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If you’re someone who gets itchy just thinking about dogs, you may have thought that getting one as a pet was out of the question. However, many people with mild dog allergies find they are able to own certain breeds of dogs- without their symptoms flaring.
This article takes a look at what a hypoallergenic dog is, giving plenty of examples. We also give some great tips on successfully living with a dog even if you’ve got a dog allergy.
Hypoallergenic does not mean anallergenic. What I mean by that is, these dogs are less likely to trigger allergic reactions than other dogs, but allergic reactions can still occur. These are ‘low’ allergenic dogs. Very sensitive individuals could still react, so do go into this with your eyes wide open.
If you are someone with brittle asthma or severe atopy, or if a dog has previously caused you to have an anaphylactic reaction, it is not likely that you can safely own a dog in your home. If you are someone who deals with a milder dog allergy, you may find certain breeds trigger no symptoms at all.
Some dog breeds shed less fur and produce fewer allergens. These are the hypoallergenic dogs. The classic example is the Labradoodle. The first hypoallergenic breed was created to be a guide dog for someone with allergies- so the breeder mixed the Labrador (the quintessential guide dog) with the Poodle (a dog who sheds very little), and the uber popular Labradoodle was born.
Come with us as we take a look at the best small, medium, and large hypoallergenic breeds. Plus, we’ve got some great information on reducing the allergen load in the home.
When I began practicing about 13 years ago, hypoallergenic dogs were becoming all the rage. In fact, I’d say they were even more popular than non-hypoallergenic dogs. Even today, the same is likely true. I see an abundance of Cavapoos, Labradoodles and Cavachons in my busy small animal practice, with only a small number of the owners choosing these dogs for allergy related reasons.
One of the main reasons these dogs shot to popularity after they were developed is because they are adorable. With their curly coat, they always look like perennial puppies. As well as this, less fur being shed means less cleaning up in the home and less loose fur all over your clothes and sofas.
The skin an animal sheds is also called ‘dander’. The more dander, the more they can make an allergic person itch, sneeze and cough. But did you know that the dog’s sweat, urine, and even their saliva can all trigger allergies too?
‘Hypoallergenic’ means less likely to cause allergic reactions. ‘Low-shedding’ is not quite the same, and just means a dog that loses less fur. In truth though, most people call low-shedding dogs hypoallergenic, as we don’t pay much attention to their dander, sweat, and saliva.
A really interesting fact is that female dogs may be better tolerated by some allergy sufferers. This is because some people react more to a protein released by a dog’s prostate gland. This means that neutered males can also be less allergenic, as their prostate is much smaller and less active.
There are certain characteristics that mean a dog is considered a hypoallergenic or non allergenic dog:
Coat type (curly, wiry, hairless)
Several coat types are classed as hypoallergenic, including those with curly or wiry hair and those who are hairless.
Low dander production
Some dogs produce less dander and shed less in general. The Bichons, Poodles and Maltese dogs are good examples. When you compare these dogs to Terriers and Labs- who are constantly shedding fur like nobody’s business- it is clear why they are better tolerated by allergy sufferers.
Grooming frequency.
The more you shampoo your dog, the less dander and saliva on their fur. This can mean you react less to them. However, you do not want to be constantly bathing them. This strips their oils and can actually make their skin dry and sore.
Allergic reaction variability by person.
People react to different proteins produced by dogs. One dog may be well tolerated by one person but might cause severe reactions in another. When we talk about ‘hypoallergenic’ digs, we are referring to a group of dogs that are generally better tolerated by the allergic public.
Keep in mind that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic and there is always going to be variation amongst individuals.
Okay, and now for the really good stuff! The list of potential breeds to consider, and a little bit of information on each of them.
Poodle (Miniature & Toy). Poodles are the quintessential hypoallergenic breed and often the breed of choice when creating hybrid and designer dogs. Cavapoo, Poochon, Goldendoodle… they all have a Poodle parent! Poodles and their crosses are intelligent and prone to anxiety, so benefit from an experienced owner and plenty of training.
Bichon Frise. This white fluffy dog makes a lovely lap dog. They’re a perfect pet for families with children, but do make sure they are socialized with them and exposed to them from a young age. They are placid and good-natured. Did you know, they were even once used as circus dogs?
Maltese. The Maltese is closely related to the Bichon frise, but their fur is more silky and is also longer and less puffy. They can be a little sensitive but are very loyal and form strong attachments to their owners.
Yorkshire Terrier. Small but mighty, the Yorkie has a tiny frame but a larger than life personality. They’re lots of fun and have great energy levels, even if they may not be able to keep up with a larger dog on a run. Bred to hunt vermin, they are tenacious, speedy, and driven- with a high prey drive!
Shih Tzu. Noble little dogs that originate from Tibet, Shih Tzus are calm and affectionate canines. As they do not need a great deal of exercise, they are good choices for people with allergies who have less active lifestyles, as well as seniors. Their long coat is prone to matting and they deal with tear staining, so owners need to keep up with their grooming and general care.
Miniature Schnauzer. The Schnauzer was bred as a farm dog in Germany and can be more aloof than some of its smaller peers. Some are sensitive, and can be prone to anxiety and snappiness. Still, keep them busy and give them a job to do, and they can usually make very sweet pets.
Coton de Tulear. This is actually a pretty uncommon breed, and I’ve not seen many where I work. They look similar to the Maltese, and are closely related, but are a bit stockier. They’re known for being boisterous but not too demanding.
Affenpinscher.Another contender on the list from Germany, this small black dog has some monkey-like features. They were bred to hunt mice, so do have a high prey drive and can be easily distracted when outside.
Bolognese.This Italian dog is yet another relation of the Bichon Frise, but their coat is a bit less curly. For this reason, they may be slightly less hypoallergenic. They’re clever, so enjoy solving doggy food puzzles and taking part in mini training sessions.
Shorkie. The first hybrid dog on our list! Shorkies are a cross of the Yorkshire terrier and the Shih Tzu. As both of these parents are hypoallergenic, of course their pups are too. Though they’re not recognised by any kennel club just yet, they are fairly well known worldwide.
Portuguese Water Dog. Perhaps most famous for being President Obama’s dog of choice, the Portuguese Water Dog was bred to swim. Not only do they have a curly, waterproof coat, they actually have webbed feet too!
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. This terrier sheds much less than others and has a single layer coat. Those with an Irish coat have silkier and more curly fur vs. the American option.
Lagotto Romagnolo. While not a particularly popular breed, this dog sure looks interesting. They’ve got tightly curled fur and a real zest for life. Be aware though, as they’re pretty rare, they also carry a hefty price tag.
Kerry Blue Terrier. The Kerry Blue is more of a dark grey colour than blue, and they’re another on the list originally bred to hunt smaller critters. They love to work and can get a bit bored if just kept in the home all day. Best suited to an outdoor lifestyle, and they do great somewhere they’re put to work.
American Hairless Terrier. A descendent of the Rat Terrier, these little dogs have pointy ears that make them look a little like a Chihuahua. With a face only a mother could love, they won’t be winning beauty competitions any time soon.
Spanish Water Dog. Pretty similar to the Portuguese Water Dog, but a bit smaller. They’re biddable and easy to train but they do need lots of activity each day, to keep them occupied and prevent them from getting destructive.
Schnoodle. Not just a name that’s fun to say, the Schnoodle is a really great option for a hypoallergenic pet. A Poodle crossed with a Schnauzer, they are smart and trainable but can also be prone to anxiety and behavioural issues.
Whoodle. That Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier we mentioned above? Cross them with a Poodle and you’ve got yourself a Whoodle. Like big teddy bears, their curly coat is soft and perfect for cuddling.
Aussiedoodle. Here is a designer dog that is outgoing, fun, alert, energetic- and a real asset to any family. They do need lots of training and interaction, but once this is provided, they should settle in nicely.
Standard Poodle. The ‘big brother’ to the other Poodles, the standard Poodle can grow up to 60cm tall at the withers. They were bred to hunt ducks and still enjoy keeping active to this day.
Goldendoodle.This handsome cross breed is calm, affable and makes a delightful family pet. Sadly, they’re quite prone to orthopaedic disorders such as hip dysplasia. Buy from breeders who health test their parents.
Labradoodle. As mentioned earlier, this is the original designer dog. By mixing the hypoallergenic Poodle with the furry Lab, a low-shedding guide dog was created. They enjoy long walks, swims, and cuddling up in front of the fire at night time- or at least that’s what their Tinder profile would say!
Giant Schnauzer. This large German dog was once used as a cattle driver, and they still enjoy a strong bond with their owners- who they love to please. They’re pretty territorial, meaning you can expect some barking if someone new shows up in the home.
Irish Water Spaniel. This curly coated dog has a slim ‘rat-like’ tail that is quite distinct. They’re a high energy sporting dog that needs to be given plenty of exercise to keep them on your side. They relish opportunities to be outside in any weather and will quickly make your light coloured furniture brown and mucky.
Afghan Hound. A tall and elegant dog, the Afghan Hound has a long and silky coat but they do not shed a lot of fur. Known for their independence, they are not especially needy or loyal. They’ve got lots of endurance and need long walks every day.
Chinese Crested. Quirky looking, with their hairy ears and bald body, you can see the black and pink pigment of these dogs from a mile away. They’re lively and fun loving. They’re also known for being long-lived, with a lifespan well into their teens.
Xoloitzcuintli. The Mexican Hairless Dog can be born with furry littermates but should have little fur itself. They’re a 5,000 year old dog that have come from Aztec time. Calm and protective, they take pride in guarding their home and family.
Peruvian Inca Orchid. This little dog from Peru is rare, and not a dog you’re bound to come across often. They’ll need suncream in the sun and clothes in the cold, as their skin is prone to damage and they’re not good at regulating their body temperature.
As mentioned, hypoallergenic does not guarantee no allergic reactions. The following things can help further:
Before committing to a dog for life, make sure you can tolerate them. If you have not lived with the dog breed before, consider fostering one for a while, to make sure you can live with it without reacting. You can also ask your breeder if you can spend time around the pups and their mum before you take your puppy home.
Daily brushing outside- done by someone without an allergy- helps to remove dead fur and dander. Similarly, bathe regularly to remove dried saliva and dead fur.
You’ll need to become a domestic God or Goddess. Daily damp dusting, hoovering and the use of HEPA filters are all sensible steps to take.
Let’s keep it real. If you have a severe dog allergy, jumping into buying a dog may not be the right thing for you to do. Speak to your allergy doctor and see what they think. They may discuss the use of certain medicines, or may steer you in another direction altogether.
Are hypoallergenic dogs completely allergy-free?
Nope, there is no such thing as a dog that is guaranteed to not elicit allergies. Some people will react to every dog, if they have a severe allergy. Still, some dogs are less likely to cause symptoms.
How do I know which breed suits my allergies?
Everyone is different, and it depends on the proteins you are reacting to. To get a better idea of which dog you may tolerate, consider spending time around different breeds, or fostering a breed you suspect you will get along well with.
Are mixed breeds also hypoallergenic?
Many of the hypoallergenic breeds are mixed, yes. This is because people take low-shedding dogs like the Poodle, and mix them with other dogs to create hypoallergenic breeds that have more desirable traits.
Which hypoallergenic breeds are best for kids?
In my experience, some of the better options include Cavachons, Bichon Frises, and well-bred Goldendoodles.
If you are someone with a dog allergy, there may well be a dog breed that you can tolerate. This is likely to be one of the dogs classed as ‘hypoallergenic’. However, you cannot know until you have been in direct contact with them, so consider a ‘tester’ session before committing to re-homing or buying the dog.
Consider all aspects of the dog- like their energy levels, space needs and personality- before picking the right one for you. Remember, the allergy aspect is just one consideration and a dog has got to fit into your life in all other ways too.
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