Don't be fooled by any marketing slogan: unless you get a completely hairless dog, your dog will shed. Most people who are allergic to dogs are allergic to dander (skin particles), so having a dog that sheds less than others is not always beneficial in this regard, either.
There are breeds that shed significantly less than others and many of these breeds are tolerable to those with allergies to most dogs. Most dogs that shed less on your couch and clothes are more likely to get matted, so they need regular attention and/or a professional groomer.
If you or someone in your family is allergic to dogs, experiment before committing to a dog. After finding a breed that you're interested in, spend some time at the house of a breeder or a person who has several of these dogs (and preferably no other breeds). If your allergies do not act up after spending significant time around dogs of this breed, it's a good bet that it will be a good fit for your allergies. If you found an adult dog at a shelter that you're interested in, spend a half hour or so in a closed car with that dog. If you do not develop any allergic reaction, you will probably be OK to live with this dog.
Be especially careful with puppies, however, since puppies are often not as allergenic as they become when adults. If someone in your family is allergic to dogs, it is probably best not to get a mixed breed puppy. Even if you spend some time with an adult dog of the same mix (i.e., if they're both Poodle/Labrador mixes), each dog of a mixed breed is different and there's no assurance that any one dog will inherit the same type of coat or skin. If you don't want the possibility of having to give up your puppy when he grows up, people with dog allergies shouldn't get a mixed breed puppy.
These low-shedding breeds usually fall into three categories: Those that shed into their coat (often curly coated breeds), wire-coated breeds and hairless breeds.
The list below represents good choices for those with allergies or who don't want a lot of hair around the house. However, each breed is unique as is each individual. All dogs shed to a greater or lesser extent. Contact the breed club, breed rescue or a reputable breeder for more information on its shedding and hypoallergenic properties.
Breeds that Shed into their Coat:
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Black Russian Terrier
Bolognese
Bouvier des Flandres
Coton de Tulear
Havanese
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Komondor
Lagotta Romagnolo
Lhasa Apso
Maltese
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Shih Tzu
Silky Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Spanish Water Dog
Tibetan Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Wire-Coated Breeds:
Airedale Terrier
Border Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Giant Schnauzer
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Standard Schnauzer
Welsh Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
Hairless Breeds (most have some hair):
American Hairless Terrier
Chinese Crested
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Xoloitzcuintli
Here are some excellent articles about dog allergies and shedding:
Dogs and Allergies: From the American Kennel Club
Non-Moulting Breeds of Dog: From the Kennel Club (England). The information is about halfway down the page.
Sweet Lucy's Breeds for Allergy Sufferers: American Hairless Terrier site ncludes links and notes on several articles and studies.
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