Best Hypoallergenic Dogs
Our expert-curated list of the best hypoallergenic dogs in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best hypoallergenic dogs evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Poodle
The Poodle earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Germany, this medium-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 40–70 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from England, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 4–7 lbs and lives 11–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 11–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Germany, this small-sized breed from the Terrier group weighs 11–20 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from China, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 9–16 lbs and lives 10–18 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 10–18 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Havanese
The Havanese earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Cuba, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 14–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 14–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Maltese
The Maltese earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Malta, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 4–7 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$3000
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from France, this small-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 12–18 lbs and lives 14–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 14–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Portugal, this medium-sized breed from the Working group weighs 35–60 lbs and lives 11–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 11–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $2000–$3000
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from China, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 8–12 lbs and lives 13–18 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 13–18 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from France, this small-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 10–15 lbs and lives 10–18 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 10–18 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1000–$2500