Hypoallergenic Dogs: Best Breeds & Allergy-Friendly Home

Introduction

You love dogs. I do too. Here though is the trouble–you or someone you live with sneezes, coughs, or gets itchy eyes the instant a dog gets into the room. Sounds familiar? It occurs more frequently than one imagines.

Other families surrender and say, “We will never have a dog. But is that really true? No, not always.

Some of the breeds are hypoallergenic, you see. That does not imply that they are magic. This only implies that they do not give out as many allergens. Less hair. Less dander. Less misery.

One of the moms I know has told me that her son cried every night because he wanted a puppy. We thought it was impossible. Then we got a Maltese. He is allergic still, but not so often as it was.

So, why does this matter? Because dogs are family. Their presence brings about love, comfort and joy. No one is to be left behind due to sneezing.

The Saint Bernard is huge and needs space. The Mini Bernedoodle can live in small places if trained. The Dachshund has health risks, but you can prevent many.

Why Hypoallergenic Dogs Matter

Let’s not sugar coat things. Allergies are difficult. They can change a person’s love for pets into frustration. Consider this scenario.  

• You come home with an adorable puppy.  
• Then your child has red eyes after a couple of days.  
• You are also not able to sleep because you are coughing.  
• The doctor suggests, “Maybe you need to get rid of the dog”.  

Quite disheartening. It’s a common scenario.  

Not all dogs cause allergies the same way. Lesser shedding breeds exist.  Certain breeds do not release much dander. There are even a few dogs that get along with people who have asthma.  

This is the reason hypoallergenic dogs are so important. They provide hope. They provide a way for families to have a pet, allergy killers like dander, shedding, and even a combination of the two, are a common but manageable side effect, and a reason to enjoy pets.  

You wouldn’t give up all food just because you are allergic to peanuts.  You can try and avoid peanuts.  The same goes for dogs, and pets in general, which is a sensible solution.

What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?

You have certainly heard this word much–hypoallergenic. But what does it really mean? And does it so that you won’t sneeze? Let’s break it down.

It’s Not Just About Hair

Majority of them believe that allergies are due to dog hair. That’s only part of the story. The real culprits are:

• Dander – small pieces of skin that has died.
• Saliva – proteins are attached to fur when dogs lick themselves.
• Urine – that too urine contains allergy provoking proteins.

Therefore, when individuals say that low-shedding dogs are less allergenic, it is because there is less hair, and that means that there is less saliva and dander carrier. But it’s not a 100% shield.

I once heard a man say, I shaved my Labrador in the hope that it would help. But I sneezed like a maniac. It is so because shaving does not eliminate allergens- it just shortens hair.

Coat Type Matters

Other breeds such as Poodles, or the Bichons are curly haired. These coats act like a net. They entrap dandy rather than scattering it all over. This is the reason why the houses that have such dogs tend to be cleaner.

Some such as Terriers do not shed much. The less shedding, the lesser the allergens in the air.

Size Can Make a Difference

This is just one thing that people do not consider. A large dog tends to have a lot more dander than a small one. Why? Additional flesh, additional saliva, additional hair.

Thus, when you live in a small apartment, and you or your child has an allergy, a toy Poodle may be a better choice than a giant Schnauzer.

Gender and Neutering

Weird fact: male dogs have been known to be more allergic than female dogs. They are particularly not neutered. I have heard some families say, we changed with a male to a female dog and the husband allergy was better.

Environment Plays a Role

Even the dog that is the most hypoallergenic cannot save you when your house is dusty and covered with carpets. Allergens stick to fabric. They hide in couches. They float in the air.

This is why I constantly say the first step is to have a hypoallergenic dog. The second step is how to manage your environment. HEPA filters, floors made of wood and frequent vacuuming can not only make a big difference.

Rottweiler puppies need early training. The Goldendoodle learns fast and loves tasks. A dog DNA test helps you know breeds and health risks.

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds for Allergy-Friendly Homes

Now that you know the characteristics that make dogs hypoallergenic, let’s look at which breeds apply. We will start with the most popular ones.

1. Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard)

It is very common for people to choose Poodles.

There is a good reason for this. Their curly coats prevent dander from escaping and making it into the environment.  This translates to less dispensed dander which leads to less sneezing and more cuddles.

I had a neighbor who was absolutely certain she was allergic to all dogs. Then she met a Standard Poodle named Bella. After two weeks, she was no longer sneezing. “I feel like I finally beat the system,” she said.

Pros and Cons of Poodles

2. Bichon Frise

It is a small fluff ball that appears to have come out of a toy store. But don’t let that fool you. A Bichon is charming, lovely and, of course, hypoallergenic.

They do not shed much and when they are groomed regularly, there will be no hair on your furniture.

But let’s be real. This dog will aggravate you in case you despise grooming. Mats grow quickly, and mats entrap allergens.

Nevertheless, I have observed children who have allergies interact with a Bichon and cause hardly any reactions.

3. Maltese

A Maltese is aristocratic, almost kingly. The first look at its long silky coat may frighten people with allergies. Yet here the surprise–it is not a shedding.

Others claim to have the experience of living with a teddy bear when having a Maltese. But you’ll need patience. They talk a lot, and are demanding.

This may not be the best choice in case you are a busy working person and have been throughout the day. However, when you are in need of a low allergen lap dog, the Maltese would be a good choice.

4. Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, Giant)

Need a hypoallergenic dog that some tough guy appearance? Enter the Schnauzer. It has a cool and convenient beard, and a brash character.

Schnauzers do not shed much and they are available in three sizes. That is to say that you can select according to your space.

One of my lawyer friends told me, “My MINI schnauzer protects my house as well as my alarm system. And I don’t sneeze.”

Quick Pros & Cons

• Advantages: Faithful, guardian, short-haired.
• Disadvantages: Territorial, requires regular training.

5. Portuguese Water Dog

President Obama is the reason why this breed became famous. He chose this one due to the allergies of his daughter.

PWDs love swimming, are smart and energetic. They will work well with you in case you are an active family.

However, do not imagine they are going to sit the whole day. Devoid of sufficient work out, they will chew shoes, dig holes or bark at anything in motion.

Therefore, this breed can be an excellent allergy-friendly option in case you can afford to exercise daily.

6. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are unexpected. With long coats they appear to be allergy nightmares. But in real sense they do not lose much.

Still, grooming is a must. When you do not brush, tangles develop, and tangles have the ability to entrap allergens.

One of the families that I know bought one to their aging mom with mild asthma. He sits on my lap every night, no wheezing at all, said she.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie is mini, trendy and daring. Its hair is more similar to human hair, rather than it is to dog fur. It is one of the less dangerous options of people with allergies.

Yorkies do not shed much, either, however, they require frequent grooming. And they do have big personalities in such little bodies. It is no surprise that your Yorkie will attempt to control larger dogs at the park.

8. Basenji

Now here’s a unique one. The Basenji is referred to as the dog without a bark. It does not bark, but utters strange yodel-like sounds.

It has a short, fine coat, and is a good news to allergy sufferers, she sheds very little of it. It is also a catlike self-groomer.

Bad news? They’re stubborn. Unless you want an easy to train lap dog, pass to this one. However, if you desire an allergy free, self-reliant dog, then the Basenji might be the answer.

Breed Comparison Table

Here’s a quick comparison of the top hypoallergenic breeds:

The German Shepherd is strong and smart. It works in police and military roles. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is gentle and fits in families. The Golden Retriever loves play and grows into a loyal friend.

Living with a Hypoallergenic Dog

So, you found the right breed. That’s step one. However, it is not a buy and sit back owner of a hypoallergenic dog. Even when you are at home, you have to deal with most of your habits and schedule your dog. Otherwise, allergies may reoccur.

I have heard of families that bring home a hypoallergenic pup in high hopes. The sneezing comes back two months later. And they say, but we got a hypoallergenic dog! Yes, but it is not only the dog–it is the manner in which we live with them.

Grooming: First defence.

We well know that dogs are fond of rolling. They lick themselves. They shed tiny bits of dander. That’s normal. But it can be tamed with proper grooming.

Here’s what works:

• Brush every day (at least 3-4 times a week).
• Take a bath every one month with hypoallergenic shampoo.
• Clip fur regularly particularly around eyes and paws.
• Take your pet to see the groomer after 6-8 weeks.

One of my friends said to me, I did not groom myself a month before, and all of a sudden my allergies became worse. Not a surprise. Dirty coats hold allergens.

Cleaning the Home

The most expert of dogs will leave evidence. Cleaning is serious business to you and you are looking forward to a comfortable life.

• Have carpets and sofas vacuumed twice every week.
• Use HEPA filters in bedrooms.
• Wash dog bedding weekly.
• Clean up with damp cloths and do not use dry dusters.

I recall that we had a Poodle family. They said, “We don’t understand. He is hypoallergenic yet our son is sneezing. Well, then I turned around–pile carpets, curtains, cushions. Dander loves fabric. As soon as they changed to hardwood floors and cleaned up linens more frequently, the issue decreased.

Setting Boundaries

This is a hard one, however you will thank me.

• Do not allow your dog to sleep in bed with you.
• Have at least one room that is allergy safe (typically the bedroom).
• It is possible to teach your dog to keep off the couch.

No, I do know–when those large eyes look up at you it is difficult to say no. But believe me, you will sleep better.

Exercise and Bathing

Exercised dogs are also healthier, and healthier dogs do not necessarily produce as much dander. Go out on daily walks with your pup, do some fetching, or go running. And don’t forget baths.

Hack: Wipe the paws and fur of your dog with pet-safe wipes after playing outdoors. This eliminates pollen and dust which in most cases aggravate allergies more than the dander itself.

Diet and Health

This is one that people forget. The skin and coat of a dog is influenced by its diet. Unhealthy nutrition = skin is withered = there are more flakes = more dander.

Feed your dog high quality food with Omega-3s. It makes skin healthy and minimizes shedding.

One of the vets told me that half of my allergy patients would get better once we changed the diet of the dog. It is not just about breed as people think, it is also about food.

Allergy-Friendly Living with Dogs

• Brush your dog often.
• Bathe once a month.
• Wash bedding weekly.
• Use air filters.
• Keep at least one pet-free room.
• Choose hardwood over carpet.
• Wipe paws after outdoor walks.
• Visit the vet for skin checks.
• Invest in good dog food.
• Train your dog early to respect spaces.

Reality Check  

You may still sneeze once in a while, and that’s okay. A hypoallergenic dog lowers, but doesn’t eliminate, the risk. However, if you maintain the grooming, cleaning, and minimizing smart, nagging, and aggressive habits, the enriched life shared with your dog could be 10 times easier.  

“It’s a partnership,” I tell families. “The dog does its part by shedding less. You do yours by the cleaning. Together, you win.”

Myths and Facts about the Hypoallergenic Dogs.

You have heard that hypoallergenic dogs are allergy-free? That is one of the largest myths in existence. We can crack some of the conventional ones and can tell the truth.

Myth 1 Hypoallergenic Means Zero Allergies.

The breeders or websites may boast of a dog being 100 per cent hypoallergenic. That’s misleading. Not all dogs are completely allergen free.

Here’s why. Proteins in the dander, saliva, and urine give allergies. The most-sluggish dog has them. The variation lies in the extent of spread of these proteins.

One of the families I talked to bought a Maltese because of the allergy of their child. At the beginning they heard sneezing. However, the symptoms were mild with grooming and cleaning.

Fact: Hypoallergenic dogs reduce the risks of allergy- they do not eliminate it.

Myth 2 Only Small Dogs are Hypoallergenic

There is no truth in this myth at all.

A lot of the population believes that small means hypoallergenic. It makes sense–deer fur, little dander. But it’s not the full story.

There are some breeds such as Standard Poodles or Giant Schnauzers that produce the lowest measure of allergens due to their coat type.

One of my friends was allergic and would have preferred a bigger dog. Her decision was a Giant Schnauzer which she managed. Grooming helped a lot.

Fact: Size is important, but it is more important that coat type.

Myth 3- Short-haired dogs are less harmful to allergy victims.

You may believe that a short hair corresponds with fewer allergies. But that’s not true. Even short haired dogs may shed large quantities of dander.

E.g. A short haired Labrador can be a more frequent allergen as compared to a curly coated Poodle.

Fact: The texture of the coat and the production of dander are a greater issue than length.

Myth 4 Grooming Is Not So Important.

Other owners believe that having a hypoallergy dog means that it will require less work. No. Grooming is required to control allergens.

Omission of grooming permits the development of mats that trap allergens. That makes sneezing worse.

Fact: Your initial line of protection against allergens is grooming.

Myth 5 — Hypoallergenic Dogs Do Not have to be cleaned around the house.

Even dogs that are hypoallergenic leave behind allergens.

Unless you vacuum, wash bedding and filter air, the allergens will accumulate. That may trigger reactions, despite the perfect breed of your choice.

Fact: Clean environment is equal to the breed of choice.

Additional Insight — Case Study.

I once engaged in a conversation with a couple of people that were mildly allergic. They had a Portuguese Water Dog. They washed dog bedding once or twice a month, but not at all. Their allergies got worse. They began to wash weekly and install an air filter (HEPA) and their condition improved significantly.

Lesson: It is a partnership–you look after your dog, and they provide you with the pleasure of the companionship without severe allergy issues.

Quick Summary Table: Myths vs Truths

Hypoallergenic Dogs Legal & Housing

You have chosen your non-allergenic breed. That’s exciting. However–one more thing you have to consider–the place where you live.

Think it or not, allergies are not the only obstacle. Depending on your location, housing regulations, landlord policies and even local laws may influence you to have a dog.

Landlord and Condo Rules

There are numerous pet restrictions by landlords. Some don’t allow dogs at all. Other people restrict the breed or size. And in others they specifically permit the so-called hypoallergenic breeds.

As an example, I can mention a couple, who lived in a condo in New York. Their construction regulations had it that only low shedding breeds such as Poodles, Bichons or Schnauzers were permitted. Why? Due to the fact that the breeds result in fewer complaints and allergies by neighboring neighbors.

Something to look into before you commit. You never want to fall in love with a dog and then realise that you can not bring it home.

Pet Policies and Housing Laws

This is the tricky part, housing laws are different. There are states or cities where landlords are permitted to reject pets. There are other regulations regarding emotional support animals (ESA) or service dogs.

Surprisingly, some people actually use medical allergy documentation to obtain permission of hypoallergenic dogs. In certain laws on housing, your landlord is required to give an exception in case allergies have a serious impact on your health.

For example:

• The Fair Housing Act (FHA) in the USA is capable of protecting you in case you are disabled. Any allergies may be eligible provided they are recorded by a doctor.
• Rules are varied in other countries. Invariably look at local regulations.

Emotional Support Animals and Allergies

There are even cases where some allergy victims seek ESA status in order to retain their dog that happens to be hypoallergenic. That may be true when your allergies affect your day to day living.

Caution, however, ESA regulations are severe. It will require that you have a doctor or therapist write you a professional letter. And your housing company might demand evidence.

Nevertheless, it may be interesting to investigate whether allergies are severe.

Small Tip: When pets are allowed in your apartment, it’s good to consult your other apartment dwellers beforehand. Others might be allergic, and it could be nice to adopt a hypoallergenic breed. This program can be regarded as polite and could prevent future problems.

Final Thoughts

You’ve learned a lot. We have discussed what makes a dog a hypoallergenic, the types of dogs that are good to keep, living with them, myths, and even the legal aspect of the same.

The fact is–it is a matter of choice and care to own a hypoallergenic dog. You choose the right breed. You care for it properly. Collectively, you will build a life that will suit all including allergy victims.

I have heard of people who believed that allergies were a life long commitment to not having a dog. Then they tested a breed that was hypoallergenic. Small modifications in the way of life, grooming and cleaning made a difference. They say to me, It is not perfect–yet it is wonderful.

It is all about this trip to get a balance of love to health needs of dogs.

Note: hypoallergenic dog is not a panacea. But it’s a bridge. An escape to friends without allergies all the time.

Frequently Asked Questions related to Hypoallergenic Dogs.