Many people who suffer from allergies don’t own dogs because the presence of fur triggers allergic reactions. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the dog’s fur that causes allergies but dander. Dog dander are the microscopic flecks of skin shed by dogs that are oftentimes carried on their fur.
Can you be allergic to some dog breeds and not to other breeds? People with dog allergies may be more sensitive to dog breeds that shed a lot. Whilst there’s really no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, there are dog breeds that produce fewer allergens than other breeds, which make them a suitable companion for dog lovers with allergies.
Which dogs are hypoallergenic? Hypoallergenic dog breeds are those that don’t shed or shed minimally. With minimal shedding, allergy-causing dander is not released as much in the air and thus prevents an allergic reaction.
Which dog is best for allergy sufferers? Check out this list of hypoallergenic dogs and find out which one suits you best.
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Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
1. Bichon Frise
The bichon frise makes for a sweet and charming family pet even for apartment dwellers. It is popularly known for its white wool-like coat in adorable curls. This type of breed has minimal shedding that is very easy to manage. Though it is considered as a low-shedding canine, Bichon still requires regular grooming to prevent matted hair.
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2. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is the resulting pooch from breeding two of the most popular breeds on the planet: the Labrador retriever and the poodle. Labradoodles are intelligent with a gentle temperament. It is said that most Labrador-poodle mixes are hypoallergenic but others are not. As such, it is safer to buy one from a reputable breeder to ensure lines that dominantly inherited the poodle’s non-shedding coat.
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3. Maltese
Under toy dogs, the Maltese is one unique pooch that retains his puppy-like playful nature all throughout his life. The Maltese is historically kept as a royal pet with its elegant white coat. This is a good choice for people with allergies as it is a non-shedding and low dander pooch. They may rarely shed but they require daily brushing to maintain debris-free fur.
4. Chinese Crested
The Chinese crested is a hypoallergenic breed that’s suitable for families with children or individuals with pet allergies. The Chinese crested can be hairless or powderpuff. The hairless coat type has hair on the head, tail, and feet whilst the powderpuff variety has a coat of fine hair. Either variety sheds minimally and is suitable for people with allergies or asthma.
5. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small-sized breed with a happy nature and an eager-to-please personality. This pooch enjoys the company of its family and is known to be loyal to its people. In fact, it is likely for a Coton to follow you all around the house. It comes with a soft cotton-like coat that sheds minimally or not at all.
Medium to Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
6. Schnauzers
Schnauzers come in three sizes: standard schnauzers, giant schnauzers, and the miniature schnauzers. They can be territorial and protective of their family which makes them great watchdogs. The smaller Schnauzers are believed to be more hypoallergenic than their bigger counterparts.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese water dog brings joy to the family with its intelligence, loyalty, and playfulness. It is an excellent choice for active families that are happy to provide the breed with regular exercise. The Portuguese water dog is a suitable companion for people who suffer from allergic reactions as this pooch minimally sheds. However, the breed’s waterproof coat still needs regular grooming.
8. Poodle
The Poodle comes in a variety of sizes: standard poodle, mini poodle, and toy poodle. They all have an adorable curly coat that doesn’t require regular grooming. They don’t shed a lot so they don’t trigger allergic reactions. This hypoallergenic breed is trainable, highly intelligent, and sensitive. Because of their sociable personality and protective instincts, they are often used as service dogs.
You may like to read: Are Toy Poodles Good Family Dogs?
9. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The soft coated wheaten terrier was first bred as a working dog on farms. They are known to adapt in different environments whether in the city or in the suburbs. They are also generally good with children. They require plenty of exercise and socialisation, especially in its developing years.
The Wheaten Terrier’s soft and silky coat can be kept moderately long with loose waves or curls. This is a hypoallergenic dog that’s a good choice for people suffering from allergies.
10. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington terrier was originally bred and built for speed. They have a laid-back personality and would do better when provided with enough space to run off-leash in a secured escape-proof area. Their curly non-shedding coat makes them suitable for pet lovers who suffer from allergies.
Have you taken your pick? Check out the dogs for sale now!
