Hypoallergenic​ Dog Breeds: Number 5 will surprise you!

Thinking about getting a dog but worried about allergies? We’ve compiled a list of some of the top hypoallergenic dog breeds. Some of these will surprise you!

Choosing from hypoallergenic dog breeds can help ensure that your home stays allergen-free and your family stays healthy!  Why hypoallergenic? One of the the most important factors in picking your perfect pup is ensuring that your selection adds to your overall health and quality of life instead of taking away from it. 

According to The Smart Canine, there’s no dog breed that’s 100% hypoallergenic.  All breeds produce allergens either from their coat, saliva, urine, or combination.  The American Kennel Club states that “dander, which is attached to pet hair, is what causes most pet allergies in humans.” Therefore, choosing a dog with a low-shedding coat or even no hair at all can reduce the number of allergens produced drastically.

If you find yourself in the 10% to 20% of the population that suffers from dog allergies, there is hope! We’ve compiled a list of our ten favorite hypoallergenic dog breeds to help you navigate choosing the best breed for you, your family, and your health! 

1. Schnauzer 

Though originally bred for farming, Schnauzers have become known as quite the companion breed.  They are energetic, great for families, and won’t be caught shedding.  Oh, and Schnauzers are bred in a variety of sizes from miniature to giant making them a top scorer on our list!

2. Portuguese Water Dog

PWD’s are athletic, spunky, and thrive in the water.  They are medium size with a low-shedding, curly coat which may require a bit more grooming attention than other breed options.  However, if you’ve got your heart set on a sneeze-resistant, furry friend who can keep up with your active, outdoor lifestyle then the Portuguese Water Dog is a great fit!

3. Poodle 

Once again, Poodles are topping our charts!  Like the PWD, they have curly coats and require frequent grooming.  However, the Poodle outmatches many other dog breeds coming in as the 2nd smartest dog breed following only the Border Collie.  Their ability to be bred with other popular breeds to create more allergen-friendly designer dogs has drastically improved options for families that suffer from allergies.

4. Samoyed

If you’re looking for a cuddly, fluffy friend without all the shedding, check out the Samoyed.  They are very loving and affectionate and give the best hugs! Their gentle nature combined with their large size and beautiful white coats make them a great hypoallergenic option for families looking to grow their pack!

5. Peruvian Inca Orchid

These not-so-hairy pups are a sight to behold! Although they are usually hairless, the Peruvian Inca Orchid can be found with a coat as well as in many different sizes from small to large.  Cousins to the Greyhound and Whippet, PIO’s are known for their agility and their tendency to make great guard dogs.  Be careful with these guys around small children and other small pets as they can be a bit wary of them.

6. Kyi-Leo

This spunky breed is a great option for families with children.  The Kyi-Leo falls in the small breed category and is “playful and lively by nature”. Unlike other small breeds, these sweet pups can tolerate spending longer periods of time by themselves which makes them a great option for families with busy schedules.

7. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a double-coated breed which makes them even less likely to shed and cause allergy problems for their families than other hypoallergenic breeds.  However, unlike the Kyi-Leo, these guys are known to suffer from separation anxiety. Before choosing the Bichon Frise, make sure that you’re committed to spending lots of quality time with your pet!

8. Scottish Terrier

Need an awesome pet that doesn’t shed or cause commotion for all the neighbors to hear?  Consider the Scottish Terrier! They may not be the most athletic pup due to their short stature, but what they lack in athleticism they make up for in companionship.  Scottish Terriers can be stubbornly independent at times, however, they are the perfect fit for families who need a mild-mannered dog that keeps barking to a minimum.

9. West Highland Terrier

Charming, confident, sassy, and mischievous are just a few of the qualities that make West Highland Terriers a front-runner for the top hypoallergenic breeds.  They’re very loving and make great companions while also keeping everyone on their toes and laughing with their light-hearted and fun personality!

10. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu’s stand out among the crowd with their snubbed noses and confident strut.  They also come in a beautiful variety of colors and markings. These companion dogs are well behaved, obedient, and enjoy quality lap time.  They aren’t the most athletic or attuned for the outdoors, but they make for the perfect playmate for kids or families who like to entertain guests.

If you are also interested in best dog breeds for kids, or looking for a dog that fits your apartment lifestyle, check out some of our other blog posts by clicking here.

Thanks for reading!