Hypoallergenic Breed Finder
Find allergy-friendly dogs and cats that match your lifestyle. Filter by size, activity level, grooming needs, and more.
Find the perfect allergy-friendly pet for your family
Important Note About Allergies:
No pet is 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs and cats produce some allergens. "Hypoallergenic" breeds produce fewer allergens or shed less, reducing allergic reactions for many people. Always spend time with a breed before bringing one home if you have allergies.
17 Hypoallergenic Dogs Found
Sorted by allergy-friendliness rating
Poodle (Standard)
Highly intelligent and athletic, Standard Poodles are excellent family dogs that excel in obedience and agility.
Poodle (Miniature)
All the intelligence of a Standard Poodle sized perfectly for apartments and smaller homes.
Poodle (Toy)
Tiny companion with big personality. Perfect for seniors and apartment dwellers.
Bichon Frise
Cheerful, playful powder puff that loves to entertain and be the center of attention.
Maltese
Elegant, gentle companion breed with a beautiful flowing white coat.
Portuguese Water Dog
Athletic, intelligent working dog. Famous as the Obama family dog. Loves water and activity.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Italian truffle-hunting dog with a teddy bear appearance. Affectionate and eager to please.
Xoloitzcuintli
Ancient Mexican hairless breed. Calm, loyal companion thats naturally clean.
Chinese Crested
Playful, affectionate toy breed. Comes in hairless and powderpuff varieties.
Shih Tzu
Ancient Chinese breed bred purely for companionship. Affectionate and happy lap dog.
Yorkshire Terrier
Tiny but mighty terrier with a big personality and beautiful flowing coat.
Schnauzer (Miniature)
Spirited, friendly little terrier with a distinctive beard and eyebrows.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Happy, bouncy Irish terrier known for the "Wheaten greeting" - jumping to greet people.
Irish Water Spaniel
Tallest spaniel breed with a distinctive curly liver-colored coat and rat-like tail.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Versatile Irish terrier with a distinctive blue-gray coat that develops as they mature.
Basenji
Ancient African breed known for yodeling instead of barking. Independent and cat-like.
Afghan Hound
Elegant, aloof sighthound with a flowing coat. Independent and dignified.
What Makes a Breed Hypoallergenic?
Understanding pet allergies helps you make a better choice. Pet allergies are caused by proteins found in pet dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine - not the fur itself.
Dog Allergens
- Can f 1: Main dog allergen found in saliva, urine, and skin
- Dander: Tiny skin flakes that carry allergens through the air
- Why low-shedding helps: Less fur shed = less dander released into environment
- Best breeds: Poodles, Bichons, Portuguese Water Dogs
Cat Allergens
- Fel d 1: Primary cat allergen produced in skin, saliva, and sebaceous glands
- Spread by grooming: Cats spread Fel d 1 on their fur when they groom
- Why some cats are better: Some breeds naturally produce less Fel d 1
- Best breeds: Siberian, Balinese, Russian Blue
Common Myths About Hypoallergenic Pets
Myth: Hairless pets are completely hypoallergenic
Reality: Hairless pets still produce dander, saliva, and skin oils containing allergens. They may be better for some allergy sufferers but are not allergen-free.
Myth: Short-haired pets cause fewer allergies
Reality: Coat length does not determine allergen production. A short-haired cat may produce more Fel d 1 than a long-haired Siberian. Focus on the breed, not coat length.
Myth: You will build immunity over time
Reality: While some people do develop tolerance, others experience worsening symptoms. Do not count on building immunity - choose a breed that works for you from the start.
Tips for Living with Pets Despite Allergies
Before Getting a Pet
- * Spend time with the specific breed before committing
- * Visit breeders and ask to interact with adults
- * Consider fostering before adopting
- * Talk to your allergist about your plans
- * Research breed-specific allergen levels
Living with Pets
- * Use HEPA air purifiers in main rooms
- * Keep pets out of bedrooms
- * Wash hands after petting
- * Bathe pets regularly (or have someone else do it)
- * Clean and vacuum frequently
- * Consider allergy medications or immunotherapy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hypoallergenic mean for pets?▼
Hypoallergenic means a pet produces fewer allergens than typical breeds. No pet is 100% allergen-free. For dogs, allergens come from dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. For cats, the main allergen is Fel d 1 protein found in saliva, skin, and urine. Hypoallergenic breeds either shed less (spreading less dander) or produce lower levels of allergenic proteins.
Are there truly hypoallergenic dogs?▼
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but some breeds are better for allergy sufferers. Dogs like Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Portuguese Water Dogs have non-shedding coats that release less dander into the environment. However, all dogs produce some allergens. People with severe allergies should spend time with a breed before committing.
What makes a cat hypoallergenic?▼
Hypoallergenic cats produce lower levels of Fel d 1, the primary allergenic protein in cat saliva, skin secretions, and urine. Breeds like Siberian, Balinese, and Russian Blue naturally produce less Fel d 1. Hairless cats like Sphynx still produce allergens but have no fur to trap and spread them. Female and neutered male cats typically produce fewer allergens.
What is the most hypoallergenic dog breed?▼
Poodles (all sizes) are often considered the most hypoallergenic dogs due to their tightly curled, non-shedding coat that traps dander. Other top choices include Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Portuguese Water Dog. Hairless breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli and Chinese Crested produce even less dander but require special skin care.
Can I have a cat if I am allergic?▼
Many people with cat allergies successfully live with hypoallergenic breeds. Siberian cats are often recommended as they produce significantly less Fel d 1 protein. Other options include Balinese, Russian Blue, and Bengal cats. Strategies that help include: HEPA air purifiers, regular grooming, keeping cats out of bedrooms, and washing hands after petting.
Do hypoallergenic pets require more grooming?▼
It depends on the breed. Many hypoallergenic dogs like Poodles and Bichon Frises have continuously growing coats that require regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. However, some hypoallergenic breeds like Basenjis and Xoloitzcuintli require minimal grooming. Most hypoallergenic cats are actually low-maintenance, requiring only weekly brushing.
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