Anyone with pet allergies knows that it’s almost impossible to avoid an allergy flare-up entirely.
There are often going to be times where you don’t necessarily know it’s going to happen (such as at your friend’s home that used to have a cat or dog). But what if you desperately want a four-legged friend? Or what if you already have a pet dog and are determined to make it work?
Luckily, there are hypoallergenic dogs available for those that want to become pet owners, minus any allergies. On the other hand, there are also dogs that can make your allergies noticeably worse. Let’s examine ten of the best dogs for allergies and asthma — and ten of the worst.
The 10 Best Dog Breeds for People With Allergies
Ideally, a hypoallergenic dog would shed very little or not at all. Small or large, non-shedding dogs are less likely to provoke an allergic reaction.
So, what dogs are hypoallergenic and non-shedding? Here are the ten best dog breeds for allergies:
1. Schnauzers
Schnauzers produce very little dander, which is one of the key factors in an allergic reaction.
2. Maltese
Small, toy dogs, like a Maltese dog, are going to produce less dander and shed less than a larger dog. If you must have a dog with an allergy, choose a small one.
3. Labradoodle
The ever-popular labradoodle is a mix of labrador and poodle and has inherited the poodle’s non-shedding coat. However, if your labradoodle is literally a mix of labrador and poodle (instead of two Labradoodles), your pet may have an unpredictable coat and might shed more than you expect.
4. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is another breed that produces hardly any dander, and they also shed very little. They are small dogs, which is also helpful when dealing with dog allergies.
5. Portuguese Water Dogs
Portuguese water dogs are perfectly comfortable with living outside, so long as they are properly taken care of. If your allergies are too intense for you to have a dog living inside, a Portuguese water dog could be right for you. They are reasonably large, non-shedding dogs, and make good family pets.
6. Xoloitzcuintli
If you’re looking for dog breeds that don’t shed, look no further than the Xoloitzcuintli, or the Xolo for short. The Xolo is either hairless or has a very short coat, and so doesn’t shed and produces hardly any dander.
7. Chinese Crested
Chinese crested are small, hypoallergenic dogs, ideal for families and anyone with an allergy. Like the Xlolo, they are mostly hairless or have a very short coat, and hardly shed at all.
8. Cairn Terrier
A cairn terrier is a small, hypoallergenic dog, with a wiry, waterproof coat. Because of their coat, cairn terriers produce little dander. However, they do shed more than dogs like poodles, Chinese crested, and Xlolos.
9. Border Terrier
Border terriers have a short coat and are hypoallergenic – presuming that you groom them regularly. Many border terriers need to be hand-stripped, otherwise, they will start to shed more heavily.
10. Poodle
Poodles are the number-one hypoallergenic dog breed. Their curly coat does not shed, and they produce very little dander. They’re also cute, friendly, easy to train, and extremely popular as family pets.
The 10 Worst Dog Breeds for People with Allergies
Certain dog breeds are likely to make allergies worse, and if you have an allergy, you’ll want to steer clear of them. Here are ten of the worst dog breeds for anyone with a pet allergy:
1. Pekinese
Pekinese dogs are known for their long, flowing fur. Unfortunately, they also shed heavily, leaving long bits of fur and dander all over your home. They may be small, but they can cause a big allergic reaction. Pekinese are also difficult to housetrain, which can leave spots of pee all over your home and furnishings.
2. Pomeranians
These cute little balls of fluff boast a thick double coat. This coat makes Pomeranians extra cute and fluffy, but it also means that they shed heavily and get dander everywhere.
3. German Shepherds
German shepherds have dry skin, which can lead to producing more dander. Long-haired German shepherds shed a lot.
4. Bulldogs
Bulldogs are known for being slobbery dogs, and this can cause serious allergy flare-ups. Despite having a short coat, bulldogs shed a lot.
5. St. Bernard
With their thick shedding fur, tendency to drool, and excess of dander, a St Bernard breed is possibly one of the worst dogs for a pet allergy.
6. Alaskan Malamute
Malamutes have a thick double coat, and they completely shed their fur twice a year. This leads to tremendous grooming costs and a lot of hair around your home.
7. Bassett Hound
Bassett hounds do shed moderately, but they drool a lot and create a lot of dander, which makes them a bad choice for allergy sufferers.
8. Boxer
Like the bulldog, boxer dogs have a deceptively short coat that sheds a lot. They also drool, and the drool gets everywhere.
9. Cocker Spaniel
A cocker spaniel’s soft, velvety fur will be shed all year round, and their sensitive skins make them prone to allergies. A dog with allergies will produce a lot more dander.
10. Dachshund
There are three main types of dachshund dogs – and all types shed heavily. Combined with the dander a dachshund produces, this breed is a bad idea for allergy sufferers.
Looking for the right dog breed? Try this next: The 10 Most Popular Mixed Dog Breeds For Families
Should You Get a Dog if You Have An Allergy?
This really depends on how bad your allergy is, as well as your tolerance.
The last thing you want to do is get a dog that you have to give away or give up. To minimize any allergies, keep your home well-dusted, thoroughly vacuum every day, and keep your dog properly groomed.
