When the thought of getting a dog crosses your mind, allergies shouldn’t be the first thing that comes to mind. That said, allergies are a legitimate concern for many people when considering a pup as part of their family. So what dog breeds are best for those living with allergies?
Hypoallergenic Dogs 101
First things first—let’s talk about hypoallergenic dogs. The term “hypoallergenic” can sometimes be misleading, as there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog breed. This means that all dogs can produce allergens; however, some breeds produce fewer allergens than others. Low-shedding and non-shedding breeds are considered hypoallergenic because they have less dander (an allergen) on their coats and fur.
Low-shedding Breeds
When it comes to breeds that shed minimally, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, and Poodles are all great options. These types of dogs have coats with a wiry texture that prevents dander from gathering on the fur. Furthermore, they require regular brushing and grooming to keep their coats in good condition, which helps keep the dander down.
Non-Shedding Breeds
When it comes to non-shedding breeds, a few popular examples include the Havanese and the Maltipoo. These dogs have fur that grows in a continuous cycle (meaning they don’t shed hair in clumps like other breeds). They also don’t require as much grooming or brushing, which means less dander in the home.
The Best Breeds for People with Allergies
When it comes to finding the best breeds for people with allergies, several factors should be taken into account. These include coat type, size of the breed, and the amount of shedding they do. Some popular low-shedding and non-shedding breeds include Bichon Frise, Maltese, Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard), Schnauzer (Miniature and Standard), Shih Tzu, Havanese, Portuguese Water Dog, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and Kerry Blue Terrier.
These smaller breed dogs tend to have shorter coats which makes it easier to manage any allergy issues as they don’t shed as much fur or dander compared to longer coated breeds like Huskies or Golden Retrievers, who shed significantly more hair throughout the year. In addition to these small breed dogs listed above, there are also larger breed dogs such as Labradoodles or Goldendoodles, which may be suitable for those with mild to moderate allergies depending on their tolerance levels.
Can Dogs Be Truly Allergen Free?
The answer is no. As previously mentioned, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic or allergen-free dog breed. Even the low-shedding and non-shedding breeds pose some risk of producing allergens for those with allergies. However, if you’re willing to invest in regular grooming and brushing, these small, hypoallergenic breeds can be a good fit for those looking to add a furry addition to their family.
You can have a Furry Friend without too much Sneezy!
All in all, finding a dog that won’t trigger your allergies can be pretty tricky but not impossible! There are plenty of low-shedding and non-shedding breeds out there that you can choose from if you have a pet allergy. If you’re serious about bringing home a canine companion despite having pet allergies, then do your research before committing to one particular breed to ensure your new pup will fit into your lifestyle without causing any allergic reactions! After all – we want everyone to enjoy life with man’s best friend!