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At EcoPetEssentials, we believe that pet parenting should be all about joy, cuddles, and wet-nosed love. You and your family shouldn’t be sneezing and teary-eyed when your fur baby wants to play or cuddle with you. Fortunately, hypoallergenic dogs offer a way to enjoy the joys of pet ownership without the sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. While we have to say that no dog is 100% allergen-free, many dog breeds that don’t molt or shed less can significantly reduce allergic reactions. These non-shedding dogs produce less dander and hair. Therefore, such breeds are the perfect addition for sensitive households. In this article, we are going to check out the top 10 breeds of hypoallergenic dogs. In addition, we are also going to figure out the secret of why you should add them to your list of dogs that don’t shed a lot and tips to keep allergies at bay.
First things first, we have to clear up the misunderstanding once and for all: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. However, certain types of hypoallergenic dogs tend to have less dander, shed minimally, and don’t carry as much saliva or other allergens in their fur. You have to understand that you’re probably not allergic to their fur itself. You’ll be surprised to know that your allergic reaction is caused by the proteins in the dog’s dander (dead skin), saliva, and urine. They are the real culprits. The good news is that there are dog breeds that don’t molt, and with proper care, they can be allergy-friendly!
We are going to start the list with the gold standard of poodle hypoallergenic dog breeds. It is known as the poster pup for allergy-friendly homes. Poodles are available in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. These hypoallergenic dogs have curly and dense coats that trap dander and prevent it from floating into the air.
Why They’re Great:
Pro Tip:
You have to brush your poodle regularly and schedule professional grooming to keep the coat in top shape.
Portuguese Water Dogs were originally bred to assist fishermen. These large hypoallergenic dogs have a waterproof and curly coat that barely sheds. They’re ideal for active families as they are spirited and splash-friendly.
Why They’re Great:
Pro Tip:
You have to keep their coat trimmed to avoid matting and allergen buildup.
These adorable fluff balls might look like sneeze triggers, but their tightly curled coat actually traps dander. With consistent grooming, they’re among the best hypo dogs. These cloud-like chambers are white and can be best described as poofy by many owners and groomers. Bichon Frisés tend to live up to 12 to 15 years, which makes them great family pets.
Why They’re Great:
Pro Tip:
With Bichon Frisé you have to make daily brushing part of your daily routine. It is important, and you can think of it as fluff maintenance!
You’re opting for one of the best non-shedding dogs out there. It doesn’t matter if you are getting a Miniature Schnauzer or the Giant Schnauzer. Their wiry coat is low-shedding, making them excellent dogs that don’t molt. This dog breed came from Germany between the 14th and 16th centuries. The Schnauzer is named after the German word for “snout.” Its signature bearded face gives it a distinctive, moustache-like look. These mustached marvels are one of the best hypoallergenic dogs out there.
Why They’re Great:
Pro Tip:
You can do hand-stripping or regular clipping as needed to maintain coat health.
While not officially a breed, Labradoodles have gained popularity for their blend of Poodle smarts and Labrador charm. When bred properly, their coat inherits the non-shedding qualities of Poodles. These designer dogs are allergy-friendly, which makes them great for many households.
Why They’re Great:
Pro Tip:
You can ask breeders about coat type; not all Labradoodles are equally hypoallergenic. Therefore, you need to make sure that you do your research before settling your heart on an adorable labradoodle pup.
These pint-sized pups have hair more similar to humans than fur. This means less dander and virtually no shedding. Therefore, these dogs are some of the most low maintenance hypoallergenic dogs out there. Yorkshire Terriers weigh no more than 3.2 kg and tend to live for 13 to 16 years.
Why They’re Great:
Pro Tip:
You have to give them regular trims. This will keep their silky coat tangle-free and allergy-safe.
Not only are they quiet (yes, they yodel!), but Basenjis also have short, fine coats that don’t hold on to allergens. They hail from Central Africa and are low-maintenance in terms of grooming. The Basenji is a hunting dog that requires training and mental stimulation in terms of training.
Why They’re Great:
Pro Tip:
They groom themselves like cats, but a quick weekly wipe-down helps with dander control.
These silky-coated terriers shed very little and make loyal family pets. Their coat doesn’t trap dander like thicker fur. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a purebred terrier, and they hail all the way from Ireland. Wheatens come in two coat types: Irish and Heavy. The Irish coat is silkier and wavier, while the Heavy (or American) coat is denser and more voluminous. The Wheatens are friendly, fluffy, and fuss-free.
Why They’re Great:
Pro Tip:
You have to keep up with brushing to prevent mats, which can hold allergens.
Yes, the name says it all! No hair means no shedding, which is great for people with allergies. While skin can still produce dander, this hypoallergenic dog is as close to allergy-proof as it gets. They are a companion breed from the U.S., developed from rat terriers that naturally lacked fur. The American Hairless Terrier is like the Sphynx cat of the dog world. They are one of the best hypoallergenic dogs.
Why They’re Great:
Pro Tip:
As they have no fur, you have to apply sunscreen and moisturizers, as their skin is exposed and needs protection.
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba. They have a silky coat that doesn’t shed much. These dogs are affectionate, cheerful, and among the dog breeds that don’t molt. This Cuban charmer comes from the now extinct Blanquito de la Habana. They live up to 14 to 16 years, which makes them perfect for all kinds of families.
Why They’re Great:
Pro Tip:
You have to give your Havanese regular brushing and trimming. They are musts to keep allergens at bay.
Even with the best non-shedding dogs, a few extra steps can ensure your home stays sniffle-free:
If you and anyone in your family have allergies, then choosing the right hypoallergenic puppy or dog can help prevent allergic reactions. It’s about finding the perfect four-legged match for your home and heart. From the curly-coated Poodle to the sleek Basenji, these dogs that don’t shed bring love without the sniffles. You can check out reputable breeders or adoption shelters that understand the needs of hypoallergenic dog lovers. With a little grooming and a lot of love, your hypoallergenic dogs can live their best life right beside you. You can bookmark EcoPetEssentials for tips to take care of your furry friends and products that can help make your pet’s life easier.
Isla Bennett loves Misty, her two-year-old British Shorthair. And she wants to help other pet parents make sustainable choices that are good for their pets and the planet. She writes about easy ways to care for animals using green products. Isla believes that happy pets and a healthy earth go hand in hand. Her goal is to make pet care simple, fun, and eco-friendly. She also gives you insights about different pet Breeds and traits!
