If you suffer from allergies, but still want to own a dog, you may think it’s impossible. But don’t give up hope just yet! There are several breeds of dogs that are known to be relatively hypoallergenic, which means they produce fewer allergens than most other breeds. This means that if you’re allergic to dogs, you can still have a furry friend as long as you choose the right breed.
One good thing to remember is that different dogs will produce different amounts of the protein that causes an allergic reaction. So even if you’ve chosen a dog breed that is hypoallergenic, you may still have some reaction to their saliva or dander. It’s best to spend some time with the dog or puppy with your registered dog breeder before committing to adopt or buy them – this can save you a lot of grief later on, and helps ensure that the dog you get is right for you.
Let’s take a quick look at 10 of the best dog breeds for people with dog allergies.
10 Best Dog Breeds for People With Dog Allergies
1. Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes – standard, miniature and toy – so no matter your living situation, there’s bound to be an ideal size for your lifestyle. Poodles are also incredibly intelligent and love to learn tricks and games. Plus, their coats don’t shed much at all which makes them great for those with pet allergies.
2. Maltese
This small breed has a luxurious white coat that rarely sheds, making it another excellent choice for allergy sufferers. They also have sweet personalities and get along well with children and other animals alike.
3. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is similar to the Maltese in that its coat is white and non-shedding, but this breed is more energetic than the Maltese and loves playing games with its owners. It’s also very friendly and loving towards people of all ages.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is another small breed that doesn’t shed much at all thanks to its thick double coat. They love being around their family members and can even live peacefully with other pets in the house such as cats or rabbits. Shih Tzus are known for their sweet and gentle disposition but can sometimes be stubborn and independent dogs.
5. Basenji
Basenjis look like foxes but have short coats that don’t shed much so they are great for those who suffer from pet allergies. They also have an independent nature so they don’t need as much attention as some other breeds do – they’re content to just hang out while their owners go about their day-to-day activities.
6. Chinese Crested Dog
This hairless breed has a velvet-like skin instead of fur so there’s no dander or shedding involved. Chinese Cresteds also tend to be highly sensitive souls who thrive when given lots of affection from their owners (and not just because it helps them feel warmer).
7. Bedlington Terrier
These adorable terriers were actually bred for ratting purposes originally, but today they make terrific companions who love nothing more than cuddling up with their humans on the couch. Their wiry coats barely shed any dander at all, which makes them perfect for those who suffer from pet allergies. Because they’re terriers, they have a strong prey drive so they may not get along well with other animals in the house.
8. Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers are active and alert dogs who love having things to do throughout the day – whether it’s playing fetch or taking long walks around town together with their owners. The Kerry Blue is the quintessential working dog and was originally bred to hunt small vermin. Despite having a full coat of fur, these terriers hardly shed any dander so they’re great choices for allergy sufferers.
9. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers have been found to produce lower levels of dander than many other dog breeds. Yorkshire Terriers may be suitable for individuals who suffer from mild symptoms due to their low dander production and easy grooming requirements - you could even groom their yourself! Yorkies are also generally easy to take care of due to their small size, so even novice owners can handle them. They’re still terriers though, so they can tend to jump at the chance to hunt down prey animals.
10. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs have dense curly coats that rarely shed any dander at all. If you think you might enjoy owning an active breed but worry about allergies, then this breed could be perfect for you. Portuguese Water Dogs are energetic yet calm enough when indoors, so they make wonderful family pets as well as exercise companions on hikes or beach trips.
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