best hypoallergenic dog for small apartment
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?
22 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Bichon Frise
Miniature Schnauzer
The most popular Schnauzer breed on the market, these astute watchdogs are a perfect pocket option for Schnauzer fans. They have that same serious expression as their larger counterparts, but in a more compact package. These fearless companions shed minimally and love lots of playtime, so get ready for plenty of games of fetch.
Poodle
All poodles fall under the hypoallergenic umbrella, including the standard, toy and miniature versions, so you can choose your own dog adventure. Super-smart poodles are also extremely easy to train, making them one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. As for that fancy "poodle clip," the traditional cut protects the water-loving dogs' joints and vital organs while swimming, in addition to looking absolutely adorable.
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Yorkshire Terrier
Sweet-faced little Yorkies fit in purses and laps, but their small size packs a ton of attitude. Their fine hair has a texture that's similar to humans' manes, so it's less likely to make you sneeze. But groom-averse dog fans, beware: Yorkies do require regular brushing and maintenance to keep their hair tangle-free and silky soft.
Shih Tzu
The almighty "lion dogs" known as Shih Tzu's date back to the Tang Dynasty. One look and you'll understand why the breed once won over royalty with their regal (but low-shedding!) looks and charming, friendly personas. Because their hair naturally grows long, they do require a fair amount of upkeep. Get to know a good groomer, and start early to teach your pup to love regular brushing.
Maltese
Averaging a teeny-tiny seven pounds, the ancient Greek breed basically defines the concept of "lap dog." Even marathon cuddle sessions won't leave you sneezing, since their all-white coats aren't likely to trigger allergies. You can choose between cutting their soft fur into a sporty trim or letting it grow long, depending on how much maintenance you can handle.
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Portuguese Water Dog
You may recognize these medium-sized furballs after "First Dogs" Sunny and Bo Obama helped put the curly-haired Portuguese water dogs in the spotlight. Their playful and laid-back personalities make great additions to any household, even if yours is less than presidential. They even adapt well to apartment living for those in small spaces, but will still need regular walks to keep them fit.
Scottish Terrier
You may recognize the personality-filled Scottie dog from Disney classic dog movie, Lady and the Tramp, but the independent and sometimes stubborn Scotties make great pets IRL, too. They were originally bred as fierce hunters, and their wiry, weather-resistant coats kept them protected in a range of climates. Today, their dignified beard will probably spend most of its time gracing your couch.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is an easily recognizable breed that has a feathery tail and feet. For those that have a hard time with pet hair, these hairless dogs make great housemates and wont cause the sniffles since the only place they have hair is on their feet, tail and head. Even if they've got faces only a mother could love, you're sure to fall head over heels with yours.
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Xoloitzcuintli
Known for being the dog of the ancient Aztecs, the Xoloitzcuintli is a loyal and alert watchdog. These dogs come in two varieties hairless and coated. If you go for the elegant hairless variety, pick up a good dog sunscreen to protect their delicate skin from damage.
RELATED: 6 Best Dog Sunscreens to Protect Your Pup
Giant Schnauzer
We're in love with the giant Schnauzers' iconic shaggy eyebrows, but all that fur doesn't mean they'll make you sneeze. They do require a moderate amount of grooming, so get a quality dog brush. The largest of the three Schnauzer types, they can grow to 75 pounds and have an intelligent, task-focused temperament that lends itself well to training.
West Highland Terrier
Just like other terriers, Westies possess a curious and lively attitude with the added bonus of minimal shedding. These hardy dogs have a cheerful demeanor that will keep you giggling with their playful antics. Their portable size and friendly disposition make them some of the most popular terriers.
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Havanese
Happy and curious, Havanese dogs sport long, silky coats in a variety of colors. They can look positively royal if you let their low-shedding coats grow long and carry them around like the kings and queens they think they are. Many owners prefer to give them a shorter clip for easier maintenance.
Afghan Hound
These sweet hounds don't shed much, but their long coats do require some attentive grooming. Because they were originally bred for the mountains in Afghanistan, they have long, shiny hair that can tangle without routine maintenance. Make grooming time part of your bonding ritual, and you'll discover what "man's best friend" really means.
Basenji
Basenjis originated as African hunting dogs, but they don't howl and yap like a lot of hounds tend to do. They have short, fine hair that sheds minimally, so you'll barely know they live with you. Basenjis are known for their catlike demeanor, and these fastidious little creatures will even groom themselves.
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Cairn Terrier
Lots of coarse-haired terriers shed less than other groups, making the wiry-coated breeds a smart choice for allergy sufferers. Owners especially love Cairn terriers for their fearless personalities you may recognize the breed as Toto in The Wizard of Oz!
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington terriers grow distinctive poofs of fur at the top of their heads, giving the sweet-looking breed a lamb-like look. These gentle, cuddly terriers make great watchdogs and downtime partners. Professionals spend a lot of time styling the curly, wooly coat for dog shows to get them that picture perfect look. If you just want a snuggly pet, you can opt for a lower-maintenance short clip instead.
Coton de Tulear
Pronounced "coTAWN day two-LEE-are," this charming companion breed will follow you around the house like a cheerful little shadow. The "royal dog of Madagascar" is allegedly descended from dogs who survived an ancient shipwreck near Madagascar, and they resemble bichons with their soft, white hair. It's less likely aggravate your allergies than traditional fur.
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Irish Water Spaniel
If you're looking for a hypoallergenic breed, don't limit yourself to terriers and toy dogs. Irish water spaniels belong to the sporting group, and (surprise!) they love water. These natural-born swimmers even have coats that repel it, so not only will they keep your allergies at bay, they can hop in and out of the pool all day.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Don't let the fancy name fool you. These wooly, small- to medium-sized pups aren't pretentious in the least. They check off everything on dog lovers' wish lists: low-shedding, active but not too hyper, easygoing and affectionate. They even have a hidden talent: Lagotti are especially excellent at truffle-hunting. In your care, they may spend more time hunting down toys in your backyard.
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