best hypoallergenic dog for protection
9 Best Hypoallergenic Guard Dogs
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Are you in search of a reliable guard dog that wont trigger your allergies or leave a trail of fur behind? In a world where security matters, hypoallergenic guard dogs offer the perfect solution for those who prioritize both safety and cleanliness.
While many guard dog breeds boast thick coats for protection, shedding can pose a challenge for allergy sufferers and cleanliness enthusiasts. Fear not, as we introduce you to a selection of protective dogs that are both hypoallergenic and dedicated to safeguarding your home.
Say goodbye to sneezing fits and hello to peace of mind with these exceptional guard dogs that wont leave your home covered in fur.
Best Guard Dogs that Dont Shed
Discover the perfect guard dogs that keep your home secure without leaving a trace of shed fur behind.
1. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer, known for its toughness, intellect, and suitability for effective guard dog duties, is an ideal choice for those seeking a hypoallergenic guard dog. While their double wiry coat requires grooming and clipping every six weeks, they dont shed much, making them a low-allergy option.
Giant Schnauzers excel as guard dogs due to their loyalty and protective nature. They are known for having one of the highest recorded bite forces among dog breeds, measuring at 556 pounds per square inch.
These German dogs excel in various competitions due to their large size and intelligence, making them versatile and friendly companions. Although they may drool occasionally, their outstanding traits outweigh this minor inconvenience, making them a perfect hypoallergenic guard dog choice.
2. Poodle
Poodles are not only popular companion dogs but also excellent guardians. Known for their intelligence and keen senses, Poodles can detect threats and alert their owners with their barking. With remarkable hearing, they are sensitive to unusual sounds, making them effective watchdogs.
Additionally, Poodles are hypoallergenic due to their lack of shedding and drooling, making them ideal for families and individuals with allergies. Their calm and friendly nature also makes them great assistance dogs.
Standard Poodles are brilliant and eager-to-please dogs, making them easily trainable for specific alert purposes. However, these family dogs are generally considered high-maintenance due to their grooming needs, high intelligence, and energy levels.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are non-shedding and affectionate dogs with a loyal and protective nature. However, their dense coat requires regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Weekly brushing, regular bathing, and frequent trimming are essential to keep the Portuguese Water Dog looking and feeling fresh.
These athletic and intelligent dogs are great for families and excel in guard duties with early socialization and training. Portuguese Water Dogs are highly vigilant and quick to react to potential threats, making them excellent guard dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs are natural-born swimmers with webbed feet and athletes, making them ideal companions for active individuals and those interested in competitive training. With their strong bodies and sharp minds, these dogs thrive in physically demanding activities and sports.
4. Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers are an ideal choice for allergy sufferers due to their short, wiry coats that dont shed. These terriers are the tallest among the terrier breeds and typically weigh between 50 and 70 lbs, with a potential lifespan of up to 14 years.
Airedales are natural guard dogs, thanks to their terrier instincts and protective nature. But needs plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Airedale Terriers are well-suited for families with children. They excel as alerting dogs and will vigilantly guard their owners in the presence of intruders. They are highly intelligent dogs, but training is essential to manage their barking tendencies.
5. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier, known for its stunning blue coat, is a non-shedding guard dog that requires frequent brushing to maintain its appearance. Their vigilant personality makes them an excellent choice for guarding your home and family, although they may not always get along with other pets.
Proper socialization and training are key to ensuring they fit well into your family dynamic. Kerry Blue Terriers are tough and alert and make great medium-sized guard dogs for families.
The Kerry Blue Terrier, originally bred for hunting and herding, is energetic, headstrong, and possesses strong watchdog abilities. Kerry Blue Terriers are quick learners and can be effectively trained using positive reinforcement methods.
6. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier Des Flandres, originally bred for farm tasks like herding and protecting livestock, also excels as a guard dog outside of the farm setting. They possess a hardy and compact body that can reach weights of up to 110 lbs and have a lifespan of up to 12 years.
These dogs are highly protective of their owners while maintaining a generally calm and affectionate demeanor in day-to-day life. Their strong will and courage make them capable of confronting intruders effectively.
Their shaggy, dense coat requires regular grooming but doesnt shed much. This loyal and protective breed is an excellent choice for an ideal guard dog, provided they receive early socialization and training. Its important to note that herding dogs, in general, have a natural instinct to herd, so caution should be exercised around small children and pets to prevent herding behavior.
7. Komondor
The Komondor, despite its long corded fur, is a non-shedding breed. These dogs were originally employed as guardians of sheep flocks, entrusted with the task of warding off wolves and other threats.
Komondors are renowned for their intelligence, cooperation, trainability, and unwavering loyalty. Their fearless appearance is a testament to their bravery, and they have a lifespan of 10-12 years.
If you seek such courage in your guard dog, the Komondor is an excellent choice. However, its worth noting that Komondors tend not to get along well with other dogs, so they may not be suitable for multi-pet households.
8. Briard
The Briard is a prime example of a handsome and excellent guard dog. This breed is known for its toughness, excellent personal protection instincts, and its ability to be a formidable guard while maintaining an appealing appearance. In fact, the French army has utilized Briards as guard dogs in the past.
While Briards dont slobber excessively, they may be a bit messy indoors because their facial fur tends to become wet when they drink. Its important to note that their non-shedding coat, while stunning, comes with maintenance requirements. Their fur is prone to matting and should be brushed daily to prevent tangles.
Additionally, these brilliant dogs have a strong prey drive and are better suited for experienced owners who can handle their energetic nature and training needs.
9. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a fine choice for those seeking a non-shedding guard dog. While the Giant Schnauzer is featured on this list, the Standard Schnauzer offers similar vigilance in a more compact size.
Moreover, the Standard Schnauzer does not shed at all, in contrast to the Giant Schnauzer, which sheds minimally. To maintain their coat in optimal condition, regular grooming, clipping, and hand-stripping are necessary.
Originally bred in Germany as rat catchers and protectors, these small guard dogs with non-shedding coats have a unique appearance with their dense fur and distinctive beards. Schnauzers alert and obedient disposition make them exceptional watchdogs.
Conclusion
These hypoallergenic dogs offer both protection and allergy-friendly companionship. These breeds, known for their minimal shedding and protective instincts, make excellent choices for individuals and families seeking a vigilant and allergy-sensitive guard dog.
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.
