Although they are the most popular pet in the United States, allergies can make it difficult to be around dogs. For this reason, many dog allergy sufferers find hypoallergenic dogs appealing. But what precisely qualifies as hypoallergenic in a dog?

The following information pertains to some of the best dogs for allergies.

What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?

All dogs create allergens; however, dogs that are hypoallergenic have been bred especially to have less allergens in their hair. This may make them suitable for certain allergy sufferers.

Still, no dog is completely allergy-free. Allergens in skin, saliva, and urine can cause allergic reactions in dogs, including coughing, itching, and wheezing, even in those that don’t produce a lot of dander.

Which Dogs Are Hypoallergenic?

Although there isn’t a dog breed that is totally hypoallergenic, there are some that might be a better fit for individuals who have trouble reacting to puppies. These dogs are among the top hypoallergenic ones.

1. Poodle

Poodles come in three varieties, all of which are known to be hypoallergenic. These dogs are renowned for their high intelligence and minimal shedding. The Miniature and Toy Poodles were bred to be smaller versions of this breed, while the Standard Poodle was bred originally for hunting and is the largest of the three. Poodles require a lot of attention to prevent their curls from becoming matted and tangled, regardless of size.

2. Yorkshire Terrier

Cute, hypoallergenic dogs with feisty, loving personalities are little yorkies. As long as they receive lots of attention from their family, they adapt well to a wide range of living conditions, including large homes and studio apartments.

3. Shih Tzu

An additional tiny hypoallergenic dog breed that dates back centuries is the Shih Tzu. Their friendly demeanor and thick coat are well-known attributes. They can, however, be more vulnerable to certain health problems due to their flat face, such as breathing difficulties, overheating, and tear stains.

4. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the three breeds of Schnauzers. These intelligent dogs are suitable for a wide range of living conditions, standing no taller than 14 inches and weighing between 10 and 20 pounds. Just make sure they exercise for at least an hour each day.

5. Standard Schnauzer

Just in a slightly larger package, the larger Standard Schnauzer has many of the same characteristics that make Miniature Schnauzers popular pets. These dogs, who can weigh up to 45 pounds, enjoy playing fetch, going on long walks, and solving puzzle toys during the day.

6. Giant Schnauzer

Standing at more than 27 inches tall and weighing up to 85 pounds, giant schnauzers are some of the largest hypoallergenic canines. For them to be happy, they require a lot of exercise, which includes games of fetch, long walks, neighborhood runs, and weekend hikes.

7. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a tiny pup with a curly, hypoallergenic coat that is friendly, playful, and small. Bichons are extremely intelligent and trainable, so they can pick up fun tricks to amuse the family and quickly learn the fundamentals of training with positive reinforcement.

8. Chinese Crested

One small breed that is well-known for its distinctive look is the Chinese Crested. Powderpuff and hairless are the two types. A hairless Chinese crested has smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on their head, tail, and paws, while a powderpuff Chinese crested has long, silky hair covering them all. The breed is playful, loving, and an excellent companion. Both varieties are hypoallergenic.

9. Portuguese Water Dog

This medium-sized breed was initially developed in Portugal to help fishermen. Portuguese Water Dogs have a thick, curly coat that sheds little, making them a popular hypoallergenic dog breed. They are also friendly, bright, and very trainable. Due to their high levels of energy, these water dog puppies require frequent exercise, such as swimming, to stay happy and healthy.

10. Labradoodle

A Labradoodle originated as a crossbreed between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, intended to be a hypoallergenic assistance dog. They are wonderful family pets because they are kind and intelligent. Additionally, Labradoodles are very gentle and trainable, particularly if they are socialized and given plenty of exercise from a young age.

11. Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are yet another well-liked doodle breed created in recent years. These dogs are very intelligent, friendly, and don’t shed as much as Labradoodles. Goldendoodles can have a broad variety of colors and textures, even though many are recognized for having a golden coat (due to their parent Golden Retriever). To avoid matting, they require frequent grooming.

12. Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs’ woolly, curly coats helped shield them from the cold during their original breeding as water retrievers. Although less common than other hypoallergenic canines, Lagotti Romagnoli, the breed’s proper plural, make excellent family dogs because of their ability to get along with kids and other animals.

13. Affenpinscher

Small, hypoallergenic Affenpinscher dogs are distinguished by their ape-like appearance. Compared to many other dog breeds, their dense, wiry coat produces fewer allergens, but it still needs a lot of care, including at-home brushing and stripping—a procedure in which the hair is removed by the root rather than trimmed.

14. Irish Water Spaniel

Another breed of water dog originally bred for game retrieval is the Irish Water Spaniel, which is amiable, smart, and incredibly trainable. Their coat is always liver (brown) in color and thick and curly, requiring frequent brushing. Due to their high energy level, Irish Water Spaniels require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

15. Aussiedoodle

A cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Standard or Miniature Poodle is called an Aussiedoodle. The two parent breeds of this hypoallergenic dog contributed to its high intelligence and spirited nature. An Aussiedoodle needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation to be happy. They can be destructive if they get bored.

16. Bolognese

Italians created the adorable, hypoallergenic Bolognese breed of dogs. Despite having a recognizable disheveled appearance, their long, fluffy white coat requires a lot of maintenance. Bolognese puppies are known to get along well with kids and other pets, and they are adaptable to a variety of living conditions. They are playful and laid back puppies.

17. Maltese

The Maltese, another tiny hypoallergenic dog breed, is distinguished by its opulent white coat. For pet owners who can maintain their grooming requirements, Maltese breeds make loving and energetic companions, particularly if you want your dog’s hair to be long. Your Maltese will look better if they have a short “puppy” cut.

18. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

An Irish breed that is medium in size is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. This dog, as its name suggests, has a silky coat that is very soft to the touch and doesn’t shed much. Being terriers, Wheatens have a high energy level all their lives and require lots of exercise and attention to be well-mannered.

19. Coton de Tulear

Cotons de Tulear, a small, hypoallergenic breed with Madagascar origins, are known for their laid-back puppies. Because of their gentle disposition, they get along well with children and other pets, provided that the right introductions are made.

20. Schnoodle

The Schnoodle mixes two hypoallergenic dog breeds: the Schnauzer and Poodle, whereas many doodle breeds are a cross between a Poodle and an allergenic dog. Depending on what they inherited from their parents, their coat may be curly or wavy, but it always sheds little.