When we mention dogs and allergies in the same sentence, people often think about connecting these two in a negative context. Some dog breeds are actually great for people with allergies, and they produce fewer allergens than other dog breeds. They also come in various sizes.
People suffering from allergies need to follow a specific set of rules to keep themselves in good health, and things we take for granted, like walking in a park on a beautiful day, can be difficult for them. A simple thing like owning a dog can be almost impossible for them. Some people have dog and cat hair allergies, so owning one of those pets is nearly impossible. In the most severe cases, allergy sufferers can’t come close to a dog without their throats closing and eyes watering.
One way to handle this irritating problem is medication. Antihistamine meds can go a long way, but soon you start to develop immunity, and the doses need to go up. The second big thing is that you have to take them constantly, and if you are inconsistent, you might just wake up with red eyes and a closed throat.
If you are a huge animal lover and an allergy sufferer, having one seems nearly impossible. Especially having a dog that sheds a lot, like the black German Shepherd.
When I was younger, my parents wouldn’t let me have a dog because they were scared something bad might happen if my allergies acted up, and we weren’t sure about how severe my allergies actually were. I found out later that there are dog breeds whose coats barely shed and won’t affect me in any way. There are no true hypoallergenic dog breeds, but people with allergies can own a dog without having to take antihistamine shots or pills every day.
These breeds will also make it easier to get an emotional support dog. If you need an ESD and have allergies, one of these breeds will make an exceptional companion to you.
- Yorkshire Terrier
The adorable Yorkie is a small breed that is relatively easy to maintain. They barely shed and have human-like hair that is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. If regularly groomed and brushed, even the dead hair won’t make a huge problem.
- Poodles
Poodles can be a great family pet to a home of allergy sufferers. All Poodle sizes are known for their hypoallergenic characteristics. Their coat is pretty curly, so even the hair that falls out, stays tangled until it is brushed out of their coats. They come in three different sizes so you can choose the size of the dog.
3. Chinese Crested hairless
Less hair means less shedding. This is a well-known hairless breed that makes great companions, and they have been selectively bred with that exact purpose. They are also compassionate and affectionate towards their owners, so they make great emotional support dogs.
- Bichon Frise
Bichons, in general, are great for people suffering from allergies. They have soft coats that barely shed, and they make excellent pets and lapdogs. The only purpose these dogs have is to shower you with love and affection, which is their favorite activity. Their calm temperament will surely do wonders for you.
- Bedlington Terrier
Bedlingtons are a medium-sized breed that is known for their soft, curly coat that barely sheds. You must brush them daily, so their hair doesn’t get tangled and matted. This reasonably active and affectionate dog will surely be an excellent fit for you and your family.
- Basenji
Basenji is an ancient dog breed with a short, shiny, and smooth coat with hypoallergenic properties. It is also known for its cat-like self-cleaning routine. They love being clean and good-looking, which is why they make such great pets for people with allergies. Plus, these dogs don’t bark. Their vocal cords developed differently, so they might produce a yodeling-type sound when they want to be vocal and voice their emotions.
- Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher is not the most popular breed globally, but they are great for people with allergies. Their low-shedding coats make for excellent family pets for families with members with allergies. These dogs are relatively small, making them easy to maintain, and their monthly costs can easily be managed.
- Havanese
The Havanese is a member of the Bichon family, and as such, he is a great pet whose coat barely sheds. They have fluffy coats, so cuddling them is a treat everyone would wish for. They were bred to be lapdogs, so don’t be surprised if they want to spend most of their time in your lap.
- Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniels have a beautiful curly coat that is relatively easy to maintain. Brushing and bathing them will be more than enough to keep these dogs looking their best. Besides, their coat barely sheds, so this breed should be a strong candidate for your hypoallergenic pet.
- Puli
The Puli is a Hungarian breed with a distinct look and coat. It has a long, corded coat that looks like “dreadlocks.” These coat cords form naturally and make them extremely easy to maintain. It is also a herding breed that will require a decent amount of activity.