Do you want to be a dog parent, but your allergies have been a major setback to this endeavour?
Well, you aren’t alone; according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, three out of every ten people in the U.S are allergic to dogs.
Even so, all is not lost. Plenty of hypoallergenic dog breeds are well suited for potential dog parents with allergies.
Therefore, your allergies don’t have to prevent you from getting that furry friend you have always wanted.
Some of the popular dog breeds are hypoallergenic, and they come in various shapes and sizes.
Not sure where to start? Then read on, for below we look at some of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds.
What’s a hypoallergenic dog?
You will occasionally hear hypoallergenic dogs, but what does it mean?
Doctor Anne Budweiser, a lead veterinarian with over thirty years of experience, states that hypoallergenic dogs are dog breeds that are less likely to stimulate an allergic reaction from people, meaning that no dog is allergen-free.
Therefore, even if you get a hypoallergenic dog breed, it doesn’t mean that the dog will not trigger an allergic reaction from you or a family member.
It simply means the dog has a minimal chance of causing an allergic reaction compared to other dog breeds.
Interestingly enough, Doctor Anne notes that some hypoallergenic dog breeds can still trigger an allergic reaction in some people and not in others.
Generally, hypoallergenic dogs;
- Don’t shed- these dogs possess a non-shedding coat that releases minimal dander.
- Have minute single layered coats- the dog lacks an undercoat, resulting in less dander falling from the dog and sticking in items in your house.
- Lack hair- hence it’s unlikely that dander will cling to the dog.
You may have realized that the word dander repeatedly appears in the above section. That’s because it’s what causes an allergic reaction.
Therefore, the lower the dander a dog produces, the lower the chances of it affecting people with allergies.
Best Hypoallergenic dog breeds
Now that you understand hypoallergenic dog breeds, we can look at some of the best dogs you can get.
In the list below, we included dog breeds that have a single coat, are hairless, or don’t shed; thus, they have minimal dander.
Afghan Hound
At first glance, an Afghan hound might not seem like an ideal hypoallergenic dog.
However, these dogs have silky coats that are rarely shed. When they are still puppies, Afghan hounds have fuzzy, short coats which grow longer and become silky as they grow older.
If you don’t mind the regular grooming, these dogs are a good option for people with preexisting allergies.
Xoloitzcuintli
Originating from Mexico, Xolos resemble the Peruvian Inca and the American Hairless Terrier.
However, Xolos are famous for their wrinkled foreheads and being excellent watchdogs.
You can choose from two varieties (coated and hairless) and three sizes of Xolos.
The coated Xolos rarely shed any dander, requiring occasional brushing, whereas the hairless doesn’t shed at all.
Similar to other dog breeds without hair, Xolos need special skin care. Particularly when playing outside.
Maltese
If you want an affectionate tiny companion, then a Maltese is your dog. These dogs weigh no more than 7 pounds and don’t shed frequently.
Even so, the American Kennel Club recommends that you brush a Maltese daily to avoid matting; or tangling of a dog’s fur.
Matting is a painful condition that can lead to skin irritations and infections.
Luckily due to the tiny Maltese size, grooming won’t take long.
Standard Schnauzer
Despite their appearance, standard schnauzers are among the best hypoallergenic dog breeds.
They come in two sizes.
- Giant schnauzer
- Miniature schnauzer
These dogs are willful, easy to train, and highly active. In addition, standard schnauzers are outstanding guard dogs and companions. Schnauzers play well with kids and are overprotective of their owners.
Similar to other schnauzers, these dogs have double coats but rarely shed.
The American Kennel Club recommends stripping the standard schnauzer’s coat instead of clipping it since clipping leads to increased shedding and dirt, which can cause an allergic reaction.
Spanish Water Dog
Since Spanish water dogs have wooly and curly coats, most of these dog owners prefer to keep their hair short.
A long and corded coat will require a lot of maintenance which many people can’t handle.
That said, Spanish water dogs don’t shed easily; hence they pose minimal risk to people with allergies.
Moreover, these dogs are playful and dynamic watchdogs.
Kerry Blue Terrier
These dogs get their name from their dark coats that come in shades of gray and blue.
Kerry blue terriers do not shed, though you must brush the fur once or twice weekly to prevent matting.
Poodle
Poodles are perhaps the most famous dog breed among hypoallergenic dogs. The American kennel club ranks poodles as the tenth most popular dog breed in America.
The poodle comes in three size varieties.
- Standard
- Miniature
- Toy
In addition, these dogs are versatile, magnificent family dogs, and smart.
Concerning their coats, poodles don’t shed regularly; when they do, it’s in tiny amounts.
You can keep their coats short for it will be easier to maintain. However, if you let the hair grow, you will have to brush the dog regularly to avoid mats.
Bichon Frise
Bichon fries are easy to identify due to their sterling white coat.
These dogs easily get along with children and are good companions and ideal lap dogs.
Like the other hypoallergenic dog breeds, bichons don’t shade occasionally, and when they do, the shed hair gets tied up in the dog’s undercoat.
If you decide to get a bichon, be prepared to carry out regular grooming. Even so, that will be a small price compared to the excitement the dog will bring to your life.
Chinese crested
Chinese crested dogs come in two categories, the coated variety, also called powder puffs, and the hairless variety.
The hairless dogs do not shed, whereas the coated ones shed minimally.
However, both dog categories will need regular grooming, brushing for the coated, and skin care for hairless dogs.
Generally, Chinese crested dogs are ideal for people with preexisting allergy conditions.
Coton de Tulear
Even though Coton de Tulear aren't as famous as the other hypoallergenic dog breeds, they are easy to recognize.
Thanks to their soft, white cotton-like fur, which can grow tall unless you keep it short.
Despite their immense fur, Coton de Tulear shed little, and they don’t need much grooming, particularly if you keep the hair short.
Moreover, these dogs are always happy and eager to follow you all over the house.
Basenji
Basenjis have a recognizable curly tail and are smart and independent. These dogs are perfect for people with allergies since they have minimal grooming needs, a short coat, and little shedding.
Additionally, you don’t have to wash your Basenji regularly unless he plays in the mud, and these dogs don’t have the typical canine smell.
Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers have a smooth coat that grows slowly, and they rarely shed. Hence, they don’t need a lot of grooming requirements.
Moreover, these dogs are funny, confident, and aren’t aggressive towards other dogs.
Löwchen
Löwchens are adorable, tiny, and brave. The name Löwchen is German, and it means “little lion.”
The American Kennel Club states that Löwchens are cuddly, lively, and easy to train.
Moreover, their furry coat is easy to maintain since you will only need to brush once in a while, and your dog is good to go.
Havanese
If you talk to any Havanese owner, you will learn that these dogs are perfect pets.
Not only are Havanese dogs hypoallergenic, but they are also friendly, intelligent, and affectionate.
However, you will need to carry out regular grooming to get rid of hair clogs.
Final word
As you have seen, there are plenty of hypoallergenic dog breeds that also have great personalities. All you have to do is pick one.
No matter the dog you choose, you will need to feed it healthy foods and supplements for it to thrive.
An ideal supplement you can offer your hypoallergenic dog is the Safe Guard probiotic.
Safe Guard is made up of healthy bacteria that will help your dog’s liver, improve immunity and increase nutrient absorption.