Do you dream of getting a dog but worry that they’ll make you sneeze uncontrollably? Luckily, you don’t have to give up on your dream! Many types of dog breeds produce fewer allergens than others. We compiled a list of some of the most hypoallergenic breeds to help you choose a great companion that won’t trigger your allergies.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
A dog doesn’t have to be hairless to be hypoallergenic. The length of a dog’s coat actually has little impact on whether or not a dog breed will trigger allergies. The main culprits that exacerbate allergies are dander, frequent shedding, and saliva.
There’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog breed, but there are many breeds that produce fewer allergens. Dog breeds that don’t shed or rarely shed, drool very little, and don’t make much dander are best for people who have allergies or asthma.
The Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for People with Allergies or Asthma
1: Afghan Hounds
Afghan Hounds are loving and independent, with beautiful long, silky coats that require a lot of grooming. But despite their long hair, Afghan Hounds shed very little and have low dander. Plus, they have limited amounts of drool and have a thin undercoat, which makes them more hypoallergenic than breeds with a thicker undercoat. If you want a show-worthy pet but have allergies, the Afghan Hound is the dog for you.
2: American Hairless Terrier
In contrast to the Afghan Hound, the American Hairless Terrier requires very little grooming. This breed’s lack of hair and minimal amount of drooling makes them very hypoallergenic. Aside from their eyebrows and whiskers, these dogs are completely hairless, so shedding is minimal. American Hairless Terriers also get along well with children, and are very loving, smart, and easy to train.
3: Bichon Frise
If you like small dogs, the Bichon Frise is a great companion—they don’t drool and they’re very happy and playful by nature. Due to their curly coats, Bichon Frise dogs produce very little dander, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies. These dogs hardly shed, but their coat grows continually and requires regular grooming.
4: Labradoodle
A cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle, the Labradoodle is another ideal choice for allergy sufferers. Labradoodles have wool-like hair that doesn’t shed, they produce little dander, and they don’t drool much. This dog breed is usually gentle and easy to train. They’re also very sweet-tempered, so Labradoodles are usually a great choice for families with children.
5: Maltese
This small but mighty toy breed is known for being fearless and playful. These dogs were bred specifically to be companions, so they’re very loyal and loving. The long hair of a Maltese needs to be brushed daily to prevent matting, but fortunately, they don’t shed much. They also drool very little, making them a great hypoallergenic dog breed.
6: Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are a very athletic breed that require daily exercise and an active family. Swimming is the perfect activity for these hypoallergenic dogs, because their low-maintenance coat is waterproof, and they even have webbed feet! Portuguese Water Dogs rarely shed or drool, so they’re perfect for people with allergies who also love to swim.
7: Schnauzers
Giant, Standard, and Miniature Schnauzers are all great dog breeds for allergy sufferers. Schnauzers are known to produce very little dander, and to hardly ever shed or drool. They are active and playful, great with children, and naturally protective. They also make great apartment dogs, because they rarely bark without a good reason.
8: Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed that doesn’t drool and has a gorgeous, floor-length coat. Because they don’t have an undercoat, they don’t experience seasonal shedding like other dog breeds. Yorkies usually have big personalities, and are very loyal and protective.
Best Veterinarian in Gilbert, Arizona
If you decide to adopt a hypoallergenic dog, make sure to schedule a wellness exam with Anasazi Animal Clinic right away. Every breed has its own specific health risks, so it’s important that your dog gets regular checkups. We’ll help you give your new companion a long, healthy life. Call 480-497-0505 today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/26/2023). Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash