Originally posted on the Sundays for Dogs blog. This article resulted in first page Google ranking for the keyword "small hypoallergenic dogs".

Are you allergic to dogs but still want to be a pet parent? A hypoallergenic dog breed could be the best match for you!

Between 10-20% of the worldwide population is allergic to dogs or cats. But allergies don’t have to stop you from becoming a pet parent. There are several dog breeds that are hypoallergenic and ready to find their forever homes.

What Causes Dog Allergies?

It’s a common misconception that exposure to dog fur causes allergy flare-ups. In reality, the main allergen is a protein found in dead skin flakes (or dander) that spread when dogs shed. Humans can also be exposed to pet dander through dog saliva or urine. This comes as no surprise since dogs often groom themselves with their tongues and spread the dander from their skin.

Facts About Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Dog breeds that are hypoallergenic require different care than other types of dogs. If you do choose to welcome a hypoallergenic dog into your home, there are a few things to consider.

Less Shedding = More Grooming Since hypoallergenic dogs don’t shed, they need to be groomed more frequently. Their hair grows faster and longer than other breeds so it may require a trim or cut. Breeds with curly or wavy hair should also be brushed daily to keep their coats soft and tangle-free.

Drooling Now you know what dog breeds are hypoallergenic but you don’t have to stick to this short list. People with mild allergies can also adopt dog breeds with low drooling levels. Contact with dog saliva can trigger allergy symptoms. Those reactions can be reduced or avoided altogether by adopting dog breeds with low drooling levels. Corgis, Greyhounds, and Chihuahuas are a few examples of breeds that don’t drool very much.

What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds that either shed less or don’t shed at all. With reduced shedding, humans aren’t exposed to as much dander and allergy symptoms can become less noticeable. Don’t be fooled by their name — dog breeds that are hypoallergenic are never 100% allergen-free. But adopting a hypoallergenic dog can be a life-changing solution for pet lovers with allergies!

What Dog Breeds Are Hypoallergenic?

There are plenty of dog breeds that are hypoallergenic. Most of these breeds have long, curly hair that needs to be trimmed and groomed often (since it doesn’t shed). Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, and Toy Poodles are all examples of small hypoallergenic dog breeds. Hypoallergenic dog breeds can also be on the larger side, as shown in Giant Schnauzers and Irish Water Spaniels. Dogs can even be considered hypoallergenic when they are mixed with a hypoallergenic breed. Take Poodles for example — poodle crossbreeds have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Since Poodles don’t shed, they can bred with other shedding dogs to create an adorable allergy-friendly mixed breed. Bernedoodles, Sheepadoodles, and Goldendoodles are just a few popular Poodle mixes.

Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Bichon Frise Weight: 12-18 pounds Height: 9.5-11.5 inches Coat Type: Long, curly double coat Colors: White, Cream, Tan The fluffy, white Bichon Frise is a great fit for those searching for small hypoallergenic dog breeds. They are affectionate pups with soft coats that are irresistible to cuddle. Bichons aren’t just cute — they have confidence to boot. Although they stand less than 1 foot tall, they will bark at potential threats and curiously investigate new things. These pups are great city dogs since they are social, adaptable, and don’t require much space for exercise and playtime. A Bichon Frise can easily fit inside your bag or carrier if you’re on the go! Miniature Schnauzer Weight: 11-20 pounds Height: 12-14 inches Coat Type: Wiry, medium-length double coat Colors: Silver, White, Black, Salt & Pepper This breed is a tiny version of the Standard Schnauzer (which is also hypoallergenic). With their thick beard and eyebrows, Miniature Schnauzers have a very rugged, masculine look to go with their small bodies. These pups belong to the Terrier Group and were skilled being farm dogs and hunting vermin. If you need a lap dog more than a farm dog, Mini Schnauzers are affectionate pups that love their human families and even other animals!

Maltese Weight: Up to 7 pounds Height: 7-9 inches Coat Type: Long, silky Colors: White, Tan At only 2 to 7 pounds, Maltese may be the tiniest of the small hypoallergenic dog breeds. They sport long, straight coats of white fur and a teddy bear black nose. In dog shows, you might even see a Maltese with hair flowing all the way down to the floor! Maltese make for great lap dogs and are easy to travel with since they are so small. The breed is so beloved that they date back to 1500 B.C.! Ancient Phoenician women apparently loved to tote their pet Maltese around. Don’t be fooled by their small stature — Maltese still have high-energy levels and love to play. They are shockingly athletic, which is a reason the breed is often seen competing in agility competitions.

Yorkshire Terrier Weight: 7 pounds Height: 7-8 inches Coat Type: Long, silky Colors: Black, Gold, Blue, Tan You may recognize Yorkshire Terriers from pictures in magazines. The breed became very trendy in the early 2000s and could be seen carried around by celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Miranda Kerr. This wasn’t the first time Yorkies were in style. In fact, Victorian women in the 1800s absolutely adored having Yorkshire Terriers as lapdogs. With their silky brown coats, it’s no surprise that high society loved the pocket-sized breed. But Yorkies are still terriers! Just like other terrier breeds, they got their start hunting rats in mines and textile mines. Today, they are sitting cozy in the laps of those who love small hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Medium & Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Portuguese Water Dog Weight: 35-60 pounds Height: 17-23 inches Coat Type: Long, wavy, curly Colors: Black, Brown, White If you’re wondering what dog breeds are hypoallergenic and easy to train, Portuguese Water Dogs are the answer! Porties, as they’re often called, are very eager to please when it comes to training. Portuguese Water Dogs were named after their historical roles of assisting fishermen in Portugal. Back in the day, you could find Porties riding on fishing boats across the Atlantic and herding fish into nets. This breed sports a thick curly coat of dark fur — no doubt to keep them warm on their fishing voyages of years past! Porties are hardworking, adaptable, and ready for non-stop play with their humans.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Weight: 30-40 pounds Height: 17-19 inches Coat Type: Wavy, silky, medium-length Colors: Wheaten Similar to it’s Schnauzer cousin, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a long beard and hair growing out along it’s snout. “Wheaten” was chosen as their name to represent the breeds golden brown hair that is similar to a wheat field. These hypoallergenic pups originated from Ireland. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers worked on farms most often to hunt vermin and herd cattle. Compared to other hypoallergenic breeds, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are slightly less social and playful. But they are still a great fit for families with young children and single-pet households.

Poodles

Weight: 40-70 pounds (Standard), 10-15 pounds (Miniature), 4-6 pounds (Toy) Height: over 15 inches (Standard), 10-15 inches (Miniature), under 10 inches (Toy) Coat Type: Long & curly Colors: Black, Blue, Brown, Tan, White, Cream, Red, Silver, Grey Poodles are perhaps one of the most popular dog breeds that are hypoallergenic — and for good reason! These pups are intelligent, athletic, and easy on the eyes with their curly coats. One reason for their popularity is that the breed is available in multiple sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. That means pet lovers of all kind can welcome big or small Poodles into their homes. Besides their hypoallergenic coats, Poodles are extremely smart and highly trainable. They are loving and loyal to their humans and are great with children. It’s no wonder Poodles and Poodle mixes have been in the top 10 most popular dog breeds in America for 10 years!