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Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
You dream of sharing your life with a canine buddy but you suffer with allergies – so what can you do? Thankfully there are lots of hypoallergenic dog breeds that may be perfect for you.
But before we dive in I want to say there is no such thing as a 100% allergy free dog. Nothing is completely dust free, even the little Chinese crested bald dogs. With this said you can reduce your allergy levels by making a few adjustments. This includes taking the time to find the breed that is right for you.
10 Low Shedding Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
We’ve all been there at some point in our lives. You go to a friend’s house, they have a light haired dog that sheds a tonne, and you end up looking like you went swimming in fur with no lint roller in sight. Or you’ve had a dog of your own that has had shedding issues.
Whether you’re in the market for a low shedding dog breed due to allergies or preference, or you’re just simply curious about what breeds have made the cut on our list today, read on!
1. Bichon Frise
These curly headed little marshmallows are playful, sweet, and actually look like they don’t because the dead hairs get stuck in their top coat. Frequent grooming is important in order to avoid matting!
2. Poodle
These showy pooches have actually only one coat, which is different from the usual undercoat and topcoat that most dogs have. Due to this and their tendency to be trimmed quite short and low shedding genetics, you won’t find many stray hairs around. Weekly brushing is a must!
3. Maltese
The sassy Maltese has a lovely, fine long coat that is soft to the touch. Fortunately, matting is a low concern for this dog but they should be brushed daily to avoid tangles.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
The athletically inclined Mini Schnauzer has a gorgeous double coat that doesn’t tend to grow very long. Due to the double coat though, matting is a big concern and frequent brushing and trimming is required.
5. Standard Schnauzer
Another in the beautiful Schnauzer family, it too has a unique double coat. Care should be taken to use a technique known as ‘stripping’ to ensure mats do not build up, as well as frequent clipping.
6. Giant Schnauzer
The literal giant of the Schnauzer family, this hardworking dog has wiry, tough fur. Daily brushing is important and will help to avoid nasty tangles. Clipping should also be a regular task.
7. Wirehaired Dachshund
These loveable and stubborn Hot Dogs have a unique double coat that is quite wiry and prone to matting. The stripping technique should be implemented at least twice a year, and daily brushing is strongly recommended. They seem to shed infrequently as the dead hairs get caught in the longer top coat.
8. Shorthair Daschund
This cutie has very short, fine hair without his aforementioned brother’s sometimes difficult double coat. Shedding is almost nonexistent in this breed as long as brushing is kept up.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
The active and affectionate PWD has a waterproof, curly coat that makes swimming a breeze. These little guys, like a few others that we’ve covered, have no undercoat – making shedding virtually nonexistent.
10. The Chinese Crested
Considered a wonderful companion and a very intuitive animal, this little dog has either very long, fine hair or nearly none at all. Daily brushing should be implemented if yours has hair, to avoid tangles.
Don’t Forget to Adopt Low Shed Hypoallergenic Rescue Dogs!
Yes, you will find all kinds of dogs that are available for adoption, that include hypoallergenic dog breeds. Our little rescue dog Oscar, that so happens to be low shedding and hypoallergenic dog.
We think he’s a Maltese/Havanese terrier mix. In fact there are hundreds of breeds that have a ‘mix’ dogs that lower their shed level therefore increase their hypoallergenic level. And when you adopt a rescue there are tons of benefit for both you and your dog to be.
What is a Hypoallergenic Dog
Hypoallergenic dogs are specific breeds that shed less hair and dander than other dogs. Therefore these breeds may produce fewer allergens in their saliva and urine.
However it’s important to keep in mind that all types of dog breeds will have a certain amount of allergens, but hypoallergenic dogs carry less. Allergens can become stuck in carpets, on walls, and in bedding and clothing. This is why people have allergic reactions to their pets.
How to Manage Dog Allergen’s
In order to have pets, these allergens must be removed through frequent house cleaning, use of a quality air purifier. Another way is to designate certain spots in the house for your dog to sleep. Instead of your dog sleeping on your bed you can provide he or she with a comfortable bed for themselves.
Finding Dogs That Are Hypoallergenic
There are plenty of dogs that are hypoallergenic. And you are no limited to expensive breeds of dogs.
When looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you should research breeds that have short hair, shed their skin cells (dander) every few weeks rather then every few days, and do not product as much saliva.
Since allergies can occur at different times during your life, you should spend some time with the breed of dog you are thinking of adopting. Visiting a dog breeder or a friend who has a dog will give you a better idea of which dog to adopt.
Size of the Dog
You should also consider your current living conditions. If you live in a small house or apartment, you may experience more allergy attacks. This may be that the dander and hair is confined to a small space. Adopting a small hypoallergenic dog is the best way to remedy this problem.
If you live in a larger home, you should be able to adopt a bigger dog. Letting the dog outside to run in the yard or by taking it for frequent walks will also help because your dog will be able to shed outside instead of inside on your carpeting and bedding.
Bringing Your Dog Home
Once you bring your new dog home, you should give it a few weeks for your body to adjust. Your allergies may become worse before they get better. But after a month, you should see a difference.
A hypoallergenic dog does not need any special care unless the breeder has specific health advice about the breed you are buying.
Keep Dander Down
Taking of your home by cleaning often and invest in a quality vacuum that will thoroughly clean your carpeting. If possible, you should replace your carpeting with hardwood flooring. This will keep allergens from piling up and causing an allergy attack. Wipe down the walls once a week and try to keep your new pet off your bed.
These precautions will help reduce allergy attacks and help you have a fun, loving relationship with your dog for many years to come.
Concluding Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Shedding is a fact of life. It’s a myth that there are dogs out there that don’t shed at all, but there are quite a few who simply shed less than others. It really also depends on age, weight, diet, and grooming techniques (which is especially important, no matter the breed). Carefully consider all of the factors when it comes to adopting a dog, whether a puppy or senior dog, size and energy level. Adopting a dog is a true joy but a commitment for life.