14 Great Hypoallergenic Dogs For First-Time Dog Owners

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

If you’re a person who loves dogs but can’t stand being around them because you have allergies, the information below is for you. We’ll examine 15 hypoallergenic dogs that are great for a first-time dog owner! These dogs usually cause fewer allergic reactions in those who have allergies because they have hair rather than fur.

Top 14 Hypoallergenic Dogs For First-Time Dog Owners

1. Poodles

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 they get along well with everyone and other pets. They are also easy to train, thanks to their high level of intelligence and low level of stubbornness. And, of course, Poodles are hypoallergenic.

2. Maltese

As ancient dogs that have been around for centuries, Maltese are tiny, affectionate, and energetic dogs that are usually easy to train. They tend to live long lives, are charming to a fault, and have a coat that, while hypoallergenic, is incredibly long and lovely. These are fearless dogs, also, as well as being 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 very social. That can be problematic as the Brussels Griffon has a lot of issues with separation anxiety. They also tend to be very 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 (thus the name), the Havanese is a small dog with a huge personality. They make excellent watchdogs, even though tiny, but thankfully don’t bark so much as to be a problem. Like all the dogs on our 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 Poodle and Labrador Retriever, the Labradoodle is a fun, energetic, intelligent, playful, and affectionate dog. These are dogs meant to be with family and love everyone, including other pets and kids. Labradoodles are always happy, 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 it barks very infrequently. They are intelligent dogs and will let you know what they’re thinking and feeling using other methods. Basenjis need a lot of activity to stay healthy and happy and are a poised and proper breed that is highly resourceful. They are also among the most graceful dogs in looks and mannerisms.

9. Bichon Frise

There are few dogs with 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 and make poor watchdogs for that reason. Like the other dogs we’ve seen today, the Bichon Frise sheds very 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 but also loyal, canny, and devoted. Although they have a double coat, they shed less than most dogs, although they need more grooming than some of the other hypoallergenic pups. They are very 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. That’s because 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, 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 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 very 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 dog like the ones on our list. The question is, which one should you choose? Some dogs, even though 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 we’ve seen today will be perfect, while others will not. Below 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. On the other hand, 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 our 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, although smaller dogs tend to bark more than larger 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 for a few methods to help you minimize your allergic reaction to your pup, here are some for you below:

Final Thoughts

Did you see a dog on our list that made your heart swoon? We hope you did and now have the information 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 that you don’t run into a situation that makes your life miserable. Let’s face it, having to give your dog away because it causes your allergies to flare up would be heartbreaking. Best of luck finding the right dog to make your life more enjoyable and keep your sniffling and sneezing to an absolute minimum!

Featured Image Credit: Lynda McFaul, Shutterstock