7 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Allergy-Prone Pet Parents—Poodles, Yorkies, Schnauzers and More!

There are a few common misconceptions about hypoallergenic dog breeds. For example, the belief that all hypoallergenic dog breeds have little to no fur, or even that a breed can produce no allergens at all. In fact, there aren’t any 100 percent hypoallergenic dogs, but some breeds pose fewer allergy triggers. Here, learn about some of the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds and how you can help mitigate your pet’s allergic impact. 

What makes a dog breed hypoallergenic?

An allergy to dogs is most often due not to the hair itself, but to the dander (dead skin flakes) that the fur collects. Some dogs have coats that shed less, which means less dander in the air and on surfaces. Saliva can also contain proteins that cause allergic reactions in people, so dogs that drool less may also be a safer option if you’re prone to flares. 

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7 hypoallergenic dog breeds

Here are a few dog breeds that are considered more suitable for people with allergies to pet dander. 

Afghan Hound

Make no mistake—the long, straight, silky fur of an Afghan Hound requires quite a bit of upkeep, but despite the ample amount of washing and trims required, they don’t leave much of their thick, beautiful coats behind. But be warned: Several hours per week of brushing and regular baths using shampoo and conditioner are needed to keep the hair free of tangles and remove any debris. But we say she’s worth it!

Bichon Frise

The double-layered and curly coat on this friendly family favorite does a good job of staying in place. The breed sheds very little because the shed hair is caught up in the undercoat. Still, Bichons should be brushed a minimum of two or three times a week, but ideally every day as that shed hair has to be brushed out to keep it from getting matted. 

Poodle

The famous curls on this classy breed require daily brushing—unless they’re kept trimmed short. Still, whether standard, miniature or toy, all forms of this favorite of classic celebrities like Marilyn Monroe have relatively non-shedding and low-allergen coats. 

Schnauzer 

Schnauzers have medium-length double coats that are wiry on top and smooth underneath. Their coats need to be combed through pretty regularly, but they shed very little. Something to keep in mind is that standard and miniature Schnauzers do tend to drool just a bit more than the other breeds on this list. Also, if the outer coat of a Standard Schnauzer in particular is clipped instead of hand-stripped, it loses its resistance to dirt, bramble and water, which results in more dirt and shedding—so be sure to book yours in with a groomer who knows what they’re doing! Or you can attempt to do it at home with tutorials on YouTube.  

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Yorkshire Terrier

If you’re looking for small hypoallergenic dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier is a great bet! Yorkies have coats that are very similar to human hair, which is a large factor in their compatibility with allergy sufferers. If the coat is kept long, it needs to be brushed daily and washed during a bath about once a week. 

Portuguese Water Dog

Lovingly referred to as Porties—with Bo, President Obama’s beloved pet, a famous example—these dogs have a slightly higher tendency to shed and drool than other hypoallergenic dogs. They have thick hair that ranges from tight curls to loose waves. Their multilayered coat is hypoallergenic but it does require regular grooming.

Maltese

Maltese have long, silky coats that require daily gentle brushing and combing to the skin to prevent mats and tangles, as well as regular baths and coat conditioning  but they don’t do much if any shedding.

How to reduce your dog’s allergen output 

As you can see, hypoallergenic is not synonymous with a dog having little to no fur, and bathing and grooming are a necessity no matter the nature of their coat. However, even with a dog that does a lot of shedding, there are ways to minimize the amount of dander, saliva and hair in your home. Here’s what the vets at VCA Animal Hospitals recommend:

Frequent grooming 

Weekly baths will reduce the amount of allergen-related protein on a dog’s coat as well as airborne allergens. It will usually be easier to bathe breeds with less hair which allows more efficient removal of dander. You should talk to your veterinarian before deciding on a bathing schedule as excess bathing could dry out your dog’s coat and result in skin issues. Moisturizing shampoos are typically the best option to prevent dry skin. Brushing through your dog’s coat won’t stop shedding, but it will remove loose hair in a more controlled manner so that it goes into a brush rather than into the air.

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Cleaning after outside time 

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After your pup romps around outside, pollen or mold particles will likely attach to them. To avoid the dog bringing environmental contaminants into the home, try wiping your dog with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes before they come back inside to reduce the amount of allergens tracked indoors. If your dog is a wiggler or doesn’t have the patience or temperament to let you give them a full cleaning, focus on the body areas that are most likely to come in contact with allergens like the feet and underbelly. 

Purifying home air 

Try to change the air filters in your home often, and consider using filters specially designed to reduce airborne allergens. You should also vacuum rugs and floors frequently, and damp-mop wood or tile floors to pick up any stragglers. 

Use anti-allergen dog shampoos and furniture sprays

Anti-allergen dog shampoos and furniture sprays are great tools for reducing allergens in your home. Shampoos help remove dander, saliva proteins and other allergens from your dog’s coat while keeping their skin hydrated, while furniture sprays neutralize allergens on sofas, rugs and other surfaces, minimizing airborne particles. Together, they can significantly improve comfort for allergy-prone pet owners.