best hypoallergenic dogs for asthma

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.

What's This About Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Which is good, because I refused to be allergic to them anyways. What? Thats not how it works? Well, it seemed to work out okay for me. ;)

Sometimes, when hes off duty, Guide Dog Murray (belonging to my friend Steve) is perfectly content being a pillow!

If you want a dog, consider a hypoallergenic breed

Theres talk around of hypoallergenic dogs and cats. And I mean, not just the hairless kinds. (I kinda like my animal friends full of fur, but thats just me.) Common breeds of dogs typically presumed to be better for people with allergies include a variety of terriers, poodles and greyhounds, just to name a few!¹

And, actually, as the research stands on hypoallergenic dogs, hairless ones might not even be lower in allergens than long haired, shed-y ones, either!¹ It is not just the dog hair that people are allergic tooften, saliva or dander (skin flakes) are what trigger reactions for people.

Best and Worst Dog Breeds for People With Allergies

What do you do when you love dogs, but you or a family member is allergic? You do what many people do: Get a dog breed touted as hypoallergenic. Theyre the best types of dogs for people with allergies because they tend to shed less than other breeds.

Pet hair or pet dander is a common cause of allergic rhinitis, a chronic disease that affects as much as 30 percent of the U.S. population, according to theWorld Allergy Organization. Commonly known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis happens when the body overreacts to something that does not cause a problem in other people.

Most people are not actually allergic to dog hair. Rather, theyre allergic to dander (flakes on the dogs skin) or saliva. Hair does have something to do with it, though: Sometimes other indoor allergens like dust, or outdoor allergens like grass or tree pollen, can build up on a dogs furry coat and trigger allergy symptomslike sneezing, congestion, nasal swelling, asthma, andrashes. Many people with dog allergies complain about red, itchy eyes.

Tips to Prevent Dog Allergies

If you already have a dog, here are a few tips to prevent pet allergies:

• Keep your dog clean and bathe it weekly in warm water. This may reduce the amount of dog dander and dog saliva deposited throughout your home.
• Get a groomer to bathe your dog so youre not exposed to the allergens.
• Wash the dogs bedding weekly to remove excess dander.
• Use air purifiers throughout your home and avoid furnishings that collect allergens, like cloth curtains or carpets.
• Keep the dog out of the bedroom and off the bed during sleep.
• Keep the dog outside if possible. It may take weeks or months before your house is free of pet allergens.

If youre on the hunt for a hypoallergenic dog that wont leave you watery-eyed, youll need to do your research and perhaps an in-home test-drive to make sure your new pup doesnt trigger an allergy orasthma attack.

Dont go straight for the breeds of dogs with shorter coats, and dont count out shaggy pups. There are many types of hypoallergenic dogs some with more hair, some with less.

Heres some more information on the best (and worst) breeds for people with dog allergies.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds: Best Dogs For People With Allergies

Do you love dogs, but your allergies dont? Lots of people are allergic to pets. According to Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research (AAIR), 10% to 20% of the worldwide population are allergic to cats and dogs, and that rate is increasing.¹ If you suffer from allergies to dogs, that doesnt mean you have to live life without a furry friend. You may have success with allergy-friendly dogs or some hypoallergenic breeds.

What Does Hypoallergenic Dog Mean?

If something is hypoallergenic, that means its unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. So the term hypoallergenic dog means a dog that is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in someone who has an allergy to dogs.

What Makes A Dog Hypoallergenic?

Pet dander and tiny particles (much like dandruff) that dogs shed along with their fur is a significant factor in allergies. So, dogs that dont shed, have hair instead of fur, or are hairless are what people consider hypoallergenic.

Can You Be Allergic To Hypoallergenic Dogs?

The truth is you can be allergic to hypoallergenic dogs. There arent any completely hypoallergenic dogs. While you can find a dog that wont bother you with dander, you can also be allergic to its saliva or urine.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

If youre wondering what dog breeds are hypoallergenic, we can help. While there are no entirely hypoallergenic dogs, were using the term hypoallergenic for dog breeds that are less likely to trigger your allergies. Below, weve broken down our hypoallergenic dogs list into several categories to help you decide what might meet your familys needs.

Best Hypoallergenic Dogs

There are many types of hypoallergenic dogs. Here are some categories that may interest you when youre thinking about your next pup.

Best Dogs For Allergies

Several breeds are the best dogs for people with allergies and the best dogs for allergies and asthma. Remember, while these are the best dogs for allergy sufferers, theres still a chance you could be allergic to these breeds.

• Affenpinscher
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Barbado da Terceira
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Giant Schnauzer
• Havanese
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Komondor
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Lowchen
• Maltese
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Puli
• Shih Tzu
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Spanish Water Dog
• Standard Schnauzer
• Xoloitzcuintli
• Yorkshire Terrier

Best Hypoallergenic Dogs For Kids

If you have kids, youre probably thinking about the best hypoallergenic family dogs and the best dogs for kids with allergies. Here are a few breeds you may want to consider when you have a family with children.

• Bichon Frise
• Havanese
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Shih Tzu

Best Hypoallergenic Dogs For First-Time Owners

First-time dog owners may need a pup thats friendly or easier to manage. Here are a few hypoallergenic choices that may be a decent fit.

• Bichon Frise
• Maltese
• Poodle
• Shih Tzu

Hypoallergenic Guard Dogs

If youre looking for a hypoallergenic guard dog, these breeds are very trainable and provide a presence that could intimidate an intruder.

• Giant Schnauzer
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Komondor
• Portuguese Water Dog

Short-Haired Hypoallergenic Dogs

Want a hypoallergenic dog that is also a short-hair breed. If this is what youre looking for, these breeds might fit the bill.

• American Hairless Terrier
• Chinese Crested
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Xoloitzcuintli

Fluffy Hypoallergenic Dogs

Fluffy dogs are an attractive option, and some, like these breeds, are hypoallergenic too.

• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Poodle
• Spanish Water Dog

Smartest Hypoallergenic Dogs

Are you looking for an intelligent breed thats also hypoallergenic? Only one of the top ten smartest breeds is also hypoallergenic, and thats the Poodle.

Small Hypoallergenic Dogs

Small-sized hypoallergenic dogs might be a good fit if you need a pup that is easier to handle and manage. We have a list of some small, hypoallergenic dog breeds that might be the right fit for your family.

• Affenpinscher
• Bichon Frise
• Havanese
• Lowchen
• Maltese
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Miniature or Toy Poodle
• Shih Tzu

Medium Hypoallergenic Dogs

Medium hypoallergenic dogs could be a good choice if you are looking for a bigger dog that doesnt require too much room but can still keep up with an active outdoor lifestyle. Here are some medium-sized hypoallergenic dog breeds for you to consider.

• American Hairless Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Spanish Water Dog
• Xoloitzcuintli

Large Hypoallergenic Dogs

If you are looking for big hypoallergenic dogs, here are some breeds you might want to consider. Large hypoallergenic dogs may be a good fit for you if you want an active pup and you have lots of space for them.

• Afghan Hound
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Standard Poodle

Non-Shedding Hypoallergenic Dogs

If you want to consider hypoallergenic dogs that dont shed, you are in the right place. Our experts have put together an extensive guide to non-shedding dogs. This list of non-shedding hypoallergenic dogs can guide you on the breeds that fit in this category, including hairless, non-shedding, and low-shedding breeds.

What If My Dog Has Allergies?

Weve been talking a lot about dogs to help with human allergies, but what if your dog has allergies? Dogs can have allergies too and can be allergic to all kinds of things, including foods and environmental factors. If your dog has dog allergy symptoms like itchy or irritated skin or digestive problems, you may want to consider dog allergy testing. In combination with consulting your vet, these testing kits can help you understand how to keep your pups allergies under control.

If your dog has food allergies, you may need the best hypoallergenic dog food or hypoallergenic dog treats. If his skin is irritated and sensitive, you may need the best hypoallergenic dog shampoo. However, you wont know your pups needs until you get him tested and find out his allergies.

Prepare For The Cost Of Care

Allergies, like all health conditions, can add to the cost of caring for your pup. And since allergies often require ongoing treatments, the vet bills can really add up over time.

The best way to prepare for pet care health costs is to get a pet insurance policy from the start. Our experts review the best pet insurance companies to help you decide which plan best fits your needs.

Hairless Dog Breeds For Allergy Sufferers

If a shedding dog is what gets your allergies worked up, check out this five-minute video from ViralBe about ten rare hairless dog breeds. Hairless dogs are the only dogs that dont shed.

Finding The Right Dog For Your Family

While youre looking at dogs for people with allergies, you should also consider the breeds that will work best for your family. Do you want a miniature dog breed or one of the smartest breeds? Our experts can help you with our article on the secrets to picking the right dog breed. This article is packed with tips for things to consider so you can make the best choice for you and your family.

Why are you considering a hypoallergenic dog?

Sources: [1] Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research