best hypoallergenic apartment dog
7 Hypoallergenic Apartment Dogs That Make The Best Pets
Hypoallergenic apartment dogs are great for people with certain allergies, who live in an apartment. With so many different dog breeds, theresalwaysa suitable dog for everyone.
Enjoy this guest post by Bruce Anderson!
Most of us dont have the luxury ofliving in a big apartment with a huge garden. Our smaller living spaces are a challenge, especially when it comes to owning a dog.
We dont want to put a big and active dog breed into a small apartment so, we have to look forbreedsthat dont mind living in noisier and smaller spaces.
Also, there has been some increase in allergies. Theres nothing more devastating than finding out you cant really have a dog.
The good news is that not all dogbreeds are as likely to cause allergies as others. There are hypoallergenic dog breeds you could pick that will be suited for some people with mild allergies.
So, what if you need to combine these two rare qualities? When you want to find a dog thats suitable for apartment living and which ishypoallergenic?
So, just who are those hypoallergenic apartment dogs that make the best pets?
Hypoallergenic Apartment Dogs
Start your search by browsing the below list of seven apartment dogs that are hypoallergenic and pick one for your family.
This breed carries the Made in America label, and is relatively recent, gaining AKC recognition in 2016. They are confident, alert and perky dogs that get on well with people and dogs alike.
The American Hairless is a fun dog to have around, and being hairless they are about as hypoallergenic as its possible to get. But there are 2 main issues to remember without a coat, there is no protection for their skin, and no thermal insulation for their bodies.
This means you have to be careful to avoid sunburn in bright sunlight, and in cooler conditions the dog will need a dog jacket to stay warm and avoid hypothermia.
Intelligent and smart, they are quick to train, do not require hours of exercise, and are a breeze to groom. Quite possibly the BEST hypoallergenic apartment dog!
#2: Bichon Havanaes/TheHavanese
Bichons are popular apartment dogs, and a lot of them would also make great hypoallergenic apartment dogs. The Havanese is a great pick together with a Bichon Frise. The former is the national dog of Cuba.
This small dog requires plenty of human attention, so its not a good pick for people who spend a lot of time away from the apartment.
However,if you have someone at home or you are looking for a companion, the dog breed is a great choice. The small dogs are only 9 to 11 inches in height, with a super soft fur to keep them warm.
The breed is very curious by nature. You definitely want to come up with enough things to do when selecting this dog. The Havanese is also highly intelligent and they love to perform perfect companion for agility.
If you want something adorable and cute, you should consider getting a Coton de Tulear.
The breed is one of the friendliest around and due to its small size, its suited for apartment living. The dogstypicalheight is around 9 to 13 inches, and the male dog weighs around 8.8 to 13.2 lb.andthe female around 7.7 to 11 lb.
Coton de Tulears are companion dogs they are rather active regarding the amount of play and attention it requires.
However, it wont require a lot of walking, and the breed isnon-shedding.You should know, however, that these dogs are high-maintenance regarding grooming and the breed can cost a lot.
#4: Lwchen
Another fun dog breed that you should consider is the Lwchen. The dog is also something referred to as Lion Dog. It has a long, furry fur, giving it a unique look. The people-oriented dog is a rather bright and happy companion.
The breed is well-suited for families as these gentle dogs will get along with children of all ages. Its important to socialize the breed early and to train it properly right from the start.
Lwchens can be a bit shy and timid, and therefore, you want to boost their confidence around different situations. While you dont need to take the dog to super-long walks, the breed would make a great agility dog.
Again,the Lwchen isnt the easiest regarding grooming. However, due to the shy nature of the breed, you could easily learn to groom it at home just start training the puppy as soon as possible.
You could opt for a traditional poodle. Poodles are cute dogs that fit any apartment, and their hypoallergenic nature guarantees anyone can enjoy a poodle.
Not only is a pure poodle a good choice, but you could alsopick a hybrid. This means breeds that are half Poodle and half another hypoallergenic breed. For example, Poodle and the Havanese are a popular hybrid.
The size of the poodle hybrid will naturally depend on the breeds you use. However, even a medium sized poodle hybrid will live comfortably in an apartment.
Poodles are also comfortable at staying alone for longer periods i.e. while you are at work. Therefore, you dont need to have someone looking after them at all times.
You could also opt for an active yet apartment-ready dog. The Portuguese Water Dog will require plenty of exercises you need to take it out enough to ensure it doesnt cause trouble inside the apartment but they are also rather quiet dogs.
You wont need to spend all of your time looking after the dog as long as you take it out a lot and play with at the end of the day, the dog will be happy.
The dog is easy to train. It is hypoallergenic, although it will shed a little fur.
Portuguese Water Dogs dont like to bark a lot if they look familiar, its because the previous US Presidenthad the breedin the White House.
Hypoallergenic Apartment Dogs
Another medium sized dog to consider for an apartment is the Whippet. The dog breed is lean, and they dont require constant attention. Indeed, whippets like to spend a lot of time just sleeping, although they naturally also require plenty of activity. You need to be willing to take the whippet out for exercise regularly.
The breed is hypoallergenic, and it doesnt shed much fur. One other benefit to having a whippet as an apartment dog is the fact these dogs dont bark a lot. While the smaller breeds can sometimes get feisty and vocal, whippets dont like to make a sound.
The Xoloitzcuitli (pronounced show-low-eats-queens-tlee) is also called the Mexican Hairless dog. It comes in 3 sizes; Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Somewhat confusingly, some do have a coat, although it is very short and fine.
The Hairless type does not shed at all, and is ideal for people with allergies to dog hair or dander. They are energetic as puppies, but calm down after 2 years of age. Adults are generally calm and reserved, and rarely bark. They make good watch dogs.
Picking the Right Dog
When youre thinking about hypoallergenic apartment dogs, you also need to think a few other things. You need to match the breed with your ability to have someone at home with the dog.
You should also go with a dog that requires the kind of activity youre able to provide every day. Grooming is another thing to consider. It can be costly and difficult, although you can buy grooming books and materials within budget prices. Learning to groom your dog yourself can be a great way to save money!
So, if you live in a small apartment and youre worried about allergies, the above 7 hypoallergenic apartment dogs are worth considering. Just remember toweigh all the options; you shouldnt take buying a dog lightly!
The Best Hypoallergenic Apartment Dogs: All Shapes and Sizes
Before we look at the best hypoallergenic dogs for apartments, there are some fantastic benefits to having these furry friends around.
Cleaning
You might assume welcoming a dog into your home means also welcoming in the extra mess. However, when you choose the best hypoallergenic dog for apartment living, you wont have to worry about cleaning up fur and dander all the time.
Hypoallergenic dogs are both low drooling and low shedding. So, youll be spending less time wiping up slobber,, and the vacuum wont be working overtime as it would with other breeds.
Companionship
Living in an apartment can get lonely if you have no one else to talk to, and dogs are great company for an emotional and physical connection. They provide endless entertainment and love that can brighten anyones day!
They provide health benefits too, by bringing positive energy into your home, which can alleviate feelings of depression. Knowing your furry best friend is waiting for you each day is the best way to feel the love.
You can also make new friends with your canine companion, in the dog park, or even during walkies! Youll find you have something new to talk about with people, which could start a new friendship over shared interests.
Protection
Even if you have one of the smallest apartment hypoallergenic dogs, their presence alone is enough to deter unwanted visitors to your home. In fact, some say dogs are better than hi-tech security alarm systems. With their amazing sense of hearing, they will bark if they think something isnt right, which can help ward off any potential danger. Burglars are much less likely to break into a home that has a dog, so whats stopping you?
Best Dog Breeds for People With Allergies
So, you want a dog but you seem to have an allergy attack whenever youre around one? Youre not alone! Its estimated that 10 and 20% of people are allergic to cats and dogs, causing many prospective puppy owners to wonder which dogs are hypoallergenic. Spoiler alert: none of them are.
Thats right: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. No, really. Well say it one more time for the people in the back: There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. No mixed-breed dog, no purebred dog, and most definitely not any so-called designer dog, is truly hypoallergenic, no matter what people claim or try to sell you.
That said, it is possible to find less-allergenic dog breeds that are better suited for people with allergies. These purebred dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat that produces less dander. Dander, which clings to pet hair, is what causes most pet allergies in people. Even though dogs that are hypoallergenic dont truly exist, many breeds make it possible to enjoy the companionship of a dog, even if you suffer from allergies. That predictable coat of a purebred dog is key: you know what kind of coat these breeds will have, and there wont be surprises that end up making you sneeze.
There are also ways to prepare your home to help keep allergens at bay when you have a dog. Be sure to launder your pets bed often, keep up with their grooming, and consider not letting your dog sleep on your bed. Its also helpful to remove heavy carpets and drapes that can trap dander. Vacuum cleaners for pet hair and pet air purifiers also help remove allergens, and some can even groom the hair and dander right from your dog.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is known for being aloof and dignified. They require regular exercise and grooming. They should be bathed and brushed twice a week.
American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a lively, friendly, and intelligent companion. The breed does well with children and is also good for city dwellers due to their minimal exercise needsregular walks and indoor playtime will do. They also need regular bathing and nail trimming.
Bedlington Terrier
The gentle, loveable Bedlington Terrier is known for its curly, wooly coat that resembles a lambs. The breed doesnt need intense exerciseregular playtime and daily walks will do.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a naturally gentle, happy, playful dog that loves activity. The Bichons hair continually grows and doesnt shed, so regular grooming is important to prevent mats.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is an alert, playful dog that thrives on human companionship. They are small and do well in families with gentle children. Cresteds shed little to no hair.
Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small, hardy dog that is happy, eager to please, and loyal. The breed gets along well with other dogs and children. Their long coat requires daily grooming.
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is intelligent and can be territorial, naturally feeling protective of their family. The breed needs a lot of exercise and loves having a job to do. They require regular grooming.
Irish Water Spaniel
This strong, intelligent breed is the clown of the spaniel family. Irish Water Spaniels are active and energetic, needing daily exercise. Their water-repellant double coat requires brushing every few weeks.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is energetic and fun-loving. The breed enjoys being part of an active family that can provide daily exercise. Their coats need regular brushing and trimming.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolois a happy dog with tons of energy, needing plenty of activity. They are affectionate and devoted to their owners. Their thick curly coat is similar to that of a Poodle. They require trimming and regular brushing to prevent mats.
Maltese
Though small, the Maltese is known for being brave, playful, and fearless. They have long, silky white hair that needs to be brushed daily to prevent mats.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer has a natural protective nature that makes them a great watchdog. The breed is smart and cheerful. They adapt well to different living environments, and their double coat requires clipping.
Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)
The Peruvian Inca Orchid can be hairless or coated (the hairless variety does well with allergy sufferers). They also come in three different sizes (small, medium, and large). The breed is loyal and protective of its family. They also have a great deal of energy, needing regular activity. They have minimal grooming needs.
Poodle
The Poodle comes in three size varieties (Standard, Miniature, and Toy).The breed is exceptionally smart and active, needing daily exercise. Their trademark coat requires regular professional grooming.
Portuguese Water Dog
An athletic breed, the Portuguese Water Dogneeds vigorous daily exercise and would do best with a very active family. PWDs are intelligent, loyal workers. Their waterproof coat requires regular maintenance.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
This happy dog is active and needs plenty of exercise daily. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapts well to city, country, or suburban living, and does well with children. They have a silky, soft coat that needs regular grooming to prevent mats.
Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is a lively, hardworking dog with natural protective instincts. They are a high-energy breed that does best with an active family. They require little grooming for their curly, wooly coat. No brushing is needed, but at least once a year, they should be shaved down.
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a sociable, affectionate breed that has a fondness for kids. They are athletic dogs that need daily exercise. Their beard and leg hair should be brushed often to prevent mats.
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard). They also come in two varieties, hairless and coated. The hairless has smooth, tough, protective skin and the coated has a short, flat coat. Theyre calm, tranquil, and attentive, and can also be aloof. They have moderate exercise and grooming needs.
Choosing a Purebred Dog for People With Allergies
With all of these purebred dogs with predictable coat types, shedding, and dander levels to choose from, theres no reason for people with allergies to avoid getting a dog that works for their lifestyle (and their immune system). You can learn more about the activity levels, size, sociability, trainability, and types of sports these breeds may excel at by visiting our AKC.org breed pages, or using our Dog Breed Selector to see which of these less-allergenic dog breeds might be the perfect choice for you.
