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The Top 20 Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds For Allergy Sufferers
Small hypoallergenic dog breeds offer many advantages in addition to being easier on allergies. Their compact size makes them well-suited to apartments. They require less exercise than larger dogs. Many petite hypoallergenic breeds have minimal grooming needs. And their affectionate personalities and cute faces provide all the joys of dog ownership without the allergy hassle.
Introduction
Pet allergies affect over 15% of the population, yet many allergy sufferers still dream of owning a cute canine companion. The good news is that certain dog breeds are hypoallergenic, meaning they shed less dander and reduce the symptoms of pet-related allergies. Small hypoallergenic dogs, in particular, are exploding in popularity as urban apartment dwellers seek furry friends.
In this article, we highlight the top 20 best small hypoallergenic dog breeds perfect for allergy sufferers. Read on for an overview of these cuddly, allergy-friendly pups!
Understanding Hypoallergenic Dogs
When searching for a small dog breed that won’t aggravate allergies, the term “hypoallergenic” gets tossed around a lot. But what exactly makes certain dogs hypoallergenic?
The proteins found in pet dander, skin flakes, saliva, and urine can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Dogs that shed less fur or produce less of these allergens are considered hypoallergenic. Their coats release lower amounts of dander into the environment.
Debunking Myths
No individual dog can be guaranteed to be hypoallergenic. But opting for certain minimal-shedding breeds stacks the odds in your favor.
While no dog is completely non-allergic, small breeds with “hair” coats come close. Doing trial runs with potential breeds can help those with pet allergies make the best choice.
Related Products For Small Dog Breeds
The Top 20 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
From petite Poodles to fluffy Maltese, certain small breed dogs are better suited for allergy sufferers due to minimal shedding and dander production. Here we count down the top 20 best small dog breeds hypoallergenic along with their traits.
Yorkshire Terrier
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Standing at just 7-8 inches tall and weighing 4-7 pounds, the Yorkshire Terrier is a naturally hypoallergenic toy breed. Yorkies have long, silky hair that resembles human tresses more than fur. Their elegant, floor-length coats require thorough brushing 2-3 times per week to keep neat and tangle-free. Lively, affectionate, and highly adaptable, Yorkies thrive in city apartments. But they also enjoy brisk walks and backyard playtime.
Shih Tzu
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An ancient Chinese companion breed, the 9-10 inch, 9-16 pound Shih Tzu is best known for their beautiful, flowing double coat that nearly drags the ground. Shih Tzus shed extremely minimally, but their long locks require diligent daily brushing to prevent knots and tangles. Beneath all that luxurious hair is a loving lap dog that lives to be pampered. Shih Tzus form close bonds with their families and make devoted, hypoallergenic house pets.
Coton de Tulear
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The “Royal Dog of Madagascar”, the 9-11 inch, 8-15 pound Coton de Tulear sheds little and needs daily brushing. Their fur resembles cotton more than typical dog fur. Cotons have a bright, happy-go-lucky personality. They make cheerful companion dogs that want to follow their owner everywhere. Intelligent and eager to please, Cotons can learn tricks and compete in dog sports. Their low-dander coats make them a great choice for those with allergies.
Miniature Poodle
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Weighing 10-15 pounds and standing 10-15 inches tall, Miniature Poodles are a smaller version of the popular hypoallergenic Standard Poodle. Poodles are incredibly smart, energetic, and loving. The Mini’s curly hypoallergenic coat requires professional trimming every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting. Miniature Poodles thrive on exercising both mind and body. They excel at training, canine sports, and being an active member of the family.
Havanese
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The Havanese originated in Cuba and stands 8-11 inches tall, weighing 7-13 pounds. They have a happy, people-loving temperament perfect for families. Havanese form close bonds with their owners and get along great with pets and respectful kids. Their hypoallergenic coat can be wavy or curly and needs daily brushing to avoid matting. With appropriate exercise, Havanese adapt easily to any home, including city apartments.
Chinese Crested
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An unusual nearly hairless breed, the 11-13 inch, 8-12 pound Chinese Crested sheds little to no fur. Their fine vestige of hair includes a mane, tail plume, and furry feet. Regular bathing and sunscreen protect their sensitive skin. Chinese Cresteds crave being close to their owner. They often bond intensely with one person in the household. With minimal shedding and dander, they make excellent hypoallergenic companions.
Portuguese Water Dog
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The 17-23 inch, 35-60 pound Portuguese Water Dog has a thick, curly hypoallergenic coat that hardly sheds. This energetic, intelligent breed was originally bred to herd fish and retrieve nets, making them great swimmers. The Portuguese Water Dog is loyal and loving, forming close bonds with their family. Their upbeat nature combined with being hypoallergenic makes them a wonderful medium-sized companion.
Brussels Griffon
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With a unique almost human-like face, the 7-10 inch, 8-10 pound Brussels Griffon is an amusing, clever small breed. Beneath their rough coats, Brussels Griffons are devoted to their families. They often bond most deeply with one person. Brussels Griffons can initially be shy or wary of strangers. But once they trust you, expect to be showered in kisses from this low-shedding breed.
Italian Greyhound
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Though only 13-15 inches tall and weighing just 7-14 pounds, the slender Italian Greyhound is all athlete beneath their sleek, short coat. Built for speed, they need soft bedding and supervision around rambunctious young kids. With minimal shedding fur, Italian Greyhounds make great companions for allergy sufferers who can meet their activity needs. Their short, satiny coat requires little more than an occasional wipe down.
Basenji
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The 16-17 inch, 22-24 pound Basenji originated in Africa as a swift hunting dog able to cover rough terrain with ease. Although they don’t technically bark, Basenjis are not silent – they make a unique yodeling vocalization. Their very short, fine coat sheds little but benefits from weekly brushing. Basenjis tend to be reserved with strangers but deeply affectionate with their families. Their minimal shedding makes them a good hypoallergenic breed.
Miniature Schnauzer
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Miniature Schnauzers stand 12-14 inches tall and weigh 11-15 pounds. With their wiry double coats, rugged beards, and arched brows, Minis resemble their larger Standard Schnauzer counterparts in miniature. Miniature Schnauzers shed very little thanks to their non-allergenic fur. However, their coat requires regular trimming and stripping to maintain its salt-and-pepper appearance. Lively and intelligent, Minis excel at dog sports and training.
Affenpinscher
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With monkey-like features, the 9-12 inch, 8-10 pound Affenpinscher earned its nickname “monkey dog”. Their tousled, wiry coat needs weekly brushing and periodic trimming to remove dead hairs. Affenpinschers are confident pups full of spunk and curiosity. They can be stubborn but enjoy learning tricks. With minimal shedding, Affens make ideal companions for those with allergies.
Scottish Terrier
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Scotties are easily recognized by their 10-11 inch, 18-22 pound sturdy frame clad in a rugged, dense double coat. While their weatherproof fur doesn’t shed much indoors, Scotties do seasonally blow their undercoat. Without regular stripping and shaping, their fur can become unkempt. Scotties are independent thinkers but enormously loyal to their people. Their minimal dander makes them a great hypoallergenic option.
Poodle (Toy & Miniature)
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A top pick for allergy sufferers, Toy and Miniature Poodles stand 10-15 inches tall and weigh 6-15 pounds. Poodles are highly intelligent, trainable, and eager to please. Their hypoallergenic curly coat requires professional trimming every 4-6 weeks to prevent painful matting. With appropriate exercise, Poodles thrive in any home situation. They deeply cherish being active members of the family.
West Highland White Terrier
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West Highland White Terriers stand 10-11 inches tall and weigh 13-22 pounds beneath their thick white coats. While Westies don’t shed much inside, their wiry double coat requires frequent brushing and shaping to prevent matting. Westies are highly affectionate and playful. But they can be independent thinkers, typical of the active terrier breeds. Their minimal indoor shedding makes Westies a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Maltese
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Elegant yet diminutive, the Maltese stands just 8-10 inches tall and weighs a mere 5-10 pounds. But what the Maltese lacks in size it makes up for in fearless big dog attitude. Despite their regal beauty, Maltese dogs love being pampered and snuggled. The Maltese’s long silky white coat requires daily brushing to avoid painful matting. Their portable size combined with being hypoallergenic makes them popular among city apartment dwellers.
Lhasa Apso
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The 10-11 inch, 12-18 pound Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed from Tibet famed for its floor-length coat. Daily brushing is essential to keep their heavy fur from matting. While they shed little, owners should be prepared for extensive grooming. Lhasa Apsos are calm, quiet house dogs indoors yet alert watch dogs who sound the alarm at disturbances. Their reduced shedding and dander make them easier for allergy sufferers to own.
Shih Poo
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A popular mixed breed, the 9-15 inch, 9-16 pound Shih Poo results from crossing a Shih Tzu with a Poodle. Shih Poos exhibit the best qualities of both parent breeds. Like Poodles and Shih Tzus, the Shih Poo sheds very little but requires frequent grooming. Shih Poos are lively, loving companions that enjoy being around their families. Their hypoallergenic coats come in many colors and textures.
Maltipoo
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The Maltipoo is a designer breed created by breeding a Maltese with a Poodle. The 8-14 inch, 5-20 pound Maltipoo combines the best attributes of the Maltese and Poodle personalities. Maltipoos are bright, energetic charmers perfect for those with allergies. Their hypoallergenic coats come in various colors and textures depending on lineage. Maltipoos thrive on playtime and interacting with their adored humans.
Bichon Frisée
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The 9-12 inch, 12-18 pound Bichon Frisée is renowned as being one of the best dogs for allergy sufferers. The plush double coat of the Bichon is made up of dense ringlets that shed minimally. Bichons have sweet, gentle dispositions and get along famously with children and other pets. Their cheerful personalities combined with being hypoallergenic make the Bichon Frisée LOPAC’s #1 small breed pick!
Best Breeds for Allergy-Prone Families
When choosing a hypoallergenic pup for a family, especially one with kids or members who have pet allergies, certain breed traits are ideal. The right family-friendly small dog will be gentle, patient, and able to tolerate busy households.
Size – Very tiny breeds under 5 pounds risk injury around rambunctious young kids. Sturdier small or medium dogs are best.
Temperament – Look for breeds known for being mellow, kind, and tolerant.
Kid-Friendly – Breeds that enjoy gentle play and snuggling are perfect.
Allergy-Friendly – Shedding level and grooming needs should be minimal.
Here are 5 top small hypoallergenic dogs recommended for families:
Havanese
Sturdy, cheerful “Velcro dogs” who thrive on being with their people. Their non-shedding coats are perfect for allergy sufferers.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle, eager to please, and happy just being around family. Moderate shedding requires some brushing.
Miniature Schnauzer
Smart and fun-loving, they enjoy training games and brisk walks with kids. Require scheduled grooming.
Bichon Frisée
Affectionate powder puffs who are gentle playmates for respectful kids 5+. Need frequent brushing.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Active but not hyper, they love lighthearted games and cuddles. Require weekly brushing.
Tips for Introducing a Hypoallergenic Dog to an Allergy-Prone Household
- Acclimate slowly with short supervised visits before adoption. Monitor for reactions.
- Vacuum and clean thoroughly before bringing your new dog home.
- Bathing and brushing regularly will reduce loose dander.
- Avoid having the dog in bedrooms of sensitive family members.
- Consider an air purifier and vacuums with HEPA filters.
Choosing the Right Small Hypoallergenic Dog
With so many options for allergy-friendly small dog breeds, it can be tricky to find your perfect hypoallergenic match. Here are some key factors to consider when picking the right miniature pup for your lifestyle and family:
Living Space
Smaller breeds under 25 pounds do better in apartments. Some active toys like Papillons need space to run.
Exercise Needs
Low-energy lapdogs like Shih Tzus require minimal exercise. Highly active breeds need vigorous daily activity.
Grooming
Non-shedding dogs need consistent brushing and trimming. Research each breed’s needs.
Temperament
Breed disposition varies from mellow (Malteses) to mischievous (Yorkies). Choose one fitting your personality.
Take this fun quiz below to see which hypoallergenic furry friend best matches your lifestyle once you’ve narrowed down the right breed size and activity level for you. Soon you’ll be finding the perfect small dog to complete your family!
FAQs asked about Small Dog Breeds Hypoallergenic
What is the best small dog for allergies?
The Maltese is considered one of the best small hypoallergenic dogs thanks to their long, silky coat that sheds minimally. Under 10 lbs, this gentle lapdog breed produces less dander and is easier on allergies than most dogs.
What is the smallest dog that is hypoallergenic?
The tiny 2-6 lb Chihuahua is the smallest hypoallergenic dog breed. With a short coat that requires little grooming, Chihuahuas shed moderately and produce less dander than many small dogs. Their tiny size also equals less allergens in the environment.
What dog is 100% hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, but some come very close. Breeds like the Portuguese Water Dog, Standard Poodle, and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are considered the most hypoallergenic dogs due to extremely low shedding. But individuals can still vary.
What is the #1 small dog breed?
The lovable, lively Chihuahua is consistently ranked the #1 most popular small dog breed according to AKC registrations. Weighing under 6 pounds, these tiny pups have huge personalities and are ideal companions for city living.
Can I get a dog if I'm allergic?
Those with mild pet allergies can often manage living with a low-shedding hypoallergenic dog breed with minimal issues. However, it’s important to spend time with any new dog first to see if they aggravate your allergies before adopting. Consult an allergist for advice too.
Conclusion
From cuddly Maltese to spunky Affenpinschers, we’ve highlighted the top 20 best small hypoallergenic dog breeds perfect for allergy sufferers. Although tiny, these minimal shedding pups have outsized personalities and make wonderful companions.
Many of these pint-sized breeds like the Brussels Griffon and Japanese Chin trace back hundreds of years. Through selective breeding, toy dogs were developed as lap-warmers and companions to royalty across various cultures. Now more than ever, small hypoallergenic dogs are surging in popularity among urban apartment dwellers.
Opting for a miniature low-dander breed has many perks for allergy-prone owners. Their itty-bitty size is ideal for small homes and apartments. Grooming and care are less demanding than larger dogs. Best of all, their affectionate natures shine through without aggravating pet-related allergies.
While small hypoallergenic dogs require less exercise, they still need daily activity and engagement. With proper training and socialization, petite pups can be the perfect fit for singles, seniors, and families looking for an allergy-friendly fur baby.
We hope you’ve enjoyed discovering the top 20 small hypoallergenic breeds. Download our handy cheat sheet below to compare stats on these adorable minimal shedding pups!
