Small Hypoallergenic dogs are perfect for apartment living or homes with limited space.
They’re easier to manage and often require less exercise than their larger counterparts. But the real game-changer is their hypoallergenic nature.
While no dog is 100% allergen-free, these breeds produce significantly fewer allergens, reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions.
In this article, we’ll explore 13 amazing small hypoallergenic dog breeds that can bring love and laughter into your life without triggering your allergies.
1. Poodle
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
Poodles are a top choice for allergy sufferers, thanks to their unique coat. Unlike many other breeds, Poodles have hair that grows continuously and sheds minimally. This means less dander floating around your home, reducing the spread of allergens.
Is it High Energy?
If you’re looking for a playful companion, look no further! Poodles are known for their energetic and lively nature. They love to play and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Life Span
Poodles are not only smart and hypoallergenic but also long-lived. You can expect your Poodle pal to be by your side for 12 to 15 years, giving you plenty of time to create lasting memories.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
Absolutely! Poodles are intelligent and highly trainable, making them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. Their eagerness to please and quick learning abilities will make training a breeze.
Maintenance Level
While Poodles are low-shedding, they do require regular grooming to keep their coat in top shape. Plan for moderate maintenance, including regular brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
2. Bichon Frise
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
The Bichon Frise’s fluffy white coat isn’t just adorable – it’s also hypoallergenic! Their curly hair traps dander and loose fur, keeping allergens from spreading around your home.
Is it High Energy?
Bichons have a moderate energy level. They enjoy playtime and short walks but are equally content snuggling up on the couch with you.
Life Span
These little cotton balls of joy typically live between 12 to 15 years, providing over a decade of love and companionship.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
Bichon Frises are friendly, adaptable, and easy to train, making them an excellent choice for novice dog owners. Their cheerful disposition will quickly win you over!
Maintenance Level
To keep that fluffy coat looking its best, Bichons require regular grooming. Brush them a few times a week and schedule professional grooming sessions every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting.
3. Maltese
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
The Maltese’s long, silky coat might look high-maintenance, but it actually sheds less dander compared to many other breeds. This makes them a great option for allergy sufferers who love a glamorous pup.
Is it High Energy?
Maltese dogs have moderate energy levels. They enjoy daily walks and playtime but are also content to relax indoors, making them versatile companions.
Life Span
These little charmers typically live between 12 to 15 years, giving you plenty of time to enjoy their affectionate nature.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
Yes! Maltese dogs are affectionate, easy to train, and adaptable to various living situations. They’re ideal for beginners who want a loving, lap-sized companion.
Maintenance Level
The Maltese’s long, flowing coat requires high maintenance. Daily brushing and regular professional grooming are necessary to keep their coat tangle-free and looking its best.
4. Shih Tzu
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
Don’t let their fluffy appearance fool you – Shih Tzus are surprisingly hypoallergenic! Their double coat sheds less dander and hair compared to many breeds, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Is it High Energy?
Shih Tzus have low to moderate energy levels. They enjoy short walks and playtime but are equally happy lounging on the couch. They’re perfect for those who want a laid-back companion.
Life Span
These little “lion dogs” typically live between 10 to 16 years, offering a long-lasting furry friendship.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
Absolutely! Shih Tzus are friendly, adaptable, and relatively easy to train. Their sweet nature makes them ideal for new dog owners.
Maintenance Level
Their long, luxurious coat requires high maintenance. Regular brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks are necessary to keep their coat healthy and mat-free.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
Yorkies may be small, but they pack a big punch in the hypoallergenic department! Their fine, silky hair is less likely to trigger allergies due to minimal shedding.
Is it High Energy?
Despite their small size, Yorkies are known for their lively and playful demeanor. They have high energy levels and love to play and explore.
Life Span
These pint-sized pups generally live between 12 to 15 years, giving you plenty of time to enjoy their spunky personalities.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
With proper training and socialization, Yorkies can be excellent companions for first-time owners. They’re intelligent and eager to please, but can sometimes be a bit stubborn.
Maintenance Level
Yorkies require high maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their long, silky coat needs daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent tangles and mats.
6. Coton de Tulear
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
The Coton de Tulear’s soft, cotton-like coat isn’t just pleasant to touch – it’s also hypoallergenic! Their unique coat produces less dander and allergens, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Is it High Energy?
Coton de Tulears have moderate energy levels. They enjoy playtime and short walks but also love to cuddle and relax with their owners.
Life Span
These fluffy companions typically live around 14 to 16 years, offering a long-lasting friendship.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
Yes! Coton de Tulears are friendly, easy to train, and adaptable, making them ideal for beginners. Their cheerful disposition will quickly win you over.
Maintenance Level
Their soft, fluffy coat requires moderate maintenance. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming are needed to keep their coat looking its best.
7. Italian Greyhound
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
Italian Greyhounds might surprise you as a hypoallergenic breed! Their short, fine hair sheds minimally, reducing allergens in the home and making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Is it High Energy?
Don’t let their delicate appearance fool you – Italian Greyhounds are energetic and playful. They love to run and play but also enjoy cuddling up with their owners.
Life Span
These elegant pups generally live around 12 to 15 years, providing over a decade of companionship.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
Italian Greyhounds can be great for first-time owners who are willing to put in the effort for training and socialization. They’re affectionate and easy to train but can be a bit sensitive.
Maintenance Level
One of the easiest breeds to groom, Italian Greyhounds require minimal maintenance. Their short coat needs occasional brushing and rarely needs professional grooming.
8. Schnauzer
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
Schnauzers, with their distinctive beards and eyebrows, are more than just stylish – they’re hypoallergenic too! Their wiry coat sheds less dander compared to other breeds, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Is it High Energy?
Schnauzers have moderate energy levels. They enjoy regular exercise and playtime but can also relax at home with their families.
Life Span
These loyal companions typically live between 12 to 15 years, offering a long-lasting friendship.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
Yes! Schnauzers are intelligent, trainable, and make great family dogs. They’re a good choice for first-time owners who are ready for an engaged and sometimes stubborn companion.
Maintenance Level
Schnauzers require moderate maintenance. Their wiry coat needs regular brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain its distinctive look.
9. West Highland White Terrier
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
Westies, as they’re affectionately known, are more than just adorable – they’re hypoallergenic too! Their double coat helps minimize shedding and dander release, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Is it High Energy?
West Highland White Terriers have moderate energy levels. They enjoy daily walks and playtime but can also relax at home, making them versatile companions.
Life Span
These spunky little dogs usually live around 12 to 16 years, providing many years of joy and companionship.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
Absolutely! Westies are friendly, adaptable, and relatively easy to train. Their cheerful disposition makes them great for first-time dog owners.
Maintenance Level
Westies require moderate maintenance. Regular brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks are needed to keep their distinctive white coat looking its best.
10. Basenji
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
Basenjis are unique in many ways, including their hypoallergenic qualities! Their short, fine hair sheds minimally, reducing allergens in the home and making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Is it High Energy?
Basenjis are active dogs that require regular exercise. They love to play and explore but can also be quite independent.
Life Span
These “barkless” dogs typically live around 12 to 16 years, offering a long-lasting companionship.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
With proper training and socialization, Basenjis can be great companions for first-time owners. However, their independent nature can sometimes be challenging for novice dog owners.
Maintenance Level
Basenjis are one of the easiest breeds to groom. Their short coat requires minimal maintenance – occasional brushing and baths are usually sufficient.
11. Chinese Crested
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
Chinese Cresteds come in two varieties – hairless and powderpuff. The hairless variety, in particular, produces fewer allergens than coated breeds, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
Is it High Energy?
Chinese Cresteds have moderate energy levels. They enjoy playtime and short walks but also love lounging around with their owners.
Life Span
These unique pups generally live around 10 to 12 years, providing a decade of companionship.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
Chinese Cresteds can be good pets for first-time owners with proper training. They’re affectionate and people-oriented but can sometimes be a bit stubborn.
Maintenance Level
The maintenance level varies depending on the variety. The hairless type requires regular skin care, including sunscreen application, while the powderpuff variety needs regular brushing.
12. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
Don’t let their fluffy appearance fool you – Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are surprisingly hypoallergenic! Their soft, silky coat produces less dander compared to other breeds, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Is it High Energy?
Wheaten Terriers are moderately energetic. They enjoy outdoor activities and playtime but can also relax at home with their families.
Life Span
These friendly pups typically live around 12 to 15 years, offering a long-lasting friendship.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
Yes! Wheaten Terriers are friendly, easy-going, and make great family dogs. They’re a good choice for first-time owners who are ready for an energetic and sometimes stubborn companion.
Maintenance Level
Their soft coat requires moderate maintenance. Regular brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks are needed to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best.
13. Lagotto Romagnolo
How the Breed is Hypoallergenic
Last but not least, the Lagotto Romagnolo rounds out our list of small hypoallergenic dogs. Their curly coat helps contain dander and reduce shedding significantly, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
Is it High Energy?
Lagottos are active dogs that require regular exercise. They love to play and work, especially when it involves their keen sense of smell.
Life Span
These curly-coated companions generally live around 14 to 16 years, offering a long-lasting friendship.
Is it Good for First-Time Owners?
With proper training and socialization, Lagottos can be great companions for first-time owners. They’re intelligent and eager to please but can sometimes be a bit stubborn.
Maintenance Level
Their curly coat requires moderate maintenance. Regular brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks are needed to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best.
The End…
Choosing a small hypoallergenic dog can open up a world of companionship for allergy sufferers. From the intelligent Poodle to the curly-coated Lagotto Romagnolo, there’s a perfect pup out there for everyone.
While these breeds are considered hypoallergenic, it’s always best to spend time with a dog before bringing them home to ensure compatibility with your allergies.
Each of these 13 breeds offers unique characteristics and personalities. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy playmate or a calm lap dog, there’s a small hypoallergenic breed that will fit perfectly into your lifestyle. With proper care, training, and lots of love, these pint-sized pooches will bring joy, laughter, and companionship to your life without triggering your allergies.
