Don’t feel forced to choose between your love of dogs and your desire to keep allergies at bay: Some pooches are classified as hypoallergenic by the American Kennel Club.
That means these breeds are less allergenic than others because they produce less dander, which is what typically triggers allergies in people.
Some dog breeds also shed their coat less often than others.
The following dogs are known to be both hypoallergenic and infrequent shedders. So, if you are ready for a loving pet that won’t make you sneeze or that won’t shed all over your home, consider the following breeds.
Bedlington terrier
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Medium and curly
The Bedlington terrier, with its pear-shaped head and a coat that resembles sheep wool, looks like a lamb and is known for its playfulness. However, the healthy and energetic breed was originally popular for its ability to take out rats and other varmints.
Poodle
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Long and curly
Poodles have a major claim to fame: First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy owned one that went with her to the White House. An ardent Francophile as a teen, she named him “Gaullie” after French President Charles de Gaulle, whom she admired for his resolve as a general during World War II because, she said, he poodle “was straight and proud and had a prominent nose.”
Poodles have various hairstyles, with strict competition rules regarding their puffs and pompoms. The puffs originally were to protect parts of their bodies from cold in their roles as hunting water retrievers. Three types of poodles — miniature, standard and toy-size — are all hypoallergenic and shed infrequently.
Coton de Tulear
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 2 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Long, double and wavy
The Coton de Tulear originated in the African island nation of Madagascar: “Tulear” refers to a port city there, and the little dogs likely arrived on ships, where they made good companions for long sea voyages. The affectionate and lively dogs are known for forming strong bonds. They are somewhat boisterous, eager and intelligent.
Xoloitzcuintli
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Short and hairless
Often known as the “Mexican hairless,” the Xoloitzcuintli is a dog breed that is thought to date back more than 3,000 years. The breed almost went extinct until it was named the official dog breed of Mexico in 1956. These dogs are alert, loyal and calm in demeanor.
Standard schnauzer
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Medium and wiry
Schnauzers were originally bred in Germany to hunt vermin. But while they can be a terror to pests, they have a reputation for being loving and family friendly.
The miniature, standard and giant versions are all hypoallergenic, although only the standard sheds infrequently. (Miniature and giant schnauzers’ level of shedding is 3 out of 5, according to the AKC.)
Kerry blue terrier
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Medium and wavy
Hailing from County Kerry, Ireland, the Kerry blue terrier is a hard-working dog that was originally bred for such farm tasks as hunting small game and birds, killing vermin and herding. Dogs of this breed are typically devoted to and protective of their family or pack, providing an alert, adaptable and animated watchdog and companion.
Soft-coated Wheaten terrier
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Medium, wavy and silky
The soft-coated Wheaten terrier is the oldest breed of Irish terrier. According to legend, it swam from a wrecked ship to the shore of the Emerald Isle two centuries ago. These traditional Irish farm dogs are happy, friendly and devoted.
Afghan hound
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Long and silky
Afghan hounds are fleet on their feet and have been known to approach the speed of a racehorse, reaching up to 40 mph when running. Despite their low shedding level, their long hair requires some extra grooming effort.
Bolognese
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Long and wavy
The Bolognese is a rare dog breed in the United States, but it has a long history in Europe as a companion animal that dates back to the 12th century. Bolos, as they are also known, are smart dogs and very trainable, although a bit stubborn.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Short, hairless and smooth
The Peruvian Inca orchid, the national dog of Peru, is a sighthound, which makes it adept at hunting small rodents. The ancient breed is sleek and athletic, generally hairless except on its feet, head and tail.
Yorkshire terrier
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Long and silky
Typically measuring between 7 and 10 inches tall, the Yorkshire Terrier — or “Yorkie” — is one of the smallest dog breeds. That makes these affectionate and playful dogs ideal for those who live in apartments and other small homes.
Barbet
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Medium or long, curly and wavy
The Barbet‘s name comes from the French word for “beard.” Since the 16th century, these friendly and bright dogs have been used to hunt water game. They are devoted to their owners and have a goofy and clownish side.
Lowchen
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 2 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Long and wavy
The Lowchen is known as the “little lion dog,” a nickname the breed earned from its courageous personality and a coat that is traditionally kept in a “lion clip” with full mane. It picks up new skills and tricks quickly.
Maltese
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Long and silky
Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor fawned over her many Maltese, even taking them to TV studios and promotional events. The long-haired dogs are playful and gentle.
Irish water spaniel
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Curly and medium
The Irish water spaniel has a water-resistant coat and excels at retrieving things from the water. Their webbed feet help them when they are hunting waterfowl, one of various tasks at which the highly intelligent dogs excel.
Bichon frise
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Long and curly
If you are an art connoisseur, you might recognize the bichon frise. The breed has played a starring role in masterworks by the likes of de Goya, Titian and Renoir. While they don’t shed much, their curly coats require regular grooming.
Chinese crested
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Short to medium, hairless and silky
Despite the name, the Chinese crested is believed to have originated in Africa. Experts think it was bred to provide comfort to sick and bedridden people. Although considered hairless, they have a lot of hair on their heads, lower legs and feet, and a plume on their tails.
American hairless terrier
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Short and hairless
The American hairless terrier may be small, but it’s no lapdog. A big personality in a little body, this breed is muscular, athletic and full of energy, as new owners soon find out.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Medium and curly
Historically, the lively and intelligent Lagotto Romagnolo, which originated in northern Italy, was used to hunt ducks. More recently, their excellent sense of smell has made them a favorite choice for truffle hunting.
Barbado da Terceira
Level of shedding to expect from this breed: 1 out of 5
This breed’s coat length and type: Medium and wiry
The Barbado da Terceira is one of the oldest dog breeds of Portuguese origin, bred to herd cattle and livestock. This joyful and fun-loving dog is known for its loyalty and protective nature.
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