28 Non-Shedding Dogs (Because You’re Allergic but Desperate for a Pet)

Hypoallergenic

The American Kennel Club lets us know this breed is pronounced “show-low-eats-QUEEN-tlee.” There are three different sizes to choose from: toy, miniature and standard. Xolos have been around for almost 3,000 years, and the hairless varieties have no hair at all, just skin. Unlike some of the other hairless breeds on our list, the Xolo’s skin is tough and tight-fitting.

Hypoallergenic

Yes, these tiny creatures look like something out of Star Wars, but they are super affectionate and can live up to 18 years old (hello, lifelong companion!). Hairless Chinese Ccested pups are accented with small puffs of hair on their heads, tails, and feet, but are covered in sleek skin everywhere else. All owners of hairless dogs should be prepared with dog-friendly sunscreen in the summer and warm puppy jackets in the winter.

Hypoallergenic

These dogs have very short coats and are often compared to cats for their self-grooming tendencies. What they lack in allergens they make up for in energy—get ready to exercise frequently.

Hypoallergenic

Another hairless pup, the Peruvian Inca orchid comes in gorgeous shades like golden-brown, pinky-white, and spotted. Like the Chinese crested, these unique dogs have small tufts of hair on their heads, almost like miniature mohawks.

Hypoallergenic

Surprise! One more hairless breed on our list, though this dog doesn’t have any tufts of hair sprouting anywhere. The AKC notes its skin is warm and soft to the touch, so go all in on the snuggling.

Non-shedding

While the Bedlington terrier’s tightly curled coat doesn’t shed, it does grow fairly quickly and requires a nice haircut every month or so. Other than that, these dogs have a friendly disposition and make great family pets.

Non-shedding

Looking for a stunning slate blue coat that won’t leave a trail everywhere it goes? Say hello to the kerry blue terrier. These pups do require routine haircuts and regular brushing (you don’t want that gorgeous blue-grey fur to end up in knots), but wreak minimal havoc in the shedding department.

Non-shedding

Replace the kerry blue terrier’s curly blue hair for wavy golden locks, and you’ve got yourself another non-shedding terrier from Ireland. Its silky coat—including those adorable bangs—needs frequent brushing.

Hypoallergenic

Ah, Yorkies. The hair on these tiny, feisty animals is actually more like human hair than dog fur. If you let it grow long, you better be combing it every day and giving them a top knot.

Hypoallergenic

Notice a trend here? Terriers are known to have wiry coats which make them ideal hypoallergenic and low shedding choices. The border terrier is double-coated, meaning wiry hair on top, soft fur underneath. Get ready for lots of brushing come summer, but minimal allergens year-round.

Hypoallergenic

At first glance, this breed may look like an allergy sufferer’s worst nightmare. However, the corded curls rarely shed and are not to be brushed. Routine trims are all you need to keep these pups well-groomed.

Hypoallergenic

Similar to the Spanish water dog, the Portuguese has buoyant curls. Shedding is more frequent (particularly as the weather warms), but the coat is hypoallergenic and can be trimmed down to about an inch.

Hypoallergenic

If an '80s hair band was a dog, it might be the Irish water spaniel (of the Afghan hound below). Check out this furry head—full of hypoallergenic hair! The coat is also waterproof.

Hypoallergenic

With the Havanese, we begin our journey into “small, white, hypoallergenic dog” territory. There are lots to choose from, like this little bugger who is energetic, silky soft, and doesn’t bark much.

Hypoallergenic

Similar to the Havanese, Maltese coats can grow super long or be trimmed short. It’s totally up to your discretion. If you choose long, be sure to brush daily to avoid snarls.

Hypoallergenic

Delightful family members, bichon frises are like bouncy, hypoallergenic marshmallows. They don’t shed much, either. Brush and bathe often!

Hypoallergenic

Coton is the French word for cotton, which should tell you everything you need to know about how soft these pups are. It’s recommended to use a quality doggy conditioner when brushing a long Coton de Tulear coat.

Hypoallergenic

Often—surprisingly—referred to as the “Lion Dog,” the Shih Tzu is a ball of affection. As with the other tiny titans on our list, a long coat requires consistent grooming attention; trimming it short works well, too.

Hypoallergenic

Westies are perfect for folks who need a hypoallergenic breed that always looks like it is smiling. They are independent, ready for anything and fairly straightforward to groom.

Hypoallergenic

Miniature, standard and giant schnauzers are all hypoallergenic, low-shedding dogs. Like border terriers, schnauzers are double-coated, so may require extra brushing.

Hypoallergenic

Talk about a showstopper. The Afghan hound’s coat is luxurious and long. Be prepared to brush and wash a ton—especially since these dogs love frolicking around outdoors.

Hypoallergenic

Miniature, toy and standard poodles are some of the smartest canines around. These are great dogs for anyone with a taste for adventure, bold style and allergies.

Hypoallergenic

Star Wars character, take two. The Affenpinscher is an adorable little pup with coarse fur that grows slowly. Trim occasionally and be ready to be bossed around a bit—these dogs know what they want.

Hypoallergenic

Note: Regular greyhounds are not hypoallergenic. Italian greyhounds have short, sleek coats. Be sure to wrap them up when it gets cold outside, as they have almost no body fat.

Non-shedding

These water-loving dogs were originally used in Renaissance Italy to find truffles. Their waterproof coats rarely shed, but do require weekly brushings to make sure they don’t mat or snarl. The Lagotto Romagnolo’s full-body curls are actually more like human hair than doggy fur.

Non-shedding

Bred as herding dogs, Pulis developed a thick, corded coat to protect them from brutally cold winters outdoors. Today, their coats can be clipped short, brushed out or corded. Though they hardly shed at all, keeping a Puli’s coat corded does require interacting with their fur often or spending lots of time at the groomer’s. The Puli Club of America offers tons of info on grooming this gorgeous canine.

Non-shedding

Astonishingly, the Bergamasco does not shed, despite its lengthy, wooly coat. Like Pulis, a matted coat is normal. Unlike Pulis, clipping or shaving Bergamascos down isn’t wise. Their coat helps them regulate body temperature. Folks allergic to wool may want to steer clear, though.

Non-shedding

Even though these pups don’t shed frequently, they require regular baths and brushings to ensure a healthy coat and skin (even if you decide to clip their fur short). Lhasa Apsos have old souls and though they learn quickly, they can be stubborn and unfriendly with strangers.