The Top 10 Best Dogs for Seniors with Allergies

With up to 20% of people in Western countries allergic to dogs, finding the right pet can be challenging—especially for seniors looking for companionship.

Luckily, many ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs shed less and produce less dander, making them great options for allergy sufferers.

Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance lap dog, an affectionate companion for apartment living, or an energetic partner for daily exercise, this list has you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Many hypoallergenic dogs shed less and produce less dander, making them great options for seniors with pet allergies.
• Small hypoallergenic breeds like Poodles, Bichon Frise, and Maltese are affectionate companions that thrive in apartments and low-energy lifestyles.
• Some hypoallergenic dogs, like Miniature Schnauzers and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, require regular grooming but adapt well to different living situations.
• Mobility solutions like stair lifts, ramps, and home elevators help seniors stay independent and enjoy life with their pets.

1. Poodle (Toy, Miniature, or Standard) 

Poodles are one of the best hypoallergenic dogs for older people. Their non-shedding, curly coat helps trap allergens, making them a great option for allergy sufferers. Highly trainable and intelligent, they are adaptable to various activity levels.

Toy and miniature poodles are especially well-suited for apartment living, while standard poodles require more space and daily exercise. However, they do require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat in top shape.

2. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small dog known for its cheerful personality and silky coat that doesn’t shed much, making it an excellent choice for pet allergies. These hypoallergenic dog breeds thrive in apartment living and are affectionate companions for older adults.

They love playtime but don’t have high-energy needs, making them easy to manage. Their regular grooming needs include brushing to prevent tangles, but their small size makes this task simple.

3. Maltese

For those looking for a lap dog, the Maltese is an excellent choice. This smaller breed is known for its long, silky coat, which requires regular grooming but sheds very little.

They are affectionate, thrive on companionship, and enjoy being carried and cuddled. With low-maintenance activity needs, they’re perfect for dog owners who prefer a relaxed pet.

4. Miniature Schnauzer

A Miniature Schnauzer is a fantastic option for older people looking for a hypoallergenic dog. With a short coat that doesn’t shed much, this trainable and friendly breed is easy to care for.

While they are energetic, they can adapt to a more relaxed activity level, making them great for seniors.

Minimal grooming is required compared to other breeds, and their watchdog tendencies make them excellent companions for those living alone.

5. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small dog that was originally bred as a lap dog, making it perfect for older adults seeking an affectionate pet. Their non-shedding coat requires regular brushing to stay tangle-free, but they don’t need much daily exercise.

While they enjoy playtime, they are not overly energetic, making them great for apartment living.

6. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are one of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds due to their silky coat, which closely resembles human hair. These small dogs are packed with personality and are well-suited for apartment living.

They have a high-energy nature and love playtime, but their small size makes them easy to handle.

Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat, but their affectionate nature makes them a great companion for seniors.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate spaniel that is easygoing and well-suited for older adults.

Their short coat needs regular brushing to reduce allergens, but they require minimal grooming compared to other breeds. They enjoy playtime and cuddling, making them a well-balanced choice for seniors.

With an adaptable energy level, they can fit into various lifestyles, whether active or more relaxed.

8. Chinese Crested

For those looking for a hairless dog, the Chinese Crested is an excellent choice. They produce less dander than most dog breeds, making them perfect for seniors with pet allergies. With minimal grooming required for the hairless variety, they are one of the easiest hypoallergenic dogs to maintain.

Their affectionate personality and low exercise needs make them ideal for older adults looking for a unique, loving pet.

9. Portuguese Water Dog

Active seniors may enjoy the Portuguese Water Dog, a high-energy breed with a curly coat that helps reduce shedding. This breed loves daily exercise and is highly trainable, making it a great match for dog owners who enjoy the outdoors.

Their protective and affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions, but they do require regular grooming to maintain their coat’s health.

10. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a great companion for older adults with pet allergies. Their silky coat sheds very little but requires regular brushing to stay clean and tangle-free. With a medium energy level, they enjoy playtime but are not overly hyper, making them a balanced choice for seniors.

While they need professional grooming every few months, they are an affectionate and friendly breed that adapts well to different living situations.

Stay Active and Independent with the Perfect Canine Friend

At California Mobility, we understand how important it is to stay comfortable and independent in your own home—just like choosing the right hypoallergenic dog for your lifestyle and avoiding the wrong breed for your allergies.

If mobility challenges are making it difficult to care for your furry friend, we’re here to help. We offer stair lifts, ramps, and home elevators designed to make your home safer and more accessible, so you can focus on enjoying life with your pet—without the worry of navigating stairs or uneven surfaces.

Contact us today to see how our mobility solutions can help you stay independent!