It's always a tricky decision when you have allergies and are considering getting a dog. Your heart says yes, but your allergies say no. You don't want to miss out on the love and companionship that comes with having a pup, so what can you do?
Look for the best hypoallergenic dog breeds!
These pups produce less dander and allergens than other dogs, so they may be just the ticket for those affected by dog allergies. In this article, we'll go over ten hypoallergenic dog breeds of all sizes, from tiny toy breeds to the biggest pooches.
What are Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds?
Hypoallergenic dog breeds are those that produce fewer allergens than other types of dogs. While no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, these kinds of pups tend to cause fewer allergic reactions in individuals with allergies than other breeds.
Why are some dogs hypoallergenic and some are not?
The cause lies in the dog's fur, saliva, and dander. Short-haired breeds tend to be the best hypoallergenic dogs, as their coat traps fewer allergens than a long-haired breed would.
Saliva can also contain allergen proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction, so hypoallergenic dogs usually produce less saliva than other types of dogs. Lastly, dander is another allergen that some dogs produce more of, and hypoallergenic dogs naturally produce less dander.
Benefits of Adopting a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed
In addition to reducing allergens, hypoallergenic dog breeds tend to have less shedding. This means that you won't have to vacuum or sweep nearly as often because your pet will leave fewer hairs lying around the house.
And as a bonus, they also usually require less grooming than other dogs because of their low-shedding coats!
Small-Sized Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Small-sized hypoallergenic dog breeds are perfect for those who live in apartments or smaller spaces and make wonderful lap dogs. Some of the most popular small hypoallergenic breeds include:
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are believed to have originated in Spain and come from a long line of water-retrieving dogs. It is believed that they were traded by Spanish sailors and eventually made their way to France, where they were bred into the pets we know today.
The Bichon Frise is one of the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds due to its small size and low-shedding coat. The cute, white puffball is known for being friendly and intelligent, making them a great companion dog.
They require moderate exercise but are otherwise easy to maintain. As with any pet, they should be groomed regularly to avoid skin issues associated with allergies. If you're looking for an intelligent and affectionate pet that won't trigger your allergies, the Bichon Frise could be the perfect fit!
Maltese
The Maltese breed has been around since ancient times and remains a popular choice today. These tiny lap dogs have long, silky hair and non-shedding coat that rarely sheds, making them a great option for those with allergies.
The Maltese breed is believed to have originated in ancient Greece, where they were kept as pets by wealthy families. They eventually spread throughout Europe and eventually made their way to the United States, where they remain popular today.
Not only are they hypoallergenic, but the Maltese are also known to be gentle and affectionate — perfect for families looking for an easy-to-care-for pet. They require very little exercise, so if you’re looking for a low-maintenance companion, the Maltese could be your ideal breed.
Poodle
The Poodle comes in three sizes – standard, miniature, and toy – meaning this breed can fit into any living space. These dogs have curly coats that barely and dogs that don't shed much at all, making them one of the best choices for allergy sufferers.
On top of being hypoallergenic, poodles are extremely intelligent and easy to train. They also require a moderate amount of exercise, making them perfect for active families. If you're a dog lover and looking for a loyal companion who won't trigger your allergies, the poodle could be the right fit!
Medium-Sized Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Medium-sized hypoallergenic dog breeds are great if you want something that is neither too big nor too small. These pups can still fit easily into apartment life, but they also have enough energy to go on longer walks with you.
Chinese Crested
This ancient breed originated in China, where it was used as a companion dog. It is believed that the Chinese Crested migrated to Europe with traders and explorers in the 1800s.
The Chinese crested dog is a small hypoallergenic dog breed that comes in either Hairless or Powderpuff varieties. The Chinese Crested has a beautiful, long, flowing coat and loves to be pampered. They can range from 7-12 pounds, so they're perfect for apartments and small homes.
Additionally, these pups are loyal, affectionate, and easy to train. They don't require much exercise, making them a great choice for those who don’t want a high-energy pup.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers originated in Ireland and were originally bred to hunt foxes, rats, and other small animals. They have a long history of being working dogs, but today they make excellent companion animals.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is one of the most popular medium-sized hypoallergenic breeds because of their distinctive wiry coat that sheds very little. They are also loyal and protective of their family, making them an excellent choice if you want a watchdog as well as a companion.
Kerry Blues love to play and do require moderate exercise, so they're great for those who enjoy longer walks or hikes with their pup.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The soft-coated Wheaten terrier originated in Ireland centuries ago and was used as a farm dog. They were often tasked with herding sheep and other livestock, as well as hunting small animals.
The soft-coated Wheaten terrier is a hypoallergenic breed weighing 30-45 pounds. They have a soft, silky coat with minimal shedding and are known for being good-natured and intelligent.
This pup is perfect for those looking for a loyal, family-friendly companion who won't aggravate their pet hair allergies. The Wheaten Terrier is also an excellent choice if you're looking for a dog that can keep up with an active lifestyle.
Large-Sized Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
In addition to small and medium-sized dogs and full-sized hypoallergenic dogs, there are also large breeds that are suitable for allergy sufferers. These larger breeds include the Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, and Afghan Hound.
All of these breeds have a low-shedding coat that requires minimal grooming; however, some very big dogs may require professional clipping or trimming to maintain their coats in good condition.
With proper training and socialization, these large dog breeds can make loyal and loving companions.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese water dog is a large, hypoallergenic breed that weighs between 35-60 pounds. These dogs are intelligent and very loyal to their owners, making them great for family dogs and pets.
However, they require daily exercise, and they love water, so you must provide your pup with plenty of outlets for physical activity.
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a large breed weighing 45-65 pounds. These dogs have a curly coat and minimal shedding, which makes them great for those with allergies. In terms of temperaments, Irish Water Spaniels are known for being alert and playful dogs but can be stubborn at times.
They require regular exercise and should only be adopted by responsible owners who are willing to provide them with the training and socialization they need. If you're looking for a loyal companion who loves spending time outdoors, the Irish Water Spaniel could be the perfect fit!
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a large breed with a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming. Despite their size, these dogs only require moderate exercise and can make great apartment pets. They have an independent streak which means they may not always obey commands, but they are still very loyal and affectionate towards their owners.
If you're looking for a beautiful and graceful companion who won't aggravate your pet allergies much, then consider the Afghan hound. With proper care and training, this pup can make a wonderful addition to any family.
What else can I do to reduce allergens with my dog?
In addition to finding a hypoallergenic breed, there are some other steps you can take to reduce allergens in your home. By washing your dog regularly with a high-quality shampoo, you can ensure they are not carrying around dander while keeping their coat healthy and shiny.
As for the home, vacuuming and sweeping regularly will help keep the house free of pet dander and dust. Additionally, washing your pet's bedding and toys separately from the rest of the laundry is also important for preventing allergic reactions.
If possible, limit your pet’s access to certain areas of the house to prevent them from spreading allergens around.
If you aren’t the only one who suffers from summer allergies, and you find your pup also allergic to pollen, try keeping windows closed during pollen season to reduce allergens indoors. Additionally, try enriching their diet with allergy supplements to reduce reactions.
All in all...
Hypoallergenic dog breeds can be great companions for those with allergies. These dogs come in all sizes and many require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners who don't have a lot of time to dedicate to the grooming needs of their pet's care.
In addition to being low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog breeds are also known to be loyal, intelligent, and affectionate. If you're looking for the perfect companion that won't trigger your allergies, consider one of these ten hypoallergenic dog breeds of all sizes!
