If your eyes swell up or your skin starts to itch when you’re around a dog, then you’re going to know all about the issues that come from having an allergy towards our four-legged friends.
But what if you still want a dog in your life?
Well, the good news is that while no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, so are much less like to cause a reaction, and they’re the ones that are going to be more suitable for allergy sufferers.
You might be familiar with poodle crosses, but what’s the best option between Goldendoodle vs. Labradoodle? How about other low allergy breeds such as the Bedlington Terrier and the Bichon Frise?
In this guide, we’re going to focus on which breeds you should be looking at when searching for the perfect dog to join your family.
What causes the allergy to begin with?
Many people think it’s dog hair that causes an allergic reaction. In fact, The American Lung Association talks about the problems caused by dander. These tiny, microscopic flecks of skin get shed by our dogs and then cause reactions in people who are allergic to that trigger.
Now there are things that you can do in the home to reduce the likelihood of allergies, including washing your dog’s bed on a regular basis and keeping them well-groomed. It also makes sense not to let them sleep on the bed of the person with the allergy.
You could also consider removing carpets that tend to trap the dander and have hard floor coverings instead. There are now vacuum cleaners specially designed for removing allergens, and they can be great for giving drapes and rugs the once over.
The top five low allergy dogs
1. Labradoodle
At first sight, you might question whether that fluffy dog will be suitable for someone with an allergy. Well, despite being quite the shaggy dog, their curly hair is more wool-like rather than fur, thanks to their Poodle heritage. That then tends to cause fewer issues with allergic responses.
To get that benefit, the dog must be what’s called an F1 cross. So, that means that they’re the first cross between a Labrador and a Poodle. If your pup ends up with more Labrador genes than Poodle, then you might run into allergy problems.
2. Bichon Frise
If you’re looking for a smaller dog that’s full of energy, then the Bichon Frise is a great choice. The Bichon’s hair doesn’t shed, so that reduces the spread of hair and dander around your home. Do bear in mind, though, that because of the lack of shedding, they do need regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles from forming.
The Bichon loves people, and they have a great happy go lucky personality that make them a great family dog. They’re actually a pretty sturdy little dog underneath that coat who will enjoy walks and games in the yard.
3. Giant Schnauzer
If you’re looking for a larger dog, then the Giant Schnauzer could be a great choice. They have a harsh and wiry outer coat that allergy sufferers often don’t react to. This is a breed that will need grooming every week and then need to be stripped or clipped by a groomer on a regular basis.
The Giant Schnauzer is known for its protective nature but also for being loyal and highly intelligent. That means that you’ll need to invest lots of time into training and socialization when your pup is younger to ensure that they grow up into a great family pet.
4. Chinese Crested
This is one of those dogs that can’t be mistaken for another breed. With their spotted pink skin, combined with a spiky hairdo and feathery tail, they’re easy to spot in a crowd. There are two varieties of the Chinese Crested, the powderpuff and the hairless. The hairless has no doggy smell, and with very little hair, there are few problems with shedding.
The Chinese Crested is a fantastic companion that’s known for being super affectionate while also being active and playful.
5. Irish Water Spaniel
If you’re looking for a breed that’s not only got low allergy potential but is also high energy and will enjoy long days on the trails, then the Irish Water Spaniel could be a strong contender. Their curly coat is considered to be hypoallergenic, but it will need brushing weekly and trimming every couple of months to keep them looking neat and tidy.
This is a breed that will grab every opportunity to be swimming in the water, but they are also a hardworking and intelligent breed that will need active owners and the chance to run off their high levels of energy daily.
Selecting the best hypoallergenic dog breed
It’s going to be incredibly important to find the right breeder for your new dog. Once they know that there are potential allergy issues, they will be able to assess if one of their pups might be an excellent fit for your family.
Make sure that you spend time with both Mum and Dad to see if they cause any allergic responses. A pup should be with their new family for life, and no caring breeder will want to see one of their youngsters returned or end up in a rescue shelter.
So, do your homework, visit a few breeders, and you’ll find the perfect addition to your family.
