Hypoallergenic Dogs

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

For people that suffer from daily allergies, the word “hypoallergenic” stamped on a product is always a good sign. Products that carry the categorization of being “hypoallergenic” claim that it will cause minimal allergic reactions at most. However, there is no product that is completely allergy-safe. This includes canines described as “hypoallergenic dogs.”

List of Hypoallergenic Dogs

Dog lovers that dream of owning a pup but are unable to due to their pet allergies should look no further than hypoallergenic dog breeds. These breeds produce dander on a much lower scale than other breeds, which earns them the label “hypoallergenic.” Many people do not realize that breeds of hypoallergenic dogs even exist.

In addition, these dogs shed very little or not at all, which is a plus to many pet owners. Although there are many short-haired, small hypoallergenic dogs, there are also some that are both quite large in stature and very furry.

It has been found that more than 10% of Americans deal with allergic reactions to dogs. This is a significant percentage when put into the perspective of the hundreds of millions currently living there. Because of this, the best hypoallergenic breeds are searched for far and wide.

Although there are a wide variety of hypoallergenic dogs, the ones listed below are some of the most popular breeds. Although every dog breed produces some amount of dander, these allergy-friendly breeds produce the least and would work best for people who suffer from dog allergies.

As with all dog breeds, it is important to provide regular check-ups with a vet, core vaccines (such as those for rabies and parvo) and medication to protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworm.

Yorkshire Terrier

Standing about 7 inches tall, the Yorkshire Terrier is full of spunk. However, potential owners should not be fooled by their small size as Yorkies are all attitude. However, this breed does have an affectionate side that makes them quite lovable.

Ideal for apartment living, Yorkshire Terriers are usually healthy and have a long life span—often living to be 16 years old. They are known for their flowing, straight, human-like hair, which is what helps to make them a hypoallergenic dog. Many Yorkie owners keep this hair cut short to avoid tangles, mats, and dirt. For grooming, this dog requires daily brushing and weekly bathing.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is beloved for its upbeat, playful personality. A perfect choice for families, this sweet pup considers everyone to be a potential friend.

The Bichon Friese’s cottony-white coat is its most distinctive characteristic. Its fluffy coat requires brushing three times weekly, as well as monthly trips to the professional groomer to restore its classic rounded appearance.

A Bichon Frise generally weighs between 12 and 18 pounds. In terms of health, the Bichon often experiences oral hygiene problems. A Bichon can live up to 15 years if kept in good health.

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher stands between 9 and 12 inches in height. This hilarious and hypoallergenic little dog has been said to resemble a monkey with its scruffy appearance. Although Affenpinschers can be quite bold in how they approach others, these dogs love putting on a show for the people it loves.

For grooming, Affenpinschers should get their wiry coats combed two times weekly. For other care, the Affenpinscher should receive routine check-ups of its bone joints and eyes, given that it is predisposed to issues in these areas.

Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog has a rare, nearly-hairless appearance. Although some dogs in this breed have tufts of soft down hair around their limbs, head, and tail, others are covered from head to toe in a wispy, thin hair.

The Chinese Crested Dog’s ancestral roots go all the way back to the 1200s in ancient China. They are a family-friendly breed that is delicately sensitive, yet fiercely loyal to those it loves.

Ranging from 5 to 12 pounds in weight, the Chinese Crested’s thin, hairless body requires a sweater in colder months. Chinese Crested Dogs also needs skin care to prevent sunburns and dry skin.

Portuguese Water Dog

Standing between 17 and 23 inches tall, Portuguese Water Dogs are observant, even-tempered, obedient, and easily trained. Regardless of their serious outlook, this breed loves humans and is always up for an adventure.

Portuguese Water Dogs require extensive physical exercise. Activities such as hiking or running are ideal. Possessing robust health, these canines can live between 10 and 14 years. They are one of the larger hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu dog breed originated in Asia and spent much of their time parading their luxurious hair around palaces all over the world. Today, the Shih Tzu is one of the most prized hypoallergenic dogs breeds.

Shih Tzus love interacting with humans and tend to do well with children of all ages. This playful pup requires minimal exercise, often spending most of its time indoors.

Shih Tzus require daily grooming by its owners and professional grooming every few months to keep its flowing mane tidy, clean, and trimmed. Although they may experience minor health issues, the Shih Tzu is a healthy little pup and can live up to 18 years.

Basenji

Given its African roots, the Basenji remains a hunter at heart. This intelligent, independent dog is perfect for an owner willing to train it and give it plenty of intense exercise.

Basenjis possess the ability to run quickly with graceful strides. Interestingly, this breed is incapable of barking. Instead, it utters a sound almost like a whimper to get attention.

Basenjis are predisposed to various health issues, such as hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. It has a life expectancy of 14 years.

Havanese

Contrary to what is typical of most hypoallergenic dogs, the Havanese breed possesses long, wavy hair that can be as long as 8 inches. The breed was developed in Cuba and is the national dog of that country.

The Havanese is ideal for families due to their happy, loving disposition. These stout dogs will do anything to receive the affection it freely gives to those it loves. This sweet dog needs frequent brushing, daily exercise, and plenty of attention.

Poodle

The Poodle emanates sophistication and intelligence in its appearance. As one of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle is well-built, strong, and eager to please its owners. This breed does very well with children.

Poodles should be clipped, trimmed, and brushed frequently to avoid unmanageable mats or tangles. This breed also needs vigorous exercise as part of its daily regimen. Weighing between 45 and 65 pounds, this breed stands approximately 25 inches tall.

Puli

Covered in head to tail in thick cords of hair, the Puli breed needs weekly grooming. Bred as a herding dog in Hungary, it also needs an ample amount of exercise daily.

This mop-like dog is a busy-body with an abundance of pent up energy. Although Pulis can be a bit domineering, they are smart and devoted to its owners. Despite potential cardiac issues, the Puli can live to be 15 years old.

Bedlington Terrier

Originating in England, the Bedlington Terrier has quite a unique look with its arched body covered in a cottony-white fleece. A thick layer of this fleece covers the head, which cause many to mistake it for a lamb.

The Bedlington Terrier has a lively spirit and a deep affection for those it loves. These pups love to frolic and race around the yard. These canines mirror a lamb not only in looks but in personality as well. Bedlington Terriers make wonderful, quietly loyal companions.

Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier was bred in England to be hunters of small wildlife. Therefore, these well-proportioned pups can run great distances very quickly. This dog breed requires brisk daily exercise.

In terms of personality, the Wire Fox Terrier is watchful and vigilant. This breed is an explorer at heart and can get into trouble if left for long without entertainment. Weighing up to 15 pounds, the Wire Fox Terrier is a hardy hypoallergenic dog breed—typically living up to 13 years.

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is large and in charge. Weighing between 65 and 90 pounds and standing almost 28 inches tall, the Giant Schnauzer emanates forceful confidence. They are one of the largest of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Although this breed loves to play, they can become too rowdy and knock over small children. Care should be taken in allowing smaller children to interact with them.

Although the Giant Schnauzer is fiercely loyal to its family, it can be carefully suspicious of strangers. This large dog needs adequate amounts of intense exercise.

Kerry Blue Terrier

This Kerry Blue Terrier loves intense exercise and flourishes in physical activities of any caliber. An owner willing to take on its need for activity is ideal.

The Kerry Blue Terrier has a grayish-blue coat that is quite thick with loose curls. Weekly grooming and monthly trimming are needed.

This breed is respectful to those it trusts and can be hesitant around strangers. These terriers are quite independent and intelligent. Kerry Blue Terriers generally have good health and can live to be 15 years old.

Irish Water Spaniel

Adorned with tight ringlets of dense fur, the Irish Water Spaniel’s coat was built to withstand even the harshest of climates. This breed is inquisitive, athletic, and full of life. It can be a good dog for families due to its playful and good-humored nature.

Training and activities that are both mentally and physically demanding are a daily requirement of the Irish Water Spaniel. This large dog thrives on being active with its loved ones. This breed has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

Komondor

Full of wooly cords, this muscular dog is independent and has a strong personality. Komondors can be cautious of strangers but loving and protective of those it loves.

Developed in Hungary to be a herder of livestock, Komondors still maintain its self-reliant and even-tempered disposition. However ,it can be assertive and hardheaded when its independence is threatened.

Despite the fact it does not shed (which is a feature that helps to make it hypoallergenic), this breed needs frequent grooming to remove mats and knots. The Komondor can live 10 to 12 years.

If allergies are not an issue in the household, check out the GoodPooch dog breeds page for more information on a wide variety of potential canine companions.