If you’re a dog lover, having allergies to fur and pet dander can be a major bummer, but it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker! There are plenty of hypoallergenic breeds out there and they range from big to small, to fluffy or short-haired. So, there’s truly a breed for everyone! Here are some of the most popular hypoallergenic breeds that will surely help you find the perfect companion if you suffer from allergies.
1. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a great breed to consider if you’re looking for a small, hypoallergenic dog. Their poofy marshmallow coat catches the minimal amount of their hair that does actually shed so you’ll never find it on your floor. Additionally, their small size makes them perfect for apartment living as they don’t need much outdoor exercise.
2. Havanese
The Havanese is a playful, gentle, and affectionate, medium-sized breed making these dogs great for families with kids who suffer from allergies! Their thick and silky coat can be curly or straight and their fur is light so it doesn’t shed easily. But be careful, their adorably expressive eyes make them excellent beggars and hard to say no to.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
Most people recognize this breed because of the popularity it gained from Sunny’s time in the White House with the Obamas. Portuguese Water Dogs are known for being a great, active family pet. They are easily trainable, love the outdoors, and their dark, curly hair doesn’t shed.
4. Coton de Tulear
Much lesser known than the Portuguese Water Dog is the Coton de Tulear. This breed is related to the Bichon Frise, but their coat is more cotton-like and they look more like mini sheep dogs than anything else. Don’t let the furry sheep dog coat fool you, though. Coton de Tulears shed minimally and only in the spring, so for dog lovers with minor allergies this breed is a great option.
5. Italian Greyhound
If you don’t like fluffy dogs, the Italian greyhound might be a good, hypoallergenic fit for you. This breed has a very thin coat that hardly sheds. Without the extra fur, though, these guys are very sensitive to the cold so they don’t fare well in cold climates.
6. Samoyed
For those who desire a hairy monster that won’t fit in your purse, then a Samoyed may be the breed to consider. Known for their beautiful white coat, Samoyeds are basically mini polar bears in need of a haircut. This breed sheds, but it doesn’t have odor or pet dander so allergy sufferers tend to love them.
7. Schnauzer
As a breed, Schnauzers have the bonus of being hypoallergenic and coming in three different sizes of standard, giant, and miniature. Schnauzers love people and are known to be obsessive over their owners. When it comes to hypoallergenic breeds, Schnuazers really own the title of man’s best friend.
8. Poodle
Poodles tend to be the go-to breed for dog lovers with allergies. Like Schnauzers, Poodles come in three sizes of standard, miniature, and toy size, and one of them is bound to be the right size for everyone. Poodles have lots of energy and they are easily trainable, making them a good choice for families. While poodles don’t shed, they do require more grooming than some breeds.
9. Try a poodle mix!
If you’re not ready for a full-on poodle, mixed breeds have gained incredible popularity for allergy sufferers in recent years. Breeding experiments have come up with all kinds of new poodle mixes, ranging from Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle) to Schnoodles (Schnauzer and Poodle), even to the massive Saint Berdoodle (Saint Bernard and Poodle) that you really need to see to believe. Without a doubt, the most popular allergy-friendly poodle mixes have proven to be the Golden Doodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle) and the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever and Poodle.)