What are Hypoallergenic Dogs?

The term hypoallergenic refers to anything that is designed to reduce or minimize triggering an allergic response or reaction. This is done by reducing the amount of allergens that may cause that reaction. But are there hypoallergenic dogs?

While there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, there are dogs that typically sheds less, exposing you to less allergy triggering factors. These kinds of dogs often have curly coats, which trap hair and dander and limit their release into the environment.

What Exactly Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

Hypoallergenic is commonly used to describe the void of allergens. The prefix of the term, hypo, means beneath or less than normal. Thus implying that the amount of allergens is lower or that it is minimally allergenic.

That being said, a hypoallergenic dog means that they are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. The dog is not necessarily devoid of allergens, but the amount they release is not significant enough to trigger a reaction. Many believe that people with allergies are allergic to dog hair, which is where the confusion lies. In reality, people are allergic to dog dander.

What Triggers an Allergic Reaction to Dogs?

A dog’s saliva and urine typically contain a protein to which allergy sufferers are allergic. The dog grooms themselves and spreads the protein to their skin and coat. As new skin cells are produced, old ones are shed, which release into the environment, this is known as dander. Due to this, people are frequently informed that they are allergic to dog dander. You come into contact with the protein-coated hair as it is shed into the environment.

A hypoallergenic dog typically sheds less. These breeds often have curly coats which trap hair and dander so that less is shed into the environment, or they have less hair. Additionally, they are groomed more often, which takes the protein out of the skin and coat reducing the amount of dander they reproduce.

Can People with Allergies Own Dogs?

A 30-year-old study revealed that there is no allergy-safe dog; if you are allergic to dogs, you are allergic to dogs. However, this does not preclude the possibility of a hypoallergenic dog.

People generally get along better with animals that shed less and have tightly curly coats. Another option to get rid of the protein from their skin and coat is to take frequent baths.

Be careful, as frequent bathing can deplete coats of their natural condition, and abrasive shampoos can change the skin’s pH balance. Unbalanced skin can cause various problems, such as scratching, itching, and dullness! Regular vacuuming and daily outdoor brushing of your dog will help remove protein from your environment and their coat.

It’s best to meet several dogs if you want one. So you can determine which ones elicit a greater reaction than others.

What is the Best Dog for People with Allergies?

If you are considering getting a dog but are concerned about allergies, you are not alone; the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that three in ten Americans have allergies to cats and dogs.

But fortunately for them there are many hypoallergenic dog breeds are available for people who have pre-existing allergies. Your allergies don’t have to prevent you from owning a dog; quite the opposite is true: many of the most well-liked breeds of dogs, including canines of all shapes and sizes, are hypoallergenic.

Now that you know what kinds of dogs are thought to be hypoallergenic let’s talk about some of the best dog breeds for allergy sufferers. The size of hypoallergenic dogs is typically small to medium, but they can differ in temperament, history, and appearance.

In light of this, we have listed the following hypoallergenic dogs. Each one fits into one of the three groups we mentioned: hairless dogs, dogs that don’t shed, or dogs with easily maintained coats that reduce dander.

Affenpinscher

Due to their low-maintenance coats, Affenpinschers are excellent for allergy sufferers, just like many of the wiry-haired dogs on this list. The wiry coats of Affenpinschers don’t overgrow, and they don’t shed a lot. These canines are known for being bold, humorous, and excellent toy-sized companion dogs.

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hounds’ silky coats have minimal shedding, although they may not initially appear to be the best hypoallergenic dogs. These dogs have short, fluffy coats as puppies; as they age, they grow longer, silkier coats that need regular grooming. These dogs can be an excellent option for people with allergies if you don’t mind grooming.

Afghan Hounds are well known for having a regal and dignified appearance. They have great love and loyalty for the people they consider their own.

American Hairless Terrier

As you might have guessed from their name, American Hairless Terriers are typically hairless, though there is also a coated variety. In any case, these dogs don’t shed much, or at the very least, they shed very little when they do. These dogs are an excellent breed for people with allergies, but you will need to take care of their ears and shield them from the sun.

In addition, although they are less well-known than some other dogs on our list, American Hairless Terriers are Louisiana natives. They are known for having a playful terrier attitude.

Basenji

The independent, intelligent Basenji, also called the barkless dog, is distinguished by its curly tail. These dogs make excellent hypoallergenic companions due to their short hair, minimal grooming requirements, and infrequent shedding. Basenjis don’t have the typical dog smell and only require bathing if they get dirty.

They are frequently described as a barkless dog since the sound they make is close to something like a chortle and a yodel.

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is a hypoallergenic dog with a distinctive appearance that has a coat similar to a sheep’s. The lively personalities and need to be the center of attention of these dogs are well known.

Unlike many other terrier breeds, Bedlington Terriers do not have wiry coats; instead, they have crisp, curly hair that combines soft and harsh. Even though they have a distinctive coats, these dogs don’t shed. Bedlington Terriers don’t shed, but their coats overgrow and must be regularly trimmed.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a charming and personable dog with a completely white coat that makes him easily recognizable. With their enthusiasm, Bichons make wonderful lap dogs and are great companion dogs who get along with kids and other dogs and thrive in busy cities.

The Dog Experts claim that bichons shed very infrequently and that when they do, the shed hair gets tangled up in their undercoat because they are a hypoallergenic breed. Bichons are excellent dogs for allergy sufferers, though they must be brushed and groomed.

Chinese Crested

Chinese Cresteds are available in a hairless and coated variety, like the American Hairless Terrier or the Powderpuff. The hairless dogs don’t shed, as you might expect, and even the coated dogs don’t shed much.

Both varieties of Chinese Crested will need regular brushing for the coated dogs and skin care for the hairless dogs. These breeds are a great option if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog.

Chinese Cresteds are entertaining, playful dogs well-known for showing up in films like Marmaduke, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Cats & Dogs.

Coton de Tulear

Despite not being as well-known as some of the other hypoallergenic dogs on our list, you can recognize a Coton de Tulears when you see one. These dogs have soft and cotton-like white coats that can become long if not kept in a short puppy clip.

Coton de Tulears have flowing coats, but they only occasionally shed and need little grooming, especially if their hair is kept short.

The Coton de Tulear is unquestionably the breed for you if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic canine that will make an excellent companion. These dogs enjoy their company, are content to follow you around the house all day and are fun to be around.

Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers are one of three different types of Schnauzers, making them one of the largest breeds on our list of the best hypoallergenic dogs. These are large dogs, as their name would imply, and they are excellent companions and workers. Additionally, they are intelligent, devoted, and easy to train are giant schnauzers.

These dogs shed, but not in significant amounts at once, which may cause allergies. Dander can be reduced for people with mild allergies by routine brushing and grooming. The Giant Schnauzer is, without a doubt, your best option if you’re looking for a hardworking, energetic hypoallergenic dog.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the biggest hypoallergenic dogs, similar to the Giant Schnauzer. Irish Water Spaniels are also extremely energetic, diligent, and water lovers, as suggested by their name.

Although Irish Water Spaniels shed seasonally, their coats are relatively hypoallergenic, but will need regular brushing and trimming. These dogs are distinguished by their curled coats and tapering rat tail.

Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terriers, which have one of the most distinctive coat colors of any breed of dog, are renowned for being intelligent and versatile family pets. The coats of Kerry Blues come in various blue hues, from dark slate to light blue gray.

These dogs don’t shed, but they still need to be brushed, and their nails should be cut on schedule. Kerry Blues are one of the larger breeds of hypoallergenic dogs, which makes them better watchdogs and workers.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolos are adorable dogs that resemble teddy bears. They have a fascinating history because they were traditionally bred to hunt for truffles, earning them the moniker truffle dog. These dogs have excellent noses and are diligent workers.

The Lagotto is a hypoallergenic breed with thick, curly hair that has a double coat of hair rather than fur. Lagottos shed very little, but their coats must be regularly trimmed to prevent matting. The Lagotto Romagnolo may be the ideal breed for someone with allergies who wants a cute dog with exceptional endurance.

Maltese

Like Bichons and Coton de Tulears, Malteses are small, hypoallergenic dogs recognized for their white coats. Although these dogs don’t shed much, if their coats are kept long, they will need to be brushed and groomed.

Malteses are true companion animals; they are devoted, joyful, and adore spending time on their owners’ laps.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the schnauzers, but don’t let their diminutive size fool you. They are the second schnauzer on our list of the best hypoallergenic dogs. These dogs make excellent guard dogs because they are gregarious and active.

Miniature Schnauzers shed very little despite having a double coat, much like the Giant Schnauzer. The Miniature Schnauzer’s coat can be kept clean by brushing and grooming, but those with allergies won’t likely react to these fearless dogs.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid, one of the rarest hypoallergenic dogs on our list, has a name that sounds like a flower, but this breed is entirely different.

Sighthounds like Greyhounds or Whippets with Peruvian origins are known as Inca Orchids. These dogs make excellent watchdogs because they are devoted and protective.

Peruvian Inca Orchids are available in three sizes and two hairless or coated varieties. In either case, allergy sufferers need not worry about these dogs having a lot of hair or fur, but they will need sunscreen, especially when they are in the sun.

Poodle

The hypoallergenic dog is most likely the most well-known. Poodles come in Standard, Miniature, and Toy sizes, but regardless of size, these dogs make excellent family pets because they are brilliant and adaptable.

Poodles shed infrequently, so many owners prefer to keep their coats simple and short to make maintenance easier. However, you’ll need to continue brushing them if you let their coats grow to prevent mats. Poodles are, without a doubt, one of the most widespread and well-liked hypoallergenic breeds.

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog, made famous by Sunny and Bo, two former White House canines, is a clever, active, and water-loving companion.

These medium-sized dogs, whose curly coats resemble those of some of the other breeds on our list, are also very easy to train.

Despite being hypoallergenic, the Portuguese Water Dog’s thick coat sheds on a seasonal basis. Therefore, you should regularly groom your Portuguese Water Dog to reduce allergic reactions. Many owners opt to keep the coat simple and short to make this process easier, but these dogs can be groomed in various ways.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a soft, silky coat in contrast to most terrier breeds, known for their firm, wiry coats. Despite the low shedding of these dogs, frequent brushing is still necessary to prevent mats and remove extraneous hair.

Wheatens with soft coats are friendly, energetic, and active. These dogs need to be trained and given plenty of exercises because they are terrier-like in their stubbornness. Despite this, they make incredibly loyal and devoted friends.

Spanish Water Dog

The coat of Spanish Water Dogs is one of the most distinctive among the top hypoallergenic dogs. These dogs resemble the Komondor or Bergamasco, also known as “Mop Dogs,” in that they have curly, wooly coats that, when grown out, can form tight cords.

The longer, corded coat of the Spanish Water Dog requires much more upkeep and training, so most dog owners prefer to keep their dogs’ coats short. Nevertheless, these dogs shed very little, making them ideal for people with allergies.

The Spanish Water Dog is a lively, playful companion and diligent watchdog with a history of herding and retrieving.

Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer, the last of the schnauzer breeds on our ranking of the top hypoallergenic dogs, is sized halfway between the Miniature and Giant Schnauzers.

These dogs have active, independent personalities that are very trainable. Standard Schnauzers make lovely companions and watchdogs; they get along well with children and are fiercely loyal to their families.

Although this dog has a double coat like the other schnauzers, it sheds very infrequently. Instead of having their coats clipped, Standard Schnauzers have their coats stripped because clipping causes more dirt and shedding.

Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is both hypoallergenic and a friendly family member, and it is the breed with the most recorded victories at the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. These dogs have a lot of energy, intelligence, and independence.

Like many terriers, Wire Fox Terriers have rough, wiry coats. These coats require very little maintenance and don’t shed much, especially when kept short.

Xoloitzcuintli

Because of their difficult-to-pronounce name, the final dog on our list of the best hypoallergenic dogs is frequently referred to as Xolo.

These dogs, originating from Mexico, resemble the American Hairless Terrier and the Peruvian Inca Orchid. However, Xolos are well known for their wrinkled foreheads and make excellent companions and watchdogs.

Xolos are available in three sizes and two varieties, hairless and coated, much like the Peruvian Inca Orchid. Like other breeds of hairless dogs, Xolos need special care, especially when exposed to the sun. Both hairless and coated dogs shed very little, so brushing is occasionally necessary.