Hypoallergenic dogs refer to dog breeds that are less allergenic for people with dog allergies. While the truth is that no dogs are 100% allergen-free, hypoallergenic dogs are considered to produce less allergy as well as different environmental factors may cause allergy in animals. Dogs quickly cause allergies due to dander and coat type so that’s why in most countries like America 10 to 20% of the population is allergic to dogs. Hypoallergenic dogs produce fewer allergens such as dander, saliva or urine that produce some allergic responses. In this article we will explore hypoallergenic dog breeds for those who are allergic to dogs but still want furry, loyal dog companions.
Which dogs are considered hypoallergenic?
The dogs tend to have coats that shed less and reduce the little amount of dander that produces little allergens into the air. Dander comes from dogs skin, the main trigger of allergens and the breeds which produce less dander making them a more suitable breed.
Many breeds have hair like coats on skin rather than fur which help to trap less allergy into the environment.
List of common hypoallergenic dogs breeds
- Poodles,
- Bichon Frise,
- Maltese,
- Shih tzu,
- Portuguese water dog,
- Chinese crested dog,
- basenji ,
- Yorkshire terrier,
Poodles breed
The poodle is one of the most clever and intelligent dog breeds with friendly temperament. Poodles exist in standard, toy and miniature size, having the same traits and adaptability. Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years minimum 24 cm and maximum height 45 cm.
Having a coat type dense curly hair grows continuously free from tangles come in a variety of colors including white, black, gray, and brown. These dogs are ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds, highly agility and excel in obedience. These hypoallergenic dogs build strong bonds with their owners, show affectionate bonds and mostly enjoy activities like running, swimming and walking.
Bichon Frise
The dog with hypoallergenic properties is a small recognised by the Societe Centrale Canine in 1933, considered as an excellent companion. Its maximum life span is 12 to 15 years and it has a playful, cheerful, gentle and sensitive temperament originating from France, Belgium, Spain and Canary Islands.
Key characteristics of Bichon Frise
Bichon frise, a hypoallergenic breed having small size typical carry weight 12 to 18 pounds comes in typical white, creamy shades with soft and curly doub;e coat type. Mostly have black nose with dark eyes that express cheerful appearance.
Show friendly, social, playful, energetic and adaptable temperament adjust well to different living environments. Despite the loving nature of Bichon they get attached with children and love to engage in games making them super family pets.
Maltese
In the list of hypoallergenic dogs Maltese dog refers to an ancient variety of dwarf from Italy and Malta and genetically related to Bichon, Havanese and Bolognese breeds. The life span of Maltese is expected to be 12 to 15 years and show playful affectionate and gentle behavior with the owner. As Maltese has a rich history popular with its long silky white coat and the hypoallergenic nature make it more suitable for most of the people.
Which coat type Maltose have?
Mostly have straight silky, white coats single layered and sheds very little. The ear is covered with long hair and mostly pendant.
Show sweet expression and develop deep attachments with humans. Also alert, brave, fearless, and energetic and fully attentive all the time.
| Characteristics of hypoallergenic dogs | Poodles breed | Bichon Frise | Maltese |
| height | Height minimum toy poodle 24 cm to maximum 45cm medium poodle | 24 to 29 cm | 18 to 23 cm |
| Life span | 10 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years | 12-15 years |
| Origin | France and germany | Canary islands, Tenerife, Belgium, Spain and France | Ital, Basin and Mediterranean |
| Temperament | Intelligent, alert, active, faithful, adaptable. | Playful, affectionate, cheerful, sensitive, gentle, feisty. | Lowly, easy going, affectionate, fearless, active, gentle, responsive, docile, sweet tempered. |
| Colors | Creamy, white, black, apricot, silver, gray green and more breeds. | buff , white, cream and apricot. | white. |
| Coat type | Curly | Powder puff coat. | Straight silky white coat with single layer |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Shih tzu
A Utility breed from the British Kennel club known for its long flowing coat basically originating from China and Tibet. Shih tzu are hypoallergenic dogs that have a playful, clever, outgoing and intelligent temperament with a maximum life span 10 to 16 years.
Characteristics of human allergy friendly Shih tzu
One of the most important features of the Tzu is the double layered coat, silky fur exists in different colors like black, white, gold blue and red according to skin tone as coat shed minimal which contributes to their hypoallergenic status. Show affectionate playful happy and gentle behavior.
What are the essential grooming needs of hypoallergenic Shih tzu?
The long coat requires high maintenance on daily bases to reduce tangles and matting. Regular bathing keeps the coat clean and silky moreover professional grooming requires every 4-6 weeks. Shih tzu may develop skin allergies which cause redness , rashes and itching to improve diet to help to solve these issues.
Portuguese water dog
The Portuguese water dog originating from Portugal have an obedient, brave and docile temperament as they were taught to herd fish. The life expectancy of a Portuguese hypoallergenic dog is 12-15 years, and exists in black, white, brown and chocolate color male Portuguese height 50 to 57 cm and female 43 to 52 cm.
Is the Portuguese water dog a hypoallergenic dog?
These dogs are hypoallergenic dogs and especially train for fish catcher and also show high affinity with water. Their thick waterproof coats have a curly and wavy appearance. These dogs are show obedience quick learners and known for their loyalty, making them suitable watch dogs.
Chinese crested dog
The chinese Crested dogs is not only hypoallergenic but also hairless breed that comes in two varieties with hair powder puff or without hair. These dogs show affectionate sweet tempered and one of the most hypoallergenic dogs with life expectancy 13 to 15 years. The breed have erect ears, fine-boned and almond shaped eyes. The breed which comes hairless has human-like skin soft and considered as an incomplete dominant trait.
The powderpuff Crested dog has a long and soft coat, and is a graceful and loving companion.
Basenji
It originates from central Africa is a hunting breed having mass approximately 11 kilogram and is a super curious, intelligent, quiet, alert, energetic, and confident temperament.
| Key characteristics | Basenji |
| Origin | Africa, democratic republic of the Congo |
| Adult Weight | Up to 11 kilogram |
| Life span | 12 to 16 years |
| Temperament | intelligent , alert, energetic and confident |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Male basenji height | 41 to 43 cm |
| Female basenji dog height | 38 to 41 cm |
Yorkshire terrier
The British breed Yorkshire terrier is the smallest of the terrier and indeed of all dog breeds carry less weight. He has a life span 13 to 16 years and carries confident, bold and independent behavior. These dogs are hypoallergenic and become good companions of humans.
Faqs
Shortly explain all about hypoallergenic dogs?
Here is the key list of all hypoallergenic dogs.
| Key characteristics | Miniature schnauzer | American hairless terrier | Afghan hound | Bolognese | Scottish terrier | Lhasa apso |
| Origin | Germany | United states | Afghanistan | Italy | Scotland | Tibet |
| Temperament | Obedience, showmanship, alert spirited. | Domestic dog, a good companion | Obedient and intelligent | Cute, innocent gentle temperament. | Quick, alert, playful, intelligent and self-assured | gentle , cute behavior |
| Height Male Female | 30 to 36 cm28 to 33 cm | 25 to 46 cm | 24 to 29 inch | 11 to 12 inch10-11 inch | 25 cm both | 10 inch approximately |
| Colors | Black, pepper, salt | White with variety of color pattern | Gold, red cream, gray | White | Black, brindle wheaten. | Black, red, golden, honey, sandy |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 15 years | 11.1 years | 14.9 years | 10 to 16 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Coat type | Soft and curly | Hairless, short dense coat. | Long and fine coat | Long and fluffy hair,Distinctive single coat | Outer coat is quite hard and wiry while innercoat is soft. | Long hard hair . face covered with long hairs |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Are hypoallergenic dogs allergy free?
A hypoallergenic species is a specific breed that is less likely to trigger allergic reactions. People who are sensitive to dander, urine or saliva are allergic immediately. While no 100% allergens free hypoallergenic dogs but produce fewer allergens as compared to other dogs and making them a better option for people with allergies.
What are the primary causes of allergies in dogs?
Allergies in animals especially in dogs are primarily caused by proteins found in saliva, urine and in danger while these proteins become airborne or settle on surfaces and trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, itching, asthma in sensei individuals.
List them some popular hypoallergenic dogs?
The most popular hypoallergenic species are;
- Poodle,
- Maltese,
- Shih tzu,
- Bichon Frise,
- Yorkshire terrier,
- Schnauzer miniature, standard and giant
- Soft coated wheaten terrier,
- Basenji,
- Chinese crested dogs and many more.
Do allergy-free dogs need special grooming?
Yes these dogs breeds require regular and weekly grooming to maintain their coat and minimize the spread of dander. The dogs like poodle and bichon Frise need frequent brushing and trimming to get rid of matting and remove loose hair that could cause allergies even in humans.
How can someone reduce allergens in homes if they have hypoallergenic dogs?
In order to reduce allergies, brush bath your dog daily, use air purifiers, wash hands and clothes frequently, keep your dogs off furniture and bedding. Clean your hoe with vacuum cleaner that has HEPA filter this will help to reduce dander that may cause allergy.
Are these dogs more expensive than other breeds?
Due to popularity and other parameters of hypoallergenic dogs these are more expensive. Some breeds such as Poodles and Bichon Frise may come in a higher price range depending upon the coat type, that really requires high grooming maintenance.
Conclusion
The hypoallergenic dogs are those which cause less allergy as compared to other breeds. These dogs are domestic and have intelligent, brave, gentle and soft temperaments. Comes in a variety of color ranges with different coat types and life spans.
These dogs are little expensive and need high grooming daily and weekly. Top hypoallergenic dogs include Poodles, Bichon Frise, Basenji, Yorkshire terrier, Miniature schnauzer, Chinese crested dogs, Afghan hound, Portugeses water dog and many more. The hypoallergenic dogs produce less allergy and make them a better option for allergy sufferers.
