For many people that love dogs, they face a difficult decision as to whether they can own and care for a four-legged friend due to them suffering from allergies. Hypoallergenic dogs are a good choice for those suffering from allergies. This is because they don't shed, or shed little every now and then, this means that a hypoallergenic dog is less likely to make their owner suffer.
However, unfortunately, there is now such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. The skin and saliva of a dog can trigger off some allergies with people that are extremely sensitive. It is advisable that people with serious allergies discuss their options with a doctor before looking into getting a dog.
If you're fortunate enough to be allergy free, you will still need to consider those in your household that may suffer from allergies. What can help is; bathing and brushing your dog weekly. Keeping on top of your dog's hygiene could help alleviate some of the symptoms for allergy sufferers.
Hypoallergenic dogs come in all various shapes and sizes and there are plenty of breeds to choose from. If you're looking for a large dog to take out for long walks, or a small dog for your children, there are plenty that can suit your family needs.
Listed below are the top 10 hypoallergenic breeds:
Maltese
The Maltese are a very active dog that makes a great companion for urban housing They have no undercoat, therefore shedding is virtually non-existent. Grooming is required to keep their white coats clean and free of mats. They are also prone to tear staining, so their eyes will need to be cleaned regularly. For dog, cleaning advice please visit our pet health section of the website.
Bichon Frise
Don't be fooled by their fluffy, marshmallow-like coat. These little cuties don't shed and are very easy to train. Great if you're looking for a small, cheerful dog. Great for an apartment as they tend to grow to a max of 12 inches tall and weigh only between 7-12 pounds. They also live a very long lifespan of 15 years.
Shih Tzu
The coat of the Shih Tzu can be kept and maintained into a puppy coat, or grown long to show its length. If the coat is kept long, then it must be brushed frequently. They are known to shed very little. The Shih Tzu has a very short muzzle and is prone to be sensitive to heat, it is important that this breed is kept cool on warm days.
Poodle
This breed is non-shedding and comes in 3 different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. As the Poodle has hair and not fur they will require grooming every 6-8 weeks. The Poodle is known as a multifaceted dog, they make great retrievers and hunting dogs, and they almost excel at every sport they're tasked to do.
Bedlington Terrier
This breed is better known as looking like a lamb at a first glance. They don't shed, but do need weekly maintenance to help keep their thick coats well groomed. It is recommended to get this done professionally every 2 months. By looking at them you wouldn't know that this breed was bred for hunting and retrieving. They are very smart and extremely loyal to their owners.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested comes in 2 different types, the hairless and Powderpuff. The hairless is naked with no hair, apart from the exception of flowing hair on its tail, head and paws (the crest). The Powderpuff has a full coat of soft hair. The grooming needs for both are different. It is recommended that you use moisturiser and sunscreen on the Hairless type and the Powderpuff needs regular brushing.
Schnauzer
These dogs shed only a little and make great companions. The Schnauzer loves to be the centre of attention and absolutely adores their owner. However, they do need a firm hand to balance their stubborn behaviour and temperament. The Schnauzer comes in 3 sizes: miniature, standard and giant.
Kerry Blue Terrier
This breed does not shed, but do require regular clipping of their hair will grow too long. They are born black and tend to fade to their blue colour after 2 year's or so. This breed is known to make a very loving companion. This breed is not recommended for first-time owners.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier has no undercoat and shed very little. The Yorkies hair will keep growing until it is cut. Owners often choose very short haircuts to keep the grooming to a minimum. They are a very intelligent breed and can learn any command given to them. They are an active breed that needs to be kept busy as they can become easily bored and destructive.
Portuguese Water Dog
This breed is often compared to the Poodle as they are both non-shedding with curly coats. They require regular grooming to prevent their coat from matting. This breed is much stockier and known as a working dog. They are extremely active and tend to bond very closely with their owners. They are an active breed that must be kept busy as they are prone to becoming bored and destructive if not kept moving.
If you do have allergies and are still interested in getting a dog, then we recommend visiting a breed first and spending some time with the dog in question to see how to react. This will ensure that the potential new member to your family will not cause any allergy issues.
