Top Ten Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Choosing a hypoallergenic dog breed can be an exciting, yet sometimes intimidating time.

On one hand, you’re getting a beloved pooch that may be the member you’ve been looking for to finally complete your family. On the other hand, if you or one of your family members suffers from dog allergies, the pressure of choosing the right type of dog can be somewhat nerve-racking.

By choosing the right type of breed while following certain precautions, you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the perks that come with owning a four-legged companion.

Approximately 10% of citizens in the United States suffer from a pet allergy. However, 78 million dogs are taken in as pets and are the most popular pets worldwide. So if your family wants a pup to join in on the love, there are ways to fight allergies, work around them to make family dreams come true.

Despite popular belief, there’s actually no such thing as a breed of dog that’s completely hypoallergenic.

Why?

Humans are not allergic to the dog’s fur, but rather, to the dander and dry skin flaking off their bodies when they shed.

Some dogs are simply more gentle on allergy sufferers than other breeds, due to the texture of the dog’s fur, how much they shed, as well as the layers of fur they have.

The best type of hypoallergenic dogs are the low shedding pups, which shed less fur than others. This is because it means less dander floating in the air.

Luckily, there are quite a few of these hypoallergenic dogs that you can choose from. Not only do they have low shedding characteristics, or sometimes, no shedding at all, but they are lovable and personable, providing the best kind of companion there is.

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We’re also customers which is why we put transparency and honesty as main priorities when crafting our articles.

We get it: you’re looking for real answers with careful details, backed by efficient research. And we provide that for you every single time.

Why?

The internet is a crowded place, often with low-quality content and skewed information. This is not only frustrating (we’ve been there) but it’s also a waste of perfectly good space.

We want to change that. By conducting strenuous research on these dog breeds, we become experts on the topic. We want to share this expertise with you while providing as many details as possible.

When it comes to adding another member into your family, that responsibility is huge!

We hope you like our selection and find the pooch that helps keep your family healthy and happy.

Our List of Top 10 Hypoallergenic Dogs

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, personalities and traits. You’ll be happy to know that hypoallergenic dogs come in many different choices as well.

The best way to decide which dog is for you or your family member who suffers from allergies, is to spend time with one of these breeds before taking the plunge and investing in a furry buddy.

Have playdates with other friends who own a hypoallergenic breed of dog or ask a breeder you have your eyes on if you and your family could visit the pups a few times before making the decision to buy.

These ten breeds of hypoallergenic dogs are meant to give you an idea of what type of dog may be the perfect fit to your growing family.

1. Portuguese Water Dog

This is number one on our list not just because it’s the same type of dog the Obama family has to accommodate Malia Obama’s allergies but because Portuguese water dogs are awesome pets. They are well-mannered, adventurous, and a great family companion. They also have a robust coat of fur that helps keep in dander. However, it requires regular maintenance.

One bonus with having this breed of dog is if your allergies are so severe, you can’t get near any dog regardless of their coat. Portuguese water dogs are well-suited for outdoor living. Due to their webbed feet and waterproof coat, these dogs are happy to live outdoors as long as they are fed, watered and sheltered properly.

Oh and on top of that, they’re ridi​c​ulously adorable.

2. American Hairless Terrier

While hairless dogs are not ideal for some owners, they make a perfect match for people who suffer from allergies. Since these dogs are completely bald, and therefore, can’t shed, they are less likely to induce allergic reactions.

They do require a bit of extra care since they’re sensitive to extreme temperatures as well as sunscreen when outside. But they serve as amazing pets. They’re intelligent, playful, feisty, and they absolutely love family members.

This is a great choice for individuals with allergies and for families looking for a loyal little buddy.

3. Poodle

On top of being the ​second sma​​rtest dog​ in the world, poodles are also a great choice for people who suffer from allergies. Poodles come in all sizes, sport a minimally shedding coat, and are easy to train – making them an ideal choice for families with allergies.

Keep in mind, poodles, big or small, need to be groomed and shaved frequently. If their coats are not maintained regularly, they become matted and will collect allergens and dust.

4. Xoloitzcuintli

No, this was not a typo.

Pronounced, “zoh-loh-eets-kweent-le” or also known as the Mexican Hairless dog, these bald pooches are awesome companions for allergy sufferers.

They are also intelligent pets and despite their lack of hair, can be super adorable. These dogs require special skin care which may be too time-consuming for some people, so it’s important to do your re​​search on these dogs before committing.

However, if you do decide to adopt one of these hairless babies, their wild nature and cute faces will brighten up your day without any unfortunate allergic reactions.

5. Maltese

These French dogs are small, white, and have been making their rounds in royal European families for hundreds of years. They are loyal, loving and simply adore their owners. Additionally, their single layer of hair that grows continually without shedding makes them a great choice for people who suffer from dog allergies.

You’ve probably seen many Maltese being groomed in fancy ways for dog shows. But most Maltese dog owners choose to cut their lap dog’s hair in a “puppy cut” that’s more manageable and reduces shedding even more.

They are great family companions due to their docile temperaments and size that will serve as a perfect new addition to the family.

6. Bichon Frise

This is a friendly and popular breed of hypoallergenic dogs due to their wooly coat. Since Bichon Frise dogs don’t shed and due to their small size and playful nature, they’re great for families that suffer from dog allergies.

Their hair grows continuously and while this means they don’t shed, it also means they need to be groomed on a regular basis. Usually, this means about once a month in order to keep them clean and happy.

Hang out with one of these little cuties to get a sense of their huge personalities and kind nature.

7. Labradoodle

These dogs were given their name after their soft coats that look more like hair than fur. Due to their lack of shedding, these dogs are considered to be a hypoallergenic breed. On top of this characteristic, they’re also a popular pet due to their ability to get along with families very well.

Wheaten Terriers are an Irish breed of Terrier with a luxurious golden and hypoallergenic coat. They were bred in Ireland for centuries as herding, hunting, and guardian dogs but have become extremely popular in the United States as well.

Not only will they fit into your family due to their hypoallergenic properties, but their jolly personalities are sure to win you over.

It should be noted that these pooches ​don’t enjoy​ being alone or in cold weather.

9. Giant Schnauzer

This is an excellent choice for people who are looking for a breed that’s gentle on allergies but has a large stature. Their thick coats hardly shed and are also very weather resistant, which work great for families that have an allergy sufferer.

These dogs are very active and, therefore, will be happiest in an adventurous family. On top of that, this breed comes in many different sizes (miniature, standard and giant). They can fit in easily with almost any family, as long as they enjoy venturing outside often.

Like most hypoallergenic pets, Schnauzers need to be ​brushe​​d regularly​. This will also help reduce any allergens from accumulating in their coat.

10. Kerry Blue Terrier

As their name suggests, Kerry Blue Terriers reign from Kerry County in Ireland where they have lived for hundreds of years. They were ​originally ​​used​ for their hunting and retrieving skills on both land and in water, and were used for herding livestock and utility purposes in Ireland.

Kerry Blue Terriers are playful, smart, and active that can easily adapt to different situations.

These pups have a coat very similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and can make a great family companion as well.

Their hair hardly sheds as well, making them a wonderful choice for families looking for a new hypoallergenic family member.

Buyer’s Guide

There are tons of different dogs to choose from and with all that choice comes excitement and of course, responsibility.

The right hypoallergenic dog breed for you is the one that your family can handle as allergy sufferers, of course, but also is the type of dog you’d fall in love with.

Spending some time with the type of dog you’re thinking about is a great idea in terms of testing your allergies before investing. But it’s also a good way to see if the dog’s personality meshes with your family.

There are many different types of indoor and smaller hypoallergenic dogs, and a good number of more adventurous pooches that won’t make you sneeze as well. Some of these dogs require extra attention and maintenance, while others are easy to train and almost care for themselves.

By doing your research beforehand, you will find the type of dog that matches your family and lifestyle perfectly. After all, the best type of dog is a happy and healthy dog.

Add hypoallergenic to the mix and you have yourself a match made in heaven.

Which hypoallergenic dog breed is your favorite? Have we missed any? Let us know!

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