There are many arguments regarding the accuracy of hypoallergenic dog breeds claims. Can you be allergic to some dogs and not others? People who have allergic reactions to dogs are not allergic to dog hair. Instead, they suffer an allergy from the dog’s dander. Pet dander sheds naturally both in animals and humans but they are different from dandruff. Dog dandruff is visibly seen as large flakes of cells, whilst dander appears microscopic and is easy to miss.
As dander is regarded as a usual occurrence in all dogs, there are people who are fervently against hypoallergenic claims. However, people with allergies have better tolerance and have no signs of allergic responses to certain breeds. In some experiments, people having mild to moderate allergies are happy to find dog breeds that are hypoallergenic.
Which dogs are hypoallergenic? These are canines that shed little to no fur. As such, allergy-causing dander is not released as much in the air by a hypoallergenic canine. Which dog is best for allergy sufferers? Check out this list of hypoallergenic dogs and find out which one suits you best.
You may also like: 6 Simple Ways to Reduce Dog Dandruff
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.
You may also like: Dog Grooming: Should You Do It Yourself?
2. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is the resulting pooch from breeding two of the most known breeds: 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.
You may like: Cockapoo or Labradoodle: Similarities and Differences
3. Maltese
Under toy dogs, the Maltese is one unique pooch that may retain its puppy-like playful nature all throughout its life. It is historically kept as a royal pet that flaunts 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 who mostly stay at home. The breed has a little amount of shedding so they are suitable for owners with mild allergies.
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. Schnauzers, in general, are known to be hypoallergenic but is said to be much more tolerable with the smaller variety. They can be territorial and protective of its family which makes it the best choice if you are looking for a watchdog.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese water dog brings sheer 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. In addition, they do well with people who suffer from allergic reactions as this pooch minimally sheds. However, the breed’s waterproof coat still needs regular maintenance.
8. Poodle
The Poodle comes in a variety of sizes: standard poodle, mini poodle, and toy poodle. They all have a striking curly coat and a sociable personality but with protective instinct. They don’t shed a lot so they don’t trigger allergic reactions. These are trainable, highly intelligent, and sensitive. Because of these positive traits, 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 adjust well in different environments whether in the city or in the suburbs. They are also known to be generally good with children. However, just like any other terriers, this breed requires plenty of exercise and socialisation, especially in its developing years.
Its 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. It is known for its non-shedding coat but it still must have a daily brushing.
Have you taken your pick? Check out the dogs for sale now!
