People who have pet allergies can own any of the following non-allergenic/ hypoallergenic dogs. Non-shedding dogs and allergy free cats don’t shed a lot of hair and dander. In addition, they produce little of the protein allergens that cause allergic reactions.
Many people assume that it’s the shed hair that gives them allergies. As a result, breeds of dogs that don’t shed much are getting popular with pet owners.
But no cat or dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic.
Moreover, dog allergens are concentrated in their saliva. The allergies caused by dogs are actually caused by the Can f 1 and Can f 2 and Can f 5 protein. These protein are also found in the dog’s dander (dead skin) and urine.
Likewise, cats that don’t shed much produce less Fel d 1 protein. Being allergic to dogs and cats is common. However, those affected by cat allergies are twice the number of dog allergy sufferers.
Hypoallergenic Dogs List: Best Breeds for People with Allergies
Below is a list of non-shedding dogs. The list includes small (and toy) and medium-sized dog breeds. We have also included a list of big hypoallergenic dogs.
Which are the Most Popular Non-shedding Dogs?
The most popular dogs that don’t shed are:
- Poodle
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Shih Tzu
- Havanese
- Maltese
- Bichon Frise
- Samoyed
- Giant Schnauzer
- Coton de Tulear
Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
Most of the non-shedding dogs are either toy or small in size. They are more popular and generally live longer than large dog breeds.
- Shih Tzu
- Brussels Griffon
- Affenpinscher
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Miniature Poodle
- Havanese
- Italian Greyhound
- Lhasa Apso
- Lowchen (Little Lion Dog)
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Bolognese
- Mi-Ki
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Coton de Tulear
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- West Highland White Terrier
- Lakeland Terrier
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Border Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Cesky Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Scottish Terrier (Scottie)
- Bedlington Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
- Australian Terrier
- Silky Terrier
Small dog breeds eat less and are great couch potatoes. In addition, they can comfortably live indoors. However, small dogs are still energetic and need enough exercise!
Medium-Sized Hypoallergenic Dogs
- Basenji
- Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo)
- Hairless Khala
- Irish Terrier
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Tibetan Terrier
- Welsh Terrier
- Wirehaired Fox Terrier
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Standard Poodle
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Polish Owczarek Nizinny/ Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Puli
- Spanish Water Dog
- Standard Schnauzer
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Big Hypoallergenic Dogs
The following big non-shedding dogs are some of the best working dogs. But unlike small dogs, most big dogs love living outdoors. Consequently, they make great guard dogs and shepherd dogs. Moreover, some of these big dogs are good hunting dogs.
- Samoyed
- Giant Schnauzer
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Bergamasco shepherd
- Afghan Hound
- Airedale Terrier
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Irish Water Spaniel
A common feature among many big dog breeds is that they are big and brave, yet very gentle and protective.
Hairless Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Most hairless dog breeds (except the American Hairless Terrier) have a dominant hairlessness or hair loss gene. As a result some puppies in a litter may have hair.
- American Hairless Terrier
- Chinese Crested
- Xolo/ Xoloitzcuintle
- Hairless Khala (Bolivian Hairless Dog)
- American Crested Sand Terrier
- Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO)
- Ecuadorian Hairless Dog
- Abyssinian Sand Terrier/ African Hairless Dog
- Argentine Pila Dog
Best Hypoallergenic Mixes
There are many hypoallergenic crossbreeds. These are mixes between two or more purebred dogs. Crossbreeds will usually have both hypoallergenic and shedding puppies in the same litter. The F1 generation, however, have hybrid vigor. This means that they inherit the best qualities of both purebred parent breeds. Popular Poodle mixes include the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle and Bernedoodle.
The best hypoallergenic dogs mixes include:
- Bernedoodle (Poodle + Bernese Mountain Dog)
- Chi-Poo (Poodle + Chihuahua)
- Goldendoodles (Poodle + Golden Retriever)
- Labradoodle (Poodle + Labrador Retriever)
- Cockapoo (Poodle + Cocker Spaniel)
- Shepadoodle (Poodle + German Shepherd)
- Bichon Yorkie/ Yorkie Bichon (Bichon Frise + Yorkshire Terrier)
- Bordoodle/ Borpoo/ Borderdoodle/ Borderpoo (Border Collie + Poodle)
- Chacy Ranior/ Shichon (Bichon Frise + Shih-Tzu)
- Morkie (Maltese + Yorkshire terrier)
- Morkiepoo (Morkie + Mini Poodle)
- Malshi/ Mal-Shih/ MalShih/ Malt-tzu/ Maltzu/ and Malti-zu (Shih Tzu + Maltese)
Got Allergies? Avoid your Pet’s Saliva, Urine and Dander
Cats cause more allergies than dogs. However, dog allergies tend to be more severe. Cats and many dogs spend a lot of time grooming themselves. Common pet allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Hives and rashes on skin
- Running nose
- Nasal congestion
- Red, watery eyes
Coming into contact with a cat or dog’s saliva, urine and dander are the main ways through which allergens reach people. But many pet allergy sufferers experience mild reactions. This is why dogs that shed the least and allergy free cats such as the Russian Blue provide a relief to people who have pet allergies.
It is good to spend time with any allergy free dog, preferably at the breeder, before you take her home. This is the only way to be sure that you will not be allergic to the puppy’s saliva, urine and dander.
Dogs and Cats are Popular Pets
Over 60% of American households own a pet. However, man’s best friend is the most popular pet in the U.S. But people who own cats tend to have more than one cat. This has created a huge demand for non-shedding dogs and allergy free cats.
Other popular pets in the West include birds, ferrets, horses, fish (both fresh and salty water fish) and reptiles. Pet reptiles include snakes, water dragon, bearded dragon, lizards, turtle, tortoise and chameleons.
Pet Facts you May not Know
- The bearded dragon (which is a lizard) is the most friendly reptile pet
- Many Asians don’t own pets
- Can f 5 is produced in the prostate gland. Consequently, this allergen is only found in male dogs
- Most pet owners live in Argentina, Mexico and Brazil, and they own dogs!
- There are more pet cats in Russia, U.S and France than in any other country
- Chinese have more pet fish than any other country
- 10% to 20% of people have pet allergies
Where do People get their Dogs From?
Most dogs are bought from dog breeders. Some are adopted from shelters and dog rescue homes. Others are obtained from friends and relatives. There are few stray dogs that are lucky to find a loving home. This is despite the fact that there are over 70 million homeless cats and dogs in the U.S alone!
But buying a dog from a breeder is not a guarantee that the puppy is a purebred. Besides, pets from rescue or shelters are cheaper and in many cases genetically superior to those obtained from irresponsible breeders and puppy mills.
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Frequently asked questions about dogs that shed the least (FAQ)
Being allergic to pets does not mean a life of loneliness. There are dogs that don't shed. In addition, there are breeds of cats that don't shed much.
- Age - Older dogs and cats shed more than younger ones.
- Diet - You should feed your dogs and cats a balanced diet to ensure they maintain a healthy coat.
- Weather changes - dogs generally shed some of their coat when the weather becomes warmer. This helps them keep cool.
- Genetics - some dog and cat breeds are heavy shedders. These include Labrador Retriever, Akita Inu, Shiba Inu and German Shepherd.
- Parasites - Fleas and mange are leading causes of shedding in dogs and cats - when they scratch and bite themselves in order to reduce the itching. Internal parasites also increase the rate of shedding.
- Indoor vs outdoor - indoor dogs usually shed less. This is because they are protected against weather changes. This is one of the reasons why most allergy free dogs are small, indoor pets. But there are large non-shedding dogs as well.
- Poodle - The Poodle is the most popular non-shedding dog. This dog breed comes in three main categories: Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle. There are many poodle cross breeds as well.
- Shih Tzu - This is a cute small dog who loves human companion. They were bred to be lap dogs for Chinese royals.
- Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo) - this is one of the hairless dog breeds. Xolo have a dominant gene that causes hairlessness.
- Bichon-Frise - Like most small dogs, Bichon-Frise are friendly and active dogs. They have a silky, wool-like coat that doesn't shed much.
- Chinese Crested Dog - this is another small and hairless dog breed. You will need to dress up your Chinese Crested Dog in cold weather. This dog loves human companionship.
- Basenji - this medium sized allergy free dog has a unique characteristic: Basenji don't bark. They are good hunting dogs that originated from Congo, in Africa.
- Goldendoodle (Groodle) - this is a popular Poodle mix. Goldendoodle are obtained by crossing a Golden Retriever with the Poodle. The puppies who inherit more genes from the Poodle parent will be hypoallergenic.
- Bernedoodle - Bernedoodles are a mix between a pure bred Poodle and the shedding Bernese mountain Dog.
- Labradoodle - the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed. Consequently, Labradoodle are a mix between two popular dogs: Poodles and Labrador Retriever.
- Tibetan Terrier - this non-shedding dog has his origins in Tibet. The good family dogs resemble terriers, but are really not in the terrier group. This dog is energetic and affectionate
- Samoyed - These dogs have their origins in Siberia, among the Samoyedic people. He is adapted to living in very cold environments. Samoyed are good sledge dogs. They are one of the big white dog breeds.
- Giant Schnauzer - there are three Schnauzer dog types: Miniature, Standard and Giant Schnauzer. This intelligent, brave and devoted dog is a great guard dog.
- Afghan Hound - the large hypoallergenic Afghan Hound is from Afghanistan. He has a unique look: tall with a thick and silky coat that needs regular brushing.
- Portuguese Water Dog - this water-loving dog was bred to assist Portuguese fishermen capture fish, guard fishing boats and send messages between themselves. The big non-shedding dog is intelligent and easy to train.
- Bergamasco Shepherd - this is a dog who was bred to assist in herding livestock along the Italian Alps. He is bold, intelligent and protective.
Have your dogs spend more time outdoors to reduce allergens in the house
- Female dogs and cats produce less allergens.
- Take your dog outdoors - spending time in a dog park reduces the time a dog spends indoors.
- Regular grooming helps - Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and ensures good blood circulation that is necessary for healthy skin and hair growth.
- Invest in a good air filtration system
- Ensure your cat/ dog eats a well-balanced diet
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dander and animal hair trapped in cracks and crevices
- Set boundaries for your pet - it is recommended that allergy sufferers keep their bedrooms pet-free.
- Encase your pillows and mattresses in covers that are easy to clean.
- Wash your hands regularly, and always after coming into contact with your pet.
