Best and Worst Dog Breeds for People With Allergies
Allergic to dogs but desperate for a furry friend? These dog breeds may be perfect for you.
![a person with a puppy in their lap, which may not be great for allergies](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/lung-respiratory/allergies/best-and-worst-dog-breeds-for-allergies-01-1440x810.jpg?sfvrsn=4df64889_2)
Yes, he’s adorable — but is he allergy-friendly, too?
What do you do when you love dogs, but you or a family member is allergic? You do what many people do: Get one of a number of dog breeds touted as hypoallergenic. They’re described as the best types of dogs for people with dog allergies because they tend to shed less than other breeds.
Pet hair or pet dander is a common cause of allergic rhinitis, a chronic disease that affects as much as 30 percent of the U.S. population and over 400 million people worldwide, according to the World Allergy Organization. Commonly known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis happens when the body overreacts to something that does not cause a problem in other people.
Most people are not actually allergic to dog hair. Rather, they’re allergic to dander (flakes on the dog’s skin) or saliva. Hair does have something to do with it, though: Sometimes other indoor allergens like dust, or outdoor allergens like grass or tree pollen, can build up on a dog’s furry coat and trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, nasal swelling, asthma, and rashes. Many people with dog allergies complain about red, itchy eyes.
There is some research that suggests that children who are exposed to pets during early infancy may be less likely to have dog or cat allergies later on, notes Johns Hopkins Medicine. But if a child already has a dog allergy, bringing a new puppy to your home would not be beneficial.
If you already have a dog, here are a few tips to prevent pet allergies:
- Keep the dog outside. It may take weeks or months before your house is free of pet allergens.
- Keep your dog clean and bathe it weekly in warm water. This may reduce the amount of dog dander and dog saliva deposited throughout your home.
- Get a groomer to bathe your dog so you’re not exposed to the allergens.
- Wash the dog’s bedding weekly to remove excess dander.
- Keep the dog out of the bedroom and off the bed during sleep.
If you’re on the hunt for a hypoallergenic dog that won’t leave you watery-eyed, you’ll need to do your research and perhaps an in-home test-drive to make sure your new pup doesn’t trigger an allergy or asthma attack.
Don’t go straight for the breeds of dogs with shorter coats, and don’t count out shaggy pups. There are many types of hypoallergenic dogs — some with more hair, some with less.
Here’s some more information on the best (and worst) breeds for people with dog allergies.
Best: Schnauzers Produce Less Pet Dander
![a scnauzer, which is one of the best dogs for people with allergies](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/lung-respiratory/allergies/best-and-worst-dog-breeds-for-allergies-02-1440x810.jpg?sfvrsn=43e70194_2)
Worst: Saint Bernards and Bulldogs Are Known for Excessive Saliva
![a saint bernard and a bulldog, which are not great dogs for people with allergies](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/lung-respiratory/allergies/best-and-worst-dog-breeds-for-allergies-03-1440x810.jpg?sfvrsn=16b60890_2)
If you’re allergic to dog saliva, steer clear of slobbery breeds of dogs like bulldogs and Saint Bernards, per The Spruce Pets. Both are known for excessive drooling. Regardless of the type of dog, it is best to refrain from letting the dog lick you if you’re allergic. Also, soak slobbered-on chew toys in hot, soapy water at least once a week.
Best: Tiny, Toy Breeds Like the Maltese Might Work
![a maltese which is a great dog for people with allergies](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/lung-respiratory/allergies/best-and-worst-dog-breeds-for-allergies-04-1440x810.jpg?sfvrsn=6ce9f175_2)
Worst: A German Shepherd’s Dry Skin Causes Excessive Pet Dander
![a german shepherd, which is one of the worst dogs for people with allergies](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/lung-respiratory/allergies/best-and-worst-dog-breeds-for-allergies-05-1440x810.jpg?sfvrsn=13c9bf39_2)
Bathe and groom your dog regularly to minimize its dander’s effect on your allergy. But don’t overdo it. Not washing your dog enough can lead to excess pet dander, but so can washing him too much. If your dog develops dry skin from too many baths, it’s apt to begin scratching, leaving dead skin cells lingering in the air. Some breeds, such as German shepherds, are more likely to develop dry skin than others, according to VetDERM Clinic.
Best: The Bichon Frise and Labradoodle Are Great Hypoallergenic Dogs
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Both the labradoodle and the bichon frise are often recommended for people with dog allergies because of their easy-to-maintain coats. Labradoodles, with wool-like hair, may not pick up as many outdoor allergens as other breeds. The curly coat of a bichon frise produces little dander, making it another great hypoallergenic dog, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Worst: Boston Terriers Suffer With Allergies and Mucus
![a boston terrier, which is not a great dog for people with allergies](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/lung-respiratory/allergies/best-and-worst-dog-breeds-for-allergies-07-1440x810.jpg?sfvrsn=c715efed_2)
Hounds have allergies, too! Boston terriers in particular suffer from allergies that can give them itchy skin and watery eyes. Though they’re a popular breed, as AZ Animals notes, a Boston terrier’s own allergies and a tendency for excessive mucus make it less-than-ideal for people with allergies.
Best: Portuguese Water Dogs Live Well Outside
![a portuguese water dog which is great for people with allergies](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/lung-respiratory/allergies/best-and-worst-dog-breeds-for-allergies-08-1440x810.jpg?sfvrsn=4cb711e5_2)
If your allergies are so severe that you can’t bear to stay in the same room with even the easiest-to-tolerate pups, consider the breeds of dogs that can live outside. With a waterproof coat and webbed feet, the Portuguese water dog is well-suited for outdoor living. As long as it has some kind of shelter, fresh water to drink, and room to play, the Portuguese is just as happy outside as indoors, notes PetMD.
Worst: Pekingese Are Hard to House-Train
![a pekingese which is not a great dog for people with allergies](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/lung-respiratory/allergies/best-and-worst-dog-breeds-for-allergies-09-1440x810.jpg?sfvrsn=5875da06_2)
You may not have thought about one surprising dog-related allergy trigger: urine. Some breeds of dogs, such as the Pekingese, are more difficult to house-train than other types of dogs, according to The Spruce Pets. This makes them a poor choice for someone with a dog allergy. If your pet has an accident, clean the area as soon as you see it. Wear gloves, and use bleach or an enzyme cleaner from a local pet store to sanitize the area and remove all signs of urine.
Best: The Xoloitzcuintli Is a Good Fit for Families
![a Xloloitzcuintli dog which is great for people with allergies](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/lung-respiratory/allergies/best-and-worst-dog-breeds-for-allergies-10-1440x810.jpg?sfvrsn=cf55cf81_2)
A Dog Is More Than Just a Pet
![a woman laying on a couch with her dog](https://images.everydayhealth.com/images/lung-respiratory/allergies/best-and-worst-dog-breeds-for-allergies-11-1440x810.jpg?sfvrsn=d2c1fbf4_2)
For most dog owners, a pup is more than just an animal who requires time and energy. A dog is a member of the family who brings happiness and unconditional love. Though finding and keeping the best breeds of dogs for your allergy will take extra effort, the prep work is worth it. Taking extra steps to minimize exposure to dander and other allergens allows people with allergies the chance to enjoy the unparalleled companionship of man’s best friend.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
- Sullivan AA, Kushnir NM. In-Depth Review of Allergic Rhinitis. World Allergy Organization. October 2020.
- Newborns Exposed to Dirt, Dander and Germs May Have Lower Allergy and Asthma Risk. Johns Hopkins Medicine. June 6, 2014.
- Harrington K. Are Schnauzers Hypoallergenic? AZ Animals. May 4, 2023.
- Johnstone G. 10 Worst Dog Breeds for People With Allergies. The Spruce Pets. March 31, 2023.
- Are Any Dog Breeds Hypoallergenic? Cleveland Clinic. January 22, 2021.
- Bajwa J. Breed-Specific Dog Skin and Ear Problems in German Shepherds Part 1: Allergy Conditions. VetDERM Clinic. June 26, 2020.
- Gaeng J. Are Boston Terriers Hypoallergenic? AZ Animals. May 31, 2023.
- Kaowthumrong P. Portuguese Water Dog. PetMD. February 3, 2023.
- Arford K. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless). PetMD. May 10, 2023.