Roughly 30 percent of people in the United States are allergic to dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. While it’s easy to blame runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing fits on dog hair, it’s actually the stuff dog hair collects that causes allergic reactions. Think: dander (dead skin cells), urine, saliva and pollen. As dogs shed their hair, these items linger in and around the home. This is why non-shedding and hypoallergenic dog breeds are popular with folks who are allergic to canines but love them too much to stay away. Plus, The New York Times reported several studies found children living in homes with pets have fewer allergies in general as adults. Just some food for thought.
NON-SHEDDING VS. HYPOALLERGENIC
The label “non-shedding” is a tad misleading. All dogs shed a little bit. Non-shedding breeds simply shed less. This doesn’t mean you won’t find any dog hair in your home, but anyone who doesn’t want to vacuum constantly or find dog hair literally everywhere should consider a non-shedding breed. Of course, less hair also means less dander.
Hypoallergenic means the breed’s fur doesn’t collect as many allergens. So, if and when the dog does shed, fewer particles of dander or saliva are dispersed into the air. Sadly, there is no magic dog breed that is 100-percent hypoallergenic.
Interestingly enough, since pet dander is composed of proteins specific to a particular pup (in the urine, saliva, and skin), VCA Ark Animal Hospital says it is possible that a person’s immune system can handle one animal but not another. This means two distinct poodles could cause different reactions in a single person.
BREEDS
Breeds that fall into the non-shedding and hypoallergenic categories cause fewer reactions in people known to be allergic to dogs. Many of these breeds have long hair, wiry hair or almost no hair. Always remember that each person and each dog is different; you may have to meet a few before you find “the one.” Until then, start here!
TAYNAPANOVA/GETTY IMAGES1. XOLOITZCUINTLI
Hypoallergenic
The American Kennel Club lets us know this breed is pronounced “show-low-eats-QUEEN-tlee.” There are three different sizes to choose from: toy, miniature and standard. Xolos have been around for almost 3,000 years, and the hairless varieties have no hair at all, just skin. Unlike some of the other hairless breeds on our list, the Xolo’s skin is tough and tight-fitting.
MATTHEW PALMER/GETTY IMAGES2. CHINESE CRESTED
Hypoallergenic
Yes, these tiny creatures look like something out of Star Wars, but they are super affectionate and can live up to 18 years old (hello, lifelong companion!). Hairless Chinese Ccested pups are accented with small puffs of hair on their heads, tails, and feet, but are covered in sleek skin everywhere else. All owners of hairless dogs should be prepared with dog-friendly sunscreen in the summer and warm puppy jackets in the winter.
MATTHEW CLEMENTE/GETTY IMAGES3. BASENJI
Hypoallergenic
These dogs have very short coats and are often compared to cats for their self-grooming tendencies. What they lack in allergens they make up for in energy—get ready to exercise frequently.
EKATERINA GOROKHOVA/GETTY IMAGES4. PERUVIAN INCA ORCHID
Hypoallergenic
Another hairless pup, the Peruvian Inca orchid comes in gorgeous shades like golden-brown, pinky-white, and spotted. Like the Chinese crested, these unique dogs have small tufts of hair on their heads, almost like miniature mohawks.
SERGEY RYUMIN/GETTY IMAGES5. AMERICAN HAIRLESS TERRIER
Hypoallergenic
Surprise! One more hairless breed on our list, though this dog doesn’t have any tufts of hair sprouting anywhere. The AKC notes its skin is warm and soft to the touch, so go all in on the snuggling.
ALKIR/GETTY IMAGES6. BEDLINGTON TERRIER
Non-shedding
While the Bedlington terrier’s tightly curled coat doesn’t shed, it does grow fairly quickly and requires a nice haircut every month or so. Other than that, these dogs have a friendly disposition and make great family pets.
DEVIDDO/GETTY IMAGES7. KERRY BLUE TERRIER
Non-shedding
Looking for a stunning slate blue coat that won’t leave a trail everywhere it goes? Say hello to the kerry blue terrier. These pups do require routine haircuts and regular brushing (you don’t want that gorgeous blue-grey fur to end up in knots), but wreak minimal havoc in the shedding department.
NATHAN TSANG/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES8. SOFT-COATED WHEATEN TERRIER
Non-shedding
Replace the kerry blue terrier’s curly blue hair for wavy golden locks, and you’ve got yourself another non-shedding terrier from Ireland. Its silky coat—including those adorable bangs—needs frequent brushing.
YEVGEN ROMANENKO/GETTY IMAGES9. YORKSHIRE TERRIER
Hypoallergenic
Ah, Yorkies. The hair on these tiny, feisty animals is actually more like human hair than dog fur. If you let it grow long, you better be combing it every day and giving them a top knot.
PAUL WILLS/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES10. BORDER TERRIER
Hypoallergenic
Notice a trend here? Terriers are known to have wiry coats which make them ideal hypoallergenic and low shedding choices. The border terrier is double-coated, meaning wiry hair on top, soft fur underneath. Get ready for lots of brushing come summer, but minimal allergens year-round.
CYNOCLUB/GETTY IMAGES11. SPANISH WATER DOG
Hypoallergenic
At first glance, this breed may look like an allergy sufferer’s worst nightmare. However, the corded curls rarely shed and are not to be brushed. Routine trims are all you need to keep these pups well-groomed.
RUBBERBALL PRODUCTIONS/GETTY IMAGES12. PORTUGUESE WATER DOG
Hypoallergenic
Similar to the Spanish water dog, the Portuguese has buoyant curls. Shedding is more frequent (particularly as the weather warms), but the coat is hypoallergenic and can be trimmed down to about an inch.
ALAN CURRIE/GETTY IMAGES13. IRISH WATER SPANIEL
Hypoallergenic
If an '80s hair band was a dog, it might be the Irish water spaniel (of the Afghan hound below). Check out this furry head—full of hypoallergenic hair! The coat is also waterproof.
JW LTD/GETTY IMAGES14. HAVANESE
Hypoallergenic
With the Havanese, we begin our journey into “small, white, hypoallergenic dog” territory. There are lots to choose from, like this little bugger who is energetic, silky soft, and doesn’t bark much.
KIKO/GETTY IMAGES15. MALTESE
Hypoallergenic
Similar to the Havanese, Maltese coats can grow super long or be trimmed short. It’s totally up to your discretion. If you choose long, be sure to brush daily to avoid snarls.
16. BICHON FRISE
Hypoallergenic
Delightful family members, bichon frises are like bouncy, hypoallergenic marshmallows. They don’t shed much, either. Brush and bathe often!
MAX BAILEN/GETTY IMAGES17. COTON DE TULEAR
Hypoallergenic
Coton is the French word for cotton, which should tell you everything you need to know about how soft these pups are. It’s recommended to use a quality doggy conditioner when brushing a long Coton de Tulear coat.
JOY SALE/GETTY IMAGES18. SHIH TZU
Hypoallergenic
Often—surprisingly—referred to as the “Lion Dog,” the Shih Tzu is a ball of affection. As with the other tiny titans on our list, a long coat requires consistent grooming attention; trimming it short works well, too.
CELSO MOLLO PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES19. WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER
Hypoallergenic
Westies are perfect for folks who need a hypoallergenic breed that always looks like it is smiling. They are independent, ready for anything and fairly straightforward to groom.
MOAIMAGE/GETTY IMAGES20. SCHNAUZERS
Hypoallergenic
Miniature, standard and giant schnauzers are all hypoallergenic, low-shedding dogs. Like border terriers, schnauzers are double-coated, so may require extra brushing.
IMAGE SOURCE/GETTY IMAGES21. AFGHAN HOUND
Hypoallergenic
Talk about a showstopper. The Afghan hound’s coat is luxurious and long. Be prepared to brush and wash a ton—especially since these dogs love frolicking around outdoors.
CATHERINE LEDNER/GETTY IMAGES22. POODLES
Hypoallergenic
Miniature, toy and standard poodles are some of the smartest canines around. These are great dogs for anyone with a taste for adventure, bold style and allergies.
AGENCY ANIMAL PICTURE/GETTY IMAGES23. AFFENPINSCHER
Hypoallergenic
Star Wars character, take two. The Affenpinscher is an adorable little pup with coarse fur that grows slowly. Trim occasionally and be ready to be bossed around a bit—these dogs know what they want.
STEVEN ROSSI/GETTY IMAGES24. ITALIAN GREYHOUND
Hypoallergenic
Note: Regular greyhounds are not hypoallergenic. Italian greyhounds have short, sleek coats. Be sure to wrap them up when it gets cold outside, as they have almost no body fat.
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