best hypoallergenic dogs for seniors
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.
Best 15 Non-Shedding and Hypoallergenic Dogs for Seniors
Teenagers, middle-aged, or senior, everyone wants to own a furry friend. That furry friend is a dog, more often than not. When imagining owning a dog, we all think of the good stuff: the cuddles, the kisses, and playtime. No one actually thinks about the downside of owning a dog.
The biggest one is that they shed A LOT. There are many people who usually have no issues with it. Still, if you are a senior, someone with allergies, or a senior with allergies, you know thats a big issue for you.
But dont you worry, I got your back. Today I will list down the top 15 dogs (in no specific order) that are non-shedding and hypoallergenic as well, thus making an excellent fit for seniors. So, without further ado, here we go.
As a dog lover, I know how much happiness they can bring to the seniors lives and this is why I have written 2 more related posts that you might want to check:
Best 15 Non-Shedding and Hypoallergenic Dogs for Seniors
1. Maltese Terrier
The first one on our list is the Maltese Terrier, who, believe it or not, is quite an ancient doggo species. They have been enjoying their luxury ever since the bible was a work in progress.
This cuddly, adorable fluff ball is an absolute joy to have, especially for seniors who dont leave their house a lot. This is because Maltese Terriers tend to get separation anxiety more often compared to other breeds. They are also known for their show-stopping, lavish hair.
The best part about them is that they dont shed a lot (or else they wouldnt be on our list, duh!) But with that being said, they do require regular brushing and grooming, but I think thats just extra quality time being spent with your fluffy friend.
2. West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terrier, or better known as Westie for short, is another adorable dog. They are smart, which makes it a bit easier to train them, and they are also very confident, which might mean that they dont shy away from challenges.
They are also one of the most popular ones amongst all the tiny terriers, as they should be (and no, Im not being biased whatsoever).
3. Yorkshire Terriers
Did you know that Yorkshire Terriers used to be called ratters as they would usually be in mines and mills? Its a miracle they earned their place as lapdogs of Victorian Ladys, considering their past, but Im not complaining. They are great for elders to have as they dont require much exercise.
They can be satisfied with a walk. They also dont shed a lot, which is the main factor, especially if a senior is allergic. You cannot have a dog and NOT cuddle it; thats just against the law.
4. Bolognese
If you get a Bolognese and also own stuffed toy dogs, itll be a challenge to not confuse them with each other. This cute breed literally looks like a toy, but one that breathes eats and needs their walks. They are low energy, perfect for their senior friends, and they dont shed a lot.
They do need brushing often, but youll need to do that with every dog, so it doesnt matter. In many cases, Bolos are also said to be telepathic because they are really good at reading body language. Can you believe that? I certainly cant.
5. Poodle
Poodles are great hypoallergenic dogs. With them, you have different sizes from which you can choose according to your preference: the sizes are toy, mini, medium, and standard. Regardless of their size, Poodles are very smart and active dogs and are great for seniors who are active.
If you are elderly that are not active, a poodle might be able to change that. They are very affectionate and love their cuddly time. They also need a lot of attention because if they get bored, they might start finding fun for themselves, which is not necessarily a great thing.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
The mini-Schnauzer is the smallest one out of all the Schnauzer, which you might have guessed from the name. This bearded guy (or girl) is very loyal and also has an outgoing personality. Moreover, they generally do not have any health issues as well hence live a long life. Mini Schnauzers have a wiry coat they shed from time to time, but its not enough to cause concern.
7. Shih Tzu
From the big, beautiful eyes to the soft fur, Shih Tzu might be everything you want. Wherever you will find a Shih Tzu, you will find giggles (paired with a little bit of mischief), and I can attest to that personally! Many people assume that they shed a lot based on how their fur looks, but thats not the truth. You will have to groom them from time to time, but you will not have to deal with kgs of dog hair in your house every day.
8. Lhasa Apso
The best way to describe this breed of dog is to call itregal. They have been present for thousands of years and have spent their time doing their part in places like monasteries in the Himalayas.
They have an elegant coat that makes you feel soft just by looking at it, or maybe thats just me? They are very close with their family and love spending time with them, but they are closed off and detached from strangers. If you dont like strangers as well, then Ill say this is a match made in dog heaven.
9. Havanese
This ball of fluff is native to Cuba. They are playful, and their cheerful chocolaty brown eyes make it very easy to get lost in them. They have also gained a lot of popularity in the United States of America in recent years because of their sweet personality AND looks.
10. Chinese Crested
You might not have heard of a Chinese Crested, but their furry socks, fluffy tails, and spikey hair are very easy to recognize. They are VERY affectionate dogs, so be prepared to get slathered by their kisses and lots and LOTS of cuddles. If you lie alone as a senior, you will indeed not feel like it.
11. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
This is the first medium dog on our list. Many people have this idea that large or medium dogs shed more, but it all depends on their breed. Wheaten Terriers are very devoted and playful dogs. They are primarily Irish farm dogs. But beware, they can also have a stubborn streak; after all, they are a Terrier. They dont shed a lot, but they need proper care to avoid matting.
12. Irish Water Spaniel
Again, you might not be familiar with its name. Still, they are easily recognizable by their rat-like tail and fresh curly coat. They are the tallest ones from the ACK spaniel. They are also champion swimmers. They mean business when they have to but are very affectionate when at home.
13. Afghan Hound
If you want a BIG dog, dont worry, I got you. Afghan Hounds are known for their aloof personality, but they are absolutely devoted to those they call their own. They might look very snobbish as well as very legal due to their long silky hair, but they are very sensitive and loving by nature.
14. Bouvier des Flanders
Nowadays, dogs are treated delicately, laid on the softest silk, having toys made of raw cottonyou get the gist, but this breed is built differently. They are string and Bruley and are used for various purposes. They make excellent watchdogs because of their loyal and protective nature, which is really needed, especially for seniors that live alone.
15. Kerry Blue Terrier
This beautiful breed is very well known for its blue coat, which the name gives away. They are named after the Irish country they belong to and worked in farms most of the time. Now they are used as dutiful watchdogs and as another caring member of the family.
So here you go, from small to medium, to big, here are the best top 15 non-shedding as well as hypoallergenic dogs that seniors can own. Some of these acts as your day-to-day companion to cuddle and relax with. Whereas others stay on the watch so YOU can relax.
The most important thing to keep in mind before getting any dog is that you will need to take care of it and groom it quite often because that is just how dog fur works. Just because certain breeds dont shed a lot does not mean they dont require care of their coat.
That being said, less shedding does make your life a lot easier, especially in terms of keeping your house clean and fur-free (well, as much fur-free as you can while owning a dog).
So now that you have this list in front of you ( in no specific order), what are you waiting for? Go get yourself a dog and spend quality time with them. Woof Luck!
Hi, my name is Eddie, I am a professional trainer specializing in the elderly population and Im also a website designer. I love training in the gym, going to the beach, traveling, and having good food.I combined my love for sport and website designing to make DisabilitEase whose purpose is to help elderly and disabled people live a more full and active life, have more fun, and enjoy their unique journey despite any disability.
