14 Great Hypoallergenic Dogs for First-Time Dog Owners (With Info & Pictures)

The first time that you adopt a dog is a magical time that you’ll never forget. Bringing home your puppy, showing them where they will sleep, and introducing them to the family are events that will truly leave an impression on your soul—that is, unless you suffer from allergies. In that case, you’ll likely be trying to forget the runny nose, sniffling, sneezing, and other symptoms that your new puppy caused you to suffer.

If you love dogs but can’t stand being around them because you have allergies, the information here is for you. We examine 15 hypoallergenic breeds that are great for first-time owners! While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, these breeds usually cause fewer allergic reactions in those who have allergies either because they produce less of the protein that causes canine allergies or they don’t shed much, meaning less allergen-laden hair is floating around.

The 14 Hypoallergenic Dogs for First-Time Dog Owners

1. Poodle

Although they look fragile, Poodles are strong, energetic, playful, and smart dogs. They need a lot of activity, love to play, and enjoy being with their humans. Poodles should be socialized at a young age to ensure that they get along well with everyone and other pets. Thanks to their high intelligence and low stubbornness, they are also easy to train.

2. Maltese

As an ancient breed that has existed for centuries, the Maltese is a tiny, affectionate, and energetic dog that is usually easy to train. They tend to have a long lifespan, are charming to a fault, and have a coat that while hypoallergenic, is incredibly long and lovely. These are fearless dogs, as well as energetic and athletic. They do, however, tend to be stubborn, so a lot of patience and persistence are needed when training a Maltese.

3. Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is a perfect hypoallergenic dog for first-time dog owners. They’re small but not too small, have more personality than most dogs, and are loving companions. Wire Fox Terriers are always upbeat, love to fool around, and are great athletes. However, they are diggers and need stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

4. Brussels Griffon

These tiny dogs are intelligent, devoted to their families, and social. That can be problematic, as the Brussels Griffon has a lot of issues with separation anxiety. They also tend to be sensitive and don’t take well to harsh words and criticism (even if they don’t understand it). Still, they make excellent companion pets, especially for seniors, and love to be the life of any party.

5. Havanese

As the only dog breed native to Cuba (hence the name), the Havanese is a small dog with a huge personality. They make excellent watchdogs, even though they’re tiny, but thankfully, they don’t bark so much as to be a problem. Like all the dogs on this list, the Havanese is a hypoallergenic dog that usually won’t set off your allergies.  They are also gorgeous little dogs and fantastic companion pets.

6. Labradoodle

As you might expect of a mix of a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, the Labradoodle is a fun, energetic, intelligent, playful, and affectionate dog. These are dogs meant to be with family, as they love everyone, including other pets and kids. Labradoodles are always happy and easy to train and make good protectors. However, they need a lot of activity and exercise and aren’t great for sedentary owners. Still, with few allergy problems and a huge personality, Labradoodles make good family pets.

7. Border Terrier

Border Terriers were bred to be working dogs and make great hypoallergenic dogs for first-time owners. They have an even temperament, are always in a great mood, and give as much affection as they get. Border Terriers are also great friends to smaller children, make fine playmates, and are hypoallergenic.

8. Basenji

The Basenji is an anomaly among dogs in that they bark infrequently. They are intelligent dogs and will use other methods to let you know what they’re thinking and feeling. The Basenji needs a lot of activity to stay healthy and happy and is a poised and proper breed that is highly resourceful. They are also among the most graceful dogs in looks and mannerisms.

9. Bichon Frise

Few dogs have the outsize personality of a Bichon Frise! For centuries, these tiny, lovable, and energetic dogs have entertained us and been great friends to their owners. They can be too trusting, though, and make poor watchdogs for that reason. Like the other dogs on this list, the Bichon Frise sheds little and is a perfect dog for a first-time dog owner with allergies.

10. Giant Schnauzer

As a bigger, stronger version of the standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer is a fearless, muscular, bold dog that is also loyal, canny, and devoted. Although they have a double coat, they shed less than most dogs, though they need more grooming than some other hypoallergenic pups. They are strong dogs, and for kids and seniors, they might be tough to handle when walking on a leash. However, Giant Schnauzers can be trained to be great walkers.

11.  Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)

There are few dogs from Peru, but the Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless) is well worth including. They’re hairless, which means the chance of having an allergic reaction to one of these fine dogs is extremely low. Peruvian Inca Orchids are alert and lively dogs that are full of energy and protective of their families and love to snuggle with those they love most. Of course, if you’re not a fan of hairless dogs, this might not be the breed for you.

12. Portuguese Water Dog

The first thing you’ll notice about the Portuguese Water Dog is that even if they’re only close to the water, they start to get a little anxious because they want to swim so much. This dog was bred to be on the water and help fishermen with whatever they needed. They are incredibly smart, powerful, gentle dogs (as long as there’s no water nearby to excite them).

13. Lagotto Romagnolo

Although you might not have heard much or anything about this beautiful dog from Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo should be on your list if you’re a first-time dog owner who also suffers from allergies to dander.  Called the “truffle dog” in Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo is an endearing canine that looks a lot like a stuffed teddy bear but is devoted, intelligent, active, and strong. What’s genuinely interesting is that their hair looks, feels, and behaves more like human hair than dog hair.

14. Irish Water Spaniel

Like other water spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel is a huge fan of the water and was always bred to be in and around it. These are the tallest water dogs and excellent swimmers, as you might imagine. They are also inquisitive and hard-working dogs that can be affectionate, love children, and only bark occasionally. In short, they make great hypoallergenic dogs for people who are adopting for the first time and have allergies.

How to Choose a Hypoallergenic Dog

If you have allergies that make it difficult to be around most dogs but still want a furry canine companion to keep you company, you’ll need a hypoallergenic breed like the ones on this list. The question is, which one should you choose? Some dogs, even though they’re hypoallergenic, might not be compatible with your living situation and lifestyle.

For example, if you’re a single senior citizen, adopting a Labradoodle might not be the best choice because they’re so large. If you have small children at home, some of the hypoallergenic dogs on this list will be perfect, while others will not. Here are a few factors to remember when adopting a hypoallergenic dog.

Size

The size of your new puppy might not be easy to determine at first, but if it’s a large breed, you can expect a large dog and vice versa. Hypoallergenic or not, the dog you adopt should be the right size for your lifestyle and living situation.

Energy Level

If you’re young or have kids at home, the energy level of the dog you adopt should be high. Conversely, seniors and folks who are away a lot should look for a dog that does well alone and doesn’t need constant activity to stay happy and healthy.

Adaptability to Living Quarters

This factor comes into play if, for example, you live in a small apartment or an RV. Some dogs adapt quickly and easily to their new living quarters, while others have a more difficult time, especially big dogs.

Friendliness

Although most people wouldn’t want an unfriendly dog, some of the dogs on this list are more affectionate and friendly than others, especially to strangers. If you have people constantly coming and going, a dog that can deal with that in a fun, friendly and non-aggressive way is best.

Barking Frequency

This last factor is a problem with almost all dogs save the Basenji, and small dogs tend to bark more than large dogs. In a situation where barking could cause stress or issues, a breed that barks less (or can be trained to bark less) is always best.

Methods to Minimize Your Allergic Reaction to Dogs

If you’re looking to minimize your allergic reaction to your pup, here are a few methods to help you:

Conclusion

Did you see a dog on this list that made your heart swoon? We hope you did and now have the information that you need to decide which hypoallergenic dog to adopt. Remember that even if they’re known as “hypoallergenic,” all dogs make some dander, and some make more than others.

If you’re very sensitive, you should take your time choosing so you don’t run into a situation that makes your life miserable. Having to give your dog away because they cause your allergies to flare up would be heartbreaking. We wish you the best of luck finding the right dog that will make your life more enjoyable and keep your sniffling and sneezing to an absolute minimum!

Featured Image Credit: Lynda McFaul, Shutterstock