While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds shed less thanks to their coat type and may be more suitable for allergy-prone families. If you’ve been longing to add a small dog to your household, but are concerned about shedding, these five low-shedding small dog breeds might be a good option to welcome into your home.
Table of Contents: Allergy-Friendly Small Dogs
- Is There Such a Thing as a Hypoallergenic Dog?
- Five Small Dog Breeds That Shed Less:
- Toy & Miniature Poodle
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- How Do I Choose Between Small Dog Breeds?
- Preparing To Bring a New Dog Home
- Conclusion: Finding the Right Small Dog for You and Your Family
Is There Such a Thing as a Hypoallergenic Dog?
The short answer is no. Breeds that molt less are typically better suited to allergy sufferers, but there is no specific breed that is completely hypoallergenic. This is because all dogs, regardless of how much or little they shed, produce dander (skin cells) and saliva, which can cause a reaction in humans who are more sensitive to allergens.
Dr Tania Elliot, an allergist and a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, explains that “somewhere along the line, the fact that a dog didn’t shed became synonymous with the word hypoallergenic. While some people can be allergic to dog hair, others may be allergic to the dander (skin cells) and even their saliva.”
Although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are low or no-shedding dogs, and even hairless dogs, which may be easier for people with environmental allergies to live with – plus, there’s less vacuuming and clothes brushing needed with a low or no-shedding dog, too!
Five Small Dog Breeds That Shed Less
If you’re eager to add a dog to your household, but need to keep allergens to a minimum, these five super-cute, low-shedding dog breeds could be great options to consider.
Toy & Miniature Poodle
Did you know that the Toy Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds? Standing just 10 inches tall and weighing only 4-6 pounds, these adorable little dogs have big, playful personalities and long lifespans, living up to 18 years! Poodles have lovely, curly coats that will need lots of brushing despite being low-shedding, to avoid tangling and matting. As with many other breeds, Poodles are prone to dental disease, patellar luxation and other common dog health concerns, but with their warm personalities and keen intelligence, they make wonderful family pets.
Bichon Frise
The playful and affectionate Bichon Frise is a slightly larger small dog, standing at up to 11.5 inches tall and weighing up to 18 pounds (although quite a lot of that is probably their fluffy hair). The Bichon Frise has a curly, low-shedding coat that’s super soft to touch and lovely to look at. These intelligent, warm-hearted pups are easy to train and quickly master commands, making them great companions for active families. Bichon Frise are known to be good with young children and other dogs, and very affectionate with their human families. They require frequent coat grooming, ideally as close to daily as possible, but with a minimal tendency to drool and very little shedding, they could be said to be as close to a hypoallergenic small dog as it gets.
Maltese
The fluffy little Maltese is one of America’s most loved small dog breeds for good reason. With their luxurious, low-shedding, snow-white coat, button nose and dark eyes, these little dogs are simply beautiful to look at. Their personalities are much bigger than their bodies – these are dogs that love to yap, bark, play and stay active all day long. They’re bred to be lapdogs, so expect lots of cuddles and bonding time, too. Due to their long, thick coats, Maltese dogs need to be regularly groomed and brushed. They are also prone to tear staining, so you’ll want to regularly clean their eyes with a suitable cloth and clean water, and keep a comb close by.
Shih Tzu
While it might seem strange that a dog bred to have long, luxurious hair could be considered low-allergy, the Shih Tzu is as close to a small hypoallergenic dog as it gets. This Tibetan toy breed is said to look like a tiny lion, with a sleek coat, friendly nature and adorable flat face. If your family is active and up for the challenge of an energetic pup, and you have the time to devote to one of these little lapdogs, they could be a great choice.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are lively, energetic little dogs with vibrant personalities and a robust constitution. These tiny dogs are low-shedding and have long, silky hair that needs regular grooming. They barely shed, losing only small amounts of hair when bathed or brushed. The smallest of the terriers, and of all dog breeds, Yorkshire Terriers are playful and lively, and love to be with their families.
How Do I Choose Between Small Dog Breeds?
When choosing a dog, there’s more to consider than how hypoallergenic it is. Once you’ve identified which breeds are low-to-no shed, and decided to choose between one of those, also take the time to consider how a dog will fit into your lifestyle, household and how much exercise and mental stimulation you can offer.
Poodles and Bichons may require more training and attention, while Shih Tzus and Maltese thrive on quiet affection. Always spend time with a breed before deciding, and talk to a reputable breeder or rescue group before bringing a new pup home.
Preparing To Bring a New Dog Home
Before bringing home a new pup:
- Set up a quiet, safe sleeping area
- Gather essentials like a leash, collar, bowls, and toys
- Research food, treats, and grooming tools suited to your chosen breed
- Book a vet appointment for a wellness check
- Look into pet insurance and microchipping
Conclusion: Finding the Right Small Dog for You and Your Family
While there’s no truly hypoallergenic dog, many small breeds shed less and produce fewer allergens, making them a popular choice for families with sensitivities. With the right breed and a little planning, most people can enjoy life with a furry friend while keeping allergies in check.
