What should you do if you love dogs but are allergic to them? Does sneezing, watery eyes, and hives prevent you from having a furry companion? Fortunately, having allergies doesn't mean you have to miss out on the joys of pet ownership. Many people with allergies opt for one of the many popular hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Understanding Dog Allergies
When you're allergic to dogs (or any animal), your immune system reacts negatively to substances the dog naturally produces: hair, dander, saliva, and urine. Surprisingly, the main issue isn't always the hair; it's often the dander, the dead skin flakes that dogs shed. Unfortunately, no dog is entirely hypoallergenic because even hairless dogs produce dander. However, the breeds listed below are known to be more suitable for people with allergies.
Top 10 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Poodle - Poodles are the most popular breed, known for their intelligence and ease of training. They make excellent family pets and are also hypoallergenic.
Maltese Terrier - Despite their fluffy appearance, Maltese Terriers have white, silky coats that shed very little, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
Bichon Frise—These dogs have a double coat that traps shed hair and dander, preventing them from spreading. Regular grooming makes them a great option for those with allergies.
Yorkshire Terrier - Yorkshire Terriers have long, silky coats and produce minimal dander. They need regular grooming to prevent matting, but they shed very little.
Chinese Crested - Perfect for those with hair allergies, this breed has a hairless variety, and even the coated type sheds very little.
Portuguese Water Dog - Known as the Obamas' family dog, this breed is loyal, playful, and has minimal shedding, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers.
West Highland White Terrier - Westies are friendly and fun, with a double coat that traps shed hair and dander until grooming.
Shih Tzu - Shih Tzus have hair that only sheds when brushed or broken, making them a low-allergen option despite their fluffy appearance.
Basenji - Though they can be challenging to train, Basenjis produce little dander and groom themselves like cats, making them a good companion for allergy sufferers.
Italian Greyhound—Known as 'Iggies,' Italian Greyhounds have light coats with minimal shedding, which reduces irritating dog hairs on furniture.
