best hypoallergenic small dogs for seniors
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.
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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