13 Best Smallest Hypoallergenic Dogs Terrific for People With Allergies

Are you living with allergies that make it hard to find the perfect pup-pal match? That’s no life to live, and no one should suffer through sniffles and sneezes in the company of their furry bestie. But don’t fret, we’ve sniffed out some of the tiniest hypoallergenic dogs around. If you’re looking for a pocket-sized pupperino that won’t trigger your allergies, these are the ones for you.

I’ll also share some helpful tips to keep your home allergen-free so your pupper can stay with you in comfort.

So read on and let’s find your perfect, allergy-friendly pooch!

Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Make You Sneeze

The following 13 hypoallergenic small dogs are the perfect size for cuddles and don’t cause allergies:

1. Bichon Frise

This sprightly pup is just 9 inches / 23 cm tall and weighs around 5-10 pounds / 2.25-4.50 kg. This dog’s personality is as fluffy as their coat. They enjoy playing and cuddling, but also love to learn tricks. Their gentle nature and low-shedding coat make them perfect for people with allergies.

They’re one of the best hypoallergenic small dogs for small apartments and can adapt to any living condition with ease.

2. Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is a popular hypoallergenic small dog breed because of their intelligence and good-natured personality and adorable looks. They’re 8-10 inches /20-25 cm tall and weigh around 6-9 pounds or 2.7-4.0 kg. This doggo is low shedding and loves people, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.

Some people think toy poodles are high maintenance due to their regular grooming requirements. But this pup actually only needs brushing once or twice a week, far less than other breeds.

3. Shih Tzu

This tiny pupper is approximately 8-11 inches / 20-28 cm tall and weighs between 9 and 16 pounds / 4.0-7.25 kg. They are known for their affectionate nature, playful temperament, intelligence, and loyalty. With a hypoallergenic coat, Shih Tzus are great for people with allergies who can’t have other breeds.

However, depending on the hairstyle you choose, they may need to be groomed more frequently than other breeds. For instance, a long coat will need regular brushing and trimming to prevent matting.

4.Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a playful and confident pup. This dog breed grows to be 12-14 inches or 30-36 cm tall, weighs between 11 and 20 pounds or 5 and 9 kg, and has an irresistibly bushy beard. They could be black, white (like Indy’s cousin Pretzel, in the picture above), salt & pepper or black & silver. Despite their fluffy appearance, this breed is hypoallergenic, so they won’t set off an allergic reaction.

Plus they’re very low shedding! With regular brushing and grooming, Miniature Schnauzers look healthy and happy.

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, spirited pup that loves to explore and play. They have friendly and outgoing personalities, and can even sometimes get over-excited when playing. However, it’s all in jest. When well-trained, these cute hypoallergenic dogs get along well with all family members.

5. Coton de Tulear

This happy and extremely fluffy pup is around 9-11 inches or 23-28 cm tall and weighs between 7-14 pounds or 3.20-6.30 kg. The Coton de Tulear has a double coat that’s hypoallergenic and non-shedding, so it won’t trigger your allergies. This breed is known for its ability to bond with multiple family members and loves to play games.

Just make sure that you keep their coat regularly groomed to prevent mats from forming, and to regularly check for any skin irritations.

This breed is known for its intelligence and eagerness to learn new tricks. Their personality has been described as gentle, loyal, and loving.

6. Chinese Crested

This breed is small and delicate, standing at 11-13 inches / 28-33 cm tall, and weighing between 8 and 12 pounds or 3.6 and 5.4 kg. They may be hairless, have a silky coat, or a powder-puff coat, both of which are hypoallergenic. This pup loves to show off their intelligence and likes to be the center of attention. They also love playing games such as fetch and frisbee.

From agility to flyball and obedience, these puppers are natural-born competitors who love spending time with their owner. Their incredibly gentle nature makes them perfect therapy dogs, as well as pros at lure coursing. Training must be undertaken patiently for them to reach their full potential – after all, this pup responds most positively when in its comfort zone!

7. West Highland Terrier

The West Highland Terrier is an active, energetic pup that’s approximately 11 inches / 28 cm tall and weighs between 14 and 22 pounds / 6.3 and 10 kg. This breed has a double coat of soft fur that’s hypoallergenic – so no sneezing for you!

This furry bestie loves to play outside and needs daily exercise to stay healthy. They are very alert and on guard when it comes to strangers, but Westies are known for their loyalty and affection towards their family.

Westies are also very intelligent, making them easy to train if you use positive reinforcement and consistent commands. They love learning new tricks – so teachable and cute!

8. Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier stands at 10-11 inches or 25-28 cm tall, and weighs between 19 and 22 pounds or 8.6 and 10 kg. This pupperino is known for being loyal and brave – it has a strong sense of smell which is why they make great watchdogs!

Although the Scottish Terrier does have a double coat, their fur is wiry, so it’s perfect for allergy sufferers – it’s hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Beyond that, Scottish Terriers are also easy to groom since they don’t require very frequent brushing.

These dogs have a strong will and can be independent, so it’s important to have consistent training as early as possible in order to keep them obedient and well-behaved. Despite their strong-willed personality, these dogs are very loyal and affectionate, so as long as you show them love they will be sure to give it back!

This breed is definitely a pup that’s both adorable and protective of their family. Perfect for those looking for a furry bestie with some added protection!

9. Bolognese

This calm and docile dog breed measures 9-11 inches or 23-25 cm tall and weighs between 7-14 pounds or 3.2-6.4 kg. The Bolognese has a soft, fluffy white coat that’s hypoallergenic and non-shedding – ideal for those sensitive to allergens. These pups may not be the most active breed, but they still need regular exercise in order to remain healthy.

This breed is known for being highly intelligent and loving towards their family. The Bolognese is great with children and loves to cuddle – they will even follow you around the house! Training comes quite naturally to this pup, so teaching them new tricks won’t be a problem.

They love to play and smaller apartments are perfect for this pup’s regular indoor playtime.

10. Cairn Terrier

These active Scottish natives stand 9-10 inches or 23-25 cm tall and weigh between 13 and 17 pounds or 5.9-7.7 kg. Cairn Terriers have a double coat that’s hypoallergenic and non-shedding – making them perfect companions for those needing an allergen-free home. They are also easy to groom since their fur only requires weekly brushing.

This breed loves spending time outdoors, playing games such as hide-and-seek and digging. Cairn Terriers are alert and loyal, making them great watchdogs – but they also love cuddling up with their owners after a long day.

These dogs are very intelligent and can be trained easily, as long as you use positive reinforcement techniques. They do need socialization from a young age in order to become friendly with strangers, but once they do, the Cairn Terrier is a loving and devoted pup.

11. Small Doodle

The Small Doodle is a mix of the poodle and other small breeds such as a Bichon Frise or a Cocker Spaniel. This pup stands at 11-14 inches or 28-36 cm tall, weighing between 15 to 25 pounds or 6.8 to 11.3 kg. They have hypoallergenic fur that’s non-shedding and easy to groom.

The Small Doodle is a playful pup that loves spending time outdoors. This popular, warm-natured and playful doggerino needs regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Miniature and toy poodles are known for their wit and kind dispositions, making them a great addition to any family.

12. Bedlington Terrier

This stately English breed matures up to 15-17 inches or 38-43 cm tall, with a weight between 17 and 23 pounds or 7.7 and 10.4 kg. If you’re searching for a non-shedding and hypoallergenic dog, then Bedlington Terriers are an ideal choice. Their soft yet wiry coat gives it a unique look while also ensuring that your home will remain free of allergens.

Not to mention that they look like little lambs with their unique curled fur!

This breed was originally bred for hunting and therefore is quite athletic and energetic. They need regular exercise to stay in shape, but they also love playing indoors with their owners, especially when it’s a game of fetch!

The Bedlington Terrier is an intelligent pupper that loves cuddles and attention from their family due to their loyal nature. This doggo is loyal and devoted, making them the perfect companion for those looking for affectionate guard dogs.

13. Yorkshire Terrier

This breed stands up to 8-9 inches or 20-23 cm tall and weighs no more than 7 pounds or 3.2 kg. The Yorkshire Terrier has a long and silky coat that is hypoallergenic and non-shedding.

The Yorkie, as it’s often referred to, loves spending time outdoors playing games with their owners. They are also very active indoors and have an inquisitive nature.

While these adorable dogs love to cuddle and make great companion dogs, they can also be quite independent and need a dedicated space that they can call their own. Thankfully, due to their small size, Yorkshire Terriers can easily be provided with a small space, even in the smallest of homes.

What Is the Best Small Non-Shedding Dog for a Family?

The best hypoallergenic dogs for a family are those that have calm and even temperaments. Some great family dogs that won’t make your nose tickle, even if some are a bit larger, include the Golden Retriever, Maltese, Bichon Frise, and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. All of these breeds are affectionate and loyal companions. They’re known for their intelligence and trainability, making them great family members.

However, it’s important to remember that there are other factors to consider when selecting the perfect pup for your family.

Take into account all of the dog’s needs, such as their energy levels, history, and sensitivity. If you’re not able to regularly play with a dog that needs to get a lot of energy out or don’t mentally stimulate your hypoallergenic small dog, you may experience behavioral issues down the line.

Of course, each pup is unique and you may find that your little doggie fits the bill just right! You can always speak to a reputable breeder or dog shelter if you’re uncertain about picking a pup for your family if you want further assistance.

What Is the #1 Hypoallergenic Dog?

The #1 hypoallergenic dog is a matter of personal preference and depends on what kind of companion you’re looking for. However, many people consider the bi-colored Bichon Frise to be the best choice.

Bichons share a similar coat to poodles, featuring an outer layer of smooth curls accompanied by a gentle undercoat.

It is this ‘powder puff’ fur that gives them the cuteness they possess! With distinct shades of white, cream, a pale apricot, or even gray, the bichon is an exquisite portrait. The Bichon carries a plumed tail regally across their back.

To keep a Bichon healthy and looking their best, regular grooming is essential. It’s important to start acclimating the pup early on so that they become comfortable with being groomed.

To keep your pet’s coat looking its best, it should be brushed and properly groomed 2-3 times a week.

Additionally, baths every 1 to 2 months are recommended for optimal hygiene as well. It is important to note that brushing must never occur on dry fur – you should always begin by misting the area with a hydrating spray such as water or leave in conditioner beforehand.

What Is the Calmest Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

Many dogs on this list have calm temperaments, especially when they’re properly trained and socialized. However, one of the small dog breeds that is renowned for their even-tempered personalities is the Shih Tzu.

The Shih Tzu’s small size and calm nature make them great apartment dwellers. They have a low activity level and are content with short walks or playing indoors, making them perfect for those who live in small spaces or don’t have the time to take their pup on long hikes.

What’s the Connection Between Small Dogs and Hypoallergenic Dogs?

You may be wondering why small hypoallergenic dogs are ideal for allergy-prone owners. Well, the truth is, they go hand-in-hand. Not only do small hypoallergenic dogs require less space to live comfortably, but their non-shedding coats make them a much better fit for households with allergies or sensitivities.

In short, the smaller your pupperino, the less dog hair, dead skin cells, and pet dander they produce, meaning that you’ll experience few to no dog allergies.

This works best for dog lovers who live in small apartments, don’t have backyards, or want to avoid the mess of shedding fur on furniture and carpets.

Cleanup will be a breeze and won’t make you sneeze!

What Triggers Allergies in Dog Owners?

Unfortunately, the triggers for dog allergies are more common than expected. The biggest culprits are proteins that are secreted in a pet’s saliva, urine, and dog dander (dead skin cells).

For those with sensitive systems, these proteins can cause sneezing fits, asthma attacks, red eyes, and irritated skin after coming into contact with your doggo.

Fortunately, with the right precautions and help from a hypoallergenic small dog, you can still own and love a pupper of your own without worrying about one allergic reaction after another.

Finding a Hypoallergenic Dog

As with any other major decision in life, it’s important to follow an organized process when finding a hypoallergenic dog to bring into your life.

Here are the steps to finding an allergy-friendly pup:

1. Research: Investigate which breeds of small hypoallergenic dogs fit your lifestyle and preferences. This article is a good start.
2. Ask an Expert: Consult a veterinarian or responsible breeder to learn more about the different health concerns of various breeds
3. Visit the Shelter: Pay a visit to your local animal shelter and meet some of the adoptable pups
4. Make an Informed Decision: Consider all facts before deciding if a small hypoallergenic dog is right for your family. This could include lifestyle, finances, commitment level, etc.
5. Take Steps to Reduce Allergies: After finding your hypoallergenic pupperino, take steps to minimize allergens in the home such as vacuuming regularly and investing in air purifiers

With these steps, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect pup that won’t trigger allergies or make you sneeze. Allergy-prone owners can still enjoy the unconditional love of their furry bestie without enduring any uncomfortable reactions.

How Can I Reduce Dog Allergy Symptoms?

Bringing dogs that don’t shed and choosing a hypoallergenic breed is a great start when it comes to minimizing allergic reactions. But there are other steps you can take in addition to the ones mentioned above:

Groom Your Four-Legged Friend Often

While over-bathing or grooming your dog can cause problems, it’s still important to regularly groom your pup to reduce allergens. This includes brushing and combing their coat, cleaning their ears, trimming their nails, and bathing them with a hypoallergenic shampoo formulated for sensitive skin. Check out our article on how often you should bathe your dog for healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Vacuum Often

Regularly vacuuming your home will help pick up dust, pet hair, and dander that can cause allergic reactions. Investing in a robotic vacuum can save you time and energy by cleaning up messes without any extra effort. These devices directly suck up any dust, pet dander, or additional allergens without you needing to touch them, as you would using a broom or vacuum.

Wash Your Doggo’s Bedding Regularly

Your pup’s bedding can also contain allergens, so don’t forget to clean it often. Washing your doggo’s bedding and blankets in hot water will help remove the allergens it has collected.

Invest In a High-Efficiency Air Purifier

High-efficiency air cleaners will help filter out any pet dander, pollen, and other airborne allergens. Make sure to replace the filters often for optimal performance. This PubMed article on the effect of air filtration on airborne dog allergen may help you make the decision.

Don’t Let Your Pup Hang Out In Your Bed All Day

Plenty of small dogs love to cuddle up in their owners’ beds. But if you suffer from allergies, it’s probably best to avoid this habit as much as possible. Close the door off to hypoallergenic breeds during the day so that pet dander won’t accumulate in your bedroom.

Consider Allergy Medication

If all else fails, you may need to consider antihistamines or other allergy medications in order to reduce the symptoms of your allergies. While these medications won’t cure your allergies entirely, they can be helpful in reducing symptoms.

The Bottom Line: Finding the Best Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breed

Finding and caring for a small hypoallergenic pup can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life – for both owners and their four-legged furry besties. With patience, research, and the right fit for you, there’s sure to be a perfect pupperino out there!