What Dogs Are Hypoallergenic Breeds

My cousin is obsessed with dogs. Whenever she comes to visit, she's so excited to play with them. The only thing that stops her from having one is her terrible allergies to them!

Dog allergies are the worst and as a dog lover, I can't bear the thought of not having them in my life! Luckily, dog allergies can't realllyyy stop you because there are a handful of breeds that can be your furry best friend without causing you to sneeze and sniffle 24/7! While there are no dogs that are 100% hypoallergenic, some breeds are much better than others with the amount of shedding and fur.

What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?

Most people think that dog allergies are caused by a dog’s fur. However, that’s just a misconception- dog allergies actually arise from the exposure of dander (dead skin flakes) on your pet. The protein in a dog’s urine and saliva is what sticks to dead skin flakes, creating dander and causing the symptoms you experience from your allergies.

Technically, no dogs are hypoallergenic. Some dogs were bred to accompany those with allergies, but all dogs carry dander. The misconception that allergies are caused by dog fur comes from the fact that dogs that shed are a bigger allergen, since dander is being released into the environment.

Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Shed?

All dogs shed allergens, but getting a dog with reduced shedding would be a great help. Despite what people think, even fluffy dogs like the Bichon Frise or the Poodle shed minimally and are great companions for someone with dog allergies. Small or medium-sized dogs usually shed the least, so getting a smaller companion might also help with any allergy problems.

If you have allergies and own a dog that sheds, there are ways to reduce it. One of the best ways to get your dog a healthy coat is through the right diet. As dogs are naturally carnivorous animals, a raw diet contains the right amount of nutrients- specifically, a BARF diet. Feeding your dog a BARF diet will make their coat shinier, healthier, and reduce shedding- along with a variety of other benefits!

Are all Short-Haired Dogs Hypoallergenic?

Contrary to popular belief, not all short haired dogs are hypoallergenic. Since the root cause of dog allergies doesn’t stem from their coat, a dog’s fur doesn’t play as much of a factor in allergies. Some short haired dogs, like Labrador Retrievers or Beagles, actually can cause a load of allergic symptoms. Rather than focusing on a dog’s coat, you should focus on the amount of saliva they produce, how much they shed, and the amount of dander on their body.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

If you have decided to adopt a dog, here is a list of the types of hypoallergenic dogs. If you have allergies, it’s best to adopt a smaller dog since they release less dander. However, if a larger breed is more your style, there are breeds that have reduced amounts of allergens as well!

Small-sized Hypoallergenic Dogs

The Bichon Frise is a great choice because they were bred to be hypoallergenic! They are great companions and great lap dogs, and they love the water.

A Toy Poodle is hypoallergenic, though it needs to have a solid grooming routine. They are extremely intelligent and their fluffiness is to die for!

Adopting a Shih Tzu would be a great idea, since they hardly shed. They are very friendly and loyal, resembling little lions.

A Brussels Griffon also hardly sheds, making them great for allergies. They are great watchdogs and bond best with one specific person.

The Yorkshire Terrier sheds little, and they don’t produce much dander. Yorkies tend to be willful, loyal, and devoted.

Medium-sized Hypoallergenic Dogs

A Basenji is a great choice, being hypoallergenic and requiring little grooming. They are extremely cunning, yet they can be a challenge to train.

The Puli hardly sheds, since their fur naturally grows into dreadlocks. Since their fur hardly falls out or sheds, they’re very hypoallergenic. Pulis tend to be smart and protective, with a fairly high energy level!

A Wire Fox Terrier is very active and intelligent, with little shedding and dander. They are fairly challenging to train and are humorously feisty!

A Border Terrier is a great pet for someone with dog allergies, since they shed little- though they do require weekly brushing. They are intelligent and hardy, and have very strong instincts!

The Portuguease Water Dog is very energetic and loving! Like poodles, they require a grooming routine, but their coat doesn’t shed much.

Large Hypoallergenic Dogs

Labradoodles are extremely popular, and for good reason. They are a mix of a poodle and a golden retriever- making for an intelligent, loving, good-natured dog. Since they don’t shed much, they are a great match for anyone with dog allergies.

Surprisingly, the Samoyed is hypoallergenic. They have a low amount of dander and don’t drool, but they do tend to shed a lot. Despite their shedding, samoyeds produce a low amount of dander compared to most other breeds. Samoyeds are very patient, happy, and affectionate, making for a great family member.

Getting a Giant Schnauzer is a good idea, since they don’t shed or drool often. They are loyal, intelligent, and great with children! Since they are so intelligent, training them can be a blast.

The Airedale Terrier is hypoallergenic because they don’t shed or produce much dander. They do need to be regularly groomed, however. They are incredibly intelligent and goofy, being great family dogs.

A Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless) is =primarily hairless, making them a great pet for those with allergies. However, since they don’t have much fur, their skin must be taken care of to avoid sunburns or acne. They are very affectionate and loyal!

Dogs Not Recommended for Someone With Allergies

Some dogs are difficult to handle without experiencing an allergic reaction. Here are 10 dogs not suitable for someone with allergies, and why:

• Siberian Huskies (Excessive shedding)
• German Shepherds (Excessive shedding)
• Basset Hounds (Excessive drooling)
• Pugs (excessive shedding and drooling)
• Saint Bernards (Excessive drooling, dander, and shedding)
• Doberman Pinscher (Dandruff)
• Bloodhound (Excessive drooling)
• English Bulldog (Excessive drooling and dander)
• Labrador Retrievers (Excessive dander)
• Pomeranians (Excessive shedding, dander, and urinating)

How to Reduce Dog Allergy Symptoms

Even if you get a hypoallergenic dog, chances are you will still experience some symptoms. Luckily, there are things you can do to stifle or prevent symptoms!

• Keep your dog out of your bed, bedroom, and furniture.
• Bathe your pet with a gentle soap weekly to remove dander from their coat.
• If you have carpet, clean your carpet often.
• Keep surfaces clean.
• Wash your hands after touching your dog and keep your pup groomed.
• Use medications to help symptoms if needed.