Dog allergies are real. Thankfully, you can pick dog breeds that produce less dander (allergens that cause pet allergy). Commonly referred to as hypoallergenic dogs, these breeds are your best choice if you want to be around pets without the sneezing and itching.
It's often heartbreaking for dog lovers who cannot get close to
their canine pals because of the fear of allergic reactions. Yes,
people can be allergic to dogs. All dog breeds produce dander, an
airborne irritant that can cause allergy attacks. While most
people do not get affected, people with pet allergies can
experience allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and
breathing difficulty. As per data released by American College of
Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as many as 10% of the US
population suffers from dog-induced allergy attacks. To be fair,
some dogs also suffer from allergies and there are specific
pet
meds to treat these conditions.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds offer a simple solution to allergy
sufferers. These dog breeds have special non-shedding coats.
This, in turn, drastically reduces the amount of dander, which
are invisible particles of dead skin cells that cause the
allergies. Simply put, it's always recommended to pick
hypoallergenic dog breeds if you or a family member is allergic
to pets.
Are Hypoallergenic Dogs Rare?
Not really, right from Portuguese Water Dog to Bichon Frise there
are many dog breeds that are considered hypoallergenic. In fact,
there are so many breeds to choose from you can find dogs that
match your specific preferences such as size, behavioral traits,
and trainability.
How to Adopt a Dog That's Hypoallergenic?
There are no shortages of dog breeds that fit into the
hypoallergenic bracket. However, if you are looking to adopt, you
might need to look around for a while. This is due to the fact
that most shelters provide homes to mutts or mixed breed dogs.
Finding specific pure breed dogs in shelters is often
challenging. When they do end up in the system, purebred dogs
find homes fairly quickly compared to mixed breeds. While
bringing home a mixed breed dog is a great choice for most,
allergy sufferers often cannot take that risk. This is because
mutts have unpredictable physical characteristics. There is no
way to tell if a particular mixed breed is hypoallergenic or not.
The best way forward is to find rescue groups that provide
shelter to specific breed dogs. For example, if you are looking
for a small dog, look for Bichon Frise rescue groups operating in
your area. Even if you don't find a shelter near your home, you
can always make the drive or request the rescue group to safely
transport the dog.
Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
Medium-Sized Hypoallergenic Dogs
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Portuguese Water Dog
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Irish Water Spaniel
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Kerry Blue Terrier
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Standard Poodle
Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
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Afghan Hound
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Giant Schnauzer
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Bouvier des Flandres
There is no denying the fact that there more hypoallergenic small
dog breeds than there are large ones. However, the
above-mentioned list is by no means comprehensive. There are
plenty of other dogs such Basenji, Labradoodle, Scottish Terrier,
and Brussels Griffon that fit the criteria. There are also
several water dog breeds and wirehaired dogs that are considered
hypoallergenic.
Top 10 Non-Shedding Dog Breeds for Families
Chinese Crested: Energetic and ever-happy, these
dogs love their humans. In fact, they are nicknamed velcro dogs
because they like to maintain physical contact with their
favorite humans. Their people-pleasing personality makes Chinese
crested dogs highly trainable. They have a hairless body and they
produce minimal danders and allergens. This is not a rare breed
and you can probably adopt one by contacting a local rescue
center.
Bedlington Terrier: When sitting on a green
pasture, a Bedlington terrier looks like a fancy sheep.
They have a calm yet affectionate demeanour and they are great
with children. Much like others on the list, this is a
low-shedding breed with a thick double coat that keeps
allergy-causing particles trapped in. However, their
hypoallergenic coats require regular grooming to prevent matting
and tangling.
Irish Water Spaniel: If you suffer from pet
allergies and want an active medium-sized dog, then an Irish
water spaniel is your best bet. This non-shedding breed has a
weather-resistant coat. They were specifically bred in Ireland
for retrieving catches from the water. Another advantage that
makes the water spaniel a great family pet is that these dogs are
not incessant barkers.
Kerry Blue Terrier: Next on our list of
allergen-free dogs is the Kerry blue terrier. Always ready for a
game of fetch, these dogs are highly intelligent and
family-friendly. However, keep in mind that these dogs do not
like to be teased or tormented. Therefore, it's advisable to
brief children to be sensitive and caring when petting the dog.
Shih Tzu: Probably one of the most well-known
breeds on our list, Shih Tzus are spunky little dogs that can be
a part of any family. Compared to other toy breeds, a Shih Tzu
are much less demanding and they usually don't go on a barking
spree during socialization sessions. They are also great with
other pets.
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike the wheaten terrier,
Yorkshire terriers do enjoy a bit of pampering. Due to their
small stature, they often cannot endure rough play. However,
these dogs are pretty independent and are more than happy to trot
around the house doing nothing.
Basenji: If you want an allergy-free surrounding
and a breed that comes with all the popular traits we love about
dogs, then basenji is a definite pick. With short coats and
classic doggie traits, basenji is an active and alert companion
fit for any family. They make great guard dogs thanks to their
acute sense of hearing. A fun fact about this breed is that they
cannot bark. However, they do make other cute doggie noises to
express their feelings.
Labradoodle: What happens when you breed two
classic dog breeds. You get a hypoallergenic dog with amazing
breed-specific traits. If you have allergies you cannot possibly
adopt a Labrador retriever. However, you can combine the traits
of a lab and a poodle to get the best of both worlds.
Labradoodles get their hypoallergenic traits from poodles while
retaining the familiar affectionate nature of Labrador
retrievers.
Schnauzer Dogs: If you suffer from dog allergies
and want a breed that produces almost no dander, then Schnauzers
are a great choice. Both standard and miniature schnauzer breeds
are hypoallergenic. Keep in mind that just because they share the
same name doesn't mean that all schnauzer breeds have the same
temperament. Check out fun facts and breed information about the
exact breed you are planning to adopt.
Poodle Dogs: Poodles are readily-available dog
breeds that are often found in shelters and rescue centers. They
are faithful and highly trainable and best of all hypoallergenic.
Much like schnauzers, there are several sub-breeds of poodles
that all share the trait of being less allergic.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Hypoallergenic dogs are those that have non-shedding coats that
have less dander. For dog lovers that have the misfortune of
being allergic to dogs, hypoallergenic dogs are the way to go.
Dander is a substance present in dog hair that causes most dog
allergies; the lesser the dander the less allergic reactions. No
dog is 100% hypoallergenic but there are some breeds that are
less allergic than others.Other than getting a hypoallergenic
dog, you also have to keep your home and pet clean to avoid
allergies. This includes
washing/grooming your
pets
and pet beds regularly, removing heavy carpets and drapes can
help get rid of dander in your home.If you're allergic to dogs,
here are 6 breeds that you should consider getting:
-
Poodles – These
adorable dogs are great family pets. They have minimal shedding
and can be trained easily. Poodles also come in different sizes
so you can pick between a standard size poodle to a toy sized
one. Poodles are very intelligent dogs that make for great
companions.
-
Bichon Frise –
Bichon Frise are tiny dogs that rarely shed. They need to be
brushed regularly as their fur is curly and poofy. Bichon Frise
is a tiny dog that maxes out at 12 inches tall and has a long
life span of about 15 years. Thanks to their tiny size, they
can get plenty of exercise indoors. A Bichon Frise is a great
family dog that is cheerful and friendly.
-
Maltese – These
tiny pooches are cheerful and active. They have long fur that
is soft and silky. Maltese are relatively high maintenance as
they need to be brushed daily but they are great for those
suffering from allergies as shedding is significantly reduced.
Maltese are playful, fearless dogs that are perfect for those
with an active lifestyle.
-
Afghan Hound –
If your ideal dog is a big, goofy yet classy dog, Afghan Hounds
are the way to go. Everything about them screams dignity yet
they are usually aloof and cheerful. Afghan Hounds are high
maintenance dogs as they have long fur. They need to be bathed
and groomed at least twice a week.
-
Labradoodle –
Cute and fluffy, labradoodles are a mix of Labrador retrievers
and Poodles. These tiny dogs with their curly fur do not shed
much and thus are ideal for allergic owners. Just remember that
not all Labradoodles are hypoallergenic.
-
Yorkie – If you
do not go out much and prefer to stay indoors, Yorkies are the
way to go. These tiny munchkins are only 6-7 inches tall and
can have plenty of fun indoors. Yorkies need to be groomed
regularly but they do not shed or have lots of dander.
