As many as 30% of people have an allergy to dogs and cats. While having a dog allergy can be disappointing for animal lovers, there are many ways to cope with symptoms and become a pet parent.

The best way to enjoy the company of animals, even if you have an allergy to dogs, is to adopt a dog that doesn’t shed. Hypoallergenic dogs make it possible to enjoy pet parenthood without sneezing, itching, and coughing. 

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about dog allergies, what causes them, how hypoallergenic dogs can help, and the best breeds to consider. 

Everything You Need To Know About Dog Allergies

Before we list the best small hypoallergenic dogs, it’s important to understand dog allergies, what causes them, and what kind of symptoms you may experience. Take a closer look below. 

What Causes a Dog Allergy?

If you have a dog allergy, we can trace the cause back to your immune system, which functions to protect the body from foreign substances. Foreign substances can include germs, bacteria, viruses, airborne disease particles, and more. 

When your immune system identifies a foreign invader, it responds in defense mode. This response can include a fever to destroy the foreign cells or coughing and sneezing to get the foreign substance out.

Dogs and cats carry dead skin cells in their fur, otherwise known as dander. Note that pet fur itself is not an allergen. Instead, the dander, urine, saliva, dust, and other allergens carried in their fur trigger the allergic reaction. 

Sometimes, the immune system can detect dog dander as a foreign substance, too, just like a cold or flu virus. When this occurs, an allergic reaction is triggered to try and fight it off. Dander is a harmless substance but can result in an allergic reaction in some with overactive immune systems. 

What Are the Symptoms of a Dog Allergy?

If you have a dog allergy, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes and redness
• Nasal congestion
• Itchiness in the mouth, throat, or nose
• Coughing
• Facial swelling, pressure, and pain
• Sneezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing 
• Trouble sleeping
• Itchy skin or hives
  

If you have asthma or a skin condition in addition to a dog allergy, this may worsen your symptoms. 

Should I See a Doctor If I Have a Dog Allergy?

Do you need to see a doctor if you have a pet allergy? If you’re only exhibiting mild symptoms, there’s no need to see a doctor. However, if you experience any severe signs or symptoms that don’t go away in a few hours, it’s best to seek medical attention. 

You can also see your doctor if you’re interested in treatments for dog allergies. They’ll advise you on potential medications to consider or therapy treatments like allergy shots. 

What Does It Mean When a Dog is Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. This term is thrown around quite often to describe breeds that are simply less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. 

Those with severe dog allergies can still experience a reaction to hypoallergenic dogs, but it isn’t as common. 

The primary quality of hypoallergenic dog breeds is that they are low-shedding animals. This could be because they don’t have any hair, don’t lose hair that often, or have short, single-layered coats without an undercoat to shed. 

Some dogs also produce different proteins. Depending on the exact cause of your allergy to dogs, you may or may not be allergic to all dog types. 

Dogs that have thick, long coats are more likely to shed and spread their dander throughout your home, making it more likely that you experience a reaction. These dogs also require regular brushing, which could contribute to loose hairs around the house.

Top 13 Small Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed

If you suffer from dog allergies, don’t worry. These breeds are known for minimal shedding, and many of them are small enough to take with you wherever you go!

Poodles are one of the more popular breeds of small and big hypoallergenic dogs. You can find Toy Poodles and large Poodles that don’t shed. 

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their fine hair that is less like fur and more like human hair. This hair texture contributes to this breed’s ability to remain hypoallergenic. Yorkies do require regular upkeep for their fur, so be prepared for some more maintenance. 

Originating from China, Shih Tzus are a hypoallergenic dog breed that requires regular grooming for their fur as well. 

The ancient Greek breed of Maltese dogs is known for hypoallergenic coats and infrequent shedding. 

This dog breed is hairless except on their head, ears, and feet. With a soft and hair-like coat that’s hypoallergenic where they do have hair, you can say goodbye to the sniffles and hello to cuddling.  

If you love Lady and the Tramp, you’ll love having a hypoallergenic Scottish Terrier to keep you company without triggering your allergies. (Sharing a plate of spaghetti isn’t mandatory, but we won’t stop you.)

Havanese dogs have long silky coats that don’t shed or carry as much dander with them. These dogs are typically happy and playful. 

Originating as an African hunting dog, Basenji dogs are naturally hypoallergenic with little to no shedding. 

The Irish Water Spaniel breed is a playful, adventure-loving breed with coats that naturally repel dander. 

If you’re an allergy sufferer with more severe symptoms, look no further than the Bichon Frise breed of dog. These cuddly, fluffy, and shed-less dogs are the perfect choice for anyone. 

Mini Schnauzers are the perfect small, hypoallergenic dogs for dog parents that love to play with their pups. 

Many people assume and advertise Goldendoodles as hypoallergenic dogs. However, this breed is a little more complicated than others. 

Some Goldendoodles may be hypoallergenic, while others may not be. In addition, there are varying levels of hypoallergenic qualities in each Goldendoodle. 

Why? The key lies in the doodle's history. Golden Retrievers are known for their thick, shedding coat, while poodles are known for their single coat that doesn’t shed. Depending on the exact genetic pool of each dog, they may be more or less hypoallergenic. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t get a Goldendoodle if you have dog allergies. Simply monitor your symptoms early on to determine whether they’re the right breed for you. 

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