When we talk about dogs for people who love k9 but don’t want hair all over the house, then hypoallergenic dog breeds are their perfect match.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds are also the best dog for people who suffer from dog allergies.
But if you’re interested in a small hypoallergenic dog breed, it’s very important you understand what to expect and not expect from a hypoallergenic breed.
Today, we’ll tell you 10 cutest small hypoallergenic dog breeds for allergic families.
10. Affenpinscher
Just like many of the wiry-haired dogs on this list, Affenpinschers are great for people suffering from allergy because of their low-maintenance coats. Meaning that Affenpinschers’ wiry coats do not grow quickly, and they’re not one of those big shedders.
When we talk about dog breeds known as confident, funny, and great toy-sized companion dogs then it’s this breed.
The Affenpinscher is small but bold, and that Is not supposed to be something surprising once you know that the breed’s original purpose was hunting and killing rats and other pesky rodents.
If Affenpinscher’s adorable monkey face didn’t fully win your heart, then you’ll be entertained by its comical personality.
And it is important I state that this low-shedding wiry coat will need to be brushed twice-weekly and trimmed every two or three months.
9. Bedlington Terrier
This is another hypoallergenic dog with a small size, the Bedlington Terrier’s coat looks like that of a sheep. And one thing about these dogs is that they are lively and always want to be the center of attention.
Bedlington Terriers have crisp and curly coats that are a mix of soft and harsh but not wiry.
Unlike many other terrier breeds, these dogs don’t shed despite their unique coat. Although Bedlington Terriers don’t shed, you should understand that their coats do grow quickly and require regular clipping.
The Bedlington Terrier have a short curly coat and adorable thin tail. It is a larger terrier breed, standing between 15 and 17.5 inches and weighing between 17 and 23 pounds.
It is often described as a charming breed prone to running around in enjoyment of its surroundings. But don’t worry, this breed won’t stay too far, and it is known for its exceptional loyalty as well.
Although Bedlington looks and feels just like sweet little lambs. But don’t let their appearance fool you into thinking they are timid or pampered creatures.
They were originally used to send off rats and other troublesome vermin on farms and deep in coal mines and have retained their tenacity and prey drive.
At home, they are gentle and loving companions. The oh-so-soft coat does not shed much, but it needs professional grooming every few months.
8. Bichon Frise
A dog full of personality and charm, the Bichon Frise can be easily identified by its pure white coat.
With their energy, Bichons are excellent companion dogs that get along well with children, other dogs, and excel in large cities.
They’re also great lap dogs. As a hypoallergenic breed, Bichon shedding is not very common, and according to the AKC, when they do shed, the shed hair is caught up in their undercoat.
The Bichons will need brushing and grooming, but generally, they’re a great dog for allergy people.
This small boy is an adorable curly dog known for a playful, curious demeanor and an energetic personality to whoever matches their energy.
It is a breed that stands between 9.5 and 11.5 inches tall and weighs between 12 and 18 pounds. “Bichon Frise” is a French name and can be translated to “curly lap dog,” and luckily, these curls don’t shed.
The breed originated from France, where the small white dogs first enjoyed an easy life as pets for the rich but later found a new job as delightful circus dogs.
Talking about gentle, affectionate, and friendly, Bichons love people of all ages. Although you won’t find this fluffy white coat shedding, it still needs regular professional grooming.
7. Coton de Tulear
Although Coton de Tulears may not be as well known as some of the other hypoallergenic dogs on our list, you’ll know one when you see them.
These dogs have soft, cotton-like white coats that can grow long unless they’re kept in a short puppy cut.
Despite the flowing appearance of their coats, Coton de Tulears are only occasional shedders and require minimum grooming, especially if their coats are kept short.
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic breed that’s a true companion, the Coton de Tulear will definitely be the dog for you. These dogs are fun, happy, and perfectly content to follow you around the house all day.
The Coton de Tulear are called ” the royal dog of Madagascar” and their dense, cottony coat is long and luxurious. This ultimate companion dog wants nothing more than to devote his life to you all day, every day.
If you don’t want their low-shedding coat to tangle and break, you need to add daily brushing with a coat conditioning spray alongside professional grooming. You can also keep your Coton in a shorter pet clip, which requires less maintenance.
6. Havanese
The Havanese stands out in a crowd thanks to its beautiful long, silky coat. The breed originated in Havana, Cuba, more than 300 years ago, where they were cherished lap dogs of the wealthy.
Smart, energetic, and outgoing, the Havanese loves to play, explore, and meet new people. The breed gets along well with people of all ages, including gentle children.
The low-shedding coat needs daily brushing to prevent it from tangling. But if you don’t want to stress yourself over brushing you can also be kept in an easier short style.
5. Löwchen
This breed coat is often kept in a lion trim, it is usually shaved hindquarters and a long mane on the neck and head, which give the breed the nickname of “little lion dog.”
Likely originated in Germany or the Mediterranean, Löwchens have been around for centuries. In pre-Renaissance Europe, Löwchens were popular companion dogs of ladies of the royal courts.
Löwchens are excellent family dogs, happily playing with respectful children and enjoying all aspects of family life. The coat shad very little, most especially if you can brush it regularly.
4. Maltese
One of the smaller hypoallergenic dogs, Maltese (like Bichons and Coton de Tulears) are known for their white coats. These dogs are low-shedding but will require brushing and grooming if their coats are kept long.
Maltese are true companion dogs—they’re extremely affectionate, happy, and love to sit in the laps of their family members.
The silky-coated Maltese is one of the oldest breeds of dog, with Mediterranean roots going back more than 2,000 years on the island nation of Malta.
Extremely affectionate and people-oriented, Maltese are perfect for those who want a cuddly lap dog.
With their lively and playful nature, they are small enough to easily follow you everywhere.
The snow-white, long, silky coat doesn’t shed, but it needs professional grooming and daily brushing with a pin brush or comb to prevent tangles and breakage. Some Maltese owners prefer a low-maintenance puppy cut.
3. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of three related Schnauzer breeds, including the Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer.
All share similar backgrounds as farm dogs and rat hunters and all have wiry, low-shedding coats trimmed to leave a shaggy beard, mustache, and eyebrows.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a gruff-looking, bearded terrier that is notably friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable. It is one of the most popular breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, ranking 19 out of 195
The Miniature Schnauzer stands between 12 and 14 inches tall and weighs between 11 and 20 pounds. It is the smallest of the three Schnauzer breeds and very low-shedding.
Though small in size, Miniature Schnauzers have plenty of energy and spirit. They love to play and need moderate daily exercise.
Miniature Schnauzers need professional grooming every few months. Brush out the longer hair on the legs every few days. The wiry double coat may be salt and pepper, black and silver, or solid black
2. Poodle (Miniature and Toy)
The classic Poodle is number seven in popularity on the American Kennel Club’s list. Poodles are renowned for their considerable intellect and the pride that comes along with it.
There are Standard, Miniature, and Toy varieties of Poodles. While a Standard Poodle clocks in relatively tall and heavy, Miniature and Toy breeds may just be the right size for those looking for a small dog.
The Poodle is one breed that comes in three size varieties—one large (Standard) and two smaller (Miniature and Toy).
The Standard Poodle was developed in Germany as a water retriever. The Miniature and Toy varieties were bred down in size and were mainly companion dogs.
Poodles are smart and lively but tend to be calm in the house. The curly, non-shedding coat is high-maintenance, requiring professional grooming every one or two months and regular brushing to prevent mats.
Poodles with long coats may need daily brushing and combing; shorter clips need much less brushing.
Squarely built, well-proportioned, and smoothly muscled, the harsh, dense curly coat comes in many solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, silver, brown, and apricot.
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a very popular small dog breed that was ranked 20 in popularity with the American Kennel Club. This dog breed is just 9 to 10.5 inches tall and weighs between 9 and 16.5 pounds.
Shih Tzus are well known for their playful and outgoing disposition. They are also very affectionate family dogs that bond to their owners and never let go. Expect a lot of laughs with this hypoallergenic breed.
The sweet Shih Tzu originated in China centuries ago, where it was a cherished lap dog of Chinese nobility. Adorable and charismatic, the Shih Tzu loves to play and gets along with people of all ages, including respectful children.
The long, flowing double coat sheds very little, so the breed is often compatible for people with mild allergies.
The Shih Tzu needs professional grooming every few months and daily brushing if the coat is kept longer (less if you choose to try a shorter puppy cut).
Do let us know in the comments which one of the breeds you are going to get.
