Table of Contents
Allergies are one of the main reasons people avoid getting a dog even though they want one.
Fortunately, there are some hypoallergenic dogs out there, and certain breeds simply do not cause any issues with people who are allergic to dogs.
Below is a list of the five best dogs for allergies that would be a good option for most.
According to the Human Society of the United States, about 15% of the world’s population is allergic to household pets.
But pet hair may not always be the main problem, especially since you can prevent or minimize significantly the amount of pet hair and dander that “falls out” from your Fido through regular grooming.
Choosing hypoallergenic dogs and pets in general are becoming a very common reason potential pet parents give in animal shelters. America continues to adopt dogs, and those who are allergic do not want to be left out, which is why these best dogs for allergies can be a great option.
Future pet owners looking to adopt a hypoallergenic dog usually believe that dogs with shaggier coats are the ones you should stay away from, but that isn’t always the case.
Pet dander, or the flakes that come off the animal’s skin is normally the cause for allergic reactions.
So here are the hypoallergenic dog breeds that should not cause any issues.
5 Best Dogs for Allergies
1. Poodle
Poodles are usually the first breed that will come up when a dog owner asks about best dogs for allergies or hypoallergenic dogs in an animal shelter.
Poodles are classified in three sizes as separate dog breeds: standard, miniature, and toy poodle. All three are extremely intelligent dogs.
In fact, Poodles excel in almost every dog sport. These dogs do not actually have fur – they have hair, and therefore they do not shed.
However, because of their curly, fast-growing hair, they require frequent dog grooming procedures.
2. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus shed very lightly and can be considered as one of the best dogs for allergies despite their long hair, but they too require a lot of regular grooming.
A Shih Tzu normally has lots of spunk and character and enjoy being around people.
Unfortunately, Shih Tzus have a mind of their own and can prove to be very stubborn, so they are a challenge to train.
While most dog owners find this dog breed extremely cute and adoptable, they soon find that it's not always easy to live with a Shih Tzu, especially the one that's not easily trained.
3. Bichon Frisé
Bichon Frisés is another great option for those looking for best dogs for allergies. They too hardly shed but need regular grooming. They are well tempered dogs and enjoy people.
Bichon Frise breed has a similar character and temperament to that of Shih Tzus, but they are much easier to train.
If you’re interested in a small dog, either one of these two toy dog breeds would be a great choice for a family.
4. Schnauzer
Schnauzer is another dog breed that can be classified as a “no shed dog breed.”
However, their long facial hair requires constant maintenance and proper grooming, which is similar to all other hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Schnauzers are a very loving breed, and will become very attached to their owners.
Usually, these dogs are great guards that will let you know when there is trouble. Schnauzers are also classified in three sizes: giant, standard, and miniature.
They are very energetic but can be rather stubborn.
They need discipline and consistency, so they require an owner with lots of time and patience.
5. Bergamasco
All four dog breeds mentioned above set a pattern for hypoallergenic dog breeds: if you want one of the best dogs for allergies, then you need to be ready for a lot of grooming and maintenance on a regular basis.
But if you're a busy pet owner or feel like constant grooming isn't something you wish to do, then Bergamasco dog breed may be more your style. These dogs are very low-maintenance.
Bergamascos are medium-sized dogs that hail from the Italian Alps and have a very unique coat.
These dogs have three kinds of hair that mat together and these mats will eventually grow long enough to reach the ground.
Once the coat is fully matured, it feels a lot like felt and requires little to no maintenance at all.
Veterinarians will recommend giving your Bergamasco a bath a few times a year and some little grooming procedures, but that is all the grooming that you’ll need to do.
Which Allergy-Friendly Dog Is Right For You?
When it comes to finding the best dogs for allergies, there are no TRULY hypoallergenic dogs.
This means that even though you pick one of these breeds, there's still a chance that this may cause your allergies to show up.
However, the reason these dogs are considered a good option for people with allergies is because they are less likely to cause it.
Ultimately, you need to consult with a canine expert, talk to people at animal shelters and maybe even a veterinarian.
Do proper research looking for best dogs for allergies that should lead you to a long list of dogs that don’t shed, or shed very little and don't spread their pet dander all over the place.
RELATED: 17 Small Dog Breeds That Are Good With Kids
Keep in mind that dander is actually the leading cause of dog allergies, so you should also be looking for a breed that doesn’t leave a lot of flakes behind.
You can even try consulting at your local pet store where they'll give you a better idea of which breeds to look at.
Once you select the dog you want, make sure to spend a sufficient amount of time with the dog in a closed in area so that you can get a feel for how it will affect your allergies.
