Hypoallergenic Miniature Dogs

There are dozens of dog breeds that are advertised as "hypoallergenic." Many of these have coats made up mostly of hair instead of fur or are basically hairless. Unfortunately what many people are allergic to is actually dander, not fur, and that can be found in skin and body fluids even in hairless dogs. But some dog breeds produce less dander than others and are less likely to cause allergy outbreaks in humans. While only two of these breeds are actually called "miniatures," there are several more that are small enough to be considered in the same category.

  1. Miniature Schnauzer

    • Like their larger schnauzer cousins, miniature schnauzers are extremely intelligent, affectionate with adults and children and have playful personalities. They weigh from 10 to 15 pounds and reach only 12 to 14 inches in height (at the shoulder). Though they can be kept indoors and in apartments, they are high energy dogs and need a lot of activity during the day.

    Miniature Poodle

    • Weighing in at 15 to 17 pounds and measuring 11 to 15 inches in height, the miniature poodle is not the smallest type of poodle (that would be the toy variety). But like all of the sizes of the breed, they are intelligent, easy to train and happy to live as companion animals. They too can live indoors most of the time but need regular activity to burn off their abundance of energy.

    Bichon Frise

    • Bichon Frises have a coat that is often specifically advertised as hypoallergenic. It is fluffy and white, giving them the appearance of a large cotton ball. They weigh only 7 to 12 pounds and measure 9 to 12 inches in height. Though they are small, they are also sturdy and bold and need regular exercise to keep from becoming destructive.

    Chinese Crested

    • There are two types of Chinese Crested dogs: one with almost no hair except on the head, tail and feet and one with a long, full body coat. Both types weigh around 10 pounds and stand, on average, 12 inches in height. They are very lovable and good with children but are sometimes hyper-alert which leads to nervousness in strange situations.

    Shih-Tzu

    • Shih-Tzus have a double coat of long, flowing hair. The can weigh from 9 to 16 pounds and stand around 11 inches high (at the shoulder). They are very lively and active and need regular exercise but should be mostly kept indoors as they can be intolerant of extremes in temperature.

    Yorkshire Terrier

    • One of the smallest "miniature" hypoallergenic breeds, Yorkshire terriers, often called "Yorkies," weigh only around 7 pounds and measure 6 to 7 inches at adult size. They are very bold for their small stature, as well as clever, loyal and energetic. They should be kept indoors as they are sensitive to cold and extreme heat.