Top 13 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
If you want to cuddle up with your dog, you’ll continue making friends and improving your general relationship. However, some people tend to be afraid of allergies, especially if the dog sheds a lot. These allergies can result in coughing, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes whenever you come around your pet. If you’ve had this challenge, you can solve it by finding a hypoallergenic dog breed. Most hypoallergenic dogs produce less hair, dander, and saliva, which can cause adverse health effects to the pet owner. Below are the top 13 hypoallergenic dog breeds to consider getting:
1. Poodle
Poodles are among the best hypoallergenic dog breeds. These dogs have 3 different sizes where you can choose one depending on your needs and preference. They lack shedding undercoats which makes them ideal for people with allergies. Poodles have curly, dense coats, which can either be brown, white, grey, black, or apricot. The height of a standard poodle is 15 inches and weighs 40-70 pounds. On the other hand, miniature poodles have a height of 10-15 inches and weigh 15-18 pounds. Lastly, toy poodles have a height below 10 inches and weigh 5-9 pounds.
2. Barbet
This is a French water dog with similar characteristics to poodles. It’s believed that these two dog breeds are closed related. They’re medium-sized and have fluffy and hairy coats which don’t shed. Their coats can be brown, white, black, fawn, or grey. The barbet dog stands at 19-24.5 inches tall and weighs 35-65 pounds. The average lifespan is 12-14 years.
3. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is small in size and is well known for its affectionate personality. The dog breed has a curly, white coat that produces very little dander. This means that they’ve got low chances of triggering allergic reactions to the pet owner. Some dogs have creamy, buff, or apricot coats. The breed stands at 9-12 inches and weighs 12-18 pounds. Bichon Frise has a lifespan of 14-15 years.
4. Affenpinscher
This dog breed is also called a monkey terrier. The dog is tiny in size and is characterized by great affection and playfulness. The affenpinscher is a rare dog species across the globe. The dog doesn’t shed its coat, thus making it ideal for those with allergies. The dog’s coats are either red, black, beige, black and tan, or silver in color. The dog stands 9-11.5 inches tall and weighs 7-10 pounds. The average lifespan is 12-15 years.
5. Basenji
The dog breed originated from central Africa and was bred for hunting purposes. Basenji is characterized by athletic nature, curiosity, and intelligence. The dog breed rarely sheds, making it an ideal option for people with allergies. The dog breed stands at 16-17 inches tall and weighs 20-25 pounds. Basenji’s lifespan is about 13-14 years.
6. Scottish Terrier
The breed originated from Scottish Highlands. This is an affectionate dog that’s small in size, hardworking, and has a great personality. These dogs have unique head shapes covered with facial hair. Scottish Terrier stands at 10 inches tall and weighs between 18-22 pounds, depending on the gender. The breed has a lifespan of 12-14 years.
7. Chinese Crested
If you’re allergic to dog hair, consider getting the Chinese Crested dog breed. This dog is hairless and has a tiny body with hair poofs on the feet, tail, and head. However, the powderpuff breeds have soft silky coats that need regular brushing. Generally, Chinese Crested dogs have less shedding, dander, and drool. Their average height is 11-13 inches, and they weigh 8-12 pounds. The breed has a lifespan of 13-18 years.
8. Havanese
This is the national dog of Cuba. The dog breed is characterized by playfulness and unending love for the owner. Havanese dogs have silky coats that shed little dander. Their coats can be cream, black, gold, silver, fawn, or white. They stand 8.5-11.5 inches tall and weigh 7-13 pounds. Havanese dogs have a lifespan of 14-16 years.
9. Miniature Schnauzer
This breed is classified as hypoallergenic since they shed very little dander. The breed has almost similar characteristics to the Scottie, although they’ve got soft and wiry undercoats that don’t shed. Their coats are black, black and silver, and salt and pepper in color. The dog stands at 12-14 inches tall and weighs 11-20 pounds. Their lifespan is 12-15 years.
10. Maltese
This is another great hypoallergenic dog breed characterized by amazing straight, white locks. Maltese dog breed is small in size and forms a great companion with homeowners since they don’t shed much more. Maltese breeds usually have white and silky coats. The dog breed has a height of 7-9 inches and weighs 4-7 pounds. These dogs have a lifespan of 12-15 years.
11. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is common in dog shows and is characterized by long, silky coat. The breed is also independent, confident, and has a great personality. The dog doesn’t shed much, meaning it’s an excellent hypoallergenic dog. The breed stands at 25-27 inches tall and weighs 50-60 pounds. The Afghan Hound has a lifespan of 12-18 years.
12. American Hairless Terrier
This is among the newest hypoallergenic dogs in the world, which came into existence in the 1970s. They’re energetic and have excellent personalities. They come with varied coats with different patterns and skin pigments. They stand at 12-16 inches tall and weigh 12-16 pounds. Their lifespan is 14-16 years.
13. Portuguese water dog
This is a medium-sized dog that’s hypoallergenic. It’s characterized by its friendly nature and high level of intelligence. Portuguese water dogs are ideal service dogs and know how to swim very well. These dogs have soft and fluffy coats that don’t shed easily, making them suitable for people with allergies. They mainly have black, brown or black and white coats. Male Portuguese water dogs stand at 20-23 inches tall and weigh 42-60 pounds. The female dogs stand at 17-21 inches and weigh 35-50 pounds. These dogs have a lifespan of 10-13years.
In conclusion, these are some of the top hypoallergenic dog breeds you should get. You can also check out the Yorkshire terrier, Bedlington terrier, Irish water spaniel, and Bolognese. Before choosing any hypoallergenic dog breed, consider other factors such as price, nutritional aspects, energy levels, and where you live. Remember, some dogs will eat and play more than others. You might require to have a spacious home for some dog breeds.