Non Allergic Dog Breeds. Which Dogs Are Low-Allergy?

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

A black Affenpinscher dog running outdoors
AffenpinscherAffenpinscher

Very People Oriented
Apartment Friendly
Can be Vocal
Bonds to One Person
Requires Professional Grooming


Barbet

The Barbet

A water dog

Great swimmer

Good in a family

Good with Children


Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terrier

Much more mellow than other terriers
Adaptable
Good with Children
Good Watchdog
Requires Professional Grooming


Bergamasco Sheepdog

Bergamasco Sheepdog

Loyal
Needs a firm Owner
Waterproof Coat – greasy to touch
Needs Plenty of Space – Exercise
Grooming is a Challenge


Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

Playful, Cheerful
Good with other Pets
Low Exercise Requirements
Craves Attention
Professional Grooming


Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested

Two types:  Hairless and Powderpuff
Needs people
Playful
Does not tolerate cold
Hairless needs skin care


Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear puppy

A great companion dog

Happy, playful, sensitive

Easy to train, but needs grooming!


Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

A hardy, tough dog

Laid-back attitude

Easy to train


Irish Terrier

Irish Terrier

Protective
Adaptable
Quiet inside
Needs Lots of Exercise
Requires Professional Grooming


Maltese

Maltese

Very loyal
Adaptable
Some are Vocal
Needs Little Exercise
Professional Grooming


Poodle (All Sizes)

Poodle

Highly Trainable
May be vocal
Adaptable
Intuitive
Professional Grooming


Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dog

Spirited
Needs lots of Exercise
Great Swimmer
Good with Children
Needs Professional Grooming


Schnauzer (All Sizes)

Schnauzer

Energetic
Vocal
Bonds to the Whole Family
Fearless
Professional Grooming


Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

Adaptable
Good Watch Dog
Craves Human Companionship
Exercise Requirements are Low
Professional Grooming


Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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

Whippet

Calm

Amiable

Needs short but vigorous exercise

Excellent apartment dog


Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)

Xoloitzcuintli

Very Clean, No Doggie Odor
Good with  Children
Bonds to One Person
Requires skin care – lotion
Good Watchdog


Yorkshire Terrier

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!

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