Hypoallergenic dog breed finder

What does "hypoallergenic" mean for a dog breed?

It means "less likely to cause allergies", not "allergy-free". The proteins that trigger dog allergies are found in dander (tiny flakes of skin), saliva and urine. Hair isn't the allergen itself, but it carries dander and spreads it around your home.

That's why the breeds the American Kennel Club suggests for allergy sufferers mostly have low-shedding coats: less hair on the sofa means less dander with it. The AKC is clear that no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, and individual people react differently, so a breed that suits one allergic person may not suit another.

What does the research say about hypoallergenic dogs?

The evidence is thin. A 2012 Dutch study measured Can f 1, the main dog allergen, in coat samples and in the homes of breeds sold as hypoallergenic (Labradoodles, Poodles, Spanish Water Dogs and Airedale Terriers) and of other dogs, including Labrador Retrievers. The so-called hypoallergenic dogs actually had higher allergen levels in their coats. In the homes, airborne allergen levels were no different between breeds, and floor dust was only lower in Labradoodle homes.

The authors concluded there is no evidence for calling any breed hypoallergenic. In practice, a low-shedding breed may still help by keeping hair (and the dander on it) off floors and furniture, but it's no guarantee. Variation between individual dogs within a breed was large compared with the differences between breeds.

The full list of allergy-friendly breeds

All 23 breeds flagged as allergy-friendly in our breed data, from the least shedding to the most. Shedding, grooming and energy use the AKC's 1 to 5 ratings.

Notice the grooming column: a coat that doesn't shed usually has to be brushed and clipped instead, often by a professional groomer. The hairless breeds are the exception, but they need sun protection and skin care.

What about doodles and other low-shedding dogs?

Some breeds rate 1 out of 5 for shedding without being on the list, including Airedale Terrier, Biewer Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and Shih-poo. They may also suit some allergy sufferers, but treat them the same way: meet the dog first.

Poodle crosses such as the Bernedoodle, Cavapoo, Cockapoo, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Maltipoo and 1 more are often sold as hypoallergenic. They aren't AKC breeds, and their coats vary from puppy to puppy, even within one litter. In the 2012 study above, the "hypoallergenic" group, Labradoodles included, carried more allergen in their coats than the other dogs, so ask to meet the parents, and if possible pick an adult whose coat you can see and live with for a few hours. The dog breeds by trait finder can show every low-shedding breed, listed or not.

How to live with a dog if you have allergies

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America suggests these steps to cut exposure:

• Keep the dog out of your bedroom and off fabric furniture.
• Ask someone without allergies to brush the dog, ideally outdoors.
• Vacuum weekly with a HEPA-filter vacuum and dust with a damp cloth.
• Wash the dog's bedding and any fabric covers in hot water every week.
• Run a HEPA air cleaner for at least four hours a day.
• Bathe the dog weekly to reduce allergens in the air.

Ask your vet which shampoo and bathing routine suit your dog's skin, and use the bath frequency calculator to see what suits your dog's coat. If you haven't settled on a breed yet, the dog breed selector can weigh allergies against everything else you need.