Skip to Content

25 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Won't Shed Everywhere

These furry friends won't leave fur flying.

preview for Help Contain Your Dog’s Shedding, In The Most Adorable Way

Your nose tickles, your throat scratches, your eyes start to burn: It’s the tell-tale signs of allergies. For some people, these symptoms can be caused by pet dander or saliva, making it hard to live alongside the cutest furry friend. If you have animal allergies and want to snuggle a pet without all that wheezing and sneezing, a hypoallergenic or non-shedding dog might be right for you.

It’s important to know that no dog is totally hypoallergenic — they will still have dander that can cause allergic reactions. But these dogs may have dander that are less likely to trigger allergies, making them more allergy-friendly options. As an added bonus, these dogs are low shedders. That means less mess and less never-ending struggle to remove pet hair from clothes and furniture. (Seriously, how does pet hair manage to get everywhere?)

These hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed (much) are a great choice for any household, whether or not you have allergies.

1

Löwchen

little lion dog looks aside.
volofin//Getty Images

The Löwchen is a small dog with a big personality. They are popular in Europe, and their name means “little lion” in German. They are usually groomed to have close-cut fur on their legs and tail but longer “manes” and tail plumes that give them a lion-like appearance. They are sturdy and low-shedding dogs.

2

Peruvian Inca Orchid

portrait of peruvian hairless dog
janpla01//Getty Images

Most Peruvian Inca Orchids (or PIOs, as their names are affectionately abbreviated) are hairless, but some dogs of this breed can have a coat. They are sighthounds known for their speed and agility, and they are considered a kind of cousin to greyhounds and whippets.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

russian ginger dog of the russian colored bichon (bolonka tsvetna) breed
Alika Obrazovskaya//Getty Images

Often just called Bolonka, the name “Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka” translates to "Russian Colored Lapdog." They are part of the Bichon family and they make great apartment dogs, especially for families that also have children or other dogs.

RELATED: Most Popular Dog Breeds in the Country

4

Bichon Frise

a bichon frise smiling at the camera
Getty Images

Bichons aren't just cute, they were bred specifically to be hypoallergenic. Their super soft, curly white hair makes them look like cuddly little cotton balls, especially with a round haircut. They are loving lap dogs with funny personalities.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Poodle

poodle
Getty Images

There are three kinds of poodles: standard, toy and miniature. All three kinds of poodles are hypoallergenic and low-shedding, so you can choose which size pup works best for you. These dogs are super smart and easy to train, not to mention total fashionistas with the right fancy cut.

6

Shih Tzu

shih tzu
Getty Images

Shih Tzus date all the way back to the Tang dynasty in China! They are descended from Tibetan dogs and became a favorite of Chinese royalty. Although they are known as "lion dogs," they don't shed something fierce. However, their hair can grow quite long and will need regular grooming, even though you're less likely to find it all over your clothes.

RELATED: Healthiest Dog Breeds With the Least Health Problems

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Miniature Schnauzer

miniature schnauzer
Getty Images

The most popular Schnauzer breed on the market, these astute watchdogs are a perfect pocket option for Schnauzer fans. They have that same serious expression as their larger counterparts, but in a more compact package. These fearless companions shed minimally and love lots of playtime, so get ready for plenty of games of fetch.

8

Yorkshire Terrier

yorkshire terrier
Getty Images

Sweet-faced little Yorkies fit in purses and laps, but their small size packs a ton of attitude. Their fine hair has a texture that's similar to humans' hair, so it's less likely to make you sneeze. But groom-averse dog fans, beware: Yorkies do require regular brushing and maintenance to keep their hair tangle-free and silky soft.

RELATED: Best Small Dog Breeds

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Maltese

a white maltese laying down
Getty Images

Averaging a teeny-tiny seven pounds, the ancient Greek breed basically defines the concept of "lap dog." Even marathon cuddle sessions won't leave you sneezing, since their all-white coats aren't likely to trigger allergies. You can choose between cutting their soft fur into a sporty trim or letting it grow long, depending on how much maintenance you can handle.

10

Portuguese Water Dog

portuguese water dog
Getty Images

You may recognize these medium-sized furballs after "First Dogs" Sunny and Bo Obama helped put the curly-haired Portuguese water dogs in the spotlight. Their playful and laid-back personalities make great additions to any household, even if yours is less than presidential. They even adapt well to apartment living for those in small spaces, but will still need regular walks to keep them fit.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Scottish Terrier

a happy black scottish terrier with its tongue out
Getty Images

You may recognize the personality-filled Scottie dog from Disney classic dog movie, Lady and the Tramp, but the independent and sometimes stubborn Scotties make great pets IRL, too. They were originally bred as fierce hunters, and their wiry, weather-resistant coats kept them protected in a range of climates. Today, their dignified beard will probably spend most of its time gracing your couch.

12

Chinese Crested

chinese crested dog laying on the couch, dogs that don't shed
MICHAEL LOFENFELD Photography//Getty Images

The Chinese Crested is an easily recognizable breed that has a feathery tail and feet. For those that have a hard time with pet hair, these hairless dogs make great housemates and won’t cause the sniffles since the only place they have hair is on their feet, tail and head. Even if they've got faces only a mother could love, you're sure to fall head over heels with yours.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Xoloitzcuintli

magnificent xoloitzcuintle mexican hairless dog standing on stone, dogs that don't shed
nickpo//Getty Images

Known for being the dog of the ancient Aztecs, the Xoloitzcuintli is a loyal and alert watchdog. These dogs come in two varieties — hairless and coated. If you go for the elegant hairless variety, pick up a good dog sunscreen to protect their delicate skin from damage.

RELATED: Best Dog Sunscreens to Protect Your Pup

14

Giant Schnauzer

giant schnauzer
Getty Images

We're in love with the giant Schnauzers' iconic shaggy eyebrows, but all that fur doesn't mean they'll make you sneeze. They do require a moderate amount of grooming, so get a quality dog brush. The largest of the three Schnauzer types, they can grow to 75 pounds and have an intelligent, task-focused temperament that lends itself well to training.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

West Highland Terrier

a white west highland white terrier sitting on the ground with fallen leaves
Getty Images

Just like other terriers, Westies possess a curious and lively attitude, with the added bonus of minimal shedding. These hardy dogs have a cheerful demeanor that will keep you giggling with their playful antics. Their portable size and friendly disposition make them some of the most popular terriers.

RELATED: Practically Indestructible Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers

16

Havanese

havanese
Getty Images

Happy and curious, Havanese dogs sport long, silky coats in a variety of colors. They can look positively royal if you let their low-shedding coats grow long and carry them around like the kings and queens they think they are. Many owners prefer to give them a shorter clip for easier maintenance.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

Afghan Hound

afghan hound
Getty Images

These sweet hounds don't shed much, but their long coats do require some attentive grooming. Because they were originally bred for the mountains in Afghanistan, they have long, shiny hair that can tangle without routine maintenance. Make grooming time part of your bonding ritual, and you'll discover what "man's best friend" really means.

18

Basenji

a brown and white basenji sitting on the stairs
Getty Images

Basenjis originated as African hunting dogs, but they don't howl and yap like a lot of hounds tend to do. They have short, fine hair that sheds minimally, so you'll barely know they live with you. Basenjis are known for their catlike demeanor, and these fastidious little creatures will even groom themselves.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Cairn Terrier

a closeup of a white cairn terrier
Getty Images

Lots of coarse-haired terriers shed less than other groups, making the wiry-coated breeds a smart choice for allergy sufferers. Owners especially love Cairn terriers for their fearless personalities — you may recognize the breed as Toto in The Wizard of Oz!

20

Bedlington Terrier

bedlington terrier
Getty Images

Bedlington terriers grow distinctive poofs of fur at the top of their heads, giving the sweet-looking breed a lamb-like look. These gentle, cuddly terriers make great watchdogs and downtime partners. Professionals spend a lot of time styling the curly, wooly coat for dog shows to get them that picture-perfect look. If you just want a snuggly pet, you can opt for a lower-maintenance short clip instead.

RELATED: Most Common Choking Hazards for Pets

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below