By Annalise Mantz, Stacker
Sneezing, runny nose, congestion, inflamed eyes, skin irritation—not exactly the reaction you want to have when playing with an adorable puppy. As many as three in 10 allergy sufferers in the United States are sensitive to cats or dogs, a truly unfortunate prognosis for any animal-lover. Still, allergies don’t preclude you from joining the 65 percent of American households that own a pet: You just have to seek out the right kind of dog.
To the delight of sneezing dog lovers everywhere, The American Kennel Club has compiled a list of 23 dog breeds that are hypoallergenic. Though no dogs are truly 100-percent allergy-proof, the following breeds have non-shedding coats that produce significantly less dander. Some of them are even hairless! Stacker listed the dogs by the American Kennel Club’s 2017 dog breed popularity rankings in the following compilation. Read on to find out which 3,000-year-old breed, popular fluffy pup and obscure Eastern European dog made the list—and get excited to adopt a new furry family member.
#23. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka
Popularity rank: Not ranked (out of 190)
Translated from the original Russian, the name of this dog means “Russian colored lapdog.” This toy breed has a friendly disposition, sweet personality and full coat that requires lots of brushing—but doesn’t produce much dander.
#22. Poodle (Toy)
Popularity rank: Not ranked (out of 190)
Teeny-tiny toy poodles only stand 10 inches tall and weigh six pounds at most. Their curly hypoallergenic coats hide a wickedly smart intellect and charming, regal attitude.
#21. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Popularity rank: Not ranked (out of 190)
Though coated Peruvian Inca Orchid dogs do exist, most of the breed is entirely hairless, making them a good choice for people with allergies. These dogs are sighthounds: Much like greyhounds and whippets, they have sleek, muscular bodies well-suited to running.
#20. Bolognese
Popularity rank: Not ranked (out of 190)
Like the pasta dish of the same name, the Bolognese breed originates in Italy. Though Bolognese dogs have soft, fluffy coats, they don’t shed. Allergy sufferers can also ask groomers to keep the coat cropped to just one inch.
#18. Irish Water Spaniel
Popularity rank: 164 (out of 190)
The Irish water spaniel’s tight, reddish-brown curls contrast with its long, skinny tail. These active, high-energy pups are relatively easy to train, but need plenty of daily exercise.
#17. Bedlington Terrier
Popularity rank: 151 (out of 190)
Once you see a Bedlington terrier, you won’t forget him anytime soon: This dog’s pear-shaped head, arched back, sheep-like coat and hairless ears make him instantly recognizable. Bedlingtons are energetic, charming and fun-loving—though they like cuddling up on the couch, too.
#16. Spanish Water Dog
Popularity rank: 148 (out of 190)
This herder and waterfowl retriever’s coat falls in long, wooly curls that almost resemble dreadlocks. The good news is that you never need to brush them, though you might need professional help from a groomer to form the dog’s hair into its signature cords.
#15. Xoloitzcuintli
Popularity rank: 143 (out of 190)
This 3,000-year-old breed dates back to the time of the Aztecs, when they were revered as the companion of the gods. Allergy sufferers might revere them for another reason: The Xoloitzcuintli don’t have any hair, so they don’t shed dander. Owners might need to apply sunscreen to the dogs before prolonged sun exposure, however.
#14. Kerry Blue Terrier
Popularity rank: 129 (out of 190)
These sturdy, square terriers have a show-stopping coat that ranges from light blue-gray to dark slate. Named for its home county in Ireland, this breed is well-known as a hard-working dog.
#13. American Hairless Terrier
Popularity rank: 126 (out of 190)
This breed from Louisiana comes in both hairless and coated varieties, either of which would be a good choice for people with allergies. American hairless terriers are inquisitive, intelligent and playful.
#12. Lagotto Romagnolo
Popularity rank: 117 (out of 190)
The Lagotto’s thick, curly, waterproof coat only sheds minimally, so these dogs would be a good match for allergy sufferers. Traditionally, these dogs are trained to hunt for precious Italian truffles.
#11. Afghan Hound
Popularity rank: 93 (out of 190)
Despite the Afghan hound’s long, silky locks, this dog is in fact hypoallergenic. Still, prospective owners should expect to spend plenty of time bathing, brushing and grooming an Afghan.
#10. Standard Schnauzer
Popularity rank: 90 (out of 190)
With their pointy ears, bushy eyebrows and dignified whiskers, standard schnauzers are downright adorable. These fearless, high-spirited farm dogs make excellent companions and capable watchdogs.
#9. Coton de Tulear
Popularity rank: 81 (out of 190)
Known as the “royal dog of Madagascar,” the Coton de Tulear’s name was inspired by the breed’s soft, cotton-like white coat (“coton” is French for cotton). Remarkably sympathetic and entertaining, these dogs make devoted lifelong companions.
#8. Giant Schnauzer
Popularity rank: 80 (out of 190)
The larger, more powerful cousin of the standard schnauzer, the giant schnauzer maintains the same characteristics: bold, valiant, intelligent and loyal.
#7. Chinese Crested
Popularity rank: 79 (out of 190)
The name of this unusual-looking dog refers to its spiky hairdo, furry socks and fluffy tail—quite the look, especially when combined with an otherwise hairless body. As you might guess, shedding is not a problem with this breed.
#6. Portuguese Water Dog
Popularity rank: 54 (out of 190)
This breed took its spot on the world stage in 2010 when the Obama family adopted Bo, a Portuguese water dog. A few years later, the family also adopted Sunny, another of these athletic, allergy-friendly dogs.
#5. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Popularity rank: 49 (out of 190)
Though the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier’s wavy hair is low-shedding, it also requires constant grooming to keep it from matting. These exuberant dogs have lovely, joyful personalities with just a tinge of stereotypical terrier stubbornness.
#4. Bichon Frise
Popularity rank: 46 (out of 190)
Bichon Frises have personality for miles: This breed is known as a jokester, with oodles of confidence and a love for people. They’re adorable, too, with a white hypoallergenic coat that almost gives them the appearance of a teddy bear.
#3. Maltese
Popularity rank: 33 (out of 190)
Maltese only grow about seven to nine inches tall, but a long, silky coat that drapes all the way to their feet give them an outsized presence. Though they look petite and perhaps even a little precious, Maltese have hardy, adaptable personalities that leave them ready for anything.
#2. Miniature Schnauzer
Popularity rank: 18 (out of 190)
The smallest of the three schnauzer breeds looks a little stockier and more gruff than their larger cousins, but still has the same low-shedding wiry coat and bright, friendly demeanor.
#1. Poodle (Miniature/Standard)
Popularity rank: 7 (out of 190)
The most popular breed on this list, the poodle nevertheless has a reputation as a bit of a prissy dog. That couldn’t be further from the truth: These regal, elegant dogs are typically eager, energetic and extraordinarily smart. Their soft, fluffy coats can be trimmed either in the elaborate “continental” style, or the simpler sporting look.
