Did you know, people who are allergic to dogs aren’t actually reacting to the dog’s fur?
It’s a common misconception that dog allergies are caused by the hair itself when in fact, it’s the pooch’s dander (dead skin cells), saliva proteins and urine that are the culprit of common sensitivity symptoms.
However, there are a whole host of dog breeds that cause far less allergic reactions than others. These breeds are what are known as hypoallergenic.
Keep reading for our guide to the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for people with allergies—because no runny nose or itchy eyes should stand in the way of your pawfect love story.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
A hypoallergenic dog is one that is considerably less likely to trigger reactions in people who are allergic to dogs or think they may at least have a certain level of sensitivity to them.
Dogs aren’t bred to be hypoallergenic. Fortunately, it’s just the case that because of the genetic makeup of the pooch, they’re more compatible for life with dog lovers who suffer from things like sniffles, sore eyes, itchiness or coughing in their company.
What makes a dog hypoallergenic?
As we mentioned earlier, many people are allergic to the dander, salvia and/or urine produced by dogs. It is contact with these things, rather than the animal’s fur itself, that causes sensitive reactions.
A dog breed is considered to be hypoallergenic when its DNA essentially means people come into contact with these things (allergens) less. For example, a hypoallergenic dog can be one that:
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Doesn’t shed much - breeds with low-shedding coats mean there’s less dander being released into the air.
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Has a tight or curly coat - dogs with these kinds of coats trap dander, which, again, means there’s less of it in the air around you.
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Doesn’t produce lots of saliva - slobbery breeds like Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, Great Danes and Bernese Mountain Dogs drool a lot, causing increased allergic reactions triggered by saliva.
- Is a small breed - naturally, the smaller the animal the fewer allergens it is going to produce in the air around you.
The best breeds of dogs for people with allergies
Unfortunately, there’s no breed of dog out there that’s 100% hypoallergenic. However, you’ll be pleased to know that if you’re planning on welcoming a new pooch to your family, many, many dog breeds are suitable for people with allergies and sensitivities.
Poodles and poodle mixes
Poodles and poodle mixes (e.g. Cockapoo, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle) are brilliant hypoallergenic breeds because of their tight, curly coats. This type of coat traps dander, rather than releasing it into the air.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises have a curly double-layer coat that traps dander and doesn’t shed very much at all. Plus, their skin is also known for being less dry than other breeds of dogs, which means they produce less dander anyway.
Schnauzer
Schnauzers have a wiry, double-layer coat that is coarse and great at trapping dander too. Their coat doesn’t shed much and their skin isn’t prone to flaking. They’re also a smaller breed of dog, which is a bonus when it comes to reducing pet allergies.
Maltese
Even though Maltese dogs have straight, silky hair, it acts more like human hair and traps loose strands and dander instead of releasing them into the air. Their skin also low-dander naturally.
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for having their signature curly or wavy coats. Not only does this look uber cute, but it’s also great at keeping dander and loose fur contained. As with the other breeds, these guys are also low-shed and low-dander.
All of the dog breeds listed above also produce low amounts of drool, which means reactions to saliva proteins are much less of a problem than with other slobbery breeds.
Some other honorary hypoallergenic breed mentions
Thankfully, there is a whole array of dog breeds that can live happily ever after with anybody who doesn’t suffer from extremely severe allergies—the ones above are just some of the most popular.
Below is a list of other breeds to check out if you’re on the hunt for a hypoallergenic, four-legged bestie:
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Wheaton Terrier
- Afghan Hound
- Bedlington Terrier
- Border Terrier
- West Highland Terrier
Non-hypoallergenic dog breeds
Now you’ve got a long list of dog breeds to consider if you or your loved ones are prone to allergic reactions, it’s worth knowing which breeds to steer clear of. Below are the worst types of dog to have if you suffer from pesky pet allergies:
- Basset Hound
- Bulldog
- Cocker Spaniel
- Labrador
- German Shepherd
- Husky
- Akita
- Boston Terrier
- Pugs
- Saint Bernard
- Pekingese
- Chow Chow
Hypoallergenic dogs and grooming
Choosing a hypoallergenic breed will stand you in good stead for sniffle-free success. However, meticulous grooming is a must for managing allergies properly, even if your pooch is certified allergy-friendly.
Below are the top three things you need to equip yourself with if you’re going to become a DIY dog coat grooming champ.
Even if you plan to send your hypoallergenic fur baby to the groomer regularly, it’s worth having these things on hand to stay on top of things between visits. Not only will this keep your dog looking dapper but it will also help keep allergens at bay.
Deshedding kit
Removing excess hair from your dog’s coat is a great way to keep the skin underneath healthy and reduce the amount of dander-collecting fur flying around.
The BullyBillows Deshedding Kit removes this excess fur super gently without causing any irritation. It’s suitable for use with dogs of any size, breed or age and is easy to wipe clean. Available in black or pink, whatever tickles your fancy.
If you run out of combs for your kit, don’t worry, you can restock them with our 3-piece Deshedding Blade Set (also available in black or pink).
Dog shampoo and conditioner
Use our luxurious 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner to keep your pet’s coat squeaky clean, silky soft, well-hydrated and free of dirt and dander.
Our 1005 vegan, mild and gentle formula is suitable for use with dogs of any size, breed or age. It’s also anti-allergenic, which makes it great for pets with sensitive skin, enriched with essential oils and soothing botanicals to cleanse and nourish without irritation.
Take your pick from six fur-bulous scents:
- Tropical Mango & Coconut
- Zingy Tea Tree
- Refreshing Mint & Hemp
- Sweet Strawberry
- Relaxing Chamomile
- Gentle Baby Powder
Each comes with its own matching dog cologne to lightly spritz on your pooch for a longer-lasting scent.
A Hemp & Omega supplement
Giving your dog a trusted supplement like our Premium Hemp & Omega Droplets, as part of a balanced diet, will help keep their skin and coat hydrated. This will reduce the amount of dry, dead skin (dander) becoming airborne.
Simply add to your dog’s food, water or treat and enjoy the benefits of the added vitamins and fatty acids.
Please note the number of drops depends on the weight of your dog:
- Less than 6kg: 1-2 drops per day.
- 7-18kg: 3-4 drops per day
- 19-34kg+: 5-6 drops per day
We’d always recommend starting with a smaller dose and building up to the maximum for your dog’s weight gradually. That way, you can monitor their tolerance for it and make sure they’re happy with the new addition to their diet.
Get all your dog grooming accessories right here at BullyBillows
Ready to take your dog grooming up a notch? Secure your essentials today. Here at BullyBillows, we stock a wide range of dog shampoo & conditioner, deshedding tools and dietary supplements designed to keep your furry friend looking and feeling tip-top.
While you’re here, check out our range of dog coats and fleeces too. During the cooler months, as the seasons change, there can be lots of pollen and outdoor allergens in the air. A dog coat can help stop these allergens from settling on your pet and spreading them around your home. Simply whip the coat off, hang it up and remember to wash it regularly.
For more news, advice and product buying guides check out the rest of our blog…
Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer | How to Stop a Dog Shedding | The Most Intelligent Dog Breeds
