Best hypoallergenic dog breeds for allergy sufferers
Here at HiLife HQ, we are excited to enjoy the warmer weather with our four-legged friends. For many humans, however, summer means dealing with pesky pollen allergies such as hay fever. Although hay fever is annoying, surely nothing could be worse than being allergic to our beloved pooches?
Unfortunately, there are no truly hypoallergenic dog breeds, as all dogs can sadly provoke an allergic reaction in some of us. That’s why it’s always recommended that we spend time with our new pooch to suss out any potential allergies before welcoming them into our home.
It’s not actually a dog’s coat that causes allergy symptoms, but rather their dander (the dead skin and saliva found on the coat). When they moult, the dander in their fur is spread, along with dust and other allergens, so it is often thought dogs that are less prone to moult are more suitable for pet owners with allergies.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of dog breeds said to be more suitable for allergy sufferers:
Greyhound
This low-maintenance pooch only requires the occasional bath and rub-down, and is great as a ‘non-allergic dog’ thanks to a short coat that rarely sheds. Greyhounds are known for their laid-back temperament, preferring a cuddle with us on the sofa to big long walks. As well as being a great choice for people with allergies, most Greyhounds get on well with other dogs too. There are many loving greyhounds currently looking for homes across the country.
Portuguese Water Dog
When President Barack Obama ran for office back in 2008, he promised his daughters a puppy if they moved into the White House. When the time came to welcome a cute four-legged friend to the family, the Obamas began searching for a ‘hypoallergenic’ dog breed that wouldn’t provoke their daughter Malia’s pet allergies.
Luckily, the young girls had their wish granted and two Portuguese Water Dogs named Bo and Sunny were introduced as the ‘First Dogs’ of the USA. This interesting breed boasts a fluffy coat and very rarely sheds. The dense, fleecy coat is waterproof, as Portuguese Water Dogs were initially bred to work alongside fishermen. Handy! They are also one of the few dog breeds to have webbed feet, so they enjoy showing off their swimming skills.
Poodles
Poodles are another great option for those of us looking for a ‘hypoallergenic dog’. Like many others on this list, the poodle has a thick and fluffy coat which is not prone to shedding. Poodles are energetic dogs, so they are perfect for those of us with active families. Poodle crosses, such as Labradoodles and Cavapoos, have grown in popularity in recent years, and make for perfect choices for allergy-prone dog lovers.
Schnauzer
The Schnauzer comes in three sizes: miniature, standard and giant. It’s instantly recognisable thanks to the wiry coats and distinctive facial whiskers, giving them a very distinguished (and cute) look. These dapper dogs have a thick, wiry double-layer coat so they rarely shed at all. Schnauzers were originally bred to hunt rats and have a keen sense of hearing, so don’t expect anything to get past them!
Hairless dogs
Although rare, there are a number of dog breeds that have no hair, or very little hair, on their bodies. We should always make sure that our hairless hounds are protected with an SPF sun cream made for dogs, as they can suffer from sunburn, and a warm coat to keep them toasty in the winter.
The most well-known is the Chinese Crested, but other breeds include the American Hairless terrier and the Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-loh-eets-KWEENT-lee). With ancient Aztec origins, it is a highly intelligent breed (pronounced Xolo for short) that’s been around for 3,500 years and is even said to have healing powers. Dogs are amazing aren’t they?
So, now you know a little more about dog breeds that may trigger your allergies. Do you own any of these loveable pooches, or any others said to be good for allergy sufferers? Make sure to share these with us over on our Facebook or Instagram pages, we can’t wait to see them!