There may be more non allergic dog breeds than you think!
People who suffer from dog allergies often think that it is impossible for them to ever be able to share their home with a dog.
However, there are quite a few non allergic dog breeds out there which are worth considering if you really don’t want to miss out on the faithful companionship of man’s best friend.
Below is a list of the most popular dog breeds for allergy sufferers. Most people who have a dog allergy are actually allergic to the skin dander which sticks to a dogs hair rather than to the actual dog fur itself.
Advice for Allergy Sufferers
- Smaller Dogs Have Less Hair
- Keep your pet out of your bedroom
- Have someone else brush the dog
- Bathe your pet weekly to remove dander from its coat.
- Choose carpet-free flooring (laminate or vinyl work well), sweep frequently
- Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifier
Finding a breed which sheds very little helps cut down on the amount of hair floating around your home so therefore there should also be less dander out on the loose causing havoc.
Many dogs who have double coats are the worst nightmare for people allergic to pet dander, as the soft fluffy undercoat tends to shed twice a year. The exceptions are the Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, and the Bichon Frise.
And contrary to popular belief, bathing a dog won’t cut down on the amount of hair it sheds. But it does remove the dander which is the most likely allergen!
It goes without saying that the less amount of fur a dog has then the higher up the hypo allergenic dog breed list it is. This makes the Xoloitzcuintli (hairless terrier) the perfect choice as he has virtually no hair on him at all!
But, surprisingly, there are some pretty fluffy non allergic dog breeds available too. The Maltese has long hair yet sheds very little as its hair is like human hair rather than resembling dog fur.
So he’s one of the best hypoallergenic dogs for getting cuddles from! He may very briefly shed his puppy fur though when he is around nine months old. This will be very short though and should end as quickly as it begins.
Poodles are also excellent for allergy sufferers and many breeds are being crossed with them in order to produce an allergy-free dog such as the Labradoodle (Labrador and Poodle) and the Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle).
Best Non Allergic Dog Breeds
Affenpinscher
Very People Oriented
Apartment Friendly
Can be Vocal
Bonds to One Person
Requires Professional Grooming
Barbet
A water dog
Great swimmer
Good in a family
Good with Children
Bedlington Terrier
Much more mellow than other terriers
Adaptable
Good with Children
Good Watchdog
Requires Professional Grooming
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Loyal
Needs a firm Owner
Waterproof Coat – greasy to touch
Needs Plenty of Space – Exercise
Grooming is a Challenge
Bichon Frise
Playful, Cheerful
Good with other Pets
Low Exercise Requirements
Craves Attention
Professional Grooming
Chinese Crested
Two types: Hairless and Powderpuff
Needs people
Playful
Does not tolerate cold
Hairless needs skin care
Coton de Tulear
A great companion dog
Happy, playful, sensitive
Easy to train, but needs grooming!
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
A hardy, tough dog
Laid-back attitude
Easy to train
Irish Terrier
Protective
Adaptable
Quiet inside
Needs Lots of Exercise
Requires Professional Grooming
Maltese
Very loyal
Adaptable
Some are Vocal
Needs Little Exercise
Professional Grooming
Poodle (All Sizes)
Highly Trainable
May be vocal
Adaptable
Intuitive
Professional Grooming
Portuguese Water Dog
Spirited
Needs lots of Exercise
Great Swimmer
Good with Children
Needs Professional Grooming
Schnauzer (All Sizes)
Energetic
Vocal
Bonds to the Whole Family
Fearless
Professional Grooming
Shih Tzu
Adaptable
Good Watch Dog
Craves Human Companionship
Exercise Requirements are Low
Professional Grooming
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Sociable
Adaptable
Needs Plenty of Exercise
Athletic
Professional Grooming
Read our interview with a Wheaten Owner and see what it is really like to live with a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Whippet
Calm
Amiable
Needs short but vigorous exercise
Excellent apartment dog
Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
Very Clean, No Doggie Odor
Good with Children
Bonds to One Person
Requires skin care – lotion
Good Watchdog
Yorkshire Terrier
Feisty
Adaptable
Low Exercise Requirements
May be vocal
Professional Grooming
Also look at hybrid breeds involving the Yorkshire Terrier, such as the Yorkipoo.
We hope our guide to non allergic dog breeds has been useful. Please tell us if you think we have missed any that should be on this page, using the Contact Me link. Thank you!
