Finding Your Best Hypoallergenic Dog
Whether it’s your very first dog or you’re searching for another one to add to the pack, making sure you select the best hypoallergenic dog breed is crucial. Choosing one that’s going to perfectly fit your daily life, and your family situation, while still not causing allergy symptoms.
Finding the best hypoallergenic dog will take some trial and error, but choosing the best breed for your needs and the dog will make them much more likely to fit into your home environment and time commitments. If you can, spend time with the breed before deciding to make sure any allergies won’t creep up on you unexpectedly.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog For You
We’ve already compiled a broad list of small, medium, and large hypoallergenic dogs. Plus, we’ve put together information to help you locate the best products for grooming and health and nutrition requirements. However, what if you want to find the best breed for you based on your home life, interests, or needs?
We know that life at home looks different for everybody, and we want to make sure you settle on the best breed imaginable. So, whether you’re looking for a best friend to calm your anxiety or a hiking companion to keep you company — keep reading to find your best hypoallergenic dog breed.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog for Families
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and this versatile dynamic needs a dog that can keep up with the constant changes — more importantly, clean up food off the floor. There are some fantastic physical and personal benefits that come with the responsibility of owning a dog for all ages.
Sharing your home with a hound is something you’ll never forget. Learning the lesson of responsibility and caring for a canine is a fantastic stepping stone that can be adapted to any age.
This beautiful and energetic dog is a mix of the Labrador and the Poodle — two of the most popular breeds in the US. The Labradoodle is one of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for families. They have all the loving and protective family dog features of the Lab, with the allergy-friendly coat of the Poodle.
They’re playful and cute with affectionate personalities, which is fantastic for children to grow up with. However, Labradoodles are energetic and will need an hour of exercise each day, but this could be a great way to spend family time together.
To learn more about this family-friendly breed, check out our guide on Labradoodles.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog for Busy Families
If your household is hectic, the chances are you won’t have hours to dedicate to training and exercising a large dog. So a smaller breed would be more manageable. Adding the right pooch to an already busy household is very important — you don’t want a dog that will feel scared in this fast-paced environment, or even make things more hectic.
Training is a vital part of shaping any dog’s behavior. Hence, a busy family needs an intelligent breed so they quickly pick up on the home routine and can be easily trained.
The Bichon Frise is the best hypoallergenic dog breed for busy families who want a companion that’s easy to care for, needs minimal exercise, and has good health. They’re best for busy families with younger children as they aren’t big enough to knock them over, and their sweet gentle nature could charm anyone.
They love attention and cuddles, and with the right training, these smart dogs will be eager to please you and learn new skills swiftly. What’s more, you don’t need a huge yard for these dogs either, as their little legs don’t need much room to stretch out.
Find out all about this busy-family bow-wow in our guide on the Bichon Frise.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog for Kids
Having a dog around your children has so many advantages, the lists are endless, as the care and protection work both ways. Regardless of your kids’ age, they’ll be encouraged to bond with siblings and cooperate to care for their new pet. Plus, go outdoors for exercise, even if it is just around the neighborhood or to the park.
The responsibility of owning a dog is a great way for children to learn empathy and accountability for another person. This companionship has proven to relieve stress and help owners to relax more.
If you’ve never seen the Portuguese Water Dog, they’re a bundle of curly hair that isn’t going to shed. They’re friendly and playful, and Porties are likely to exercise your kids for you with their highly-active nature. They’re also super smart, so your kids can join in with training. Plus, their sensitivity can be a blessing when it comes to young ones.
Porties can be tricky to find, but with their growing popularity, it’s clear to see why they’re becoming the first choice for families with kids. They love playing outside, and are wary of strangers, so you can trust that the Portie will protect your kids even if you’re not looking.
Learn more about this kid-tastic canine in our guide on Portuguese Water Dogs.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog for Seniors
Research has shown that having pets has a huge amount of benefits for seniors, from reducing depression to lowering the risk of heart disease. This companionship will increase your happiness, and provide a great sense of purpose for those who may be feeling stressed or lonely.
Dogs encourage you to get out more, which provides more opportunities for socialization and friendship, and boosts physical activity while providing feelings of safety. The best hypoallergenic dogs have the added benefit of leaving minimal fur and drool around the home too, so you can’t go wrong!
The Havanese has often been viewed as one of the best small dogs for seniors who either love to socialize or need to find new friends. A walk in the park might be the perfect way to not only get your little pooch their daily exercise but also allows you to meet new people.
These are intelligent and trainable dogs with amazing personalities. They’re also exceptionally loyal to their owners. The Havanese is perfect for those who are able to spend all their time with them.
To find out all the other information about this great breed, check out our guide to the Havanese.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog for First-Time Owners
If you’ve never owned a dog before, choosing the best hypoallergenic dog breed for first-time owners has a few boxes you will need to tick.
Some breeds are notorious for being stubborn, so a breed that’s easy to train is key. You also need to make sure you can meet their exercise needs, and provide the best care for your new companion. This is why it’s generally best to start with a small-to-medium breed.
The Shih Tzu is ideal for first-time dog owners who want a pooch that won’t shed or release dander. These little guys have a lot to teach you, and their low activity needs and happy personalities are just two of the reasons they’re one of the most popular breeds.
For further information, check out our guide on the Shih Tzu.
Best Hypoallergenic Dog for Apartments
No matter how big or small your apartment is, typically this comes with very limited access to outdoor spaces without the use of a lift, or stairs (unless you’re on the bottom floor!). The size and energy level of your dog will dictate how much space you need indoors to keep them safe and happy.
To encourage good toileting practice for your apartment pooch, an indoor doggie lawn could prove handy. That said, if you’re allergic to dog urine, a balcony dog potty would be more suitable — keeping allergens outside.
The unique Italian Greyhound makes the best hypoallergenic dog breed for apartment living. They enjoy being close to their owners and happily adjust to most lifestyles while remaining calm and relaxed indoors — ideal for an apartment.
They’re predominantly indoor dogs due to their intolerance to extreme temperatures. So, you may need to invest in a mini sweater wardrobe for these little guys! Best of all, they’re low shedding, low drooling, and hypoallergenic friendly.
For more information on this fur-tastic companion read our guide on the Italian Greyhound.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog for Hiking
Not only is hiking a fantastic form of exercise for us, but it can also provide incredible health benefits for your furry friend. So what’s stopping you from getting a hypoallergenic dog to join you on your adventures?
The mental and physical stimulation prevents health problems and forms incredible bonds between dog and owner. And, with the best hypoallergenic dogs, you know your allergies won’t be suffering too.
Big, white, and incredibly fluffy, and yes, the Samoyed is hypoallergenic. They’re also sturdy and high energy, making them fantastic for taking on hikes. They can trek for 10 miles or more, and can even tackle snowy landscapes, they were originally sled dogs used by Siberian nomads.
These fluff balls aren’t a fan of repetitive paths, so hiking is the perfect way to provide exercise and keep them mentally interested in what’s happening around them. They love the praise of achieving new climbing goals alongside you, but will still be happy to relax on rest days in between.
Read all about one of the best hiking buddies — the Samoyed.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog for Running
Many dog owners have discovered how much fun running with their pooch can be. This exercise is a great way to keep you both fit and healthy. And not only does it aid weight loss, but your dog will gain the mental enrichment they need to alleviate boredom.
However, not all dogs are suitable running buddies. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, mature dogs, or those with joint problems won’t benefit from a run in the same way other breeds would. You might think finding a dog that ticks all these boxes as well as being hypoallergenic is impossible, but think again!
The Goldendoodle is a medium-to-large hypoallergenic breed that can be trained to run alongside you for long distances without losing their puff. They grow into big and strong dogs, which can be surprising to many as they look like a ball of fluff. But they possess endurance and strength — exactly what you want from a running Rover.
Goldendoodles are gentle, so great for families too who want a friendly and loving addition to the household. But don’t expect them to be your guard dog — they think everyone wants to be their friend.
Find out more about the Goldendoodle.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog for Allergies
Sadly, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic — they all lose hair or spread dander to some degree, which can seem like the end of the road for some wannabe pet parents. Luckily, some breeds are considered a cut above the rest and make the best hypoallergenic dog for allergies in any household.
A breed that produces minimal dander and drool, as well as shedding minimally. This is why we think the unique American Hairless Terrier is ideal for allergy-prone owners.
These hairless dogs are smart and feisty enough to entertain you for hours on end, without making you sneeze. But, bear in mind, you’ll have to protect their skin from the elements.
For more information, check out our guide on the American Hairless Terrier.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog for Anxiety
Anyone who has suffered from anxiety will know it’s hard to calm yourself down when your emotions take over. Dogs have a natural ability to reduce psychological stress — lowering resting heart rates and blood pressure.
Hypoallergenic dogs for anxiety will cuddle you until you feel better, provide purpose, and make you feel less alone going through mental health struggles.
Yorkies meet the main criteria to be an anxiety-reducing breed. For one, they’re small enough to travel almost anywhere. Plus, they’re energetic enough to encourage movement and possess a loving temperament that adapts well to your lifestyle.
Not only that, these pint-sized pooches don’t shed at all, and are incredibly cute with their straight, silky hair. Yorkies have a protective streak and will happily defend their owner, they won’t hesitate to bark at intruders or threats!
Want to know more? Take a look at our guide to this plucky stress-reducing pooch — the Yorkie.
The Best Hypoallergenic Emotional Support Dog
Emotional support dogs are unfortunately not provided with the same level of access as support dogs, which are viewed differently in the eyes of the law. This does mean your dog won’t be able to come everywhere with you.
However, these dogs need no professional training — other than regular obedience — like you would give to any other pet dog. But like any other job, some breeds are better suited than others.
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic emotional support dog, look no further than the highly-intelligent Schnauzer breed. These handsome pups are a great fit for anyone allergic to dogs, they can adapt to apartment living, and are devoted to their families.
They’re known for being incredibly smart and active, and their devotion could be just what you need in a canine to comfort you.
Read more on this amazing ESA dog — take a peek at our Schnauzer guide.
The Cutest Hypoallergenic Dog
Being allergy-friendly doesn’t mean your pooch can’t be adorable. Hypoallergenic dogs come in all levels of cuteness. However, some breeds are truly off the scale.
It’s impossible to not melt when you first see the Maltese, they’re the definition of a cute little lap dog! Like walking balls of cotton wool with big black eyes peeking out at you. What’s more, they love nothing more than cuddling up close on the couch with you.
These bow-wows are bred as companion dogs — and were even the first choice for royalty in Malta because of their high intelligence and lively nature. Yet, make sure they get plenty of socialization, otherwise they may become yappy and aggressive.
For more info on this cutey, why not check out our guide on the Maltese.
Conclusion
Whether you spend your weekends hiking or desire a pooch to help calm your nerves — there’s a furry friend ready to walk alongside you!
If you want to hunt for your perfect pup, or find out more about anything relating to allergy-friendly pooches — take a look through our guides and posts on hypoallergenic dog breeds. Plus, you can learn which dogs are hypoallergenic and which dogs aren’t.
Finding the best hypoallergenic dog is crucial, and no matter where you live and what you do, there is a breed that fits perfectly into your life. They will make you wonder how you ever lived without a furry friend by your side.
Best Hypoallergenic Dogs FAQs
What Is the Most Affectionate Hypoallergenic Dog?
Most Poodle mixes are some of the most affectionate, such as the Labradoodle, Cockapoo, and Cavapoo.
Are There Any Dogs That Are 100% Hypoallergenic?
No. Yet some breeds are better suited to allergy sufferers thanks to their low or non-shedding coats with minimal dander. This is what causes most allergies.
What Is the Easiest Hypoallergenic Dog To Train?
The Portuguese Water Dog is one of the smartest and easiest breeds to train — making them ideal for kids, families, or first-time dog owners.
What Breed of Dog Causes Most Allergies?
The German Shepherd is largely known as one of the most excessive shedding breeds.
What Hypoallergenic Dogs Are Calm?
Poodles or the Bichon Frise are some of the calmest hypoallergenic dogs. They’re intelligent and eager to please, but you must meet their exercise needs.
What Is the #1 Hypoallergenic Dog?
The top hypoallergenic dog is the Bichon Frise or Labradoodle. Both of these are highly recommended for those with dog allergies.
What Is the Most Loyal Hypoallergenic Dog?
One of the most loyal hypoallergenic dogs is the Bolognese. These dogs love their owners but are very good at getting what they want.
What Hypoallergenic Dog Is Low Maintenance?
There is a huge range of low-maintenance hypoallergenic dogs, such as:
