Pet-lovers that suffer from allergies can still enjoy owning a dog. The solution to this problem would be to choose a non-allergenic dog breed that doesn’t shed excess amounts of dander or hair. Hypoallergenic dogs are the breeds associated with non-shedding dogs and are usually the best option for a person with allergies.
There are over 10 dogs that don’t shed in the U.S. to choose from for people who suffer from allergies. Here is a list of the best matches for people that suffer from mild allergies.
1. Basenji
The Basenji is almost as efficient as a cat and is ideal for a person with allergies. These dogs groom themselves, but they also have short and soft hair that sheds less than many other breeds. This means less dander along with fewer effects on people with a sensitive immune system.
2. Bichon Frise
These dogs have tightly curled fluffy and soft coats. This ensures that dander and dead hairs remain in place till they are groomed, and the dander and hair are brushed out.
3. Hairless Chinese Crested
Less hair will result in fewer chances of a person with a sensitive immune system to suffer from allergic reactions. This breed practically has no hair, and this also means they shed a lot less hair, which will also depend on how often you decide to groom your dog.
4. Affenpinscher
A person with an allergy can breathe more comfortably with this breed. While the Affenpinscher is not classified as one of the non-shedding dogs, they have wiry coats that only require occasional grooming to remove dead and old hairs.
5. Havanese
This breed has a similar coat to the Bichon Frise, which makes this another perfect option if you suffer from mild allergies. The fluffy coats do appear thick-looking with soft waves rather than curls. This stops the hairs from falling out or shedding.
6. Komondor
The adult Komondors do not typically shed. These dogs grow a secondary coat, which includes a curly outercoat and a wooly undercoat. This develops into natural cords. With this tightly formed hair, shedding is less likely, and if you have an allergy, you can expect entire cords to fall out rather than allergy-irritating, individual hairs.
7. Irish Water Spaniel
This breed does not have a undercoat, and the curly hair also means less shedding. The Irish Water Spaniel is a fantastic breed for an allergy sufferer if they have brush-outs and occasional visits to the dog parlour to neaten and clean up their coats.
8. Poodle
If you have lighter allergy sensitivities to animals, a Poodle can make a great pet. The light-shedding, curly coat tends to hold dander and dead hair easy to maintain with regular brushing and grooming.
9. Puli
Like the Komondor dog, the Puli will grow dreadlock-like, corded coats when left unbrushed. The outer and undercoat grow together, which develops into cords. While this breed does shed, the lost hairs will trap inside the coat, which lowers allergic reactions.
10. Portuguese Water Dog
This is an excellent choice if you only suffer from mild allergies. Unlike the breeds with undercoats, this dog sheds less. Making sure you keep the coat well-groomed will lower the chances of your allergy symptoms.
11. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu has a coat similar to human hair, which causes less severe allergic reactions if you are sensitive to pets. To keep the coat under control, regular brushing and grooming are required.
12. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies also have a human-like-hair coat. They also do not have undercoats that shed so when kept groomed and trimmed, a Yorkie can make the ideal choice if you suffer from mild allergies.
13. Wire Fox Terriers
A crinkly, dense, or wavy coat covers this type or Terrier from the tail to the nose. The wiry denseness means that dead hair and dander can be easily removed when you take your dog for regular grooming sessions.
Is A Hypoallergenic Dog Completely Allergen-Free?
The honest answer to this question is no. There are no dogs that don’t shed entirely. Dogs come in all sorts of coats and sizes, but when you have an allergy, it is best to find out if the pet will cause an allergy by spending a bit of time with one of these breeds.
If the breed has been labelled hypoallergenic, it is less likely to cause allergic reactions. While some non-allergy dogs will have a heavy coat like the Puli, the coats are single-layered. This means that they do not have an undercoat. This leaves far less dander and individual hairs that float in the air or settle on your furniture.
