If You Have Allergies, You'll Love These Dog Breeds
Dog lovers who know that experience of constantly reaching for the tissues and antihistamines, you should know all hope is not lost when it comes to those cute, cuddly creatures. Don’t let your allergy to pet dander stop you from bringing home a pup of your very own! Instead, consider getting one of these hypoallergenic dogs that don't shed.
While it’s true that there’s technically no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, breeds like the poodle and the Irish water spaniel have proven to be easier on people’s allergies than their non-hypoallergenic counterparts. Dogs that don’t shed are the perfect choice not only for those with allergies but for small children as well, since many breeds are known for being friendly and playful. Perhaps the best news of all is that you don’t have to sacrifice cuddly cuteness either. Plenty of hypoallergenic dogs qualify as super furry friends like miniature schnauzers and Maltese.
If you want an adorable little one, take your pick from hypoallergenic small and fluffy breeds. Need a furry friend you can spoon? There are also medium dog breeds and large dog breeds. Whatever you prefer, you'll be able to find a hypoallergenic fur-ever friend that's just right for you on this list. Once you do, you'll surely want to give them a unique name, shower them with lots of love, and maybe even throw a few dog birthday parties over the years.
Miniature Schnauzer
The miniature version of this astute watch dog is the most popular of the breed. Schnauzers have the same floppy ears and furry snout as their large counterparts but come in a smaller size that's perfect for small children.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus may be known as the "lion dog" but they certainly don't have the roar to match. With big, dark eyes, this adorable breed has a long life expectancy and has been a delight for a thousand years. Their personality is almost as charming as their coats, which should be dutifully groomed.
Highland Terrier
Often better known as "westies," these adorable white dogs are extremely playful and entertaining. They're the most popular of the small terriers and stand at just 11 inches. The cutest part? Their carrot-shaped tail that never seems to stop wagging!
Scottish Terrier
If you want an independent, confident companion with high spirits, go for the adorable scottie dog. Their terrier persistence has earned the breed the nickname "the diehard," which makes sense as they're also known to be great watch dogs.
Bichon Frise
This playful, cuddly white dog is perfect for people with allergies as its coat is hypoallergenic to most. Although this breed's hair won't shed, it will continually grow—so be sure to keep up with grooming!
Giant Schnauzer
The larger, more powerful version of its miniature brother, the giant schnauzer is a loyal breed. They were originally bred to be all-around workers but were primarily used to drive cattle from the farm to market, for carting, and to protect the farm and family. This makes these pups a particularly intelligent choice.
Bedlington Terrier
This unique pup has a lamb-like appearance and a soft, curly coat of hypoallergenic hair. Just a little grooming and a lot of love will keep this dog—and you—feeling fine.
Portuguese Water Dog
Porties have coats that are hypoallergenic, curly, and waterproof. These energetic pups can be groomed in two styles: the retriever clip, where the whole coat is trimmed down to about an inch all over the body, or the lion clip, where the whole back half of the coat is trimmed off and the fur in the front is longer. Either way, you'll be safe from the sniffles!
Maltese
These sweet, loyal dogs have hypoallergenic coats that are soft and white. It's important to brush a Maltese daily, especially if their hair is kept long.
Poodle
When you think of poodles, you probably picture their famously fluffy coats. What you may not know is that their curly hair is virtually hypoallergenic! Brushing at least once a week helps reduce shedding and your chances of having an allergic reaction.
Löwchen
Löwchen is German for "little lion" and these brave and loyal pups certainly live up to their name. The löwchen's traditional lion-clip haircut makes it look even more like the king of the jungle!
Standard Schnauzer
Schnauzers come in a variety of sizes: standard, miniature, and giant. All three share the same sophisticated salt-and-pepper coat, cute arched eyebrows, and bristly whiskers. They have a double (hypoallergenic) coat that requires regular grooming.
Yorkshire Terrier
Whether their hair is kept long or short, these toy-size terriers are great for people with allergies because their coats are more like human hair than animal fur. You'll love their feisty personalities, too!
Kerry Blue Terrier
One of the larger terriers, this breed is famous for its beautiful wavy blue coat. A former farm dog, the affectionate and alert animal makes for a great watchdog and family companion.
Coton de Tulear
This little prince of a pup is known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar. Coton de Tulears have soft, long white coats that should be groomed several times a week with a special pin brush.
Irish Water Spaniel
Just look at those curls! These playful, high-energy pups have a thick, water-repellent double coat that only needs to be brushed once every couple of weeks.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
These cute Irish farm dogs are known for being happy, outgoing, and loyal. Their coats are low-shedding but require careful care to prevent matting.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Is it a dog or a teddy bear? Maybe it's a little bit of both! These cuddly, low-maintenance dogs have thick, wooly coats that only need to be trimmed monthly.
Afghan Hound
Afghan hounds' elegance and beauty have been admired for centuries, so why stop now? These striking dogs have silky, flowing coats that should be groomed regularly.
Affenpinscher
If you're a Star Wars fan who's always wanted a little Wookiee or Ewok of your own, this is as close as it gets! In addition to their apish good looks, affens are known for their hilarious antics and affectionate nature.
Chinese Crested
These one-of-a-kind dogs have a spiky "crested" hairdo that sets them apart from any other breed. There's also a hairless variety for those who want a truly shed-proof pup.
Xoloitzcuintli
Xoloitzcuintli is known as the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, but today it makes an excellent companion and watchdog. These pups come in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), and two varieties (hairless and coated). You can't go wrong!
Toy Poodle
If a standard or even miniature poodle is too big for you, consider an adorable toy poodle that stands no more than 10 inches tall. Poodles aren't all looks, either. Beneath their curly, low-allergen coats are smart, athletic pups just waiting to be welcomed into your family.
Hairless Terrier
Another hairless option, this affectionate, lively breed loves daily walks, occasional baths, and YOU! These terriers usually weigh less than 14 pounds, so they're great if you're looking for a small dog.
Bolognese
It's not just a sauce! The Bolognese breed originated in Italy in Roman times, when royals and noblemen bestowed them as precious gifts. These pups are playful but calm, with a long, fluffy, pure-white coat.
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