Isn’t it the saddest things? You love dogs, but you can barely get near one without sneezing your butt off.
Your eyes water, and in severe cases, you have trouble breathing and everything itches! Bad news. You’re allergic to dogs, and maybe most pets.
You aren’t alone.
By Adeline Ee.
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Millions of dog-lovin’ folks around the world are looking for hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed as you’re reading this article.
It’s been known that one out of five to ten people is allergic to pets, bringing the sneezers to about 10% to 20% of the world’s population.
In the US, that number increases to an estimated 30% of the population.
Yet there are almost 90 million dogs in the United States, with almost 40% of all households owning at least one dog. So how do they do it without walking around teary-eyed and puffy-faced all day?
The answer is that some dog breeds simply trigger less allergic reactions, so a lesser allergy may not be a problem.
What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed?
That phrase alone is a bit of a misnomer. While there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, some breeds are known to shed fur, dander, and saliva less, making them more ideal for folks with allergies.
It isn’t your pooch’s fur that is making you sneeze, it is actually the proteins that are secreted by Fido, ending up in their dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and pee.
In addition, there’s no such thing as a dog with a coat that doesn’t shed.
“Hypoallergenic dogs” tend to shed way less, and hence, secrete less of these proteins and lower the risk of an allergic reaction.
Different breeds produce varying degrees of these proteins, and those that secrete the less and greatly reduce the risk of an allergic reaction are labeled conveniently as hypoallergenic.
Top 5 Hypoallergenic Dogs
Among the hundreds of breeds recognized by the AKC, over 200 are categorized as hypoallergenic.
The Hunter and Digger – Border Terrier
Originally bred in England and Scotland, the Border Terrier is a popular terrier breed, thanks to its dense and wiry coat that makes it an ideal breed for anyone looking for a low-shedding breed.
However, the coats of Border Terriers need to be professionally stripped once or twice a year as part of routine grooming.
The Canine Einsteins – Poodles
Originally bred as a retrieving dog, the Poodle comes in three different sizes – miniature, toy, and standard.
One of the most popular hypoallergenic dogs, Poodles, and their crosses have been in high demand for decades due to their intelligence and low-shedding coats.
There has been a rise in the popularity of crossbreeds of the Poodle, like the Labradoodle and the Cockapoo, since they have a high chance of having a hypoallergenic coat.
However, with crossbreeds, the coat of the hybrid would depend on which parent it takes after.
The Canine Michael Phelps – Portuguese Waterdog
Ex-US President Barrack Obama adopted a Portuguese Waterdog during his time at the White House, which catapulted the Portuguese Waterdog to fame.
Like millions of Americans, his daughter suffers from a dog allergy, leading the family to acquire Bo and Sunny, two dogs known for their hypoallergenic coats.
These water-lovin’, medium-sized dogs were originally bred to help fishermen. With their water-resistant coat of tight curls, they are low-shedding and do not have an undercoat.
While they still require frequent brushing, the dander and allergens trapped in the coat is minimal, and did not trigger a reaction from people with allergies.
The Ultimate Lapdog – Bichon Frise
A fun-loving, small lapdog with a curly white coat, this adorable pooch is low-shedding and drools very little.
While their long coats can trap dander and other allergens, the Bichon Frise is a versatile, hardy breed that will suit most households.
They require frequent grooming to keep tangles at bay, but a daily brush should be enough to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Despite the fact that the Bichon Frise is a highly versatile breed, these dogs are also quite able to adapt to living in an apartment environment.
Known for their lovable and affectionate nature, this breed of dog is perfect for families with children.
The Bearded Darlings – Schnauzers
Another popular breed, Schnauzers are a versatile breed of dogs that have been around for centuries.
They were originally bred in Germany as working dogs, and they continue to be popular pets and working dogs today.
There are three main types of schnauzers:
- miniature
- standard
- and giant
All three types share some common characteristics, but each also has its own unique traits.
Schnauzers are intelligent, energetic, and loyal dogs
They are quick to learn new tricks and love to play.
They are also protective of their families and make great watchdogs.
Schnauzers come in a variety of colors, including black, salt and pepper, and black and silver.
The coat of a schnauzer is thick, coarse, and low-shedding, earning them a high place in hypoallergenic dog lists.
Conclusion
If you, like millions of others around the world, adore dogs but cannot seem to get close to them without instantly feeling like your face is on fire, fret not.
Many low-shedding pure breeds might not trigger your allergies, and let’s not forget the hybrids.
A cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (also affectionately known as the Cavapoo), has a 50% chance of having a hypoallergenic coat, especially if a 50/50 Cavapoo is back-crossed into a pure breed Poodle, making it an F1B hybrid.
Spare yourself the misery of constant allergic reactions and get yourself a hypoallergenic dog!
Photo by Ezequiel.