Top 10 Low-Maintenance Hypoallergenic Dogs

If you have mild pet allergies and don’t have much time to look after a dog, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a dog as your best friend. There are countless low-maintenance dogs that come with a hypoallergenic coat.

In this article, we’ll list hypoallergenic dogs that require little care from their owners in terms of exercise, grooming, mental stimulation, and other needs. These dog breeds are the best match for individuals and families with limited time to care for a dog. 

What Makes a Dog Low-Maintenance?

All dogs require an owner who’s involved in their life. However, some need less care than others. Below, you’ll find some of the top reasons that make dogs low-maintenance. 

While some of these points are subjective, depending on your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a dog, they are generally accepted when it comes to determining whether a breed is low-maintenance.

• Exercise Needs: Exercise is the leading point that makes a dog low-maintenance for most owners. Since dogs are active animals that need some form of physical activity every day, it takes up a good portion of the owner’s time. Therefore, low-maintenance dogs tend to have minimal exercise needs.
• Grooming: Grooming is another important care need that dog owners need to attend. Some dogs need to be brushed every day, while others only require one quick brushing a week. However, most dog breeds with low grooming needs aren’t hypoallergenic, so there are only a handful of low-maintenance hypoallergenic dogs that stand out in this regard.
• Temperament: Dog breeds that don’t demand constant attention to entertain themselves tend to be more low-maintenance than others that crave their owner’s attention at all times. Also, dogs with an eager-to-please personality that pick up new commands quickly usually require less maintenance than those that take time in training.
• Health: Lastly, dogs with fewer genetic health problems are considered low-maintenance, as they don’t need frequent vet visits and medical care.

Additionally, how compatible you are with the dog you’re bringing into your life also matters. For example, dog breeds that require intense exercise won’t be any more high maintenance for individuals living an active life who can take their dogs with them on adventures. Therefore, it is important to consider the qualities of the dog breeds you’re interested in to ensure you find the right match.

What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?

Although no dog is truly hypoallergenic, there are dog breeds with certain characteristics that are known to produce less dander, making them easier on people’s allergies. Just as we listed what makes a dog low-maintenance, here are key points that make a dog breed considered hypoallergenic.

• Coat Type and Texture: Hypoallergenic dogs typically lack an undercoat and have hair instead of fur. Many hypoallergenic dogs also have a curly coat texture that traps dander and hair, minimizing the allergens they release further.
• Low Shedding: There are also dog breeds that have an undercoat but shed minimally. Although these dogs aren’t technically hypoallergenic, as their coat sheds and releases dander into the environment, they do it so little that it often goes unnoticed by people with allergies.
• No Drooling: Since dog saliva contains proteins that trigger allergies, hypoallergenic dogs slobber less.

Regularly brushing your dog, investing in an air purifier, and limiting your dog’s access to the bedroom or other areas where you spend most of your time can help ease allergies. Doing these will further help those with pet allergies live with a dog.

Low-Maintenance Hypoallergenic Dogs List

Below, you’ll get to know ten hypoallergenic dog breeds that are low-maintenance. While some of these breeds may be the opposite of low-maintenance in one or two areas depending on your lifestyle and preferences, you’ll find others that suit your life perfectly and become a less demanding companion.

1) Yorkshire Terrier

Size: 7 to 8 inches / Under 7 pounds

Grooming Needs: Moderate

Yorkshire terriers are among the most popular companion dogs. These tiny dogs have a character much bigger than their size, and they are affectionate and playful. Yorkies enjoy spending time with their family more than anything else and won’t complain much as long as their favorite people are present for most of the day.

The long, silky coat of the Yorkie requires special attention, though the grooming needs of this breed aren’t intense. Brushing the coat two to three times a week is enough to maintain the coat. With minimal exercise and mental stimulation needs, the Yorkshire terrier is an excellent low-maintenance hypoallergenic dog for anyone looking for a small, toy-sized companion.

2) Lagotto Romagnolo

Size: 16 to 19 inches / 24 to 35 pounds

Grooming Needs: Low to Moderate

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a rare breed in the US, but their low-maintenance hypoallergenic coat contributes to their popularity steadily growing. This ancient Italian breed descended from water dogs, is renowned for their keen sense of smell, which earned them the nickname truffle dogs.

Lagotto Romagnolos are an excellent companion for those that can provide the mental stimulation this dog breed needs. These dogs particularly enjoy scent work and excel in any task that requires them to use their nose. If you can provide the engagement a Lagotto Romagnolo craves, you’ll have a low-maintenance dog that doesn’t demand much.

3) Afghan Hound

Size: 25 to 27 inches / 50 to 60 pounds

Grooming Needs: Moderate to High

The Afghan hound is an ancient dog breed that hides an athletic body under all that majestic fur. These dogs are well-known for their character as much as their coats, standing out with their strong-willed, self-confident personalities. While the coat takes some work, requiring a thorough brushing three times a week, the Afghan hound is low-maintenance in other regards.

This breed doesn’t have intense exercise needs, and their independent personality doesn’t make them demand constant attention. They are content with what they have and don’t require someone to be by their side all the time. Still, it is recommended that an Afghan hound isn’t left alone for longer than six hours a day.

4) Miniature Schnauzer

Size: 12 to 14 inches / 11 to 20 pounds

Grooming Needs: Moderate to High

Miniature schnauzers are active little dogs that require a bit more exercise than the breeds mentioned so far. They need to be walked for at least 45 minutes a day and thrive when given opportunities for playtime regularly throughout the day. The wiry coat of the miniature schnauzer needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent tangles. 

This breed also requires professional grooming every six to eight weeks. While the grooming and exercise needs are slightly more extensive, the miniature schnauzer is overall an easy-going breed that adapts to their owner’s lifestyle. As long as their basic needs are met, you won’t find the miniature schnauzer to be taking up too much space in your life.

5) Maltese

Size: 7 to 9 inches / Under 7 pounds

Grooming Needs: High

The Maltese is a toy-sized companion breed with a big heart that spreads positivity in their owner’s life. They are loving little dogs that enjoy spending time with their owner. If you’re home for most parts of the day or can take your dog with you wherever you go, you’ll find the Maltese to be an excellent companion that demands your attention and love the most.

The high grooming needs that require daily brushing and occasional professional grooming can make many doubt whether or not a Maltese is the right dog breed. However, their low exercise needs, small size, and loving personality make them an excellent choice for individuals and families looking for a small, loving companion.

6) West Highland White Terrier

Size: 10 to 11 inches / 15 to 20 pounds

Grooming Needs: High

Appearing similar to the Maltese, the West Highland white terrier is a distinct dog breed with many quirks. They are terriers at heart and act accordingly in many situations, never backing down and never shy to show what they are all about dogs to twice their size. If you’re an experienced owner, this breed can make an ideal low-maintenance breed choice.

Again, like the Maltese, the West Highland white terrier has high grooming needs that require daily brushing. They also require professional grooming every eight weeks or so. If you’re up for brushing this breed daily, however, you won’t have significant challenges in other regards, especially if you find a Westie with a calm temperament. 

7) Shih Tzu

Size: 9 to 11 inches / 9-16 pounds

Grooming Needs: Moderate to High

The shih tzu is yet another small dog breed, though not as tiny as the Yorkie or the Maltese, that enjoys nothing more than spending time with their favorite people. They are friendly dogs that get along well with everyone, including other pets in the family, from cats and dogs to small prey animals like hamsters and guinea pigs.

Like many other hypoallergenic dogs, the shih tzu needs regular brushing to prevent mats and requires trips to a professional groomer every other month. If these won’t be an issue, the low exercise needs, happy personality, and the adaptability of the shih tzu will make this breed an excellent low-maintenance, hypoallergenic breed choice.

8) Portuguese Water Dog

Size: 17 to 23 inches / 35 to 60 pounds

Grooming Needs: Low to Moderate

The Portuguese water dog is an active breed that requires more physical activity than grooming compared to other hypoallergenic dogs mentioned so far. Like every dog, their coat requires care but not intensely – brushing a Portuguese water dog a few times a week is typically enough to maintain their coat. 

These dogs make excellent companions for those living near a body of water for their dog to swim, which the Portuguese water dog excels at. If you can provide the exercise needs these dogs have, preferably through regular water activities, the Portuguese water dog will make an excellent companion that won’t demand too much.

9) Havanese

Size: 8.5 to 11.5 inches / 7-13 pounds

Grooming Needs: Moderate

The Havanese is a charming little breed with adorable expressions. The soft, silky coat of this breed requires regular grooming that involves brushing every three to four weeks and haircuts every six to eight weeks.

Besides coat care, the Havanese don’t have demanding care needs. They only need to be walked for 20 to 30 minutes a day. These dogs also adapt well to their owner’s life and have an eager-to-please personality that makes them easy to train. With these traits, the Havanese is an ideal choice for first-time owners looking for a low-maintenance, hypoallergenic dog.

10) Poodle Mixes

Size: Varies 

Grooming Needs: Moderate to High

Those looking for a hypoallergenic and low-maintenance dog can also consider poodle mixes. Although there are plenty of poodle mixes that aren’t as hypoallergenic as the breeds mentioned in this list, many, particularly those backcrossed to a purebred poodle, are proven to make a good match for allergy sufferers.

They come in various sizes and temperaments; there’s a poodle mix for everyone, from the small Maltipoo and cavapoo to the goldendoodle and giant Bernedoodle. If you want to adopt a particular breed but allergies are holding you back, you can find a poodle mix that will have many of the same characteristics but with a hypoallergenic coat. For example, you can add a Labradoodle into your life if you want to have a Labrador retriever.

Find the Best Low-Maintenance Hypoallergenic Dog for You

While our article can be a useful starting point, it is important to note that what we’ve discussed alone won’t be enough to find the right dog for you. There’s a lot more that goes into picking a dog breed than simply how low-maintenance and hypoallergenic they are.

When choosing a dog, make sure to research the breed thoroughly to ensure you make the right choice. If you’re interested in learning more about the low-maintenance hypoallergenic dogs listed in our article, search for them on our dog breeds page to get to know them better.