20 Best Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers (Part 1)
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but there are some that stand out of the crowd as the most tolerable for those with allergies and asthma!
1. The Affenpinscher
What's not to love? With it's ape-like face and wiry, low dander coat this little dog packs a lot of personality and is quite easy on those who suffer from allergies.
2. The Basenji
One of the few dogs who cannot bark, the Basenji is an ancient breed. This dog has low grooming maintenance and does not shed much making it perfect for those with allergies. Be warned however, while this breed can't bark, it has one of the best singing voices in the dog world!
3. The Carin Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds, originating in the Scottish Highlands and recognized as one of Scotland's earliest working dogs. With a soft coat that sheds very little, the Carrin terrier would make a great companion for someone with allergies.
4. The Havanese
The Havanese is a small breed of dog descended from the same line as the Bichon Frise. They have long soft coats that don't shed much and produce little dander. These personable little dogs would make a great addition to any home.
5. The Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is small, sleek, and athletic, the perfect companion for an allergy sufferer who is looking for their lifelong best friend. This dog can adapt to any lifestyle, just make sure to keep them warm in cold climates as they don't have a thick enough fur coat to keep themselves warm!
6. The Schnauzer (Mini, standard and giant!) The best part of the Schnauzer is arguable. Some say it's their adaptable natures, others say it's their luxurious mustaches, but I say it's that this breed comes in small, medium, and large sizes! All three variations of this breed make excellent companions for those with allergies and can double as watchdogs (the smaller two are very vocal) or excellent protective dogs for the family home (the giant Schnauzer is commonly used as a police dog in it's native Germany!)
7. The Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog breed dates back several hundred years and has its origins most likely in Turkey from where it was imported into Spain as a general purpose sheepdog and guard. With its low-shed curly coat and low dander production, this breed is a great choice for those with allergies.
8. The Chinese Crested
When you say Chinese Crested, many people think of a hairless dog with a poof of hair on it's head, but did you know that half of all Chinese Crested puppies are born with a full coat of hair? This variety is known as the "powder puff" Chinese Crested, but it is still the same breed of dog! So whether you like the feeling of smooth warm skin or soft fluffy fur, the Chinese Crested you be your new allergy-friendly pet!
9. The Bedlington Terrier
It may look more like a lamb than a dog, but I assure you, the Bedlington is 100% canine! While not the best known of breeds, the Bedlington Terrier is unforgettable once you get to know one! The have curly non-shedding hair and skin that doesn't release as much dander as other dogs making them an excellent allergy-friendly companion. However, due to their constantly growing coats, they do need more maintenance than most other breeds.
10. The Poodle
Ah the poodle, the quintessential "hypoallergenic" dog. While not truly hypoallergenic, the poodle is as close to it as you can get. Like the bedlington, they have a thick curly coat of non-shedding hair that helps in not releasing any allergy causing dander. They also come in two sizes, toy and standard, so they are easy to integrate into any lifestyle. The best part is that the poodle is one of the smartest dogs in the world, falling only behind the Border Collie.
