Key Takeaways
- Many dog breeds shed minimally, making them great for families with allergies or those who prefer cleaner homes.
- Hypoallergenic dogs don’t exist, yet breeds like bichon frise and poodles shed less and produce less dander.
- Regular grooming and brushing can help manage shedding, keeping your dog’s coat healthy and your home tidy.
Are you looking for non-shedding dog breeds due to allergies or excessive fur around your home? While all dogs shed somewhat as a part of maintaining healthy coats, shedding can increase due to seasonal changes, health issues, or stress.
Are Low-Shedding Dogs Hypoallergenic?
If you think you need a hypoallergenic dog, it’s important to note there’s really no such thing. All dogs produce certain proteins that contribute to allergic reactions—the most common is Can f 1, often found in urine, saliva, and dried skin debris called dander. When Spot sheds, this allergy-laden dander floats into the air.
Does this mean a hairless dog won’t make you sneeze or have itchy eyes? Not necessarily, because she still has dander—or she loves to lick you! Each individual’s immune system determines their allergic response to Can f 1. While you might stuff up around one breed, another person won’t be affected.
“Breeds associated with being ‘hypoallergenic’ are generally those with single-layer coats, and those that shed less,” says Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club (AKC). “Breeds with double coats, like retrievers, Siberian huskies, and collies, among others, have protective dual-layer coats that usually shed significantly.”
Klein helped us put together a list of common and not-so-common AKC-registered breeds, including small dogs that don’t shed much.