Special Report

The Best Dogs for People With Allergies

Joseph Gedeon, Cheyenne Buckingham

Published: March 28, 2019 6:55 pm

Last Updated: January 6, 2020 5:54 am

In case you haven’t noticed, Americans love dogs! About 36.5% of Americans were part of a dog-loving household — more than any other pet. But what happens when you start having allergies as soon as you get close to a playful pup?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, up to three out of every 10 Americans have an allergic reaction to either cats or dogs.

And while no dog is completely hypoallergenic, there are plenty of breeds that go well with allergy sufferers. In fact, most people are actually not allergic to dog fur. The dogs on this list are hypoallergenic because compared to other breeds, they produce less dander, a substance attached to pet hair that the American Kennel Club says causes most pet allergies in humans.

A few years ago, a hypoallergenic dog took the international spotlight as a member of our highest elected office. Bo, who belongs to former President Obama and his family, is a Portuguese water dog, one of the lovable breeds on the list. Find out which other dogs made the cut!

To identify which dog breeds are best suited for allergy sufferers, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the American Kennel Club’s verified list of hypoallergenic dogs. All information related to each breed’s personality, trainability, shedding, size, and life expectancy came from AKC.

Click here to see the 16 best dogs for allergy sufferers.

1. Bedlington terrier
> Size: 15-17.5 inches, 17-23 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Better with supervision
> Trainability: Responds well
> Life expectancy: 11-16 years

This lamb-lookalike terrier is an energetic and graceful medium-sized dog that becomes a loyal member of the family. Although the Bedlington terrier requires weekly grooming, its distinctive, fleecy coat makes it a one-of-a-kind breed for owners who deal with allergies.

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2. Bichon Frise
> Size: 9.5-11.5 inches, 12- 18 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Yes
> Trainability: Responds well
> Life expectancy: 14-15 years

With a history of being pampered by French royalty, the Bichon Frise lives up to the English translation of its name: curly dog. This easily trained little dog is hypoallergenic, and rarely sheds. According to the American Kennel Club, the Bichon Frise makes a good companion for young children.

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3. Chinese Crested
> Size: 11-13 inches, 8-12 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Better with supervision
> Trainability: Responds well
> Life expectancy: 13-18 years

The Chinese Crested is a small dog with a big heart. These alert and affectionate dogs are said to be cat-like, enjoying sitting in high places, according to the AKC.

4. Coton de Tulear
> Size: 9-11 inches, 8-15 pounds
> Shedding: Seasonal
> Good with kids?: Yes
> Trainability: Responds well
> Life expectancy: 15-19 years

This small, active companion originating from Madagascar has all the right traits to fit in a hypoallergenic household. The Coton de Tulear sheds very little and is distinguished by its long, soft coat that grows up to four inches in adulthood.

5. Irish Water Spaniel
> Size: 21-24 inches, 45-68 pounds
> Shedding: Seasonal
> Good with kids?: Better with supervision
> Trainability: Eager to please
> Life expectancy: 12-13 years

This mop-headed dog helps shed the myth that hypoallergenic pets must be close to hairless. The tallest of all spaniels recognized by the AKC, the Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-to-large sized dog that is distinguished by its curly, waterproof coat. It has yet to become a popular household choice in the United States.

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6. Kerry Blue Terrier
> Size: 17.5-19.5 inches, 33-40 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Better with older children
> Trainability: Independent
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Although the Kerry Blue Terrier was originally bred to guard, herd, and hunt, this medium sized dog fits in well with apartment life. Intelligent and independent, the Kerry’s soft, wavy coat rarely sheds, making it a great hypoallergenic dog for any owner living in the city.

7. Maltese
> Size: 8-10 inches, 6-8 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Better with older children
> Trainability: Responds well
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years

This elegant pooch has quite the hairdo. With a floor-length coat of silky white hair, the Maltese needs to be groomed often in order to avoid knotting. Despite their dainty appearance, they have a reputation for being courageous and perky.

8. Poodle
> Size: <10-15 inches, 4-50 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Yes
> Trainability: Eager to please
> Life expectancy: 10-18 years

The Poodle is another dog breed that has to have an exceptionally groomed coat to look presentable. It is one of the only dogs that come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. This proud pooch enjoys walking, running, and swimming, so if you’re the athletic type you may just want to invite your Poodle along for the workout!

9. Portuguese water dog
> Size: 17-23 inches, 35-60 pounds
> Shedding: Seasonal
> Good with kids?: Yes
> Trainability: Eager to please
> Life expectancy: 11-13 years

Hailing from Portugal, the Portuguese water dog has a distinctive appearance. Described as medium sized and robust by the AKC, this breed has an advantage above the other water-loving pups — a waterproof coat. Easily the most well-known of the breed is former “first dog” Bo, who belongs to former President Obama and his family. Malia, President Obama’s daughter, is allergic to dogs, which led to Bo’s “appointment.”

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10. Standard Schnauzer
> Size: 17.5-19.5 inches, 30-50 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Yes
> Trainability: Responds well
> Life expectancy: 13-16 years

This dog rarely sheds, which is why it’s such a great candidate for someone who suffers from allergies. Just like any of the three types of Schnauzers, this breed has a wiry, tight-fitting coat that keeps debris off. What’s dug up outside, stays outside.

11. Giant Schnauzer
> Size: 23.5-27.5 inches, 55-85 pounds
> Shedding: Seasonal
> Good with kids?: Better with supervision
> Trainability: Eager to please
> Life expectancy: 12-15 years

This powerful, imposing dog is essentially the Schnauzer 2.0. With a dense outer coat, the Giant Schnauzer is built for work and is suited for an active owner seeking a hypoallergenic partner in adventure.

12. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
> Size: 17-19 inches, 30-40 pounds
> Shedding: Non-shedding
> Good with kids?: Better with supervision
> Trainability: Eager to please
> Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Whether at home or in the field, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a playful companion from pup well into old age. The aptly-named happy and friendly breed is set apart from other terriers by its soft and silky coat.

13. Xoloitzcuintli
> Size: 10-23 inches, 10-55 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Better with supervision
> Trainability: Responds well
> Life expectancy: 13-18 years

Can you even pronounce this dog’s name? According to the AKC, the Xoloitzcuintli is one of the world’s oldest and rarest breeds. The name comes from the Aztec god Xolotl, and the Aztec word for dog, Itzcuintli. In remote Mexican and Central American villages, these dog were used to ward off and cure ailments such as asthma and insomnia, establishing their reputation as healers.

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14. American Hairless Terrier
> Size: 12-16 inches, 12-16 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Yes
> Trainability: Eager to please
> Life expectancy: 14-16 years

It’s no wonder why this pooch is hypoallergenic — it’s hairless! Not only are American Hairless Terriers suitable companions for those with allergies, but they also train easily and get along with other pets in the household. In other words, you most likely won’t have to pawn off your kitty when you introduce this pup to your home.

15. Lagotto Romagnolo
> Size: 16-19 inches, 24-35 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Better with supervision
> Trainability: Eager to please
> Life expectancy: 15-17 years

This curious and rather odd looking dog has an affectionate personality, which means this breed is a great contender for a cuddle sesh. The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient breed that originated in Italy and its fur is quite similar to that of the Portuguese Water Dog.

16. Afghan Hound
> Size: 25-27 inches, 50-60 pounds
> Shedding: Infrequent
> Good with kids?: Better with supervision
> Trainability: Independent
> Life expectancy: 12-18 years

It’s no question that the Afghan Hound has a gorgeous coat. The dog’s thick, flowy coat served as protection from harsh climates in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. The Afghan Hounds also have huge paw pads that act as shock absorbers, another physical attribute they developed over time due to the arduous terrain.