12 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Collection

There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. Human allergies to dogs stem primarily not from fur, but from proteins found in dander, saliva, and urine. Dogs that shed heavily spread these allergens everywhere, which is why the traditional belief holds that “less shedding equals lower allergenicity.” However, the reality is that even “hypoallergenic breeds” merely produce fewer allergens and spread them less widely. While they are generally tolerable for mildly allergic individuals, they may still trigger reactions in those with severe allergies.

Hypoallergenic Dogs 1. Bichon Frise

Allergy Index: ★★★★★
Size: Small (4-7kg)
Real-life experience: Their fur resembles cotton candy and sheds minimally, but requires trimming every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting. Their personality is inherently “therapeutic”—clingy, cheerful, and wagging their tail at everyone. They’re especially suited for apartment dwellers, seniors, and first-time dog owners. Drawbacks include prone to tear stains and emotional sensitivity; they tend to mirror your mood.
Feedback from allergy sufferers: Over 90% of mild allergy sufferers experience no issues.

hypoallergenic dogs 2. Maltese

Allergy Index: ★★★★★
Size: Small (2-3.5kg)
Real Experience: A coat of snow-white, long, straight hair, like a walking silk ornament. Shedding is minimal, but like Bichon Frisés, it requires frequent grooming. Their temperament is a bit more regal than Bichon Frisés, loving to be treated like “little princesses/princes.” They can be wary of strangers but are fiercely loyal to their owners. Their tear ducts are highly active, and heavy tear staining can give them “panda eyes.” Many describe owning a Maltese as “like raising an ancient imperial princess.”
Allergy feedback: Similar to Bichon Frisés, with an extremely high safety rating.

hypoallergenic dogs 3. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Allergy Index: ★★★★☆
Size: Medium (Males 14-20kg, Females 13-18kg)
Real-life experience: Their coat is as soft as an Angora rabbit, with a rich golden hue reminiscent of ripe wheat. Shedding is virtually nonexistent, though puppies undergo a coat change with minimal shedding during that phase. Their personality is super “sunshine boy”—they want to be friends with everyone they meet. High-energy, they suit owners with yards or who can walk them 1-2 hours daily. Drawback: They can be particularly mischievous during adolescence, with moderate potential for destructive behavior.
Allergy Feedback: Many moderate allergy sufferers report no issues.

hypoallergenic dogs 4. Portuguese Water Dog

Allergy Rating: ★★★★☆
Size: Medium (Males 19-27kg, Females 16-23kg)
Real-Life Experience: The two dogs at the Obama residence were this breed. Their coats are curly or wavy, and the “lion cut” is particularly striking. Intelligent, lively, and water-loving, they are expert swimmers. Requires substantial physical and mental stimulation; otherwise, they’ll find their own entertainment. Unmatched loyalty to owners, with guarding instincts surpassing the top three breeds.
Allergy Feedback: Generally suitable for mild to moderate allergies.

hypoallergenic dogs 5. Poodle (Standard/Miniature/Toy)

Allergy Rating: ★★★★☆
Size: Toy 3-4kg, Miniature 6-8kg, Standard 20-30kg
Real-life experience: Second-highest intelligence, wool-like coat that takes any cut. Minimal shedding but requires regular trimming. Temperament varies greatly by lineage: Show-bred tend to be spoiled, working-line are steady and smart. Poodles’ greatest strength is “you can find any temperament you desire.” Weaknesses include susceptibility to skin conditions and high grooming costs.
Allergy Feedback: Generally considered hypoallergenic, though extremely rare cases may react to Poodle dander proteins.

hypoallergenic dogs 6. Australian Labradoodle

Allergy Rating: ★★★★☆
Size: Miniature 15kg, Medium 20-30kg, Standard 30-40kg
Real-world experience: A cross between Poodles and Labradors, the F1b (backcrossed with Poodles) has the curliest coat and minimal shedding. They inherit the Labrador’s “goofy, warm-hearted” personality, being more steady and child-friendly than purebred Poodles. Drawbacks include high cost (quality bloodlines range from ¥15,000 to ¥30,000+) and significant individual variation—always inspect the parents’ coat texture.
Allergy Feedback: Many with severe Labrador allergies find complete relief after switching to Labradoodles.

hypoallergenic dogs 7. Irish Water Spaniel

Allergy Index: ★★★★
Size: Medium-Large (Males 20-30kg, Females 18-27kg)
Real-life experience: Hilarious curly coat + rat-like tail, nicknamed the “clown dog.” Enthusiastic, intelligent, and somewhat neurotic personality. Loves fetching and vocalizing. Minimal shedding, ideal for active households. Extremely rare, virtually unseen in China.
Allergy feedback: Uncommon but highly reliable.

hypoallergenic dogs 8. Spanish Water Dog

Allergy Index: ★★★★
Size: Medium (Males 18-22kg, Females 14-18kg)
Real-life experience: Naturally forms dreadlocks that never need brushing—the messier, the better. Steady temperament with strong guarding instincts, making it an excellent home protector. Sheds almost nothing, but requires short trims as an adult to prevent overheating. Extremely rare in China.
Allergy feedback: Very safe.

Hypoallergenic Dogs 9. Bedlington Terrier

Allergy Index: ★★★★
Size: Small to Medium (8-10kg)
Real Feel: Looks like a little lamb, runs like a fawn. Gentle yet stubborn personality, minimal shedding, velvety coat. Drawback: High copper toxicity gene carrier rate—must test parents’ genes before purchase.
Allergy Feedback: Niche but highly praised.

hypoallergenic dogs 10. Yorkshire Terrier

Allergy Index: ★★★☆
Size: Small (2-3.5kg)
Real Experience: Well-groomed long-haired Yorkies shed minimally, but many owners grow their wire-haired coats long, causing shed hair to get tangled and go unnoticed. For true hypoallergenic care, trim the coat to 3-5cm to further reduce shedding. Bold, protective, and vocal. Many allergies stem not from fur but from the breed’s elevated saliva protein levels.
Allergy Feedback: 50% experience no issues, 30% mild symptoms, 20% still react—significant individual variation.

hypoallergenic dogs 11. Schnauzer

Allergy Rating: ★★★☆
Real Experience: Coarse hair with a coat + undercoat structure. Minimal shedding after regular stripping. Alert, intelligent, and protective of home. Many mistakenly believe Schnauzers don’t shed at all, but shed hairs simply get trapped in the coarse coat and don’t fly around. Stripping is expensive and painful for the dog, so many switch to clipping, which increases shedding.
Allergy Feedback: Far better than Golden Retrievers or Corgis, but not the top hypoallergenic breed.

hypoallergenic dogs 12. Chinese Crested

Allergy Index: ★★★
Real Experience: Hairless breeds theoretically produce minimal allergens, but residual hair and skin oils exist. Some individuals are more sensitive to skin proteins. Puffy-coated varieties actually shed minimally. Personality: Extremely clingy, cold-sensitive, and delicate.
Allergy Feedback: Polarizing—some experience no issues, while others see worsened symptoms.

Hypoallergenic Dogs Quick Tips

1. No dog is 100% safe. The most reliable method: Stay overnight at a reputable breeder’s home, spend 6-8 hours in close contact with the dog, and observe if symptoms arise.
2. Mixed breeds often cause fewer allergies than purebreds, as genetic diversity reduces expression of certain proteins.
3. Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum and air purifier at home. Wash dog beds weekly and bathe your dog every two weeks to reduce allergens by an additional 70%.
4. Puppies produce fewer allergens than adults. Avoid conclusions at 8 weeks; wait until after 1 year to see true reactions.