Low Dander Dogs for Hypoallergenic Dog Lovers

Low Dander Dogs: Finding Your Perfect Hypoallergenic Companion

If you’d love a four-legged friend but have allergies — low dander dogs could solve your dilemma.

According to research by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), cats and dogs may trigger an allergic reaction in 30% of the US population.

Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not dog hair or fur that causes most allergies, it’s dander that’s the major source of allergens. But, what is dander? Do all dogs produce it, and if so, which dogs make the least dander?

What Is Dander?

All dogs produce dander, and they aren’t alone, various fluffy or feathered pets — cats, birds, hamsters, etc., also produce it.

An easy way to describe dander is that it’s like dandruff, it’s tiny, tiny bits of dead skin that contain certain proteins. It’s these proteins that trigger allergies. The same can be said of dog’s saliva and even urine. 

The thing is, dander clings to hair/fur rather well, so when your pooch sheds, it sends these tiny particles circulating around your environment. Hence, the more fluff and fur a dog loses, the more dander you will be exposed to.

For allergy-prone people, exposure to these proteins, or dander, can trigger sneezing, itching, and for some, serious respiratory issues.

To get the full lowdown, check out our guide on What Is Pet Dander?

What Makes Dogs With Low Pet Dander Hypoallergenic?

As mentioned, fur, fluff, or hair alone doesn’t cause allergies, it’s the dander attached to it that does. And, while no dog can be said to be 100% hypoallergenic, breeds that produce less dander (or retain it better) are less likely to induce allergy symptoms, thus considered hypoallergenic.

The best low dander dogs typically:

• Have hair, not fur, or are hairless.
• Are low-shedding.
• Have specific coat types that trap dander more effectively — like the Poodle with their tight curly hair.
• Are known to produce fewer proteins associated with allergies.

What Makes Dogs With Low Pet Dander Hypoallergenic?

As mentioned, fur, fluff, or hair alone doesn’t cause allergies, it’s the dander attached to it that does. And, while no dog can be said to be 100% hypoallergenic, breeds that produce less dander (or retain it better) are less likely to induce allergy symptoms, thus considered hypoallergenic.

The best low dander dogs typically:

• Have hair, not fur, or are hairless.
• Are low-shedding.
• Have specific coat types that trap dander more effectively — like the Poodle with their tight curly hair.
• Are known to produce fewer proteins associated with allergies.

Low Dander Dog Breeds — Our Top Five

The list of low dander dogs is pretty extensive, so to help you out, we’ve picked five of our favorites to get you started. Take a look and see if any of these breeds are a match for you.

And, remember, your allergies are unique, so it’s wise to spend some time around each breed on your shortlist to see whether you experience a reaction.

Miniature,Toy, or Standard, all Poodles have that distinctive tight, sheep-like curly coat.

Originally evolved to trap droplets of water to keep the pup warm when in the water, that curly, dense coat also traps or catches any dander the Poodle may produce. And, as a bonus, the Poodle produces less dander too.

Poodles also shed minimally, making them a top choice for allergy sufferers. Beyond their hypoallergenic qualities, this breed is highly intelligent, trainable, and versatile — an ideal dog if you’re a first-time owner.

Love to know more? Check out our complete guides to the Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle.

Another cute little pup with a low-shedding, curly coat that keeps dander at bay is the Bichon Frise.

However, this breed’s soft, fluffy coat requires regular grooming. As well as keeping your Bichon looking their best, grooming can also prevent matting, which can trap additional allergens.

Known for their cheerful, people-pleasing, and friendly disposition — the Bichon is a loveable lap dog that’s well-suited for allergy-suffering families, seniors, or anyone in between.

Learn more in our guide on the Bichon Frise.

Made famous by the Obama family, the Portuguese Water Dog is a pup that has a curly or wavy, low-dander coat that sheds minimally.

A water-resistant coat, the Portie has very thick masses of either long or medium-length hair but no undercoat. If not properly groomed, the curly hair can form hard mats, almost like dreadlocks, providing dander with a place to hide.

This breed is ideal if you’re the active type — Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic and thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation. They’re also intelligent and amazing with families — and true to their heritage, the PWD loves the water.

Sounds like your kind of canine? Check out our full guide on the Portuguese Water Dog.

Available in three sizes, Miniature,Standard, and Giant, the Schnauzer has a low-odor, wiry coat and is known for producing less dander than many other breeds.

While double-coated, the Schnauzer sheds minimally. You may occasionally find clumps of their undercoat around the home, but don’t worry, any dander gets trapped in the top coat.

Intelligent, protective, and loyal, Schnauzers form strong bonds with their families and love the outdoors — the perfect hypoallergenic pooch to take on your next adventure. Tempted by this trio? Read our comprehensive breed profiles on the Miniature, Standard, and Giant Schnauzer.

With that long and silky flowing coat, the Afghan may seem like an odd choice if you have dog allergies. However, they’re surprisingly low shedding (only twice a year) and produce little dander.

Afghans tend to shed a bit every spring and fall, although female hounds will shed every season. These dogs also require plenty of grooming to maintain that gorgeous coat.

Elegant and independent, this breed can often come across as aloof. As one of the low dander large dogs (24 to 28 inches at the shoulder), they can be incredibly loving, adorable, and playful — but on their terms.

For the full breakdown of this breed, take a look at our guide on the Afghan Hound .

Conclusion

Choosing the right breed is an important first step for dog lovers who are also allergy sufferers, but it’s essential to be realistic. While a low-dander dog may reduce allergic reactions, individual tolerance levels will vary.

If you’re committed to living with a pooch but suffer from dog allergies, the best low dander dogs can make it possible to enjoy canine companionship.

What Breed of Dog Has the Least Dander?

The Schnauzer is widely recognized to produce less dander than many other breeds, as does the Samoyed.

Do Smaller Dogs Have Less Dander?

Different breeds produce different amounts of dander, which can vary according to their size. In that, as smaller pups have less skin area to create dead skin/dander, they produce less than larger breeds. But, many low dander large dogs are also known to shed little and produce little dander.

Do All Dogs Have Dander?

Yes, all dogs have dander, it’s a natural process. However, hypoallergenic breeds are low dander dogs and less likely to trigger allergies.

How Do You Reduce Dog Dander?

Even with low dander dogs, allergies may still arise. Here are a few tips to minimize your exposure:

1. Regularly vacuum your home using a HEPA filter vacuum.
2. Use a HEPA air purifier for dog hair and dander to remove airborne allergens.
3. Brush your pooch often — preferably outside.
4. Change HVAC filters regularly.
5. Restrict your dog from certain zones, such as the bedroom.
6. Wash dog bedding and toys frequently.
7. Opt for hardwood floors.

Which Dog Has the Most Dander?

If you’re allergic to dogs/dander, you should avoid heavy-shedding breeds like the German Shepherd, Labrador, and the Pug. To learn more, check out our guide on the Worst Dog Breeds for Allergies.

Are Labradoodles Low Dander Dogs?

They could be, but there are no guarantees. This is because you can’t 100% predict what type of coat a Poodle mix will end up with. It all depends on the parent’s genes and how much of each they inherit.