Hypoallergenic dog breeds

No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. These breeds produce less dander and shed less, which reduces allergen exposure. The primary allergen is the Can f 1 protein found in dander, saliva, and urine, not fur itself.

Breeds with low shedding scores from our database:

Affenpinscher
Toy · 200-350 kcal/day
Afghan Hound
Large · 1,020-1,670 kcal/day
Airedale Terrier
Large · 860-1,870 kcal/day
Basenji
Small · 510-840 kcal/day
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Medium · 550-850 kcal/day
Bichon Frisé
Small · 300-540 kcal/day
Border Terrier
Small · 330-620 kcal/day
Boston Terrier
Small · 300-690 kcal/day
Bouvier des Flandres
Large · 1,170-2,630 kcal/day
Brussels Griffon
Toy · 220-350 kcal/day
Cairn Terrier
Small · 300-500 kcal/day
Chinese Shar-Pei
Medium · 620-1,170 kcal/day
Giant Schnauzer
Large · 1,090-2,170 kcal/day
Greyhound
Large · 830-1,310 kcal/day
Havanese
Toy · 200-420 kcal/day
Italian Greyhound
Toy · 200-450 kcal/day
Lhasa Apso
Small · 220-470 kcal/day
Maltese
Toy · 130-270 kcal/day
Miniature Pinscher
Toy · 260-440 kcal/day
Miniature Schnauzer
Small · 330-730 kcal/day
Norwich Terrier
Small · 300-500 kcal/day
Papillon
Toy · 180-440 kcal/day
Pointer
Large · 1,080-2,470 kcal/day
Poodle (Miniature)
Small · 300-590 kcal/day
Poodle (Standard)
Large · 860-1,870 kcal/day
Poodle (Toy)
Toy · 130-240 kcal/day
Portuguese Water Dog
Medium · 780-1,670 kcal/day
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Large · 1,240-2,260 kcal/day
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Toy · 170-300 kcal/day
Scottish Terrier
Small · 410-630 kcal/day
Shih Tzu
Small · 200-430 kcal/day
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Medium · 690-1,340 kcal/day
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Medium · 590-1,180 kcal/day
Standard Schnauzer
Medium · 690-1,450 kcal/day
Vizsla
Medium · 1,060-2,090 kcal/day
West Highland White Terrier
Small · 320-630 kcal/day
Whippet
Medium · 440-980 kcal/day
Wire Fox Terrier
Small · 410-700 kcal/day
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy · 130-270 kcal/day

What makes a dog hypoallergenic?

All dogs produce allergens. The difference is how much allergen enters your environment. Low-shedding breeds release less dander-laden hair into the air and onto furniture. Single-coated breeds (no undercoat) tend to trap dander against the skin rather than releasing it. Hairless breeds spread the fewest airborne allergens but still produce them in saliva and skin.

If you have allergies, spend time with any breed before committing. Regular grooming, HEPA air purifiers, and keeping dogs out of the bedroom can significantly reduce allergen exposure regardless of breed.

Last reviewed: April 1, 2026