A pet dog is a joy in any home. They are cute, and are faithful companions. Unfortunately, not everyone can raise a pet. One of the biggest obstacles that prevent some people from taking care of dogs are allergies. There are some people that are allergic to the dander or hair of dogs. Aside from allergies, some people’s asthmas are triggered by proximity to dogs and other pets. This prevents experiencing the joy of having a pet dog.
But not all hope is lost, unbeknownst to many, there are actually ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs. These are dogs that do not shed hairs, or very minimally if they do. This makes them a perfect pet for those with pet allergies. There are many breeds that you can choose from. Here are some of the more popular choices.
1. Poodle
Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds. It is a very recognizable breed because of its nice curly coat. When it comes to hypoallergenic dogs, Poodles are always the first to be mentioned. It’s a popular choice not only because it is such a cute dog but owners can also choose between three sizes depending on their preference. Poodles come in three different sizes. There are toy (the smallest), miniature and standard (the largest) sizes. Poodles are not just dogs that are good for show. They are actually great retrievers and hunting dogs. They are also very intelligent, which makes them excel in any kind of dog sport. An interesting piece of fact is that poodles do not have fur. It has hair. This breed does not shed and requires grooming every six to eight weeks.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Known mainly as a ratting dog, the Yorkshire Terrier breed was developed in England. The Yorkie is a toy breed that on average weighs just six to seven pounds. It is a great hypoallergenic dog because it does not have an undercoat and sheds very minimally. Its hair continues to grow and most owners prefer to have it clipped very short as a way of making it easier to groom.
3. Shih Tzu
Another popular choice for a hypoallergenic dog is the Shih Tzu. This breed is also part of the Toy class of dogs. When taken care of properly, this breed sheds minimally. One thing to remember about Shih Tzus is that this is a breed that is extremely sensitive to heat. It needs to be kept cool during hot days. Shih Tzus are great companions because they are friendly and loves to be near humans.
4. Maltese
The Maltese is a great looking dog because of its extremely white, long fur. This breed has no undercoat, which means it almost never sheds. The Maltese is an active dog and short walks are needed to keep them healthy. Tear staining is an issue with this breed especially since it has very white fur. Its eyes and facial fur need to be cleaned daily to keep it clean.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is a smaller version of the standard Schnauzer. The breed originated from Germany. This breed sheds little hair. It is a wonderful guard dog because it is very vocal whenever it sees strangers. It will only stop barking once it is assured that the ‘intruder’ is a guest. This is a breed that may not be good for people who already have other, smaller pets in the house.
You may also want to check our list of dog breeds for people who have asthma.