Nov 3rd 2022
Which Dog Breeds Are Best Suited For People With Pet Allergies?
Around 1 in 10 people are believed to have pet allergies. Such allergies can be very frustrating for those who would love to own a dog. However, there is some good news for eager dog owners with allergies - not all dog breeds are as likely to produce an allergic reaction!
Pet allergies are typically caused by shedding hair and saliva. As a result, dogs that don’t shed a lot of hair and don’t drool as much can be better suited to those with mild allergies. This post lists a few examples of such breeds.
Bichon frise
While no dog can be truly classed as 100% hypoallergenic, the bichon frise is pretty close. Many people with dog allergies find that they have no symptoms around these dogs. Bichon frises are known to hardly shed any hair - it all gets caught up in their undercoat and has to be combed out. This means no dog hair everywhere and no allergies. These dogs are also not droolers. This American Kennel Club guide offers more information about these breeds.
Poodle
Another dog breed that drools very little and sheds very little hair is the poodle. Like the bichon frise, most of their hair gets caught in the undercoat and has to be combed out. The poodle is probably the most popular and largest dog breed on this list (although poodles can come in smaller sizes such as the miniature poodle). Poodles are very intelligent and easy to train, possessing a similar temperament to labradors. You can find out more about poodles here.
Australian cobberdog
Australian cobberdogs (or labradoodles as they’re sometimes known) also have low-shedding coats, which makes them a popular choice for pet owners with allergies. Due to containing some labrador in them, they may shed more than poodles. However, those with mild allergies will find that they’re much less prone to reactions with an Australian cobberdog than most other breeds. These dogs are very loving and friendly and have become increasingly popular because of their temperament and cuddly appearance. Like poodles and labs, they’re also not big droolers. This Ausmate Australian Cobberdogs website offers more information about these breeds.
Schnauzer
Schnauzers are another dog breed that hardly sheds hair and doesn’t drool much. This makes them another good choice for those who experience allergic reactions. The dog breeds can be large, but are typically on the smaller side. They can be a little more stubborn than poodles, but are generally very loving family pets that are very affectionate and loyal. Learn more about the schnauzer here.
Maltese
The smallest dog on this list, the maltese, is also known to not drool a lot or shed a lot of hair. This low-shedding combined with the fact they are smaller means less pet dander and less allergy risk. Compared to many small dogs, the maltese is very intelligent and highly trainable. They can be barkers, especially around excitable kids, so this is something to consider before getting a maltese. The Spruce Pets offers more information about this breed.