13 Best Hairless and Short-Haired Dog Breeds for Owners With Allergies

Are you one of the millions of people who suffer from allergies? If so, you might think a pup is out of range. But you’d be wrong. There are several hypoallergenic dog breeds that make great pets for allergy sufferers. Below are 13 hairless dog breeds for people who want a pet friend without the fluff. Bonus: Hairless dog breeds mean less housekeeping.

1. Chinese Crested Dog

One of the best hairless dog breeds for folks with allergies is the Chinese Crested. This elegant pooch has a powder puff tail and long, silky hair on its head, feet, and legs. But don’t let its delicate appearance fool you! The Chinese Crested is a tough little doggo, and thanks to its lack of hair, it’s also hypoallergenic. This means that if you’re allergic to dogs but want the companionship of a furry friend, the Chinese Crested could work for you. It’s a low-maintenance dog that doesn’t shed and doesn’t incite sneezing. The Chinese Crested is also small, making it ideal for apartments and mobile homes.

2. Peruvian Inca Orchid

There are many reasons to love the Peruvian Inca Orchid, but for those with allergies, this hairless dog breed is an angel. Unlike breeds that constantly shed their fur, the Peruvian Inca Orchid doesn’t have any hair at all, meaning there’s no risk of triggering an allergic reaction. Plus, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is also hypoallergenic, meaning it produces less dander (dead skin cells) than other dogs. 

3. Wirehaired Vizsla

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a hairless dog breed that’s perfect for people with allergies. It’s known for its intelligence and trainability, as well as its natural affection and friendliness. The latter makes them ideal family pets. The Wirehaired Vizsla doesn’t shed, and is hypoallergenic — again, no dander. If you’re looking for a hairless doggo that’s easy to train allergy-friendly, check out the Wirehaired Vizsla.

4. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are lively dogs bred specifically for allergy sufferers. As a result, they have little to no hair. This makes them ideal for people who are especially allergic to pet dander. They’re also relatively small dogs, making them much less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

5. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

The Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless, is yet another popular hairless breed for people allergic to dog dander. Despite their name, Xolos come in both hairless and coated varieties. These pups are highly intelligent and trainable and were once bred by the Ancient Aztec civilization. Xolos are also relatively low-maintenance, and because of their lack of hair, require little grooming.

6. Whippet

They say that dogs are man’s best friend, and for good reason. They provide us with companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love. For some people, however, the desire to own a dog is an impossible dream. That’s because they’re allergic to pet dander. The friendly, tail-waggin’ whippet, though, could make their impossible dream an actual reality. Whippets are hairless family dogs that are becoming increasingly popular among allergy sufferers. Gentle and loving, these fantastic companions don’t shed, which means they also don’t make you sneeze. 

7. Azawakh

Most people think of dogs as four-legged friends covered in tufts of hair. However, there are a number of hairless dog breeds that can be owned by people with allergies. One of these is the Azawakh. Originally an African hairless dog, the Azawakh is a sighthound. With its short coat, this breed of heritage watchdogs was used for hunting and herding. Today, breeders say their ideal dog owners are families. While they lack hair, they more than make up for it with their stunning eyelashes and graceful bodies. 

8. German Pinscher

There are a lot of factors to consider when searching for a pet. For some, shedding is a major concern. No one wants to be on a never-ending cycle of vacuuming and lint rolling, and if you’re an allergy sufferer, the stakes are even higher. A hypoallergenic dog breed like the German Pinscher is the way to go. Despite their name, German Pinschers are actually hairless dogs. They don’t have the same undercoat as other breeds, and while they do need regular baths and grooming, their shedding is nominal. 

9. The Thai Ridgeback

For those with allergies, finding a dog that won’t trigger their symptoms can be a challenge. The Thai Ridgeback fits this bill. A unique pooch from Thailand, it was originally used for hunting and guarding property. Today, it’s prized for its loyalty and protective instincts. Best of all — at least, for allergy sufferers — its hairless coat means there is no dander or shedding to worry about.

10. Argentine Pila Dog

The Argentine Pila Dog is a hairless dog breed that is growing in popularity due to its hypoallergenic qualities. These pups are great for folks with allergies because instead of hair, they have smooth, leathery skin. They’re known for being intelligent, loyal, and easy to train, making them great family pets. 

11. American Staffordshire Terrier

Looking for a relatively hairless dog breed that won’t leave you with a scratchy throat or red, itchy eyes? Consider the American Staffordshire Terrier. Strong and muscular, it was originally bred for dog fighting. But don’t let that scare you. This hypoallergenic breed is exceedingly friendly, loyal, and intelligent. They’re easily trained and have a ton of energy, but be warned: They need a lot of exercise. For the right family, they’re an ideal pet.  

12. Canarian Warren Hound

The Canarian Warren Hound is an ancient breed of hairless dog that’s currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. These pups make excellent companions for people with allergies, as they have no hair. That said, while they don’t require a whole lot of grooming, their lack of hair makes them susceptible to sunburn, so they must always be protected from the sun. Overall, the Canarian Warren Hound is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a hypoallergenic companion.

13. Basenji

If you are one of the millions of people suffering from allergies but still want to enjoy the companionship of a furry friend, the Basenji is a strong option. This curious and energetic hairless dog breed lacks the allergenic proteins found in canine hair and has very little dander, which means that they don’t shed and they don’t trigger allergies. Basenjis are known for being quiet (they rarely bark), intelligent, and relatively easy to train. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, hypoallergenic pup, a Basenji just might be your new best friend.

Honorable Mentions

In addition to the breeds listed above, these hairless dog breeds are also worth considering:

• The Louisiana-native American Hairless Terrier is a direct descendant of the rat terrier.
  
• The Abyssinian Sand Terrier, also known as the African Hairless Dog, shares its name with a cat that also originates from Africa.

Go Fetch!

So, there you have it: 13 of the best dog breeds for pet parents who want to avoid the sniffles (plus two bonus breeds). Don’t let your allergies stop you from finding a woman’s best friend. The bond between a puppy parent and their dog is loving, fulfilling, and sacred, so don’t let your allergies stop you from experiencing this one-of-a-kind relationship.