15 Hypoallergenic Dogs That Stay Small

Are you an allergy sufferer dreaming of a furry companion? Look no further! This guide will introduce you to 15 amazing hypoallergenic dogs that stay small.

These pint-sized pooches pack a big punch in personality without triggering your allergies. Read on to discover your perfect match, and prepare to fall in love with our number 15 pick!

Why Choose a Small Hypoallergenic Dog?

Before we dive into our top 15 list, let’s explore why small hypoallergenic dogs are such a fantastic choice:

Space-Friendly: These pups are perfect for apartments or small homes. No need for a sprawling yard!
Easy Care: Smaller dogs often require less food, exercise, and grooming time.
Allergy-Friendly: Hypoallergenic breeds produce fewer allergens, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.
Travel Buddies: Their compact size makes them great companions for road trips or flights.
Longer Lifespan: Many small breeds live longer than their larger counterparts, giving you more years of love and companionship.

Now, let’s meet our fabulous fifteen!

The Top 15 Hypoallergenic Dogs That Stay Small

1. Affenpinscher

Often called the “Monkey Dog” due to their distinctive facial features, Affenpinschers are charming little characters.

Personality: Confident, funny, and fearless
Size: 9-11 inches tall, weighing 7-10 pounds
Grooming: Moderate; regular brushing and occasional trimming required

These pint-sized pups pack a big personality into a small package. Their wiry coat sheds minimally, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Affenpinschers are known for their mischievous antics and loyal nature, providing endless entertainment for their owners.

2. Bichon Frise

With their fluffy white coats and cheerful dispositions, Bichon Frises are like living, breathing cotton balls of joy.

Personality: Playful, affectionate, and gentle
Size: 9-11 inches tall, weighing 12-18 pounds
Grooming: High; regular brushing and professional grooming recommended

Bichon Frises are excellent companions for families and individuals alike. Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular maintenance, but their loving nature makes it all worthwhile. These dogs excel at adapting to various living situations and love to be the center of attention.

3. Chinese Crested

Unique in appearance, Chinese Cresteds come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff.

Personality: Affectionate, lively, and devoted
Size: 11-13 inches tall, weighing 8-12 pounds
Grooming: Moderate; skin care for hairless, regular brushing for powderpuff

Chinese Cresteds are perfect for those who want a dog that stands out from the crowd. The hairless variety is particularly suited for allergy sufferers, while the powderpuff has a soft, fine coat that rarely sheds. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are known for their loving, cuddly nature.

4. Maltese

With their silky white coats and regal bearing, Maltese dogs are the epitome of canine elegance.

Personality: Gentle, playful, and adaptable
Size: 7-9 inches tall, weighing 4-7 pounds
Grooming: High; daily brushing and regular grooming required

Maltese dogs are true lap dogs, thriving on human companionship. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living, and their hypoallergenic coat produces minimal dander. These little charmers are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them relatively easy to train.

5. Miniature Schnauzer

With their distinctive beards and eyebrows, Miniature Schnauzers are full of character and charm.

Personality: Friendly, obedient, and alert
Size: 12-14 inches tall, weighing 11-20 pounds
Grooming: Moderate; regular brushing and trimming needed

Miniature Schnauzers are versatile dogs that adapt well to various lifestyles. Their wiry coat sheds minimally, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. These dogs are known for their intelligence and make excellent watchdogs, always ready to alert their owners to potential intruders.

6. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies, as they’re affectionately known, are small dogs with big personalities.

Personality: Feisty, affectionate, and brave
Size: 7-8 inches tall, weighing 4-7 pounds
Grooming: High; daily brushing and regular grooming required

Yorkshire Terriers are popular companions for good reason. Their silky, hair-like coat is hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed much, though it does require regular care. These tiny terriers are confident and courageous, often acting like they’re much larger than they are.

7. Havanese

Hailing from Cuba, the Havanese is a cheerful, charming breed that wins hearts wherever it goes.

Personality: Outgoing, intelligent, and playful
Size: 8.5-11.5 inches tall, weighing 7-13 pounds
Grooming: Moderate to high; regular brushing and occasional trimming needed

Havanese dogs are known for their silky, low-shedding coat that comes in a variety of colors. They’re highly adaptable and do well in various living situations. These little dogs are natural entertainers, often performing tricks to amuse their owners.

8. Shih Tzu

With their flowing coats and sweet expressions, Shih Tzus are the epitome of lap dog luxury.

Personality: Affectionate, playful, and outgoing
Size: 9-10.5 inches tall, weighing 9-16 pounds
Grooming: High; daily brushing and regular grooming required

Shih Tzus are bred for companionship and excel at their job. Their long, silky coat is hypoallergenic but requires regular maintenance to prevent matting. These little “lion dogs” are known for their friendly nature and ability to get along with children and other pets.

9. Coton de Tulear

Often called the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” the Coton de Tulear is a charming, cotton-ball-like breed.

Personality: Happy, affectionate, and clever
Size: 9-11 inches tall, weighing 8-13 pounds
Grooming: Moderate to high; regular brushing and occasional bathing needed

Coton de Tulears have a unique, fluffy white coat that feels like cotton to the touch. Their coat is hypoallergenic and sheds minimally, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. These dogs are known for their playful nature and clownish antics, often entertaining their owners with silly behaviors.

10. Italian Greyhound

Sleek and elegant, Italian Greyhounds are the smallest of the sighthounds.

Personality: Sensitive, affectionate, and athletic
Size: 13-15 inches tall, weighing 7-14 pounds
Grooming: Low; occasional brushing and bathing suffice

Italian Greyhounds are unique among hypoallergenic breeds due to their short, fine coat. They shed minimally and require little grooming, making them ideal for those who want a low-maintenance pet. These graceful dogs are known for their speed and agility, enjoying both sprints in the yard and cuddles on the couch.

11. Toy Poodle

Intelligent and elegant, Toy Poodles are the smallest variety of this popular breed.

Personality: Smart, energetic, and eager to please
Size: Under 10 inches tall, weighing 4-6 pounds
Grooming: High; regular brushing and professional grooming recommended

Toy Poodles are renowned for their hypoallergenic, curly coat that comes in a variety of colors. Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, excelling in obedience and trick training. Despite their small size, Toy Poodles are active dogs that enjoy regular exercise and mental stimulation.

12. Silky Terrier

Often mistaken for a small Yorkshire Terrier, the Silky Terrier is a distinct breed with its own unique charm.

Personality: Alert, friendly, and quick-witted
Size: 9-10 inches tall, weighing 8-10 pounds
Grooming: High; daily brushing and regular grooming required

Silky Terriers boast a beautiful, silky coat that’s hypoallergenic and sheds minimally. These little dogs are full of energy and require regular exercise to stay happy. They’re known for their intelligence and can be quite mischievous if not properly stimulated.

13. Lhasa Apso

Originating from Tibet, the Lhasa Apso is a small but sturdy breed with a big personality.

Personality: Confident, smart, and comical
Size: 10-11 inches tall, weighing 12-18 pounds
Grooming: High; regular brushing and professional grooming recommended

Lhasa Apsos have a long, flowing coat that’s hypoallergenic but requires regular maintenance. These dogs are known for their independence and loyalty to their families. Despite their small size, they make excellent watchdogs, always alert to potential dangers.

14. West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

With their bright white coats and perky expressions, Westies are impossible to resist.

Personality: Confident, curious, and entertaining
Size: 10-11 inches tall, weighing 15-20 pounds
Grooming: Moderate; regular brushing and occasional trimming needed

West Highland White Terriers have a double coat that’s hypoallergenic and sheds minimally. These sturdy little dogs are full of energy and require regular exercise. Westies are known for their independent nature and love of digging, traits that harken back to their ratting roots.

15. Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Last but certainly not least, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a rare breed that’s sure to capture your heart.

Personality: Independent, intelligent, and determined
Size: 8-11 inches tall, weighing 18-24 pounds
Grooming: Moderate; regular brushing and occasional trimming required

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are unique in appearance, with their long body, short legs, and distinctive “topknot” of hair on their heads. Their coat is hypoallergenic and sheds minimally, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.

These dogs are known for their loyalty and make excellent companions for those who appreciate a dog with character.

What makes a dog hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic dogs produce fewer allergens than other breeds. While no dog is completely allergen-free, these breeds typically shed less and produce less dander, which are the main causes of dog allergies.

Do hypoallergenic dogs require special care?

While hypoallergenic dogs often shed less, many require regular grooming to maintain their coat. This can include daily brushing and regular professional grooming sessions.

Are there any other small breeds that are hypoallergenic?

Yes! While we’ve covered 15 fantastic breeds, others exist. Some examples include the Bedlington Terrier, Bolognese, and Löwchen.

How can I reduce allergens in my home with a dog?

Regularly groom your dog to reduce loose hair and dander
Use HEPA air purifiers to filter allergens from the air
Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner
Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in hot water
Keep your bedroom a pet-free zone to reduce nighttime allergies

The End…

If you’re not considering a small hypoallergenic dog, you’re missing out on a world of joy, love, and companionship! These pint-sized pooches offer all the benefits of dog ownership without the allergy concerns. From the elegant Maltese to the rare and charming Dandie Dinmont Terrier, there’s a perfect small hypoallergenic dog for everyone.

Which breed from this list caught your eye? Or do you know of another amazing hypoallergenic small breed we haven’t mentioned? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!