Allowing Dogs at Work Benefit Your Company?
5 Tips for Surviving a Home Office With Your Dog
Do Therapy Dogs In Schools Improve Student Performance?
Best Dog and Puppy Insurance Companies
I’m a dog. I hate hugs. Get over it!
Dog Age Calculator – Convert Human Years To Dog Years
Dos and Don’ts of Bicycling with Your Dog
4 Ways To Bond with Your Puppy
Top 6 Life Lessons We Can Learn from Our Dogs
10 Dog and Cat Animal Idioms and Their Origins
10 Futuristic Pet Gadgets Trending on Kickstarter Right Now
Top 5 Easter Hazards for Dogs and Cats
Pet Odor Alert: How to Remove Lingering Pet Smells
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a dog hypoallergenic?
A dog breed is considered hypoallergenic because they have a coat that sheds less, releasing minimal dander. Dander is the culprit for allergies in humans and is attached to the dog’s hair that sheds.
Are there truly allergy-free dogs?
While there is no such thing as an allergy-free dog, there are many dog breeds considered hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Can you provide a list of hypoallergenic dog breeds?
Here is a list of hypoallergenic dog breeds mentioned in the content:
- Bichon Frise
- Hairless Chinese Crested
- Havanese
- Italian Greyhound
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Komondor
- Labradoodle
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier*
How can I reduce allergy symptoms if I am a dog lover with allergies?
To reduce allergy symptoms, keep your home as fur-free as possible. Regular brushing of the dog’s coat, maintaining a clean environment, and using pet-friendly air purifiers can help.
What is the purpose of the “Advertiser Disclosure” section?
The “Advertiser Disclosure” section informs users that Pet Insurance U receives compensation from third parties, including insurance providers. The compensation helps keep the site free and updated, and it does not influence the site’s reviews and rankings
Is there a guarantee of unbiased reviews on the site?
Yes, the reviews on the site are guaranteed to be unbiased. Advertising compensation does not influence rankings, and the goal is to provide objective, third-party information about pet insurance.
How frequently is the site updated?
The site is updated regularly to provide users with the latest information about pet insurance. All content is reviewed by pet insurance experts to ensure accuracy.
Are all pet insurance providers reviewed on the site?
While the goal is to review every pet insurance provider, not all companies may be listed on the site. The reviews are conducted based on the site’s objective criteria.
Can I trust the information on this site for finding the best pet insurance?
Yes, the site aims to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. However, it’s recommended to verify information directly with insurance providers for the most accurate details.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.