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People with allergies tend to find a hypoallergenic dog that doesn’t shed a challenge. But there is no such thing as a ‘purebred’ dog that does not cause any allergies. There are some breeds, however, that usually shed less and produce fewer allergens. People who are sensitive will find these dogs perfect. But the key lies in choosing breeds that have hair and not fur and don’t shed too much dander.
In this guide, we will provide some details about several hypoallergenic breeds that are suitable for people with allergies or for people who simply want to reduce the amount of shedding.
We will take a look at their characteristics, what you need to take care of, and why they are a good choice for people with allergies.
8 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Don't Shed
If you are allergic to dogs but love the company of pooches you might wonder if there’s a dog breed for you. Luckily, some breeds shed less and produce fewer allergens, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.
Most of these dogs have fur rather than hair, which is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Some of the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds that shed little are listed below.
Poodle (Standard, Miniature, and Toy)
Poodles have curly, non-shedding coats. They are in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy and all of them are very good for allergy sufferers. Like their human counterparts, they have continuously growing hair that allows less dander to be released into the environment.
Having regular grooming is important to keep their coats clean and to avoid matting. Quite smart and are very good family companions, poodles are also.
Care Tip: Brushing the Poodle’s coat regularly and getting it professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks will keep the coat healthy and free from tangles.
Bichon Frise
Another small and affectionate hypoallergenic breed is the Bichon Frise. Their coat is soft and curly, and they only shed very little. Bichon Frise is a good choice for children or a single person since it is playful and friendly. Their coat does require regular grooming to prevent tangles, and they also benefit from frequent baths to keep their coat looking fresh.
Care Tip: Regularly trim their coat and keep their ears clean to prevent infections.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs with long, flowing coats. Although they shed very little, their coat does require regular attention to prevent tangling and matting. This breed is well-suited to apartment living due to its small size and calm nature. Shih Tzus are friendly and get along well with children and other pets. They do require a lot of care when it comes to grooming.
Care Tip: Trim their hair regularly and bathe them every few weeks to keep their coat in good condition.
Maltese
The Maltese breed produces scarce shedding from its glamorous sleek coat and stands as a small canine dog. The Maltese dogs earn fame because they provide loving loyalty to their owners. Regular maintenance of their long hair becomes necessary to avoid tangled conditions as well as matting formation. The Maltese dog may produce allergen-causing dander even though they shed rarely which makes surrounding cleaning vital for allergy control.
Care Tip: The coat maintenance of the Maltese requires daily brushing to preserve its neat appearance. The softness and radiant shine of their coats demand periodic baths to maintain their proper state.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers exist as small dogs whose silky hair stays minimal due to non-shedding characteristics. Such dogs work perfectly for those who suffer from allergic responses. Yorkies present active affectionate traits which make them suitable for apartments and family homes. This breed needs consistent coat maintenance yet needs low amounts of exercise activities.
Care Tip: Daily brushing of their hair should become a habit to protect their coat from tangling. Your Yorkie requires bathing once every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy and attractive.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a wavy, non-shedding coat. They are intelligent and energetic, making them great companions for active individuals. Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good shape. The Kerry Blue Terrier is friendly and loyal, making it a good fit for families with children.
Care Tip: Regular grooming every 4-6 weeks is important to maintain their coat and prevent matting.
Lagotto Romagnolo
People often mix up the Kerry Blue Terrier with a poodle because of its similar curly coat appearance. The Lagotto Romagnolo displays a thick fringed coat that does not shed heavily and creates negligible amounts of dust in the air.
This breed earns fame because they remain energetic while being friendly and display special talent when interacting with children. Regular brushing and professional trimming of their coat form the basis of their grooming requirements to achieve their best appearance.
Care Tip: Regular brushing of their curly coat should be done at home while professional grooming sessions should occur approximately every three months.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed known for its curly, water-resistant coat. They shed very little, making them a great option for allergy sufferers. They are active, intelligent, and great for people who enjoy outdoor activities. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat, and they require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Care Tip: Brush their coat regularly to prevent matting and schedule grooming every 4-6 weeks.
Tips for Managing Dog Allergies
While these breeds are less likely to trigger allergies, it’s still important to manage your environment to reduce allergens. Here are a few tips to help manage allergies around dogs:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your home frequently to reduce pet dander. Vacuum with a HEPA filter, and wash your dog’s bedding often.
- Air Purifiers: Invest in an air purifier to reduce allergens in the home.
- Grooming: Regularly groom your dog to minimize shedding and dander buildup.
- Allergy Medications: If necessary, talk to your doctor about allergy medications to help manage symptoms.
- Bathing: Bathing your dog every few weeks can help reduce dander.
Conclusion
While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, these breeds shed less and are a good choice for people with allergies. Regular grooming and a clean environment will help minimize allergic reactions. If you’re considering one of these breeds, be sure to factor in their grooming needs and exercise requirements. With the right care, hypoallergenic dogs can be a wonderful addition to your home.
At VetGen Pharmaceuticals, we understand how important your dog’s health is, and we’re here to support it. Our natural supplements help maintain your dog’s skin, coat, and joint health, promoting a better quality of life. With our products, your hypoallergenic dog will stay healthy, happy, and active for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hypoallergenic dogs still trigger allergies?
While hypoallergenic dogs shed less dander, no breed is completely allergen-free. Regular grooming and cleaning can help minimize allergic reactions.
How often should I groom a hypoallergenic dog?
Most hypoallergenic breeds require grooming every 4-6 weeks. Regular brushing at home also helps to maintain coat health and reduce matting or tangling.
Are hypoallergenic dogs good for apartment living?
Many hypoallergenic breeds, like Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers, are ideal for apartment living due to their small size and calm nature, though they still need regular exercise.
Can hypoallergenic dogs be bathed frequently?
Yes, frequent bathing helps reduce dander. However, be sure to use gentle shampoos to avoid skin irritation. Consult your vet for the ideal bathing schedule.
