best hypoallergenic dogs for apartment living
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?
15 Best Apartment Dogs for People With Small Spaces and Big Hearts
Bichon Frise
Hypoallergenic and and utterly charming, Bichons learn quickly and love just about everyone. Clocking in at around 15 pounds, this is a playful companion that doesn't take up too much room on the couch either.
RELATED: 20 Adorable Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Don't Shed
French Bulldog
This breed has recently skyrocketed in popularity with metropolitan millennials, but Frenchies were uber popular in Paris all the way back in the 18th century. A brisk walk each day will sufficiently keep them in shape, and they rarely bark (a big boon for the neighbors).
Greyhound
You wouldn't think the fastest dog around would adapt to three-roomed abodes, but these sprinters truly like to lounge most of the day. Take 'em to the dog park for a good exercise sesh, and you'll have yourself a sleepy sweetheart while This Is Us is on.
RELATED: 15 Best Lazy Dog Breeds That Are Total Couch Potatoes
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Pug
A little mischievous but totally loving, pugs make it easy on apartment dwellers with their homebody nature. Take care if you live anywhere with extreme temperatures, and keep the treats in check pugs' love of food and couch potato sensibilities make them prone to obesity.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Charlotte was onto something in Sex and the City by adopting a Cav. These toy dogs enjoy walks around the block and then a place in your lap, of course. At 13 to 18 pounds, even a tiny studio can make room for one of these silky beauties.
RELATED: 43 Best Small Dog Breeds That Make Perfect Companions
Bulldog
Despite their muscled frames, bulldogs have developed quite a rep as lazy loungers. Brisk strolls should do the trick when it comes to exercise, and you'll appreciate their friendly and loyal demeanor. Cities in hot climates don't make the best home for their short faces.
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Havenese
Oh hey there, 10-pound fluffball. Just like their ancestors living in the Cuban capital, Havanese dogs excel in downtowns, perfectly content to clown around inside your pad. Here's your new best friend if you want an outgoing pup with a built-in entertainment system. Let the silky fur grow long or clip it short for an easier grooming schedule.
RELATED: 15 Quiet Dog Breeds That Rarely Bark
Shih Tzu
Originally bred to live inside Chinese palaces, Shih Tzus will settle for your more modest digs quite happily. Parents, take note: These affectionate little guys are especially great with kids and other dogs.
Boston Terrier
If you're looking for something with a much shorter coat, you're in luck. Nicknamed "the American gentleman," the Boston terrier is deserving of its citified name. This small breed is lively and amusing, yet still compact and eager to please.
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Biewer Terrier
If you originally had a Yorkie in mind, consider its younger cousin instead. The Biewer (pronounced "beaver") Terrier only dates back to the '80s, but has already established a reputation for its milder temperament and quieter demeanor. At 4 to 8 pounds, you can easily scoop the pint-sized cutie up with a single hand.
Maltese
Not to be confused with the Havanese, this all-white dog can weigh half the size (under 7 pounds, compared to up to 13) and hails from the Mediterranean. They're born-and-bred companions that exude a playful charm. As for the long coat, Maltese actually shed infrequently.
German Spitz
Devotion is the name of the game with this spitz breed. The fox-like expression may win you over, but take care with these attentive fellows. They can develop a penchant for barking at strangers if you're not careful. Luckily they're especially eager to please and willing to learn.
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Bedlington Terrier
With distinctively fleecy fur, Bedlington Terriers stand out from the crowd, but all they really want is to become a part of the family. Sprightly when out and about, your new mate will require longer walks and play sessions, but you'll be rewarded with a dog that's loyal to the core and low-shedding.
Italian Greyhound
A miniature version of a racing greyhound, these guys weigh about 10 pounds instead of 60. They're total snugglers and love cozying up on the bed, but still have a coursing spirit running through them. (Read: Don't allow them off-leash in unfenced areas.)
Chinese Crested
Last but certainly not least, the Chinese Crested is certainly one way to stand out on your block. While the "powderpuff" version is covered in a silky coat, the hairless variety only has tufts at the head, feet, and tail perfect if you need a hypoallergenic breed. Just take care to protect their exposed skin from the sun's UV rays.
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