21 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed (Much)
Small hypoallergenic dogs are perfect for people who love little dogs but don’t love fur all over the house. Hypoallergenic dog breeds are also ideal for people who suffer from dog allergies.
If you’re interested in a small hypoallergenic dog, it’s important to understand what to expect (and not expect) from a hypoallergenic breed. First of all, there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, but there are several breeds that are more hypoallergenic than others, such as the Yorkshire terrier, Maltese, poodle, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested. Keep reading for more small hypoallergenic dog breeds for people with allergies.
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Bichon Frise
Outgoing and playful, the adorable Bichon Frise looks and feels like a soft, fluffy cloud. In France, they were first bred as companions where the small white dogs enjoyed an easy life as pets to the wealthy, but later found a new profession as delightful circus dogs. Gentle, affectionate, and friendly, Bichons love people of all ages. The fluffy white coat does not shed but needs regular professional grooming.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, social, affectionate, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Fluffy, curly coat; white (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream)
Life Span: 14 to 15 years
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Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of three related Schnauzer breeds, including the Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer. All share similar backgrounds as farm dogs and rat hunters, and all have wiry, low-shedding coats trimmed to leave a shaggy beard, mustache, and eyebrows. Though small in size, Miniature Schnauzers have plenty of energy and spirit. They love to play and need moderate daily exercise. Miniature Schnauzers need professional grooming every few months. Brush out the longer hair on the legs every few days.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
Height: 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 11 to 19 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, lively, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Wiry double coat may be salt and pepper, black and silver, or solid black
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Poodle (Miniature and Toy)
The Poodle is one breed that comes in three size varieties, one large (standard) and two smaller (miniature and toy). The Standard Poodle was bred in Germany as a water retriever; the miniature and toy varieties were bred down in size and were mainly companion dogs. Poodles are smart and lively, but tend to be calm in the house. The curly, non-shedding coat is high-maintenance, requiring professional grooming every one to two months and regular brushing to prevent mats. Poodles with longer coats may need daily brushing and combing; shorter clips need much less brushing.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 10 inches tall at the shoulder or less (toy); 10 to 15 inches tall (miniature)
Weight: About 4 to 6 pounds (toy); about 10 to 15 pounds (miniature)
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, lively
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Harsh, dense, curly coat; solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, silver, brown, and apricot
Life Span: 10 to 18 years
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Maltese
The silky-coated Maltese is one of the oldest breeds of dog, with Mediterranean roots going back more than 2,000 years on the island nation of Malta. Extremely affectionate and people-oriented, Maltese are perfect for those who want a cuddly lap dog. Lively and playful, they are small enough to easily accompany you everywhere—something they would much rather do than stay at home alone. The snow-white, long, silky coat doesn’t shed, but it needs professional grooming and daily brushing with a pin brush or comb to prevent tangles and breakage. Some Maltese owners prefer a low-maintenance “puppy cut.”
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 4 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, social, lively
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, silky single-layer coat is pure white
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Shih Tzu
The sweet Shih Tzu originated in China centuries ago where this was a cherished lapdog of Chinese nobility. Adorable and charismatic, the Shih Tzu loves to play and gets along great with people of all ages, including respectful children. The long, flowing double coat sheds very little, so the breed is often compatible with people with mild allergies. The Shih Tzu needs professional grooming every few months and daily brushing if the coat is kept longer (less if you choose to try a shorter puppy clip).
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Social, friendly, playful, intelligent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, dense, double coat; nearly any color, but most commonly black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations
Life Span: 10 to 16 years
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Yorkshire Terrier
Although Yorkshire Terriers were originally used as ratters, today, these tiny dogs are more likely to be found warming a lap and amusing their human family with their adorable antics. Yorkies are lively but so small that one or two daily walks, or even a few sessions of indoor fetch, will take care of their exercise needs. When Yorkies are born, the puppies are black and tan, but as they grow the color fades into blue and tan. The soft, silky coat needs daily brushing if kept long. Many owners keep their Yorkies in a short pet clip for easier maintenance.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 8 to 9 inches
Weight: 5 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loving, playful, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Long, straight, and silky coat; blue and tan
Life Span: 11 to 15 years
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Lhasa Apso
With their long, flowing coat, you might be surprised to learn that the Lhasa Apso is a hypoallergenic dog breed. This low-shedding dog from Tibet evolved to survive in the Himalayas, and the breed dates back 1,000 years. They’re known for their protective personality, and even served as watchdogs in palaces and temples. Although they can be shy around strangers, they readily show love to their family. Their coat should be trimmed regularly. If you let the coat grow long, it will need to be brushed every day to prevent mats and tangles, while a short coat can be brushed weekly. A puppy cut can be easier to maintain.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 10 to 11 inches (male); female slightly smaller
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, protective, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, silky coat; colors include white, black, red, red gold, black and tan, golden, cream, and grizzle
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers look—and feel—just like sweet little lambs. Don’t let the Bedlington’s appearance fool you into thinking they are timid or pampered creatures. They were originally used to dispatch rats and other troublesome vermin on farms and deep in coal mines, and have retained their tenacity and prey drive. At home, they are gentle and loving companions. The oh-so-soft coat does not shed much, but Bedlingtons need professional grooming every few months.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
Height: 15.5 to 17.5 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 17 to 23 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loving, smart, gentle
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Crisp coat is a mixture of hard and soft hair; blue, sandy, or liver, sometimes combined with tan
Life Span: 11 to 16 years
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Scottish Terrier
The Scottie is a breed from Scotland with a history of helping hunters and farmers. Although alert, intelligent, and friendly, these dogs can sometimes be stubborn. Their wiry coat doesn’t shed much, and many people have their dogs sport the breed’s trademark beard, while also leaving the hair longer on the lower body and legs. Hand-stripping the coat monthly or clipping it every six to eight weeks is best. Brushing and bathing your Scottie regularly will also be necessary.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 19 to 22 pounds (male); 18 to 21 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, brave, confident, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium length, wiry double coat; wheaten, black, silver brindle, red brindle, black brindle, and brindle
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Chinese Crested
Playful, affectionate, and a bit silly, the Chinese Crested is mostly without fur, other than tufts at the feet, tail tip, and top of the head. These dogs are very graceful and elegant in their movements, and are devoted to family, fond of cuddling, and not overly energetic. When taking your Chinese Crested for a walk, they should wear a jacket when it's cold and sunscreen in sunny weather. Beyond that, little is needed in the way of regular grooming.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Devoted, playful, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Pink skin covered with a variety of spots and blotches in darker colors; tufts of hair on the head, tail, and feet
Life Span: 13 to 18 years
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Xoloitzcuintli (miniature)
The Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo), or Mexican Hairless Dog, can be hairless (totally bare or with a few hair tufts on the head, feet, and tail) or have a coat that’s short and smooth. This is a primitive breed that still has some “wild” characteristics. Proper socialization will help them have confidence, but they’re known for being great watchdogs because they aren’t comfortable around strangers. They are devoted to their family and thrive on interaction. The hairless Xolo needs to be bathed and moisturized, and sunscreen can provide protection while outside.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder (standard); 14 to 18 inches (miniature); 10 to 14 inches (toy)
Weight: 30 to 55 pounds (standard); 15 to 30 pounds (miniature); 10 to 15 pounds (toy)
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, shy, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Smooth, short coat or hairless, sometimes with a few tufts on the head, feet, tail; dark colors, including slate, bronze, liver, red, black, and gray-black
Life Span: 14 to 17 years
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Bolognese
These adorable, fluffy dogs are not high energy or rambunctious, but they are playful and affectionate with their family. The Bolognese is an intelligent and serious breed that can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. While they shed very little, their long, cotton-like fur does need regular brushing to prevent tangles or mats. Calm and easy-going, this is a good breed for people in apartments, seniors, or anyone who doesn't want a dog that requires a great deal of exercise.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy (AKC Foundation Stock Service)
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, intelligent, serious, playful
Energy Level: Low
Coat and Color: Long, soft white fur with a texture like cotton
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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West Highland Terrier
Also known as the Westie, this is another breed from Scotland that’s known for their confidence and playfulness, as well as their hunting abilities (their history includes helping to reduce rodent populations). These dogs have a high prey drive, so it’s important to keep an eye on them while they’re playing outside, as they might see an animal and run off after it. These adorable white dogs have a medium length double coat that needs to be stripped about once a month. Another option is to clip the coat every four to six weeks—doing so can make it softer.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
Height: 11 inches (male); 10 inches (female)
Weight: 15 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, intelligent, strong-willed
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium length double coat; white
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
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Havanese
The Havanese stands out in a crowd thanks to their beautiful, long silky coat. The breed originated in Havana, Cuba more than 300 years ago, where they were cherished lapdogs of the wealthy. Smart, energetic, and outgoing, the Havanese loves to play, explore, and meet new friends. The breed gets along well with people of all ages, including gentle children. The low-shedding coat needs daily brushing to prevent mats. It can also be kept in an easier short style.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, outgoing, friendly, smart
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Silky straight to very wavy with ringlets; one or two colors, including but not limited to black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, and red
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
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Cairn Terrier
Toto, the dog in The Wizard of Oz, was a Cairn Terrier. This beloved breed is known for its outgoing, cheerful, and loving personality. These are great family dogs because they get along with children, and they’re loyal and protective of the people they love. Letting them run and dig is a great way to keep them happy, but they also tend to chase animals if given the chance. Their coat doesn’t shed excessively, so a weekly brush out is often sufficient, and clipping or hand stripping the coat regularly will ensure it doesn’t tangle or grow too long over their eyes.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
Height: 10 to 13 inches (male); 9 to 12 inches (female)
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, intelligent, affectionate, social, cheerful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Double coat; wiry outercoat; colors include wheaten, brindle, gray, cream, black, silver, red, and any combination with brindle
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
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Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear’s dense, cottony coat is long and luxurious. The so-called Royal Dog of Madagascar is the ultimate companion dog, wanting nothing more than to devote their life to you all day, every day. In addition to professional grooming, the low-shedding coat needs daily brushing with a coat conditioning spray to keep it tangle free and it protect from breakage. Or, if you prefer, keep your Coton in a shorter pet clip, which requires less maintenance.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder (male); 9 to 10 inches (female)
Weight: 9 to 15 pounds (male); 8 to 13 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Loving, playful, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long coat is always pure white (a few slight shadings of light grey or light tan are permitted on the ears)
Life Span: 15 to 19 years
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Löwchen
The Löwchen’s thick, soft coat is often kept in a lion trim with shaved hindquarters and a longer mane on the neck and head, giving way to the breed’s nickname of Little Lion Dog. Likely originated in Germany or the Mediterranean, Löwchen have been around for centuries. In pre-Renaissance Europe, Löwchen were popular companion dogs of ladies of the royal courts. Löwchen are excellent family dogs, happily playing with respectful children and enjoying all aspects of family life. The coat sheds a little, but not much, especially if you brush it regularly.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 10 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, lively, loyal, attentive
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, thick, soft, slightly wavy coat in a variety of colors and patterns; often cut into a distinctive lion clip
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
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American Hairless Terrier
While some American Hairless Terriers actually do have hair, most are hairless, so no need to worry about shedding. This playful, spunky, and smart dog has the energy level typical to terriers. These small dogs are very devoted and affectionate with their families, including young children, but don't always get along well with other dogs. Like other hairless breeds, the American Hairless is prone to sunburn, so you'll need to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors in the summer.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
Height: 12 to 16 inches
Weight: 12 to 16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, smart
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: No hair; skin can be solid or patterned in a range of colors and color combinations
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
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Peruvian Inca Orchid (Small)
There are three sizes of this hairless breed, with the smallest being toy sized. The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a lively, alert dog that is affectionate and playful with their family but wary of strangers. This is an energetic breed that does well at canine sports, such as rally or agility. Their bare skin can be a solid color or, more often, covered with various spots and blotches. Like other hairless breeds, your Peruvian Inca Orchid needs sunscreen on sunny days and a jacket when it's cold.
Breed Overview
Group: Miscellaneous (AKC)
Height: 9.5 to 15 inches
Weight: 8.5 to 17.5 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, smart, lively, playful, alert
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Bare skin is any solid color, or any color of spots and blotches
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
This breed from Ireland is known for its wheaten colored coat, but puppies are often born with a dark coat that eventually transforms into a beautiful golden color. The breed dates back about 200 years, and these dogs were used to get rid of rodents, help herd livestock, and keep watch over property. They are outgoing and devoted, with a lot of energy, but they can be stubborn as well. Their wavy, silky coat won’t shed a lot, but has to be brushed daily and trimmed regularly, as it can develop mats and tangles easily.
Breed Overview
Group: Terrier
Height: 18 to 19 inches (male); 17 to 18 inches (female)
Weight: 35 to 40 pounds (male); 30 to 35 pounds (female)
Personality/Temperament: Outgoing, affectionate, friendly, devoted
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium length, silky, wavy; wheaten
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is small but bold, something that’s not surprising once you know the breed’s original purpose was hunting and killing rats and other pesky rodents. If you aren’t completely won over by the Affenpinscher’s adorable “monkey face,” you’ll be entertained by their comical personality. The low-shedding wiry coat needs twice-weekly brushing and trimming every two or three months.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 9 to 11.5 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 7 to 10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Bold, lively, social
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Wiry and shaggy; black, gray, silver, red, black and tan, or beige
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Breed Characteristics
People who are allergic to dogs usually react to proteins found in a dog’s saliva, fur, or dander, which is dried bits of skin. Different dogs create different amounts of dander. This varies according to the size of the dog (smaller dogs will have less dander) and the breed. And individual dogs of any breed might naturally have more or less dander.
“Hypo” means less, or below average. A hypoallergenic dog is one that sheds less or is hairless and, therefore, is less likely to cause an allergic reaction in someone sensitive to dog fur and dander. Many people think the term hypoallergenic refers to a dog that will not trigger an allergic reaction, but that is not accurate. People with severe dog allergies may not be able to tolerate any dog, even a hypoallergenic one.