When looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed, it’s important to consider that around seven out of ten American households have a pet, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). With 10% to 20% of the global population suffering from animal allergies, finding a dog that minimizes allergens is crucial for many families. Allergy-friendly dog breeds, known for their low-shedding coats and minimal allergen production, can make a significant difference.
For those navigating the options of hypoallergenic breeds, expert guidance can be invaluable. Pettito’s experienced pet counselors specialize in matching families with the right hypoallergenic dogs. Their personalized advice ensures you find a breed that fits your lifestyle and allergy needs perfectly, making the process smoother and more effective.
Best Medium-Sized Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Families
When looking for a puppy, the key thing to remember is that your dog breed must be hypoallergenic and that your new furbaby should be a good match for your lifestyle. Breeds with low-shedding coats often require regular, expensive grooming. Although all dog breeds produce allergens, some dog breeds produce more allergens than other dog breeds. In some cases, people will suffer from allergies from certain breeds and not other dog breeds. This can even occur with the same breeds. So, if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic puppy, you should always have a plan if the situation does not work out.
If you suffer from allergies, you need to find a way to get along with your new puppy. You may need to take allergy medications or change your cleaning routine. Giving up and finding your dog a new home is not good enough. Here are some of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds that make great family pets. We’ve included many popular hybrid Doodle breeds that Pettito pet counselors recommend.
GOLDENDOODLES
Goldendoodles are often considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coat inherited from their Poodle lineage. However, it’s important to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. The Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) says that Goldendoodles have qualities that make them an ideal companion breed, including hypoallergenic.“Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic and often have a low-shedding coat with the exception of unfurnished or flat-coated dogs.”The hypoallergenic trait in Goldendoodles can vary, mainly because they are a crossbreed, and their genetic makeup can be unpredictable.
- Genetic Variability: Goldendoodles’ hypoallergenic potential isn’t guaranteed because they are hybrid. The traits they inherit from their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents vary widely.
- Coat Type: Pay attention to the puppy’s coat. Poodle-like coats are more likely to be hypoallergenic than those resembling Golden Retrievers, which shed more.
- General Consideration: While some Goldendoodles may cause fewer allergies, this is not a given. People with severe allergies should spend time with a Goldendoodle before committing to becoming pet parents.
SHIH-POO
The Shih-Poo is a hybrid of a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. This small dog is known for its affectionate and playful nature. Due to their Poodle ancestry, Shih-Poos are considered hypoallergenic. Shih Tzus are generally friendly and get along with everyone, and Poodles are playful and intelligent. Shih Poos love to play at the dog park and make new furry best friends, but like all breeds around small children, they should be closely monitored.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: American Canine Hybrid Club
HEIGHT: 8 to 18 inches
WEIGHT: 8 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Wavy or curly, in various colors, including black, white, brown, and apricot
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 15 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes, due to Poodle ancestry
FUN FACT: Shih-poos are known for their cheerful and friendly nature, which makes them great for playdates with other dogs and kids.
FRENCH BULLDOG
French Bulldogs are compact, muscular dogs with bat-like ears and charming personalities. They are not considered hypoallergenic. The French Bulldog Club of America says the French Bulldog is prized for its affectionate nature and balanced disposition. This is an active and alert breed that’s not unduly boisterous. These are low-shedding dogs but are not considered hypoallergenic.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Non-Sporting, AKC
HEIGHT: 11 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 16 to 28 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in brindle, fawn, white, or combinations of these
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
FUN FACT: French Bulldogs love to be the center of attention and are known for their playful antics and funny expressions.
YORKSHIRE TERRIER
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small- allergy-friendly pet dogs with a silky, hair-like coat that sheds minimally, making them a popular hypoallergenic choice. They are highly trainable and affectionate yet spunky and entertaining.
Yorkies have extensive grooming needs because they have a distinctive coat with long, silky hair that’s best managed with a Yorkie clip. They don’t do well in cold weather, so it is essential to keep them warm with appropriate clothing and shelter during colder months.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Toy, AKC
HEIGHT: 7 to 8 inches
WEIGHT: 7 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky coat in blue and tan
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 11 to 15 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Yorkshire Terriers are excellent watchdogs alerting their family to approaching strangers.
MINIATURE POODLE
Miniature Poodles are known for their intelligence and hypoallergenic curly coats. They are brilliant and easily trainable. This small, energetic, and social breed needs obedience training and socialization from puppyhood.
PetMD adds that trimming a miniature Poodle’s coat every four to six weeks helps make grooming much easier. The takeaway with the miniature Poodle is that this breed gets bored without plenty of mental stimulation,
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Non-Sporting, AKC
HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 10 to 15 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly, dense coat in various solid colors, including white, black, apricot, and gray
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Miniature Poodles excel in agility and obedience competitions, making them fun companions for active families.
SHIH TZU
Shih Tzus are small dogs with a long, flowing coat. They are friendly and hypoallergenic due to their hair-like fur that sheds minimally. Original posters on Quora seem to agree that the Shih Tzu is the cutest little breed. They have a luxurious double coat and plenty of grooming needs.
Grooming plays a crucial role in maintaining your dog’s health and appearance. As one Quora user aptly put it:
“Daily brushing and periodic professional grooming are necessary to keep their coat in good condition.” Shih Tzu’s are friendly and affectionate and need moderate exercise.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Toy, AKC
HEIGHT: 9 to 10.5 inches
WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, flowing double coat in various colors
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 16 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Shih Tzus are known for their friendly nature and can often be seen lounging around, enjoying the company of their human companions. Redditors say that they don’t shed because they have hair instead of fur.
HAVANESE
Havanese are small, sturdy dogs with a silky, low-shedding coat. They are playful, affectionate, and suitable for those with allergies. Havanese enjoy puzzle toys and plenty of park days to socialize with other small dogs. This breed requires grooming and care to keep its coat in top condition. \
Many owners of Havanese dogs have shared positive experiences regarding their hypoallergenic qualities. One Redditor shared:
“I’m allergic to basically every animal (and some dogs worse than others) and my Havanese so far has been okay! He’s only 6 months so he doesn’t have the undercoat yet though, so I can’t be 100% sure.”
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: Toy, AKC
HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky coat in a variety of colors and patterns
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 16 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Havanese are natural clowns who love performing tricks to entertain their family.
SCHNOODLE
A mix between a Schnauzer and a Poodle, Schnoodles are energetic, intelligent, and have a hypoallergenic coat. This family-friendly hypoallergenic dog breed is cuddly and just plain fun to parent.
Redditors say Schnoodles are very affectionate, fun, active, and intelligent. Schnauzers and Poodles need lots of attention throughout puppyhood, so the Schnoodle will be no different.
Socialization and positive training are a must. “I literally CANNOT recommend the Schnoodle breed more. I have had many dogs growing up and one other dog of my own in my adulthood, and nothing will ever compare to my current bundle of love,” says a Redditor.
Another Redditor explains that there are two types of Schnauzer coats: wiry and soft. “Our very wiry Schnoodle shed a lot and had a very thin, wiry coat—not obvious that was going to happen when she was a pup, either.”
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: American Canine Hybrid Club
HEIGHT: 10 to 26 inches
WEIGHT: 20 to 75 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Wavy or curly, in various colors, including black, white, brown, and gray
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Schnoodles are known for their boundless energy and love of play, making them great companions for children.
TEDDY BEAR
Teddy Bear dogs are a mix of Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu. They are small, friendly, and have a low-shedding coat. Teddy Bear dogs typically weigh 10 to 15 pounds and stand around 9 to 12 inches tall.
They have a soft, fluffy coat that can be straight, wavy, or curly, and they come in various colors, including white, cream, gray, and apricot. The coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it in good condition.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: American Canine Hybrid Club
HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 8 to 16 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Fluffy coat in various colors, including white, black, and brown
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Teddy Bear dogs love to cuddle and are known for their sweet and affectionate nature.
BICHAPOO
A cross between a Bichon Frise and a Poodle, Bichapoos are playful, affectionate, and have a hypoallergenic coat. This sweet designer breed is also hypoallergenic. The Bichapoo has minimal dander and hair instead of fur and is a good breed for small apartments. A good walking partner, the Bichapoo’s curly coat needs tons of attention and is best clipped.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: American Canine Hybrid Club
HEIGHT: 9 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 6 to 18 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly, soft coat in various colors, including white, cream, and apricot
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Bichapoos are known for their playful and happy-go-lucky nature, making them great playmates for kids.
AUSSIDOODLE
Aussiedoodles are a mix of an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. They are brilliant and energetic and have a hypoallergenic coat. This friendly hybrid gets along quickly with other pets and people.
The Aussidoodle needs best friends and plenty of socialization via regular trips to the dog park. Dog training sessions and dog sports are excellent ways to keep them engaged and happy. Their hypoallergenic coat and social nature make them suitable for families, especially those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: American Canine Hybrid Club
HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 25 to 70 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Wavy or curly coat in a variety of colors, including black, white, blue merle, and red merle
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 13 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Aussiedoodles love to learn new tricks and are great companions for active families.
CAVACHON
Cavachons are a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. They are gentle, friendly, and have a hypoallergenic coat. ” He doesn’t shed at all, and is generally a clean dog. We do have to wipe his eyes daily, and make sure we wash his face every week,” says one Redditor. “She’s does not shed one bit. My only advice if you do get a white cavachon is that they get dirty really fast,” explains another Redditor.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: American Canine Hybrid Club
HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: 15 to 35 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Silky, wavy coat in various colors, including white, brown, and tan
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 15 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Cavachons are known for their sweet and gentle nature, making them excellent therapy dogs.
COCKAPOO
A cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, Cockapoos are friendly and have a hypoallergenic coat. They are often considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coats, which they inherit from their Poodle parent.
The hypoallergenic quality of a Cockapoo’s coat can vary based on whether the coat is curly, wavy, or straight. Generally, curly coats tend to be more hypoallergenic than straighter ones as they trap more dander and shed less.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: American Canine Hybrid Club
HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 24 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Wavy or curly coat in various colors, including black, white, brown, and apricot
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Cockapoos are known for their cheerful and outgoing personalities, making them great family companions.
MALTIPOO
A mix of Maltese and Poodle, Maltipoos are small, affectionate, and have a hypoallergenic coat. This is a small, hypoallergenic dog that Redditors are crazy for. The ASPCA describes the Maltipoo as a dog that comes very close to being hypoallergenic. They have a reduced amount of dander and are a good match for someone with allergies.
“My maltipoo is sweet and patient. She was so easy to train. Much easier than my toy poodle. She is very cuddly and follows me everywhere. She even likes to sleep on top of me sometimes lol. My toy poodle is feisty and spirited. Also my maltipoo is gentle and hardly ever barks,” adds one Redditor.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: American Canine Hybrid Club
HEIGHT: 8 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 20 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Soft, wavy, or curly coat in various colors, including white, black, brown, and apricot
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 15 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Maltipoos are known for their love of play and ability to get along well with other pets.
CAVAPOO
Another smart hybrid that is great for anyone with allergies to pet dander is the Cavapoo. They are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. They are playful, friendly, and have a hypoallergenic coat. Some Redditors say that these are Velcro dogs at best.
Redditor Cavapoo pet parents say their Cavapoos are very intelligent and rarely bark. “I’m highly allergic to dogs, which is why we went the Cavapoo route. He’s half cavalier and half Poodle, though his genes definitely lean towards cavalier (sheds, straighter than curly, etc) that said I haven’t had any issue with him,” explains one Redditor.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: American Canine Hybrid Club
HEIGHT: 9 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 25 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Soft, wavy, or curly coat in various colors, including black, white, brown, and apricot
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Cavapoos love to be around people and are known for their affectionate and friendly nature.
MINIATURE GOLDENDOODLE
A smaller version of the Goldendoodle, this breed is a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. Thanks to their Poodle genetics, they are often favored for their hypoallergenic coats, which shed minimally and are typically wavy or curly.
Due to their mixed heritage, Mini Goldendoodles can inherit the best traits from both parent breeds, such as the Golden Retriever’s friendliness and the Poodle’s low-shedding coat. However, not all Mini Goldendoodles will be completely hypoallergenic, as the coat can vary from one dog to another.
BREED OVERVIEW
GROUP: American Canine Hybrid Club
HEIGHT: 13 to 20 inches
WEIGHT: 15 to 35 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Curly, wavy coat in various colors, including gold, apricot, red, and cream
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 15 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
FUN FACT: Mini Goldendoodles look like miniature teddy bears with fluffy golden coats and tiny bodies, making them irresistibly cute.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) says hypoallergenic dogs, like many Doodle hybrids, tend to produce fewer allergens.
“Hypoallergenic” typically refers to breeds with hair instead of fur, which reduces shedding and allergen production. However, it is important to note that no breed is completely hypoallergenic, and individual responses can vary. Dogs for people with allergies include many awesome Doodle hybrids of all sizes. Things to keep in mind include the following:
- Hair vs. Fur: Breeds with hair are less likely to shed, reducing the spread of dander and other allergens.
- Low Shedding Dogs: Dogs that shed less distribute fewer allergens in their environment.
- Allergen Sensitivity: Individual sensitivity to allergens can vary, so it is recommended that you spend time with a specific dog before adoption.
What Redditors Say
The best hypoallergenic dogs for first-time owners include many small and medium-sized breeds.
“Maltese, Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise all fit what you’re looking for. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also fit almost perfectly, except they do shed,” says one Redditor.
“I think a toy/mini poodle or any dog in the bichon group of companion breeds sound like a good fit! From there what matters most is finding a reputable breeder so you know the parents have sound temperaments. They can help match you with an individual who has the right energy/personality for your home,” says another Redditor.
“My mom has a Havanese/toy poodle mix. I’m not sure which breed his personality came more from. But he is the perfect work-from-home companion. I am allergic to pretty much everything under the sun, and he’s never once bothered my allergies. The grooming is a bit much, I normally always recommend budgeting for more, but realistically if you’re regularly brushing and maintaining their coat at home, it’s not too bad, and getting trims between full haircuts can extend the time between needing to pay an extensive amount on grooming,” explains another Redditor.
What Does Quora Say About Doodle Hybrids and Allergies
We also love Quora and found some valuable insights regarding Doodle hybrids and their hypoallergenic traits. Here’s what one Quora commentator had to say: Goldendoodles are a popular choice for people with allergies because they are often considered hypoallergenic due to their low-shedding coats. While there are no guarantees, there are some factors that can help you determine if a Goldendoodle puppy is more likely to be hypoallergenic:
- F1B Generation: A Goldendoodle that is an F1B generation (75% Poodle and 25% Golden Retriever) is more likely to be hypoallergenic compared to an F1 generation (50% Poodle and 50% Golden Retriever). The F1B generation has more Poodle genes known for their hypoallergenic qualities.
- Curly Coat: Poodles have a curly coat that is less likely to shed and produce dander, a common allergen. If a Goldendoodle puppy inherits more of the curly coat from its Poodle parent, it is more likely to be hypoallergenic.
- Allergy Testing: If you or someone in your household has allergies, spending time with the Goldendoodle puppy before bringing it home may be beneficial. This can help you determine if the puppy triggers any allergic reactions.
- Parent’s Coat: Look at the coats of the puppy’s parents. If both parents have low-shedding coats and are hypoallergenic, the chances are higher that the puppy will also inherit these traits.
- Consult Pet Counselors: Pet counselors specialize in connecting you with healthy puppies from reputable breeders.
What Are Human Allergies to Dogs?
Hypoallergenic dog breeds are dogs with low-shedding coats and the best dogs for allergies. Many people suffer from allergies to dogs. If you suffer from dog allergies, there’s no reason not to have dogs. You can take meds and use the ways mentioned below to reduce allergens in your home and car. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, red, itchy, and watery eyes. Some people with allergies to dogs also have these symptoms:
- Wheezing or breathing difficulties
- Sore, scratchy throat
- Stuffy nose
- Puffy eyes
Some Things You Can Do for Human Allergies
You don’t have to give your dogs up or not have dogs if you suffer from dog allergies. Allergy-friendly pet dogs make it much easier for people with dogs to have pups.
Some things you can do if you’re passionate about parenting allergy-friendly dogs include the following:
- Vacuum floors in the home, furniture, and car daily with a vacuum featuring a HEPA filter.
- Clean your dog’s bedding and crates weekly.
- Use doggie wipes outdoors daily.
- Use washable blinds and cotton-covered furniture.
- Allow for the bedroom to be dog-free
- Use dust mite covers on all furniture, including in the car.
- Allow for a dust mask to reduce your exposure to allergens.
- Keep antihistamines at home, like liquid Benadryl or chewable.
- Watch out for signs of dermatitis in your pup because this leads to excessive skin and fur shedding.
- Bathe your pup frequently and visit a professional groomer regularly to ensure its skin and coat are healthy and clean.
What Are Non-Shedding Doodles?
One of the main reasons that people choose a Doodle is because they don’t shed or shed minimally. Doodles are considered to be non-shedding or hypoallergenic. This is what you need to look for if you have any family members who are allergic to dogs.
A non-shedding Doodle hybrid does not shed hair or fur or sheds very little. The Poodle mix that Doodles have resulted in a Doodle hybrid that is known to be less shedding and more hypoallergenic than other dog breeds. Some of the most popular hypoallergenic dogs for kids include Doodle breeds like these popular cuddle bug furbabies.
- Labradoodles
- Goldendoodles
- Bernadoodles
- Cockapoos
- Cavapoos
Finding a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed Near You
At Pettito, the focus is on matching families with healthy and happy hypoallergenic puppies. Both the Dallas and Oklahoma City locations offer a wide variety of breeds, including many hypoallergenic options.
The experienced pet counselors at Pettito know the specific needs and characteristics of different breeds, ensuring that you find a puppy suitable for your home and less likely to trigger allergies.
Whether you are looking for allergy-friendly dogs like the Poodle, Maltipoo, or another hypoallergenic breed, Pettito’s pet counselors are there to help you find the best dogs for allergies and ensure a smooth and satisfying adoption experience.
Medium-Sized Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
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