Living with a high-shedding Labrabull after growing up with a hypoallergenic Westie has given me a first hand lesson in the benefits of hypoallergenic dogs even for non-allergy sufferers – namely not having to vacuum every day or worry about the house smelling like a dog.
If someone in your family is allergic to dogs or you just don’t want to deal with dog hair, hypoallergenic dogs are the best and maybe only option when it comes to bringing a four legged friend into your home.
With that in mind, I have put together a list of 24 hypoallergenic terrier breeds for you to consider.
For the purposes of this list, I’ve left out mixed breeds and only included purebred breeds.
But first, let’s define what it means to be a hypoallergenic dog.
What Makes A Dog Hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic dogs are dogs that do not cause an allergic reaction in people with allergies. There are three things that make a dog hypoallergenic: minimal shedding, minimal dander, and minimal drooling.
There are also certain traits in some dogs that make them more hypoallergenic, such as having a wiry or curly coat.
While there is no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic dog, there are some breeds that produce less allergens than others and can make it easier for those with allergies to live comfortably with a dog.
Additionally, regular brushing and bathing with anti-allergen shampoo can help reduce the amount of irritants that your dog produces.
In addition to being easier on those with allergies, pros of hypoallergenic dogs include less dog hair to clean up and less of a “dog smell.”
If you’re looking for a furry friend but want to avoid triggering your allergies, from Airedales to Yorkies, check out these 24 terrier breeds that are known for being hypoallergenic.
- Airedale Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
- Australian Terrier
- Bedlington Terrier
- Biewer Terrier
- Border Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Cesky Terrier
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Irish Terrier
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Lakeland Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Silky Terrier
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Tibetan Terrier
- Welsh Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
- Wire Fox Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
1. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier breed has a single layer coat with no undercoat, making it less likely to produce allergens and easier for those with allergies to live with it.
Airedales are also known for being intelligent and active, making them the perfect dog for someone who loves the outdoors. They can be easily trained and are loyal companions.
This breed may require regular brushing to keep its coat in good condition, but overall they are a great choice for anyone looking for a hypoallergenic pet.
2. American Hairless Terrier
American Hairless Terriers do not have any fur at all, making them an ideal choice for those with allergies.
Furthermore, they are known for being energetic and intelligent, and can be trained easily to be obedient. They are also social and loving companions who enjoy spending time with their owners.
Regular baths and grooming are necessary to keep their skin free of allergens and healthy. All in all, the American Hairless Terrier is a great choice for someone looking for a hypoallergenic pet.
3. Australian Terrier
The low shedding Australian Terrier makes a great choice for those with allergies.
They are also known for being smart, active and spirited. This breed only requires occasional grooming and brushing to keep its coat healthy and clean.
Australian Terriers make great companions who will love spending time with their owners and require little maintenance.
4. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers have a unique coat that is soft and curly, similar to that of a lamb. They do not shed much hair, which reduces the amount of allergens that they release into the air.
The Bedlington Terrier is known for its intelligence and good-natured character. Furthermore, they are active and playful, and make great companions who will respond well to training.
Regular brushing and grooming are necessary to keep their coat in top condition. Overall, the Bedlington Terrier is a wonderful choice for people looking for a hypoallergenic pet that is smart and easy to care for.
5. Biewer Terrier
Like some other hypoallergenic dog breeds, Biewer Terriers have hair instead of fur. This means that they shed less dander and hair, which can reduce the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction in people with dog allergies.
In addition to their hypoallergenic qualities, Biewer Terriers are also known for their playful and friendly personalities. They are small in size, making them a good choice for people who live in apartments or small homes.
Biewer Terriers are also known for their loyalty to their owners and their ability to form strong bonds with humans.
6. Border Terrier
Border Terriers have a wiry and dense coat that sheds very little and produces minimal dander. This can be beneficial for people who are allergic to dogs, as it may reduce the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction.
Border Terriers are highly active and playful dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, and can make great family pets.
7. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are a great choice for those seeking an allergy-friendly pup as they feature minimal shedding.
The breed is known for its spirited, independent nature, as well as its intelligence and friendly disposition. It requires regular grooming to keep its coat in top condition, but other than that the Cairn Terrier needs very little maintenance.
With proper socialization and training, the Cairn Terrier will be a loving companion that will bring joy into the home of allergy sufferers.
8. Cesky Terrier
The Cesky Terrier is a rare breed with only about 600 living in the United States.
Cesky Terriers have a fine, silky coat. Their coat is hypoallergenic and produces less dander than other breeds.
Cesky Terriers are also known for their friendly and sociable personalities. They are typically easy to train and make great family pets. They are also known for being loyal to their owners and getting along well with children and other pets.
9. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is an affectionate, loyal dog breed that has gained popularity in recent years.
This small, hypoallergenic breed of dog loves to play and loves its owners unconditionally. Not only is it good with children and other animals, but it also requires minimal grooming and maintenance.
With its shaggy coat and distinct coloring, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a great addition to any home.
10. Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a strong, intelligent breed of dog that has earned itself the nickname “daredevil.” Despite its ferocity in the wild, the Irish Terrier is a loyal companion and an affectionate family pet.
This medium-sized breed has wiry fur that is resistant to dirt and needs minimal grooming. Its size makes it good for apartment living, as well as an ideal option for those with allergies.
11. Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers have a unique blue coat that is soft, dense, and curly. They are considered low-shedding dogs which reduces the amount of allergens they release into the air.
Additionally, this breed that is known for its fun and playful personality. They are very intelligent and learn quickly when properly trained. With its loyal and affectionate nature, this unique breed will bring joy into any home.
12. Lakeland Terrier
Lakeland Terriers have a dense, wiry double coat that traps allergens in instead of releasing them into the air and around your home.
Lakeland Terriers are active and affectionate dogs that can make great family pets. They are also known for their intelligence, playfulness, and high energy levels.
In addition to being an excellent family pet, the Lakeland Terrier is also very trainable and eager to learn new tricks.
13. Miniature Schnauzer
Despite terrier not being in its name, the Miniature Schnauzer is considered to be a terrier by most experts. With a coat that may look wild depending on how they are groomed, the Miniature Schnauzer is surprisingly low-maintenance.
Not only do they have minimal shedding and hypoallergenic fur, but this smart little breed boasts quick intelligence – making them highly trainable.
Miniature Schnauzers need plenty of exercise both mentally and physically to stay happy, but they are a loyal dog happy to be part of any family.
14. Norfolk Terrier
Norfolk Terriers have a unique coat that is wiry and hard, and they do not shed much hair.
Their easy-going nature also makes them a popular choice for families, as they are loyal, amiable towards children and other animals in the house.
This beloved breed is sure to bring plenty of affection and joy into your household with its cheerful disposition.
15. Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier is a little, happy breed of dog with a wiry coat and mischievous expression. This hypoallergenic breed requires minimal grooming and produces little to no dander.
Despite its small size, the Norwich Terrier is high-energy and full of life, making them an excellent choice for active households.
Furthermore, these dogs are smart and tend to bond closely with their owners.
16. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a small, independent breed of dog with a distinctive beard and shaggy coat. Despite its long fur, the Scottish Terrier is considered hypoallergenic because it produces less dander and sheds less than most breeds.
This breed is known to be bright and mischievous, making them quite fun to be around. Scottish Terriers usually form strong bonds with their owners and thrive in an active environment with plenty of opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation.
17. Sealyham Terrier
The Sealyham Terrier is a small, friendly breed of dog with a wiry coat and vibrant personality. Its low-maintenance coat and lack of dander makes it a viable option for families with a dog allergy.
This Sealyham Terrier is known to be alert and loyal, making them an excellent guard dog as well as a loving family pet. They are also known for their intelligence, allowing them to be easily trained.
18. Silky Terrier
The Silky Terrier is a small, alert breed of dog with long, silky fur and an affectionate personality. Despite its long coat, the Silky Terrier requires minimal grooming and sheds very little.
This hypoallergenic breed is known to be both independent and loyal. They form strong bonds with their owners and thrives in an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise and mental challenges to keep it engaged.
19. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, friendly breed of dog with a silky, wavy coat and an outgoing personality.
Boasting minimal grooming needs and little dander, this hypoallergenic breed is a good option for anyone with allergies.
Intelligent and loyal companions with an easy-going nature, these spirited dogs are great guard dogs while also providing plenty of affection.
20. Tibetan Terrier
Surprisingly, the Tibetan Terrier’s distinctive, long coats does not shed much hair – making them a strong option for those looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
They are beloved for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them the perfect family pet. They’re relatively easy to train and show immense loyalty towards their owners – not only that but they tend to get along exceptionally well with children as well as other pets in a household.
21. Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier is a charming breed of dog with an independent streak. Its unique wiry coat may appear unruly, but grooming needs are minimal and it is considered to be a low-shedding breed.
While they are independent thinkers, they are not content to just sit on the sidelines. The high-energy Welsh Terrier is a playful and intrepid breed with a strong devotion to their owners.
22. West Highland White Terrier
My personal favorite, the West Highland White Terrier, is a small breed of dog with a thick white coat and an independent spirit.
Westies may appear high-maintenance with their striking white coats, but they are actually relatively undemanding when it comes to grooming – and there’s no need for the lint roller as they shed very little.
Known for being curious and stubborn, my Westie wandered out of the yard on more than one occasion following her nose to wherever it led her.
With their spunky personality, West Highland Terriers will bring plenty of smiles into any household.
23. Wire Fox Terrier
Wire Fox Terriers are small to medium size dogs that have a wiry coat that hardly sheds. They have a long, narrow muzzle and alert, expressive eyes that give them a lively and curious look.
Athletic and agile, Wire Fox Terriers are well-suited for activities like flyball, agility training, and other dog sports.
Confident, active and spirited, they make great family pets and playmates for children.
24. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are small, lovable dogs with a glossy, silky coat that sheds very little hair.
Their coat can be kept long or cut short depending on their owner’s preference, but if you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog it is best kept short.
Yorkies are high-energy, smart dogs. They make great pets for families with older children and are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size as long as they get their daily exercise.
Hypoallergenic Terriers Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve found this list of hypoallergenic terriers helpful. While no dog is 100% completely allergy-proof, the above terrier breeds can make living with pets much easier for allergy sufferers.
If you are considering adopting one of the above breeds, it’s still a good idea to spend some time with them before committing to the adoption. If you are looking at a shelter dog, you may be able to foster the dog before adopting them. This will help you figure out whether they will trigger your allergies or not.
I wish you the best of luck in finding your new best friend who won’t make your eyes water!