Many people suffer from an allergy, and sometimes, their allergies are caused by their furry family members. If you have a pet allergy, you might be wondering if you can still keep a dog, but you don’t have to let allergies get in the way of being a dog owner. It depends on the severity of your symptoms and how manageable they are. But if you dream of having a four-legged friend around the house, you will want to know the best breed for allergies.
Strictly speaking, there are no ‘allergy-free dog breeds’. All dogs produce potentially allergenic proteins in their skin, fur, saliva, and urine. However, the term “hypoallergenic” actually means “less allergenic”, so hypoallergenic dog breeds are those that shed less fur and produce less saliva, reducing the quantity of these proteins their owner might be exposed to and therefore minimizing symptoms of an allergic reaction.
If you are prone to allergies, the best dog is a non-shedding breed that doesn’t produce large amounts of saliva. These breeds minimize your contact with the antigens that can cause an allergic reaction.
If you or someone in your household is allergy-prone, you will need to carefully choose the right breed. We have put together a guide for you as a starting point. And there’s not just one; there are plenty of hypoallergenic dog breeds to choose from!
These adorable hypoallergenic dogs are double-coated, meaning they shed seasonally rather than year-round. The Bichon’s texture means the excess fur gets caught up in its coat, so there is less chance of problematic allergens.
The Chinese Crested is mostly hairless, which makes the breed a great hypoallergenic option. They may have small tufts of hair on the head, feet, or tail.
The Maltese is a suitable option for allergy-prone pet owners. They are affectionate lap dogs, but their coat does need to be brushed daily by someone without allergies.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a popular, playful, feisty, and energetic dog breed. They are one of the best-loved and easiest-to-find hypoallergenic dog breeds out there.
All sizes of Schnauzer rarely shed and hardly drool, making them a highly hypoallergenic breed. The smaller the dog, the less hair it produces. So, a Miniature Schnauzer might be best for someone with stronger allergy symptoms.
Other notable small dog breeds that make a great option for hypoallergenic choice are:
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The Puli looks unlike any other dog breed, with a coat made of naturally occurring cords. Its unique coat makes it one of the best dog breeds for allergies, as there is no brushing and only minimal bathing required.
This handsome hairless breed originates in Mexico. Although some Xolo have fur, its usual lack thereof makes it an ideal companion for people with allergies.
A low-maintenance dog for low-maintenance people with allergies, the Spanish Water Dog boasts a coat that neither sheds nor needs brushing, making it ideal for those with allergies.
Just like the miniature Schnauzer, the standard size is also considered a hypoallergenic dog breed you might want to consider.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a striking choice for a hypoallergenic dog. This breed is known for its stunning blue coat and prominent whiskers and beard which require daily brushing, plus trimming and bathing every couple of weeks!
Other notable medium-sized dog breeds that make a great option for hypoallergenic choice are:
The most well-known hypoallergenic dog breed, Poodles are a highly intelligent breed with brilliant personalities.
Giant Schnauzers are hypoallergenic but can have a stubborn nature, which can be challenging. But they can make very rewarding companions. They also require regular grooming.
The Afghan Hound is a striking and elegant breed whose non-shedding hypoallergenic coat requires a lot of combing to keep them looking their best.
The Goldendoodle, expertly bred to have the wiry, non-shedding coat of the Poodle, the coloring of a Golden Retriever, and a personality that combines the best of both is a great choice for a hypoallergenic pet.
The Airedale terrier is one of the largest hypoallergenic dog breeds. If you love the trademark terrier personality and want a large dog to go on hikes with, the Airedale Terrier is probably your perfect match.
Other notable large-sized dog breeds that make a great option for hypoallergenic choice are:
No matter what breed you choose, owning a dog may aggravate your allergy symptoms as no dog is completely allergy-free. However, many hypoallergenic dog breeds are great contenders for the title of best dog if you have allergies.
There are some additional things you can do so you are less affected by allergies from your pets, such as asking a non-allergic member of your household to follow the correct grooming guidelines. You should also vacuum regularly and use an air purifier. You should also wash your dog’s bedding regularly and consider keeping some areas of the house, like bedrooms, dog-free.
Enjoy choosing a hypoallergenic dog breed to join your home, and remember to research dog breeds carefully to select the right dog for you.