Being a dog-lover with allergies can be a tough fate. After all, every time you see a lovable pooch just asking for a petting, you want to be able to give them a snuggle. But in the same regard, you don’t want to deal with the sniffles that follow. This can keep you from owning a pet to stay in your home. After all, how could you share your living space and be miserable at the same time?
You’ve heard of hypoallergenic dogs, and perhaps you’ve actually even had one. But you may be surprised just how many choices you have. Even though no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, the following 20 different breeds we’ve gathered are darn close, and won’t trigger the sneezes.
1. Affenpinscher
This grumpy-looking, bearded pooch is on the allergy-safe list. They are stubborn, playful, and mischievous. So naughty, in fact, they were nicknamed “Diablotin Moustachu”—translating to mustached little devil. That should shed some light on the kind of personality you expect, which is much bigger than their size. These little guys only get up to about nine pounds in total. So, Affenpinschers carry the notion they are much bigger than they are.
2. Afghan Hound
This graceful, poised breed is a rare sight—making them more beautiful. With their impressively long, silky coats, they may not look too hypoallergenic. Rest assured, you can enjoy this breed without consequence. Afghans are typically goofy, but very strong-willed. They are often standoffish and aloof with strangers but bond very well with their human families.
3. American Hairless Terrier
You can’t really shed when you don’t have hair. While they may be hairless, interestingly enough, they have many skin pattern variations. So, each of them has its own unique markings despite having no coat. While American Hairless derived from rat terriers, their hairlessness makes them unsuitable for hunting activities. Their skin can sunburn, they can have trouble regulating their body temperature, and they sweat through glands—just like us.
4. Barbet
These water dogs are covered in a dense, curly coat. They are immensely friendly and gentle. They can fit into virtually any lifestyle, including providing companionship for seniors and children. The Barbet is an ancient breed dating back to 1387. While Barbets do very well with humans of all ages, they do need channeling for their energy. A fenced-in yard for them to run around is key if you can’t exercise with them daily.
5. Chinese Crested
This somewhat hairless breed is instantly recognizable due to its platinum blonde pig-tail hairdo. They come in two variations, which are born in the same litter: a true hairless and a powderpuff. Both types are hypoallergenic and sweat out of glands. These dogs are very people-oriented and cannot handle being left alone. The gene in them that causes hairlessness also causes weak teeth, so you may see a Chinese Crested with their tongue hanging out on occasion.
6. Coton de Tulear
This little ball of white fluff is known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar”. Not only do they look like giant cotton balls, but their fur also feels remarkably like it as well. They are intelligent dogs, so they can be trained with ease. This is a good idea for the breed since they can be very vocal or “yippy”. Coton de Tulears exhibit a decent balance between calm and rowdy, making good playmates and lapdogs.
7. Schnauzer
This adorable hairy dog is hypoallergenic in all of the sizes: miniature, standard, and giant. All of these breeds are very affectionate, friendly, and adaptable. They are all very protective. However, the Giant Schnauzer is this way most of all. They make excellent guard dogs. All three are very energetic and spirited. They make wonderful family pets and won’t make anyone sneeze or sniffle.
Related Read: How Much Does a Giant Schnauzer Cost? (2021 Price Guide)
8. Kerry Blue Terrier
This dog resembles the standard schnauzer physically. They have typical terrier personalities, so if you opt for one, you need to be very aware of how to deal with this. Terriers are stubborn, very smart, and have minds of their own. They also have quite high prey drives, so they aren’t suitable for households with smaller pets. Kerry Blue Terriers are hard to find, though, as they are scarce. If they receive proper training, these dogs make for fun family members.
9. Maltese
This tiny dog looks like royalty with long, flowing hair. They are very playful yet gentle. You can keep their hair long or short, depending on your personal preference—and they look adorable with either. Maltese are quite mouthy and may bark more than you’d prefer. But their bubbly personalities and zest for life make up for their downfalls.
10. Lagotto Romagnolo
This is another waterdog that was bred in Italy and used as a water retriever. However, this curly-haired cutie ended up being pretty good at something else. Truffles are a delicacy in Europe, and they are found in France and Italy. Lagotto Romagnolos are the only dogs who know how to sniff them out. In addition to being great truffle-finders, they are very social and trainable, making them wonderful indoor dogs.
11. Portuguese Water Dog
Yet another waterdog makes the list. This dog is active and quick to act. If you are going to pen this breed up frequently, they aren’t the dog for you. These guys need plenty of physical exercise to reach an optimal quality of life. They’re incredibly intelligent and eager to please, but not all training can mend their dispositions. Because of their high prey drives, Portuguese Water Dogs are not good candidates to have around smaller pets.
12. Bichon Frise
The Bichon is a very popular hypoallergenic dog. They are known for their puffy white curls and larger than life personalities. They are full of energy and very vigorous, ready to greet a stranger or romp around at a moment’s notice. They are excellent family companions, although they are quite feisty. While they can be yappy or snippy, if they are raised with other pets and children, Bichon Frise tend to adapt just fine.
- Related Read: Top 25 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds
13. Peruvian Inca Orchid
This is another hairless breed to mention. These guys are a bit bigger than the American Hairless. They are quite outgoing and excellent with children. They are incredibly protective and brilliant. Even though they have personalities that make them extraordinary, they can’t adapt to every lifestyle. They cannot ever be outside dogs, as they are sensitive to the sun and to extreme temperatures. Peruvian Inca Orchids also tend to be prone to separation anxiety, so a dog like this wouldn’t work if you’re gone a lot.
14. Bolognese
Related to the Bichon Frise, this poufy white dog is a totally hypoallergenic toy breed. They are highly social, needing large amounts of attention. Preferably, they always want to be with their humans wherever they may go. They tend to get along very well with other dogs, being are docile and calm. Being a small dog, Bolognese are surprisingly mild and even-tempered with a fabulously even-keeled disposition.
15. Poodle
Poodles come in three size variations, so you can select the one that is most fitting for your lifestyle. If you are an apartment dweller, the miniature and toy breeds will both do very well in small spaces. These dogs are in the top three smartest dog breeds that exist, which is pretty impressive. They are extremely easy to manage and care for. Poodles are very much people-oriented, enjoying company and affection.
16. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Here is another dog in the Bichon family to mention. This adorable toy breed shares many similarities with their cousins, but they have their fair share to offer on their one. They come in multiple coat variations, so you have more of a selection. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonkas may be prone to little dog syndrome, so it is important to develop a hierarchy amongst the ranks. If you do, these lively, sweet dogs will shower you with love and affection always.
17. Yorkshire Terrier
These spunky little dogs may look sweet, but they pack a punch. If you think they look prissy, you’re probably right. They want special treatment and love to be pampered. They have a big bossy dog trapped in a little body. This is the kind of dog you can dress up in cute outfits and not hear any complaints. Yorkshire Terriers are confident, stubborn, and fiercely independent. They can take a while to house train, so you must have patience in this arena.
18. Italian Greyhound
Unlike the standard Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound is hypoallergenic, which is excellent news if you love the look of the breed. On top of not shedding, they also don’t drool, making your clothes and furniture free of your pet’s dander and slobber. Italian Greyhounds are intensely affectionate and possibly even needy at times. They are incredibly mild-tempered and even somewhat timid. They are good when raised with children, but they may never be a fan of loud, rowdy play.
19. Bedlington Terrier
These little sheepish looking dogs are highly adaptable, approachable, and trainable. In fact, the most significant downfall with this breed is grooming maintenance. They make fantastic companions for just about every lifestyle. They are very playful, happy-go-lucky, and social. They will pick up new tricks, learn to potty outside, and basic commands in no time. Bedlington Terriers will need proper guidance to learn good manners, but they can make truly amazing additions to your family.
20. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
These little terriers have a special coloring to them. They are extremely playful and ready for a good time. They do require quite a bit of patience for training, as they can be hard-headed if they don’t agree. Positive reinforcement is always recommended as they don’t respond well to harsh punishments. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers don’t do well in high temperatures, so if you live in a hot climate, give them adequate means to cool off and keep their long hair groomed.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice having a relationship with a dog just because of your allergies. Thankfully, because of breeding, you don’t have to. We learned about a lot of interesting breeds with hairless to floor-length fur. These 20 breeds are excellent, but that’s not all! There are plenty more hypoallergenic breeds, including many designer dogs, crossbreeds, and hybrids.
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Featured Image Credit: wildstrawberry, Shutterstock
Contents
- 1. Affenpinscher
- 2. Afghan Hound
- 3. American Hairless Terrier
- 4. Barbet
- 5. Chinese Crested
- 6. Coton de Tulear
- 7. Schnauzer
- 8. Kerry Blue Terrier
- 9. Maltese
- 10. Lagotto Romagnolo
- 11. Portuguese Water Dog
- 12. Bichon Frise
- 13. Peruvian Inca Orchid
- 14. Bolognese
- 15. Poodle
- 16. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
- 17. Yorkshire Terrier
- 18. Italian Greyhound
- 19. Bedlington Terrier
- 20. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Conclusion
