The Best Dog Breeds For People With Allergies
For anyone who loves animals, pet allergies can be the bane of their existence. While Poodles have risen to become the poster-pup for hypoallergenic dogs, there are a variety of breeds that may be ideal for those with allergies. The key is finding a pet that hardly sheds. From breeds with little to no fur, like the Chinese Crested, to those with a thick coat that simply doesn't shed, like a Welsh Terrier, there are a variety of canines that may suit a person with allergies. Read on to discover which dogs may do well with allergic owners.
Schnauzers
Schnauzers are reportedly some of the best dogs for people with allergies because they do not shed. The breed has three different types of coats: traditional coat, super coat, or mega coat.
The coat can also be either soft or wired. Regardless of any variances in the coat, Schnauzers are generally known to have very little pet dander because they do not shed. Those with allergies can enjoy a giant Schnauzer, a toy Schnauzer, or any size in between.
Whippets
Whippets are thin, sleek dogs that come in a variety of coat patterns and colors. They look like a smaller version of a Greyhound and have a similarly aerodynamic body shape that makes them fast runners.
They rarely shed and their short coats don't require much in the way of grooming. So long as they get enough exercise, they are happy to lounge for hours at a time and can do well in apartments.
Chinese Cresteds
Chinese Cresteds have one of the most unique coats of the dog breeds. With their long hairdo, fur socks, and feathered tails, they almost look like 1970s rockstars. The tiny pooches rarely shed and also come in a hairless variation that is even more ideal for those with allergies.
The ten-pound canines are well-suited for small spaces and only need moderate exercise. The hairless ones are sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen or clothing is recommended.
Poodles
Like Schnauzers, poodles come in a variety of sizes and have a coat that is very well-suited for those with allergies because it does not shed. They do need to be groomed regularly to prevent their coat from matting, so many owners opt to keep the fur short.
Poodles are highly intelligent dogs that make for trainable athletes. They are often mixed with other breeds to pass their coat advantages on to the other breed, so those with allergies may find more of a variety with a mixed poodle.
Brussels Griffons
Brussels Griffons may not be the most talked about of the allergy-friendly dogs, but that's not because they don't make wonderful companions. These cute little pups have big, round eyes and a tiny snout similar to that of a Pug.
They can sometimes have a smooth coat, also like a Pug, or they can have a rougher coat that is more comparable to that of a Schnauzer. They are known for being almost human-like in character.
Hungarian Pulik
The Hungarian Puli (plural: Pulik) is an easy breed to recognize on account of their distinctive mop-like coat. Since their fur forms into cords naturally, they do not shed often. At the same time, their dense coat does require some attention in the way of grooming.
The agile dogs love to exercise and need mental stimulation since they are naturally driven. A Puli can be headstrong, so you'll want to be a firm alpha from the start, but don't be surprised if their independence peeks out now and again.
Scottish Terriers
Scottish Terriers tend to have wiry soft coats and dense undercoats, two features that make the dog less likely to shed allergy-inducing dander. Though the pooches are small, they are upbeat and independent.
They tend to be wary of other dogs and of strangers, making them a great watchdog. They have bursts of energy and love vigorous play, but generally can do well in small spaces, making them a great apartment dog.
Spanish Water Dogs
The curly coat of a Spanish Water Dog can look similar to that of a Poodle. Their coat is woolly and can grow out to form cords, but it's advised to become educated on the grooming process for cords or to keep their fur short.
Spanish Water Dogs shed infrequently and their coats come in black, brown, beige, or white, and also can be multicolored. They are highly active and make for great running companions.
Salukis
Salukis are a beautiful, ancient dog that looks similar to a Greyhound. They have either smooth coats, like a Whippet's, or feathered coats. Whichever texture they have, they only shed occasionally.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns and have sweet eyes that can melt your heart. These energetic dogs do need regular exercise to stay happy and do best with a fenced-in yard since they love to run.
Xoloitzcuintli AKA Mexican Hairless
The Xoloitzcuintli ("show-low-eats-queen-tlee"), more simply referred to as Xolo or Mexican Hairless, comes in two varieties of fur: none at all, or a short, flat coat. Those that have fur shed infrequently.
Xolos are ancient dogs and were highly regarded by the Aztecs. They have a lot of energy and need daily exercise, but are known for being calm in the house. The alert dogs are deeply loyal and can make for great watchdogs.
Kerry Blue Terriers
Kerry Blue Terriers are named after two things: the Irish country they originated from and the color of their coat. The black-blue color of its coat varies so that some are more blue-gray or slate. Their coats are thick and soft, but they do not shed.
The muscular dogs typically weigh up to 40 pounds and love playing with their owners. They do well with training and enjoy a mental challenge, but also enjoy a well-deserved snuggle session.
Scottish Deerhounds
Scottish Deerhounds are gentle giants, standing at around 30 inches to the shoulder and weighing in at 75-110 pounds. Though their coat comes in different colors, they are generally known for their blue-gray colored coat.
Their wiry coats only need to be brushed every couple of weeks and they don't have a high amount of shedding, as it comes in seasons. The sensitive canines need lots of attention and generally do well with other dogs.
Havanese
Havanese have impressive coats that look more like hair than fur when well-groomed and grown out. Since their fur is prone to matting and tangles, some owners prefer to keep the coat short.
Either way, Havanese only occasionally shed and don't need to be bathed often. Their eyes do need to be cleaned daily to prevent stained fur around their tear ducts. The joyful dogs are social and intelligent companions that don't like being left alone for a long while.
Komondorok
Like the Puli, Komondorok have chorded coats that requires special grooming. They are seasonal shedders, but overall do not shed with great frequency. One main difference between the two breeds is their size.
Where Pulik typically grow to about 30 pounds, a Komondoro can weigh in at about 100 pounds and is packed with muscle. They love to run and play, but need to be trained early on as they can be stubborn and independent thinkers.
Bolognese
The Bolognese dog is a great choice for those who love floofy animals but are prone to allergies, because this breed is an infrequent shedder. Their longer coat does need some maintenance, so owners who want to groom less often typically keep the coat shorter.
The tiny dogs don't grow more than a foot tall and typically weigh less than ten pounds. Bolos are very affectionate and don't take well to being left alone for long periods of time.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a soft, fluffy coat that does not shed. Their short legs practically disappear beneath their low bodies and they don't typically grow to be more than 24 pounds.
They do well with moderate exercise, but their small size makes them well suited for apartment living. Though they are tiny little cuddlers, they have a deep and intimidating bark. They are brave dogs whose independent thinking makes early and diligent training imperative.
Welsh Terriers
A well-groomed Welsh Terrier looks more like a plush toy than a living animal thanks to their soft, thick coat. Fortunately for those with allergies, the cute pups don't shed with frequency and are relatively easy to keep groomed.
The spirited animals are full of energy and need a fair amount of running time. Ensuring enough playtime and activity helps keep these intelligent canines relatively obedient. Those looking for an outdoor pet rather than a lap dog may enjoy the company of a Welsh Terrier.
Sealyham Terriers
Sealyham Terriers have a double-layered coat that does not shed, though it does need to be brushed a couple of times a week to prevent matting. Their fur can also be kept short to mitigate their grooming needs.
Sealys are adorable canines with stubby legs that leave them standing at only about 10 inches tall. They can be stubborn so early training is important, but they also make for affectionate companions packed with character and charisma.
Löwchen
Löwchen have a name that translates to "little lion" since their coat, when long, can look like a lions mane. Whether long or short, their fur doesn't shed unless it's brushed. Since longer fur requires more brushing, those with especially sensitive allergies may prefer to keep their Löwchen's coat short.
Another great characteristic of these canines is that their life expectancy is at least 15 years! They are also very affectionate and love doing activities with their owner.
Affenpinschers
Affenpinschers are tiny dogs that are known for their humor. Their wiry coats do require quite a bit of attention since the fur mats easily, but it grows at a slow rate and therefore doesn't need frequent trimming.
Affens are only seasonal shedders thanks to their unique coat, which comes in a variety of different colors. The canines are fearless and do well with a couple of walks a day and indoor play, making them great for apartment dwellers.
