Are you looking for a pup to love, but worried about allergies? You’re not alone! Many people struggle with allergies and pet ownership. But the good news is there are numerous hypoallergenic dog breeds that can coexist with those who suffer from allergies.
In this blog, we will explore the 10 best hypoallergenic dog breeds that you can consider if you’re looking to adopt a pooch and still minimize your allergy symptoms.
1. Poodle
The Poodle is a popular dog breed known for its distinctive, curly coat and high intelligence. Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. They are highly trainable, and excel in a variety of activities such as obedience training, agility, and even hunting.
Poodles are often described as elegant and regal, with a proud and dignified bearing. They have a long history of being used as circus performers and were also bred as retrievers for hunting waterfowl. They have a very high energy level and are a good companion for active families.
Coat
The Poodle’s coat is a major aspect of the breed, and while it requires regular grooming to maintain its curly shape, it is hypoallergenic. It comes in a variety of colors including white, black, brown, and apricot.
Trainability
Poodles are also known for their intelligence and trainability. They are eager to please and excel in obedience training. They are also used in service and therapy roles due to their calm and patient nature.
Friendliness
Poodles can be good with children and other pets, but as with any breed, it’s important to socialize them from an early age and provide proper training and exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. With proper training and attention, Poodles make loyal and loving companions that can be a great addition to any family.
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog breed that is known for its fluffy, white coat and playful personality. They are a member of the toy group and typically weigh between 7 to 12 pounds and stands about 9.5-11.5 inches tall at the shoulder.
Bichon Frise, also known as Bichon, is a highly sociable breed that enjoys being around people and other pets. They are playful, affectionate, and energetic, making them great companions for families with children. They are adaptable to different living spaces, whether it’s a house or an apartment.
Coat
One of the distinctive characteristics of the Bichon Frise is its hypoallergenic coat. The coat is soft, curly, and fluffy, and it requires regular grooming to maintain its shape and texture. The coat can come in several colors like white, apricot, and cream.
Trainability
Bichon Frise’s are highly trainable and excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports. The Bichon Frise is a happy, loving, and lively breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals looking for a small and affectionate pet.
Friendliness
They are also known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes them easy to train. They are also known to be great therapy dogs due to their calm and friendly personalities.
In terms of health, Bichon Frise is generally a healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. However, they can be prone to certain health issues such as ear infections, dental problems, and luxating patella (dislocated kneecaps). Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues.
3. Maltese
The Maltese are a small, elegant dog breed that is known for its silky, white coat and charming, playful personality. They are a member of the toy group and typically weigh between 4 to 7 pounds and stands about 7-9 inches tall at the shoulder.
Maltese are affectionate and gentle dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. They have a playful and spirited nature, making them ideal for families with children. They are also known to be great apartment dogs as they do not require a lot of space to be happy.
Coat
The Maltese’s coat is one of its most distinctive characteristics. The coat is long, silky and straight, and it requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance and prevent matting. The coat color is usually pure white, but some may have a cream or light lemon color.
Trainability
Maltese are highly trainable and excel in obedience training, and also excel in performance events such as agility and rally. They are also known for their intelligence and desire to please, which makes them easy to train. They are also used as therapy dogs due to their affectionate nature.
In terms of health, Maltese are generally a healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. However, they can be prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, digestive problems, and liver shunts. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues.
Friendliness
The Maltese are a graceful, loving, and lively breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals looking for a small, elegant, and affectionate pet. They are known to be great lap dogs and love to be pampered, and they will be very loyal to their owners.
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a large, athletic dog breed that is known for its friendly, outgoing personality and its ability as a retrieving gun dog. They are a member of the sporting group and typically weigh between 55 to 80 pounds, and stands about 22-24 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat
The Labrador Retriever’s coat is thick and short and comes in several colors such as black, yellow, and chocolate. The coat is relatively low maintenance, it requires regular brushing to remove dead hair and keep it shiny.
Trainability
Labradors are highly intelligent and trainable, they excel in obedience and agility training, as well as in hunting and fieldwork. They are also used as service and guide dogs, and in search and rescue operations due to their high level of trainability and ability to work hard.
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly, outgoing, and highly trainable breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals looking for a loyal and loving pet. They are known to be great with children and other pets, and make great additions to any household.
Friendliness
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are highly social and enjoy being around people and other animals, making them great family pets. They are also known to be great therapy dogs.
Labrador Retrievers are generally a healthy breed, but like many large breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, obesity, and certain types of cancer. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues.
5. Basenji
The Basenji is a small, athletic dog breed that is known for its distinctive, short coat and its unique vocalization. They are a member of the Hound group and typically weigh between 22 to 24 pounds and stands about 16-17 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat
The Basenji’s coat is short, sleek, and shiny, and comes in several colors such as red, black and white, brindle, or trindle. The coat is relatively low maintenance, it only requires regular brushing to remove dead hair.
Trainability
Basenji are known for being independent and reserved, but they are also affectionate with their families. They are energetic and curious, they love to explore and they have a strong prey drive. Because of their independence, they require a strong pack leader and can be stubborn to train, but when trained properly, they can excel in obedience and agility training.
Basenjis are known for their unique vocalization, instead of barking they have a yodel-like sound. Some even refer to them as “the barkless dog”.
Friendliness
The Basenji is a unique and independent breed that makes a great companion for experienced dog owners and individuals looking for an active and curious pet.
They are not recommended for first-time owners or households with small children because of their strong prey drive. They are also not recommended for apartment living because of their energy level.
Basenjis are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as Fanconi syndrome, a genetic kidney disorder, and they also have a tendency to develop hip dysplasia, bloat, and tumors. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues.
6. American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a small, active dog breed that is known for its hairless characteristic and its outgoing personality. They are a relatively new breed and are not recognized by all kennel clubs. They typically weigh between 6 to 16 pounds and stand around 11-16 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat
One of the most unique characteristics of the American Hairless Terrier is their lack of hair. They have a thin, soft, and sensitive skin that requires protection from the sun and cold weather, so they are often seen wearing clothing and sunblock when outside. They may also have some hair on their head, feet, and tail.
American Hairless Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like many hairless breeds, they are prone to certain skin issues such as sunburn and dry skin. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues.
Trainability
Due to their high energy level, American Hairless Terriers require regular physical and mental stimulation, they excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports. They are also known to be quick learners and are eager to please.
Friendliness
American Hairless Terriers are known for their outgoing, curious, and playful personalities. They are highly social and enjoy being around people and other animals, making them great family pets. Their hairless feature makes them a good fit for people with allergies.
Overall, the American Hairless Terrier is a lively, affectionate, and unique breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals looking for a small, active, and social pet.
They are also a good option for people with allergies as they don’t shed and produce less dander. They are also known to be great with children, but as with any breed, it’s important to provide proper training and exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
7. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a small, lively dog breed that is known for its hairless and powderpuff variations. They are a member of the toy group and typically weigh between 6 to 12 pounds and stand around 11-13 inches tall at the shoulder.
Chinese Crested is known for being affectionate, playful, and outgoing. They are highly social and enjoy being around people and other animals, making them great family pets. They are adaptable to different living spaces, whether it’s a house or an apartment.
Coat
One of the most unique characteristics of the Chinese Crested is their hairless and powderpuff variations. The hairless version has thin, soft, and sensitive skin that requires protection from the sun and cold weather, so they are often seen wearing clothing and sunblock when outside. The powderpuff version is covered in a soft, silky coat.
Trainability
Due to their high energy level, Chinese Crested require regular physical and mental stimulation, they excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports. They are also known to be quick learners and are eager to please.
Chinese Crested are generally a healthy breed, but like many hairless breeds, they are prone to certain skin issues such as sunburn and dry skin. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues.
Friendliness
The Chinese Crested is a lively, affectionate, and unique breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals looking for a small, active, and social pet. They are also a good option for people with allergies as they don’t shed as much as the powder puff variations and they produce less dander.
They are also known to be great with children, but as with any breed, it’s important to provide proper training and exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
8. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized, athletic dog breed that is known for its distinctive, wavy coat and its spirited, independent personality. They are a member of the terrier group and typically weigh between 30 to 40 pounds and stand around 17-19 inches tall at the shoulder.
Kerry Blue Terriers are known for their spirited and independent personalities. They are highly intelligent, energetic, and curious dogs that require regular physical and mental stimulation.
They are protective of their family and territory and can be reserved with strangers. They were originally bred as all-around farm dogs, they have strong hunting and herding instincts.
Coat
The Kerry Blue Terrier’s coat is thick, wavy, and soft and comes in a distinctive blue-gray color. The coat requires regular grooming and trimming to maintain its shape and texture. They have a characteristic “topknot” on their head which requires extra attention and care.
Trainability
Kerry Blue Terriers excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports due to their high intelligence and trainability. They can also make good therapy dogs as they are affectionate with their family.
In terms of health, Kerry Blue Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, skin irritations, and cataracts. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues.
Friendliness
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a unique and independent breed that makes a great companion for experienced dog owners and individuals looking for an active and protective pet. They are not recommended for first-time owners or households with small children because of their strong hunting and herding instincts.
They require a confident and consistent owner who can provide regular training and exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
9. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, athletic dog breed that is known for its distinctive, soft, silky coat and its friendly, outgoing personality. They are a member of the terrier group and typically weigh between 30 to 40 pounds and stand around 17-19 inches tall at the shoulder.
Coat
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s coat is long, silky, and wavy and comes in a distinctive wheaten color. The coat requires regular grooming to maintain its shape and texture and to prevent matting. They also have a characteristic “topknot” on their head which requires extra attention and care.
Training
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports due to their high energy level and trainability. They are also known to be quick learners and are eager to please.
In terms of health, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as protein-losing nephropathy, a kidney disease, and they also have a tendency to develop hip dysplasia and Addison’s disease. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues.
Friendliness
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their friendly, outgoing, and playful personalities. They are highly social and enjoy being around people and other animals, making them great family pets. They are adaptable to different living spaces, whether it’s a house or an apartment.
Overall, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a friendly, outgoing, and loving breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals looking for an active and social pet.
They are known to be great with children and other pets and make great additions to any household. They do require regular grooming and coat care to keep their silky coat in top condition.
10. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a small, toy-sized dog breed that is known for its distinctive, shaggy coat and its playful, energetic personality. They are a member of the toy group and typically weigh between 7 to 9 pounds and stand around 9-11 inches tall at the shoulder.
Affenpinschers are known for their playful, energetic, and inquisitive personalities. They are highly social and enjoy being around people and other animals, making them great family pets.
They are adaptable to different living spaces, whether it’s a house or an apartment. They have a bit of a terrier personality and are known to be a bit mischievous and high-energy.
Coat
The Affenpinscher’s coat is thick, coarse, and shaggy, and comes in a variety of colors such as black, gray, silver, and beige. The coat requires regular grooming to maintain its shape and texture and to prevent matting. They also have a characteristic “beard” and “mustache” on their face, which adds to their distinct appearance.
Training
Affenpinschers excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports due to their high energy level and trainability. They are also known to be quick learners and are eager to please. They can also make great therapy dogs as they are affectionate and friendly with their family.
In terms of health, Affenpinschers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, dental problems, and Patellar Luxation (dislocated kneecaps). Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues.
Friendliness
The Affenpinscher is a playful, energetic, and charming breed that makes a great companion for families and individuals looking for a small and affectionate pet. They are known to be great with children and other pets and make great additions to any household.
They do require regular grooming and coat care to keep their shaggy coat in top condition. They also require proper training, socialization and plenty of activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
In Conclusion
There are many hypoallergenic dog breeds to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and personalities. Whether you’re looking for a small and elegant lap dog, a playful and energetic companion, or a loyal and protective pet, there’s a hypoallergenic breed that will fit your lifestyle and needs.
When adopting any dog, whether hypoallergenic or not, it’s important to consider the breed’s energy level, trainability, and compatibility with your lifestyle and living situation.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to do research on the specific breeds and talk to breeders, current owners, and veterinarians to get a good idea of what to expect and what kind of care is required.
