In short Low-shedding breeds leave less hair and fewer allergens in the home — the best choice for allergy sufferers and tidy owners. Topping the list are poodles, bichons and other breeds whose coat barely falls out.
How we rated
The lower the “Shedding” score, the higher the position. Less shedding = less allergen in the environment.
Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestGuard dogsLargestSmallestLongest-livedHealthiestCalmestCat-friendlyCold-hardyHunting dogsNon-drooling
1
Peruvian Hairless DogShedding 1.0Apartment 3.5Family 4.04.02
Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli)Shedding 1.0Apartment 4.0Family 4.04.03
Toy PoodleShedding 1.0Apartment 5.0Family 5.04.04
Poodle (Miniature or Dwarf)Shedding 1.0Apartment 4.5Family 5.04.05
Medium PoodleShedding 1.0Apartment 3.5Family 5.04.06
MalteseShedding 1.0Apartment 5.0Family 5.04.07
Chinese Crested Dog (Hairless)Shedding 1.0Apartment 4.5Family 4.54.08
American Hairless TerrierShedding 1.0Apartment 4.5Family 5.04.09
Biewer TerrierShedding 1.0Apartment 5.0Family 5.04.010
Yorkshire TerrierShedding 1.0Apartment 5.0Family 4.54.011
Rampur GreyhoundShedding 1.5Apartment 2.5Family 4.03.512
Poligar Hound (Rajapalayam Dog)Shedding 1.5Apartment 2.0Family 4.03.513
Spanish GalgoShedding 1.5Apartment 4.0Family 4.53.514
OdisShedding 1.5Apartment 5.0Family 5.03.515
Italian GreyhoundShedding 1.5Apartment 4.5Family 4.53.516
Mudhol Hound (Caravan Hound)Shedding 1.5Apartment 2.5Family 4.03.517
CavapooShedding 1.5Apartment 5.0Family 5.03.518
BasenjiShedding 1.5Apartment 3.5Family 3.53.519
Pharaoh HoundShedding 1.5Apartment 2.0Family 4.03.520
Miniature PinscherShedding 1.5Apartment 4.5Family 4.03.521
Bouvier des FlandresShedding 1.5Apartment 2.0Family 4.53.522
Miniature SchnauzerShedding 1.5Apartment 4.5Family 4.53.523
Giant Schnauzer (Riesenschnauzer)Shedding 1.5Apartment 2.0Family 4.03.524
Standard Schnauzer (Mittelschnauzer)Shedding 1.5Apartment 3.5Family 4.53.525
Black Russian TerrierShedding 1.5Apartment 2.0Family 4.03.526
Russian Toy (Smooth Haired)Shedding 1.5Apartment 5.0Family 5.03.527
Bichon FriseShedding 1.5Apartment 5.0Family 5.03.528
Standard PoodleShedding 1.5Apartment 3.5Family 4.53.529
German PinscherShedding 1.5Apartment 3.0Family 4.03.530
Shorthaired WeimaranerShedding 1.5Apartment 2.0Family 4.03.5FAQ
Are any dogs 100% hypoallergenic?
No. The allergen comes from saliva and skin, not just the coat, so no breed is completely safe — but low-shedding ones are far easier to tolerate.
Which breeds are best for allergy sufferers?
Poodle, Bichon Frisé, Maltese, Portuguese Water Dog — they shed little and barely smell.
How can I reduce an allergy to a dog I already have?
Regular brushing, bathing, air filters and cleaning the dog bed markedly lower the amount of allergen.