There are some dog lovers who have the misfortune of being allergic to the animals they love, and due to this, there are people who have developed hypoallergenic dog breeds. These dogs’ breeds may not be 100% allergen-free, but they will undoubtedly make life a lot easier for those who live with allergies. It can be a major bummer if you are a dog lover but have allergies to fur and pet dander, but it is not a deal-breaker. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as much as 10% of the United States population is allergic to dogs, causing many prospective owners to ask the question of which dogs are hypoallergenic.
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, as said earlier, it is quite possible to find many options of less-allergenic dogs that are better suited for those suffering from allergies. These breeds of dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat that produces less dander. Dander is a substance that clings to pet hair, and it is what causes allergies in most people. Even though genuinely hypoallergenic dogs, many breeds make it possible for you to enjoy a dog’s companionship even if you suffer from allergies. You can find plenty of hypoallergenic breeds out there, ranging from big to small and fluffy or short-haired. Given below is a list of some of the most popular dog breeds, which will help you decide which furry companion to adopt if you suffer from allergies.
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Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a breed that is bred to be hypoallergenic and is one of the American Kennel Club’s top picks for people suffering from allergies. French for “fluffy white dog”· fits the description of cuddly little cotton balls perfectly. Their small size is a bonus for them to adjust well to cozy living spaces.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are the most popular Schnauzer breeds in the markets. These astute watchdogs are like pocket fans for the Schnauzer fans out there. They have the very same expressions as their larger counterparts though in a smaller package. They are very fearless and shed minimally. They need lots of playtimes, so it would help if you were ready to spend a lot of time playing games like fetch.
Poodle
Unlike the more versatile schnauzer dogs, all poodles fall under one single hypoallergenic breed. That includes all the versions, such as the larger, standard, toy, and miniature poodles, which gives you the freedom to choose your dog’s adventure. Poodles, being super smart, are extremely easy to train, thus making them one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. As for that fancy “poodle clip,” the traditional cut actually· protects the water-loving dog’s joints and vital organs while swimming in addition to making them lose super adorable.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are adorable and so little that they easily fit in purses and laps. But their small size packs a lock of attitude. Their fine hair has a similar texture to that of humans than other fur types, which will not make you sneeze. But it would help if you were prepared, as Yorkies require regular brushing and maintenance to stay tangle-free and silky soft.
Shih Tzu
These breeds, the almighty “lion dogs,” also known as the Shih Tzu, date back to the Tang Dynasty. With just one look at these dogs, you will understand why these breeds once won over royalty with their regal looks and charming, friendly personalities. They have low-shedding coats, but since their hair naturally grows long, they require a fair amount of upkeep and maintenance. You should get in contact with a good groomer and get your fur baby used to regular brushing.
Maltese
Maltese dogs weigh an average of a teeny-tiny seven pounds, so these ancient Greek breeds define as “lap dogs.” If you cuddle with this breed for a long time, it won’t leave you sneezing, as their all-white coats are hypoallergenic. You also have the option to either cut their soft fur into a sporty trim or let it grow long, depending on how maintenance you prefer.
Portuguese Water Dog
If you are quite familiar with the medium-sized furballs that are Portuguese water dogs, it is because of the spotlight that Sunny and Bo Obama gave them in “First Dogs.” But you don’t have to worry even a bit, as their playful and laid-back personalities are a great addition to any household. They even adapt quite well to apartment living for people living in small spaces.
Scottish Terrier
You must be quite familiar with the adorable and personality-filled Scottie dog from the Disney classic named the ‘Lady and the tramp’, but rest assured that the independent and sometimes stubborn Scottish Terriers make great pets in real life too. They had been bred initially as fierce hunters, and their wiry-weather-resistant coats kept them protected in all types of climates. Nowadays, though, the dignified breed is likely to spend most of their time gracing your couch.
Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers are one of those breeds that will make you fall in love with instantly, especially with their iconic shaggy eyebrows. Though their large amount of fur won’t make you sniffle, they do require a moderate amount of grooming, which means you need to get a good dog brush. The Giant Schnauzer is the largest breed among the three types of schnauzers. They can grow tall up to 75 pounds and have an intelligent, task-driven temperament.
West Highland Terrier
Like other breeds of terriers, West Highland Terriers possess the same curious and lively temperament and minimal shedding bonus. These terriers are hardy dogs with cheerful attitudes that will keep you giggling with their playful antics. They have a portable size and a friendly disposition, which makes them the most popular terriers.
Havanese
Havanese dogs have happy and curious personalities, and they sport long, silky coats in various colors. Another feature is that They can look positively royal if you let their long-shedding coats grow out and carry them around like the kings and queens they perceive themselves to be. Many pet owners prefer to give them a shorter clip, which allows them more playtime with less brushing.
Afghan Hound
Though these sweet hounds don’t shed, their long coats need some attentive grooming. Since they were initially bred in Afghanistan’s mountainous regions, they have long, shiny hair that can turn into a lousy tangle without proper maintenance. You have made the grooming time part of your bonding ritual, and you will discover what “man’s best friend” actually means.
Basenji
The Basenji breed mainly originated as African hunting dogs, but they do not howl and yap as many other hounds have earned a reputation for doing. They have short, fine hair that sheds so minimally that you will barely know they live with you. This breed also has a catlike demeanor, and these fastidious little creatures even groom themselves.
Cairn Terrier
Cairn terrier is one of those coarse-haired terriers which shed less than other groups, making these wiry-coated breeds a smart choice for people suffering from allergies. Owners especially love the Cairn terriers for their fearless personalities. A typical example of the species you may recognize is Toto from ‘The Wizard of Oz.
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terrier grows distinctive poofy tufts of hair at the top of their heads, giving the sweet-looking breed a lamb-like look. These gentle and too-cuddly terriers make excellent watchdogs and incredible partners when you are feeling down. Professionals spend quite a large amount of time styling the curly, wooly coat of this terrier for dog shows to get them picture-perfect. If you are looking for a snug pet, you can opt for a lower-maintenance short clip instead.
Coton de Tulear
Pronounced as “coTAWN day two-LEE-are,” this charming breed is a beautiful furry companion that will follow you around the house like a cheerful little shadow. This “royal dog of Madagascar” is allegedly descended from dogs that survived an ancient shipwreck near Madagascar, and they resemble Bichon Frises in terms of their soft, white fur. Unlike traditional hair, their skin won’t aggravate your allergies.
Irish Water Spaniels
You don’t need to restrict yourself to terriers and toy dogs if you are looking for a dog’s hypoallergenic breed. This breed belongs to the sporting group, and they love water. These natural-born swimmers have coats that repel it, so not only do they keep your allergies at bay, they can hop in and out of pools all day long.
If you are looking for just a cuddly pet and cannot stand all the sniffles you get when you bury your face in that soft, sweet fur of cute dogs, hypoallergenic dogs are the answer to all your prayers. Now you know that hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed are the perfect and absolute best choices for potential pup parents who need a sneeze-free friend.
Whether you can’t bear picking fur off your clothes or suffer from canine-induced allergic attacks, you don’t have to count out dog ownership at all. The experts at the American Kennel Club have pointed many people toward the above-listed adorable dogs. The latter will give you all over their love without them leaving their fur everywhere.
