50+ dogs that don’t shed: the list of the best hypoallergenic dogs by size

Toni Grzunov - last updated on May 13th, 2021

Being in love with dogs while suffering from allergies can be a living hell. Not being able to cuddle with these lovable creatures is something we wouldn’t wish on anyone, but there is a solution to that problem as well!

Some dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic, meaning that people with allergies can freely adopt them as pets. While these are awesome news, there are some caveats that you absolutely need to watch out for. Don’t worry, we have you covered on everything you need to know about hypoallergenic dogs!

Are certain dog breeds hypoallergenic?

This may surprise you, but no, there are no hypoallergenic dog breeds. However, some breeds will cause fewer allergy symptoms, or may not cause them at all. A lot of people believe that it’s the fur of dogs (and cats) that causes allergic reactions. This is not true.

The real cause of dog allergies is a specific protein that can be found in the saliva and urine of your pets. This protein then sticks to the dander, which are the dried flakes on the skin of your pet. This also ends up on the coat, hence why people believe that the hair causes allergies.

The reason why some breeds are considered hypoallergenic is that they shed very little, or in some cases don’t shed at all. Since they rarely shed, the dander that holds the protein that causes allergies doesn’t spread around as much, so it can’t cause allergic reactions.

So yes, while some breeds may not trigger your allergies, there is no dog breed that is 100 percent hypoallergenic.

How to choose the best hypoallergenic dog for you?

There are several things you should do before picking a dog if you have allergies. Naturally, do all the necessary research first. Look at all the breeds considered hypoallergenic and find the right one for you. We have a list for that in this article.

You should absolutely consult with your doctor since they will know if you are capable of having a pet considering the severity of your allergies. If your reactions are too severe, you might want to hold off on getting a pet. Once you have taken care of all that and believe you should get a dog, it’s time to move on.
When it comes to picking the right dog, a good starting step is to choose a smaller dog since they shed less dander. However, if you would prefer a larger dog, there are some that might fit you. Refer to our list in this article to find out which breeds you can choose from.
Once you have picked the right dog, make sure to spend some time with it before buying or adopting. You want to be absolutely sure that your allergies can be kept under control.

What are the worst dogs for allergies?

The worst dogs for people with allergies are actually those that salivate excessively, as well as those that shed a lot. This includes breeds such as Saint Bernard and Bulldog, Basset Hounds and Siberian Huskies.

In general, if a breed sheds or salivates a lot, it won’t be hypoallergenic, so it is important that you do your research. You should also know how severe your allergy is because this will also have an impact on your choice of pet.

What is the most popular hypoallergenic dog in 2021?

There are many dog breeds that are extremely popular, and some of them are hypoallergenic! You can refer to our list if you are interested in which are the top 20 America’s most popular dogs for 2021. When it comes to specific groups that are hypoallergenic, there are some trends that came up recently.

Crossbreeds, like Poos and Doodles, are becoming increasingly popular. These are mixes of certain breeds with Poodles, such as the Cavapoo, Maltipoo, Labradoodle, and Goldendoodle. These breeds usually shed very minimally, so they are an excellent pick for people suffering from allergies. It helps that they are super cute as well!

Large hypoallergenic purebred dogs

For all those lovers of large purebred dogs, we do have some good news... The bigger the dog does not necessarily mean the bigger the allergy! Even a thick-haired large dog like the Samoyed can be a great choice for those tormented by allergies. Meet these four contenders for the lowest shedding and hypoallergenic big purebred dogs...

Medium-sized hypoallergenic purebred dogs

Medium-sized breeds are probably the most numerous of all. Thankfully this also means we have a good number of purebred dog breeds of medium size that are good choices for those of you seeking a hypoallergenic furry friend. Any of these breeds listed will be better choices if you are prone to allergies around our furry friends.

Medium-sized hypoallergenic mixed dogs

Lucky for allergy-prone people, we have some fantastic ‘designer’ dogs that are just made for you. Literally many modern mixed breed dogs are bred with the very intention of being low shedding. While smaller low shedding mixed breeds are more numerous, these 4 fantastic medium-sized furry beasts are as close to hypoallergenic as a dog can come...

Small hypoallergenic purebred dogs

Dreaming of a little bundle of love in your home? Then we are happy to say that you really are in luck! Small dog breeds are by far the most numerous in terms of being low shedding and low allergy. Here we can present to you a wide variety of small purebred dogs that are a dream come true for allergy sufferers seeking a hypoallergenic companion.

Small hypoallergenic mixed dogs

Small mixed breed dogs are all the rage, and you can find a wide range of breeds out there. Happily many of these pooches are very low-shedding and well suited for allergy sufferers. In fact, many of these dogs are amongst the best you can choose from. These small beauties below are going to get you as close to a hypoallergenic pup as possible...