Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Apartments

If you live in an apartment and suffer from allergies, finding the right dog can be tricky. Many breeds shed excessively or produce dander, triggering allergic reactions. Fortunately, several hypoallergenic dog breeds are perfect for small spaces—they shed minimally, produce less dander, and adapt well to apartment living.

What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?

No dog is 100% allergen-free, but hypoallergenic breeds produce fewer allergens because:

• Low shedding – Less hair means less dander (dead skin cells).
• Non-drooling – Saliva can carry allergens.
• Single-coated – Double-coated dogs shed more.

Now, let’s look at the best breeds for apartment dwellers with allergies.

10 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Apartments

Bichon Frise

• Size: Small (7-12 lbs)
• Shedding: Minimal
• Temperament: Playful, affectionate, great with kids
• Grooming Needs: Regular brushing & professional grooming every 4-6 weeks

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
Bichons are adaptable, quiet, and don’t need much exercise, making them ideal for small spaces.

Poodle (Toy & Miniature)

• Size: Toy (4-6 lbs), Miniature (10-15 lbs)
• Shedding: Almost none
• Temperament: Intelligent, trainable, friendly
• Grooming Needs: High (requires frequent trims)

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
Poodles are highly trainable, low-shedding, and come in small sizes, perfect for apartments.

Shih Tzu

• Size: Small (9-16 lbs)
• Shedding: Minimal
• Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, good with families
• Grooming Needs: Daily brushing to prevent mats

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
Shih Tzus are calm, quiet, and don’t need much exercise, making them excellent apartment companions.

Maltese

• Size: Tiny (4-7 lbs)
• Shedding: Almost none
• Temperament: Sweet, loyal, loves cuddles
• Grooming Needs: Daily brushing to avoid tangles

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
Maltese dogs are tiny, low-energy, and great for lap-loving owners in small spaces.

Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)

• Size: Small (4-7 lbs)
• Shedding: Minimal
• Temperament: Bold, energetic, loyal
• Grooming Needs: Regular brushing & trims

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
Yorkies are small, adaptable, and don’t need a yard, thriving in apartments with short walks.

Schnauzer (Miniature)

• Size: Small (11-20 lbs)
• Shedding: Very low
• Temperament: Smart, alert, good watchdog
• Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing & occasional stripping

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
Mini Schnauzers are lively but don’t shed much, making them great for allergy sufferers.

Havanese

• Size: Small (7-13 lbs)
• Shedding: Minimal
• Temperament: Cheerful, social, loves people
• Grooming Needs: Daily brushing to prevent mats

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
Havanese dogs are friendly, quiet, and adapt well to indoor living.

Portuguese Water Dog

• Size: Medium (35-60 lbs)
• Shedding: Very low
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, loves water
• Grooming Needs: Regular brushing & professional grooming

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
If you want a larger hypoallergenic breed, Portuguese Water Dogs are active but manageable in apartments with enough exercise.

Basenji

• Size: Small (22-24 lbs)
• Shedding: Minimal
• Temperament: Independent, quiet (doesn’t bark much)
• Grooming Needs: Low (short coat)

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
Basenjis are clean, cat-like dogs that don’t bark, perfect for noise-sensitive buildings.

Chinese Crested (Hairless & Powderpuff)

• Size: Small (8-12 lbs)
• Shedding: None (Hairless) / Minimal (Powderpuff)
• Temperament: Affectionate, playful, great for allergy sufferers
• Grooming Needs: Hairless needs sunscreen; Powderpuff needs brushing

Why They’re Great for Apartments:
The hairless variety is ideal for extreme allergy sufferers, while the Powderpuff is a low-shedding alternative.

Tips for Reducing Allergens in Your Apartment

Even with a hypoallergenic dog, follow these tips to minimize allergens:
✔ Use a HEPA air purifier – Removes dander from the air.
✔ Wash bedding weekly – Reduces accumulated pet hair.
✔ Groom your dog regularly – Bathing & brushing prevent dander buildup.
✔ Vacuum with a pet-friendly vacuum – Helps eliminate hidden allergens.
✔ Designate pet-free zones – Keep bedrooms or furniture off-limits if allergies are severe.

FAQs About Hypoallergenic Dogs for Apartments

Q: What is the #1 best hypoallergenic dog for apartments?

A: The Bichon Frise and Poodle (Toy/Miniature) are top choices due to their minimal shedding, small size, and adaptability.

Q: Do hypoallergenic dogs smell less?

A: Not necessarily—some still produce oils that cause odor. Regular grooming helps.

Q: Can large hypoallergenic dogs live in apartments?

A: Yes! Breeds like Portuguese Water Dogs and Standard Poodles can adapt if given enough exercise.

Q: Are hypoallergenic dogs more expensive?

A: Often, yes—due to breeding demand. Consider adoption from shelters specializing in these breeds.

Choosing a hypoallergenic dog for an apartment requires balancing low shedding, size, and temperament. The breeds listed above are excellent options for allergy sufferers who want a furry companion without constant sneezing.

Best Overall Picks:

• For small spaces: Bichon Frise, Maltese, Shih Tzu
• For active owners: Mini Schnauzer, Basenji
• For those wanting a larger dog: Portuguese Water Dog