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So, you want a dog but you seem to have an allergy attack whenever you’re around one? You’re not alone! It’s estimated that 10 and 20% of people are allergic to cats and dogs, causing many prospective puppy owners to wonder which dogs are hypoallergenic. Spoiler alert: none of them are.

That’s right: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. No, really. We’ll say it one more time for the people in the back: There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. No mixed-breed dog, no purebred dog, and most definitely not any so-called “designer” dog, is truly hypoallergenic, no matter what people claim or try to sell you.

That said, it is possible to find less-allergenic dog breeds that are better suited for people with allergies. These purebred dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat that produces less dander. Dander, which clings to pet hair, is what causes most pet allergies in people. Even though dogs that are hypoallergenic don’t truly exist, many breeds make it possible to enjoy the companionship of a dog, even if you suffer from allergies. That predictable coat of a purebred dog is key: you know what kind of coat these breeds will have, and there won’t be surprises that end up making you sneeze.

There are also ways to prepare your home to help keep allergens at bay when you have a dog. Be sure to launder your pet’s bed often, keep up with their grooming, and consider not letting your dog sleep on your bed. It’s also helpful to remove heavy carpets and drapes that can trap dander. Vacuum cleaners for pet hair and pet air purifiers also help remove allergens, and some can even groom the hair and dander right from your dog.

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is known for being aloof and dignified. They require regular exercise and grooming. They should be bathed and brushed twice a week.

Afghan Hound laying down outdoors at sunset.
Serova_Ekaterina/Shutterstock

American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is a lively, friendly, and intelligent companion. The breed does well with children and is also good for city dwellers due to their minimal exercise needs—regular walks and indoor playtime will do. They also need regular bathing and nail trimming.

American Hairless Terrier puppy standing in a field outdoors.
lenanet/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Bedlington Terrier

The gentle, loveable Bedlington Terrier is known for its curly, wooly coat that resembles a lamb’s. The breed doesn’t need intense exercise—regular playtime and daily walks will do.

Two Bedlington Terriers sitting outdoors side by side.
©Dogs - stock.adobe.com

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a naturally gentle, happy, playful dog that loves activity. The Bichon’s hair continually grows and doesn’t shed, so regular grooming is important to prevent mats.

Bichon Frise standing on a stone step in the fall.
©Eudyptula - stock.adobe.com

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is an alert, playful dog that thrives on human companionship. They are small and do well in families with gentle children. Cresteds shed little to no hair.

Chinese Crested running in profile outdoors.
©Kseniya Abramova - stock.adobe.com

Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a small, hardy dog that is happy, eager to please, and loyal. The breed gets along well with other dogs and children. Their long coat requires daily grooming.

Coton de Tulear laying down in the grass.
SimonSkafar via Getty Images

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is intelligent and can be territorial, naturally feeling protective of their family. The breed needs a lot of exercise and loves having a job to do. They require regular grooming.

©Diana Spiridovska - stock.adobe.com

Irish Water Spaniel

This strong, intelligent breed is the clown of the spaniel family. Irish Water Spaniels are active and energetic, needing daily exercise. Their water-repellant double coat requires brushing every few weeks.

Irish Water Spaniel sitting in tall grasses.
©slowmotiongli - stock.adobe.com

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is energetic and fun-loving. The breed enjoys being part of an active family that can provide daily exercise. Their coats need regular brushing and trimming.

Kerry Blue Terrier running in a park.
Osetrik/Shutterstock

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a happy dog with tons of energy, needing plenty of activity. They are affectionate and devoted to their owners. Their thick curly coat is similar to that of a Poodle. They require trimming and regular brushing to prevent mats.

Lagotto Romagnolo laying down in the grass.
UroshPetrovic/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Maltese

Though small, the Maltese is known for being brave, playful, and fearless. They have long, silky white hair that needs to be brushed daily to prevent mats.

Maltese at the AKC National Championship.
David Woo ©American Kennel Club

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer has a natural protective nature that makes them a great watchdog. The breed is smart and cheerful. They adapt well to different living environments, and their double coat requires clipping.

Miniature Schnauzer laying down outdoors.
©katamount - stock.adobe.com

Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)

The Peruvian Inca Orchid can be hairless or coated (the hairless variety does well with allergy sufferers). They also come in three different sizes (small, medium, and large). The breed is loyal and protective of its family. They also have a great deal of energy, needing regular activity. They have minimal grooming needs.

Peruvian Inca Orchid
David Woo / American Kennel Club

Poodle

The Poodle comes in three size varieties (Standard, Miniature, and Toy). The breed is exceptionally smart and active, needing daily exercise. Their trademark coat requires regular professional grooming.

Miniature Poodle walking in the grass in the fall.
©Baronb - stock.adobe.com

Portuguese Water Dog

An athletic breed, the Portuguese Water Dog needs vigorous daily exercise and would do best with a very active family. PWDs are intelligent, loyal workers. Their waterproof coat requires regular maintenance.

Portuguese Water Dog sitting in the forest.
Brook Robinson/Shutterstock

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

This happy dog is active and needs plenty of exercise daily. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapts well to city, country, or suburban living, and does well with children. They have a silky, soft coat that needs regular grooming to prevent mats.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers together in the grass.
Natalia V Guseva/Shutterstock

Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is a lively, hardworking dog with natural protective instincts. They are a high-energy breed that does best with an active family. They require little grooming for their curly, wooly coat. No brushing is needed, but at least once a year, they should be shaved down.

913 18' GCH CH Ariosa Concurrido Chasin Fiesta's Midnight Rain UD BN RE FCAT6 SWA SCM SIE SEE DS CGC TKN. DN47143702. 7/22/2016. Spanish Water Dog. F. Breeder(s): Lisa Harper. Brasenia Concurrido Chasin Ewe CD RN HSAd AX AXJ MJP OF XFP-CH Concurrido Dicha Ariosa. Owner(s): Colleen J Nolan. Handler: Colleen J Nolan
Photo by Pix 'n Pages ©American Kennel Club
Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer is a sociable, affectionate breed that has a fondness for kids. They are athletic dogs that need daily exercise. Their beard and leg hair should be brushed often to prevent mats.

Standard Schnauzer at the AKC National Championship.
David Woo ©American Kennel Club

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard). They also come in two varieties, hairless and coated. The hairless has smooth, tough, protective skin and the coated has a short, flat coat. They’re calm, tranquil, and attentive, and can also be aloof. They have moderate exercise and grooming needs.

images of puppies

 

Choosing a Purebred Dog for People With Allergies

With all of these purebred dogs with predictable coat types, shedding, and dander levels to choose from, there’s no reason for people with allergies to avoid getting a dog that works for their lifestyle (and their immune system). You can learn more about the activity levels, size, sociability, trainability, and types of sports these breeds may excel at by visiting our AKC.org breed pages, or using our Dog Breed Selector to see which of these less-allergenic dog breeds might be the perfect choice for you.

 At AKC Marketplace, we can help you find your dream dog. You can find AKC-registerable puppies from responsible, passionate breeders, and we provide the tools you need for every step of the process. Visit marketplace.akc.org to start connecting with dog breeders in your area!

Related article: Does a Completely Hypoallergenic Dog Exist?
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