Looking for a furry friend but worried about allergies? Remember…. You are not alone to experience allergies from dogs.
The good news is that there are many hypoallergenic dog breeds out there that are perfect for dog lovers with allergies.
What Does Hypoallergenic Dog Mean?
A hypoallergenic dog means he has very few or no allergy-producing substances known as allergens. These dogs don’t tend to cause an allergic reaction.
If a person has allergies, he might be looking for hypoallergenic breeds. Although there is no totally hypoallergenic dog breed, the good news is that some breeds cause fewer allergies than others.
Most people are sensitive to a protein in dog’s saliva which also exudes through their skin. Dander, which is attached to dog’s hair, is what causes most allergies in people.
The hypoallergenic dogs are those that usually shed very little. Due to the least amount of shedding, the allergy-causing dander is released in a very small amount.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Let’s have a look at the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for allergy sufferers. They all have a positive track record with allergy sufferers.
Poodle
- Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs
- Temperament: Intelligent, Alert, Active, Faithful, Instinctual, Trainable
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- Height: From 10 to over 22 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight: standard: 45 to 70 pounds, miniature: 12 to 20 pounds, toy: 6 to 7 pounds
The Poodle is an elegant and impressive family dog with many talents. There are three sizes of Poodle, including the Toy, the Miniature, and the Standard. Poodles are loyal, intelligent and are highly trainable.
Poodles are high-maintenance dogs. Their trademark coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They are low-shedders and produce less dander compared to other dogs.
Beneath the low-allergen coat is an elegant, athletic, and a playful companion. Poodles thrive on attention and happiest when around their human parents. They require both physical and mental activities to stay happy and healthy.
Maltese
- Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs
- Temperament: Docile, Easygoing, Affectionate, Lively, Intelligent, Responsive, Sweet-Tempered, Fearless
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- Height: 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight: Up to 7 pounds
Maltese is an elegant toy dog breed famous for the silky white hair covering their body. Beneath the remarkable coat is a compact body moving with a smooth and effortless gait.
The charming little dog can simply steal your heart away with their loyal, loving, and playful nature. Maltese are low-shedding, low dander dogs with a single layer of coat. They require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
Sometimes Maltese can be stubborn and willful, they respond well to positive reinforcement training. They make a perfect pet for people with dog allergies.
Bichon Frise
- Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs
- Temperament: Feisty, Affectionate, Cheerful, Playful, Sensitive, Gentle
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- Height: 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Bichon Frise has compact bodies, baby-doll faces, and fluffy white hair. They are double-coated and are members of the Non-Sporting Group. These dogs have a soft silky undercoat and a more coarse and curly outer coat. This breed sheds very little because the shed hair is caught up in the undercoat. These dogs are considered hypoallergenic but they are prone to allergies to fleas, chemicals, pollen, dust, etc.
Bichon Frise has a cheerful attitude and proves to be super playful and enthusiastic companions. This breed enjoys being the center of attention and hates being left alone. This is an intelligent breed and loves to learn tricks. Bichon Frises are highly trainable.
Afghan Hound
- Dog Breed Group: Hound dogs
- Temperament: Dignified, Profoundly Loyal, Aristocratic
- Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Height: 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed. This breed is known for his elegant beauty and ability to run fast and over great distances.
Afghan Hound’s single coat is very silky, thick, and fine in texture. Afghans require regular grooming because their coat is fine and has a tendency to tangle easily. Their hair does not shed much since their hair grows long.
The Afghan Hound can be difficult to train due to his independent nature. This is a sensitive breed and does not respond well to rough handling. He is known for his loyalty and love for those he calls his own.
Cairn Terrier
- Dog Breed Group: Terrier dogs
- Temperament: Alert, Cheerful, Busy
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Height: 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight: 13 to 14 pounds
The Cairn Terrier is a small working terrier and one of the oldest terrier breeds. This is a compact dog who is alert and always ready for action.
Cairn Terriers have a double coat with a wiry outer coat and soft undercoat. These little dogs shed very little and produce little dander. They do not tend to produce a reaction in allergy sufferers.
They are independent and friendly dogs and make great family companions. Cairn Terriers are cheerful dogs and thrive on attention from their owners. They become unhappy if left alone too much.
Shih Tzu
- Dog Breed Group: Companion Dogs
- Temperament: Clever, Affectionate, Lively, Intelligent, Spunky, Happy, Independent, Outgoing, Loyal, Playful
- Life expectancy: 10 – 16 years
- Height: 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Shih Tzus are sturdy, lively, and alert toy dogs that simply don’t allow anyone to ignore them. They have a gorgeous, long, and silky coat. Shih Tzus are moderate shedders and shed their hair daily. They are less prone to igniting allergies.
Shih Tzu is a lovely little dog with a surprisingly low-maintenance and easy-going temperament. They are lively and friendly little dogs. Shih Tzus need a lot of attention from their owners and family to stay happy.
Chinese Crested
- Dog Breed Group: Companion dogs
- Temperament: Affectionate, Alert, Lively
- Life expectancy: 10 to 14 years
- Height: 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight: Up to 12 pounds
Chinese Crested is an exotic-looking compact dog. They have two varieties and can be hairless or coated. The hairless Chinese Crested has silky hair on the head, tail, and feet. Coated ones, also known as powderpuff, are covered by a soft, silky coat.
Chinese Crested dogs are relatively clean and are low-to-non shedders. They are playful, loving, and devoted to their human companions. These little housemates are attentive and make good miniature guard dogs.
Labradoodle
- Dog Breed Group: Hybrid Dogs
- Temperament: Intelligent, Friendly, Easygoing, Gentle
- Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
- Height: 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: 50 to 65 pounds
A Labradoodle is a crossbreed dog created by crossing the Labrador Retriever and the Standard, Miniature, or Toy poodle. They have three sizes: Standard, Medium, and Miniature.
This designer dog is bred to limit allergies in asthmatic and hypersensitive people. Labradoodles come with three coat varieties including hairy, fleece, and woolly. These dogs are considered to be non-to-low shedders, especially with a fleece or wool coat. They are less likely to produce allergies.
The Labradoodle is an intelligent, smart, and sociable dog. They are friendly, energetic, and always ready to play. Despite being high energy dogs, Labradoodles are gentle and easygoing companions.
Portuguese Water Dog
- Dog breed group: working dogs
- Temperament: Quarrelsome, Docile, Impetuous, Obedient, Intelligent, Brave
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- Height: 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Portuguese Water Dogs, also known as Porties, are robust, medium-sized dogs. They are fun-loving, friendly companions and are very eager to please.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a single coat with two coat types including curly and wavy. They don’t shed much and are considered hypoallergenic. Parties’ coat curls and trap any allergens they may have collected and stop them from releasing into the air.
Portuguese water dogs are natural-born swimmers and athletes. They are highly intelligent and love learning new things.
Bedlington Terrier
- Dog breed group: Terrier dogs
- Temperament: Affectionate, Intelligent, Spirited, Good-tempered
- Life Expectancy: 14 – 16 years
- Height: 15 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight: 17 to 23 pounds
Bedlington Terrier dogs are fun-loving, playful, and affectionate dogs. These irresistible cuddly companions stand out by their distinctive lamb-like coat. This distinctive coat is an unusual combination of harsh and soft hair.
This medium-sized dog is hypoallergenic and they hardly drool or shed. If you own a Bedlington Terrier, get yourself prepared for frequent grooming sessions.
These dogs have a gentle nature and are playful and affectionate companions. Being a terrier breed, this little guy is tenacious when chasing down prey. They have a strong sense of intuition and make great watchdogs.
How Do You Stop Dog Allergies
Allergic reactions from dogs can range from mild sneezing to much more severe symptoms.
Some symptoms of dog allergies are:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Runny, itchy, and stuffy nose
- Itchy skin or eyes
- Sneezing
- Puffiness around the face
If you are allergic to dogs, but still want to keep one, don’t worry! Consider the following steps that you can take to manage your allergy symptoms.
Regular brushing
Maintain a regular brushing routine for your dog. You must ensure to do it outdoors to avoid excess hair in your home.
Regular bath
Give your dog regular baths to remove dander from its coat. Regular bathing with pH balanced shampoo can minimize dander levels on your dog.
Keep your bedroom pet-free
Keep your dog outside your bedroom where you spend a lot of time. Restrict him to only a few rooms of the house.
Use vacuum in your house
Invest in an efficient vacuum. Use vacuum regularly and keep your floor and carpets clean.
Consider an air purifier
Use an efficient air purifier and maintain good ventilation to help reduce airborne dog allergens.
Keep your house clean
Dust and clean your home thoroughly and also your dog’s toys and bedding. Wash your dog’s rugs, beds, cushions, blankets, and washable play items and toys regularly to avoid dander build-up.
Consider allergy shots
Allergy shots or allergy vaccines will help you develop antibodies so that you won’t get allergies when exposed to some allergens.
With a few efforts and lifestyle changes, you can manage your allergies and live happily with your pooch.
Final Thoughts
Thousands of dog lovers around the world are allergic to their dogs. However, this has not stopped many of them from finding a way to live with these wonderful furry companions.
It’s all up to you to find the dog breed that best suits you and your lifestyle!
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