First, it is a common misconception that there are hypoallergenic dog breeds. Let us tell you that no dog is completely in this category. These furry fellows' allergies are usually triggered by dander, where they shed their dead skin, saliva, and hair. Yes, there are a few breeds that happen to shed less than others, and that can help people, especially those with allergies, survive under the same roof with a wagging tail.
Are you looking to adopt a dog that doesn’t shed much, as you are allergic? Don’t worry, as this guide will tell you about what the hypoallergenic factor is and which 30 hypoallergenic dogs don’t shed their hair much. In this way, you will feel more confident while giving yourself a loyal partner and making your life easier in the long run.
Understand The “Hypoallergenic” Factor
Before diving straightaway into the list of 30 hypoallergenic dogs, it is essential for you to understand the concept of hypoallergenic. So, here it goes:
Dander vs Shedding
Did you know that even the dogs that don’t shed much also produce dander? Hence, take this out of your mind: dogs with low-shedding qualities cannot do so. You will have to groom their coat, give them regular showers, and make sure your home environment is neat and tidy. These factors will play a pivotal role in managing your allergies.
The Kind Of Coat
The type of coat a dog has is important as well. Why? Because dogs with curly or wiry coats tend to shed less than those with double coats. Additionally, there are hairless breeds that shed very little.
Reactions Vary
You need to keep in mind that allergic reactions tend to vary from person to person. This means that what works for you might not work for another person. Therefore, the best way to figure out is to spend a particular amount of time with a breed before finally adopting it. After that, you will get your answer on whether you should proceed with treating yourself with a furry friend or leave the idea.
30 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much
We know you are pretty curious to learn about the 30 dog breeds that don’t shed much to make a decision on whether you should opt for adopting a dog or not. Let’s unveil:
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Poodle
You must have seen a Poodle. The dog breed comes in three different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy, so you can choose which one you can handle without problems. They are popularly known for their curly, dense coat that sheds very little, so you can say that a Poodle won’t leave its hair all over the house. Apart from that, the cutie is extremely intelligent and easy to train. However, they do require regular grooming, so you have to schedule a few hours for that.
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Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are small, fluffy, and so cheerful that they will make you fall in love with them at first sight. As far as their coats are concerned, they have soft and curly ones that, again, have a minimum shedding rate. Furthermore, these dogs are very affectionate and playful, so you can say bye to your boredom. And yes, they demand regular grooming, so be ready with a particular kit to remove the loose hairs and other debris from their coats.
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Maltese
If this is your first time reading about Maltese, this dog breed is small, sophisticated, and very loving. Its long, silky white coat leads to minimal shedding. Oh, yes, you can make them sit on your lap as well and continue grooming them. Remember that you have to do that regularly to prevent allergic symptoms.
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Shih Tzu
Such a darling dog breed, this Shih Tzu is. They are small, friendly, and pretty outgoing, so you can take them along on drives or vacations, too. Then, their coat is long and flowy and doesn’t hinder you with shedding. Hence, if you want a dog that stays with you all the time, then go ahead with a Shih Tzu, and you won’t regret it. The only thing you need to do is their grooming on a daily basis.
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Miniature Schnauzer
Another small dog breed, popular for its sturdiness and intelligence. A miniature Schnauzer has a wiry coat that sheds very little and is characterised by their beard and eyebrows. The best part about adopting them is that they can perfectly adjust to multiple living environments. Just give them sufficient space so they can exercise for an hour daily.
Therefore, if you want, you can adopt this furry fellow, but do keep in mind that you have to do their frequent grooming.
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Giant Schnauzer
The hint is in the name of the dog breed. This giant fellow is the largest of the schnauzer breeds. You'll be glad to know that its fur sheds similarly to its cousins, meaning very little. Moreover, you'll have more fun with them as they are quite protective of their owners and incredibly intelligent. If you want to make them happy, you can do so by taking them on long walks, encouraging them to join in running games and playing fetch. Additionally, you must groom them daily to prevent dander from building up.
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Standard Schnauzer
The standard breed is a medium-sized Schnauzer. Like their cousins, this dog sheds minimally but requires frequent grooming. It can weigh as much as 45 pounds and is fond of solving puzzles and fetching. The standard Schnauzer is very energetic and training-friendly.
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Portuguese Water Dog
If you are searching for an athletic dog, then instantly adopt a Portuguese Water Dog. Why this one? The reason is that they are fond of swimming, so you can take them along with you for a refreshing dip. Then, the good part is that their coat doesn't scare you with lots of shedding, and certainly, they are intelligent and can be trained easily. Hence, adopt them and get yourself the ideal swimming partner. After that, sit with them to do their grooming too.
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Irish Water Spaniel
In the list of hypoallergenic dogs, you will find an Irish Water Spaniel, too. Again, if you want an athletic and witty dog, then this breed deserves a space at your end. Were you aware that the Irish Water Spaniel was originally bred for retrieving games? Then, their curly coat is not much of a trouble as they shed less. Hence, pamper yourself with this highly energetic dog.
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Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is another low-shedding dog breed that is medium-sized, intelligent, and sturdy. This dog breed has a soft, wavy coat that sheds very little. They are elegant, with a nice blue-grey coat that distinguishes them from other breeds. So, adopt them and assign a day for grooming, as their coat needs your regular attention.
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Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized hypoallergenic dog that is friendly and fond of playing. Its coat sheds less, so it will need your attention for grooming. However, this breed is very gentle, so you will love having it.
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Lagotto Romagnolo
Then, there is Lagotto Romagnolo. This dog breed is medium, intelligent, and hardworking. Their coat will not be problematic as it sheds really little, but it has to be groomed regularly to maintain cleanliness. Therefore, if you think they can accompany you, adopt them.
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Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is medium-sized and pretty active. Its curly coat doesn’t shed. You will like them because this breed is very loyal to its partner, but you need to make sure that they get plenty of exercise.
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Cotton de Tulear
It's an amusing name, right? Cotton de Tulear is a small, fluffy, and affectionate dog with a soft cotton-like coat. Besides, this dog breed is known for their playful and delightful nature. So, you can engage them in different activities and sit down with them to continue with their grooming.
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Yorkshire Terrier
If you are looking for a small dog breed, consider a Yorkshire Terrier. They are energetic, have silky coats, and are famous for their big personalities. Do they require regular grooming? Yes, they do; hence, schedule days for this.
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Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested is a unique-looking and caring furry fellow. They have two types: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless one sheds very little, while the other one has a very soft coat that also doesn’t make things difficult for you. Just focus on skincare for the hairless.
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Xolo
Xolo is a dog breed that is either hairless or coated and comes in three sizes. You will be relieved to know that the hairless sheds very little. Apart from that, Xolo has been famous for being a loyal breed since ancient times. And yes, the hairless one demands skin care.
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Peruvian Inca Orchid
Yes, you can even consider adopting a Peruvian Inca Orchid. This hairless dog breed comes in three sizes. It sheds very little, so your allergies won’t be triggered. However, you need to invest in skin care for its well-being.
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American Hairless Terrier
The name must have amplified your excitement. The American Hairless Terrier is a dog breed that comes in small and medium sizes. Its coat sheds very little hair but still needs grooming; hence, it should pay attention to its skincare.
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Bedlington Terrier
You will say that you have adopted a lamb as they share a similar appearance. As far as their coat is concerned, it is very curly with very little shedding. Furthermore, they are quite gentle and loving so you won’t feel bored.
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Labradoodle
A labradoodle is a dog breed that is a crossover of a poodle and a Labrador retriever. Their coats are not of the same type and can vary, but the good thing is that they are low-shedding. Besides, this furry fellow proves to be a friendly and intelligent wagging tail, but you will have to look into its grooming requirements.
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Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is another hypoallergenic breed, a crossover of the Golden Retriever and Poodle. Their coat can vary but with low shedding possibilities. You will love having them around as it is friendly and family-oriented.
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Airedale Terrier
Now, an Airedale Terrier is a larger dog breed with a wirey coat and little shedding. They are super intelligent and can amaze your family and friends with their wit. Yes, you need to give time to grooming them to maintain their coat and prevent your allergic symptoms from increasing.
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Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a small and very independent breed. They stride confidently with their wiry coat that sheds minimally. You won’t regret your decision to adopt one, as this breed is notably loyal. However, they require regular grooming, so you’ll need to make time for that.
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West Highland White Terrier
Are you looking for an active dog? Then, a West Highland White Terrier is what you need. This small dog breed is pretty active. Furthermore, it has a double coat, the outer one being wiry, which results in little shedding. You and your friends will love its company, as it is very friendly. But remember that despite its less-shedding coat, it still requires daily grooming.
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Lhasa Apso
You can even consider pampering yourself with a Lhasa Apso, another small and independent dog. Don’t stress about its coat because despite being long and flowy, there is not a lot of shedding. Besides, this furry companion is very loyal, and you will have to groom it on a regular basis.
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Afghan Hound
This dog breed is large, and you will find it to be a very elegant puppy. Don’t worry about their coat, as despite being silky, it sheds little. Besides, they are made for running and happen to be one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.
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Basenji
Basenji is another dog breed that is listed as a hypoallergenic dog. They are small to medium-sized and amaze you with their active nature. One of the best things about this dog breed is that they won’t disturb you with their constant barking, and that is why they are known as barkless dogs. Apart from that, this dog has a short coat that doesn’t shed much but requires regular grooming; hence, get the kit accordingly.
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Border Terrier
A Border Terrier is another small and active doggy that comes ahead with a wirey coat. And the good part is that the coat doesn't trigger your allergies as it sheds really less. Furthermore, this breed is super friendly. Therefore, you won’t need to think twice before taking them somewhere new or introducing them to unfamiliar people. However, they require regular grooming, so don’t forget to brush their coat and other parts of their body.
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Lowchen
Last on this list is Lowchen. You will be amused to know that they are known as the little lion dog. Why? Due to its mane-like hairstyle that covers the chest as well. This doggy is small in size but extremely playful, so there won’t be any chances of you getting bored as this furry fellow will be there for you. The Lowchern has a coat that is long and flowy, but you need not worry as it sheds little. Therefore, if you want to consider adopting this hypoallergenic dog, feel free to move ahead.
Some Important Things
Now that you know about the 30 hypoallergenic dog breeds, their kind of coat and nature, it’s time to share some other important things as well to help you in the long run. What are those? Let’s discuss:
Grooming
Despite the fact that they carry a coat that sheds less, you still have to focus on their grooming. Therefore, get a suitable comb and other essentials to prevent matting and help them maintain a healthy coat. Otherwise, their hair will be all around your house, compelling you to constantly sneeze and cough.
Test Your Allergy
If your allergy is the primary issue preventing you from getting a dog, but you still want to adopt one, spend some time with the breed you are seriously considering. This way, you can test your allergies to find out if they are triggered and to what extent.
Go For Professional Grooming
Many of the breeds listed above require professional grooming. Therefore, search for the best dog groomers in your area and pamper your wagging tail. The groomer will better handle your dog, cut extra hair, and remove debris from its fur.
Conclusion
We hope you found the blog helpful and that you won’t have any issues adopting a dog. Spend time with the breed you dreamt of adopting to see if it triggers your allergies. The results will make it easier for you to decide which dog breed deserves a spot in your home.
