Questions
- What is a hypoallergenic dog?
- The best hypoallergenic dogs
- The top small hypoallergenic dogs
- The top large hypoallergenic dogs
- Caring for a hypoallergenic dog
While owning a dog can be the most fulfilling and rewarding experience, for many pet parents, it can be difficult to welcome a pup into the home if anyone suffers from allergies. When you have an allergy to dogs, a reaction can be flared up by several things, namely the fur and dander they shed.
Dander is the dead skin cells that dogs naturally shed, just like humans. An allergic reaction is set off by the proteins carried in these when they contact your eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. How the allergen contacts the person affects the symptoms of the reaction.
Luckily there are dog breeds out there that shed less of these allergens and those with allergies can have the opportunity to have their own canine companion. Hypoallergenic dogs (sometimes referred to as hypo dog breeds) are great for those who may have their allergies triggered by other breeds of dog.
Read on to discover dog breeds that are hypoallergenic!
What is a hypoallergenic dog?
A hypoallergenic dog is any breed of dog whose coat doesn’t shed. Because of this they also tend to drop less dander so people who are allergic to dogs are often not triggered by them. Hypoallergenic dogs can either be pure breeds or mixes.
Dog breeders have purposely bred some breeds together for the sake of making the most out of one breed’s hypoallergenic coat, particularly as there is a demand around the temperament or other characteristics of another breed without the shedding.
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Can you be allergic to hypoallergenic dogs?
Whilst it’s not possible for dogs to be 100% hypoallergenic, their non-shedding factors make it possible for a pup to never drop fur or dander into the environment. However, the proteins that trigger allergic reactions in people from the fur and dander can also be found in the saliva. It’s almost impossible to guarantee that someone with pet allergies will not be allergic to a specific breed of dog, which is why there’s no such thing as allergy free dogs! While they might drool and shed less, a reaction can still be triggered by any breed of dog. The breeds suggested below are considered the best dogs for allergies, but this is not a guarantee!
The best hypoallergenic dogs
The poodle is the most popular breed by far when thinking of hypoallergenic dog breeds. Many pet parents with allergies can keep a poodle in their home without ever having a reaction from them. Their curly coat sheds very little and they lose minimal dander.
They’re an intelligent working dog that comes in several sizes but even the smallest breed of poodle still needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Poodles need quite a lot of training so to create a more family friendly mix, people have bred breeds like labradors, retrievers, cocker spaniels and Maltese with them, so you get the benefit of their temperaments with a hypoallergenic coat. The higher the percentage of poodle in each breeding, the less likely they are to trigger an allergic reaction.
These types of breeds are also extremely low maintenance for grooming but require regular brushing and trimming every 6 to 8 weeks from groomers like The Jolly Groomer. Using a compatible dog brush for their short hair will help to remove any tangles and keep their coat in good condition – the FURminator brush is the perfect choice!
The top small hypoallergenic dogs
When you’re considering a small breed of dog and looking for a hypoallergenic coat, there are a few different options depending on the other qualities you’re looking for. Their size can vary, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for tiny hypoallergenic dog breeds. Check our hypoallergenic dogs list below!
Toy Poodle crosses are popular. Breeds like the Cavapoo and Maltipoo are great little lap dogs. Both the Cavalier King Charles and Maltese are very people-oriented breeds of dog, so you get all the benefits of a lap dog in a small package without as much shedding.
Bedlington Terriers are great little characters with their tight curly coats that give them a lamb like appearance. They’re small, and hypoallergenic but still have a lot of get up and go. They were bred for ratting so have plenty of energy and can have quite a high chase drive.
Bichon Frise is another very common curly coated hypoallergenic breed. They’re a popular companion breed and tend to be relatively easy-going lap dogs who love to cuddle and are also doggy sociable too.
Other breeds of small dogs that are hypoallergenic include:
● Miniature Schnauzer
● Yorkshire Terrier
● Shih Tzu
● Maltese
● Chinese Crested
● Any hairless breed
The top large hypoallergenic dogs
Larger breeds of dogs don’t necessarily shed more and there are plenty of breeds that drop as little fur and dander as smaller breeds. Like the smaller options, there are also several popular mixes with Poodles that are not hypoallergenic on their own but bred against a Poodle make them more likely to be.
Large breeds of hypoallergenic dogs include:
● Standard Poodle
● Giant Schnauzer
● Afghan Hound
● Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
● Airedale Terrier
● Portuguese Water Dog
Crossbreeds like the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle are all considered big hypoallergenic dogs. The Golden Retriever, Labrador, and the Old English Sheepdog are all popular breeds that can commonly trigger allergies so adding Poodle into the mix makes it much less likely.
Caring for a hypoallergenic dog
While a hypoallergenic dog may not shed, that doesn’t mean that you won’t find whisps of fur or danger around the home. It’s impossible to find a breed of dog that doesn’t shed anything so part in parcel of being a dog owner with allergies is a good cleaning routine. Hair and dander will find their way everywhere which is when it’s most likely to encounter you.
Regular cleaning with pet safe products will keep your canine companion comfortable while helping you to avoid any allergic reactions. When you’re embarking on your big spring clean, discover our spring cleaning with pet’s guide to help your home sparkle in a safe way. Since any dog sheds a small amount, even hypoallergenic dogs, any dog runs the risk of creating a build up over time and triggering any sensitivities.
Got a pooch with allergies themselves? Discover everything they need for happy tummies thanks to hypoallergenic dog food and treats!
For everything you need to keep allergies at bay and all your other essential dog equipment or food, visit up online or in-store.