Top 10 Hypoallergenic Dogs For People With Allergies

Finding the perfect dog for your family takes patience and lots of research. The selection can be further complicated if someone in your household has allergies, but don’t despair. Take a look at these 10 allergy-friendly dog breeds.

Portuguese Water Dog

When Barack Obama was elected to the White House, he promised his daughters a dog. But daughter Malia’s allergies also posed a dilemma. The former First Family ultimately decided on a Portuguese Water Dog, a single-coated dog breed ideal for allergy sufferers. This friendly pup, Bo, was such an excellent fit that the Obamas welcomed a second Portuguese Water Dog, Sunny, shortly thereafter.

Poodle

When it comes to intelligence, friendly and trainable Poodles rank near the top of the pack. But most importantly for allergy sufferers, Poodles — both big and small — are also hypoallergenic. Check out the Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation for a rescue in your state if you’d like to adopt one.

Maltese

Ideal for apartment dwellers, this cute, cuddly, and hypoallergenic lap dog breed is also an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

Shih Tzu

With its long, beautiful coat, the Shih Tzu might seem like a strange companion for an allergy sufferer. However, these small dogs actually produce minimal shedding. Keeping the dog’s hair clipped short can further minimize allergy problems.

West Highland Terrier

High on the low-dander list, the sturdy little West Highland Terrier sports pointed ears that give him an alert demeanor. This fluffy dog is known for its self-confidence and feisty personality.

Yorkshire Terrier

An ideal companion for an elderly person, the cuddly Yorkshire Terrier packs a big personality in a tiny package. In the show ring, the dogs are judged for their long, silky coats. However, the hair of these cute lap dogs can also be trimmed short to cut down on sneezes.

Bichon Frise

These little balls of fur are virtually non-shedding. Children should be taught to handle these tiny pups with care, however, since the animals can be accidentally injured through rough play.

Miniature Schnauzer

According to VetStreet, the minimally shedding Miniature Schnauzer is an athletic canine that takes well to training. Originally used to control vermin on farms, Miniature Schnauzers require ample daily exercise to stay in top mental and physical condition.

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

A medium-sized dog, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a good choice for an active owner with allergies. As a member of the sporting group, this playful dog thrives on regular exercise. His wavy coat requires regular grooming to cut down on mats.

Airedale Terrier

Due to their short, wiry hair, Airedale Terriers are often well-tolerated by owners with allergies. This dog breed also drops very little dander, which can be a big allergy trigger for some people.

Conclusion

Allergy suffers often believe dog ownership isn’t for them, but these hypoallergenic dog breeds prove everyone – even people with allergies – can enjoy the many benefits of dog ownership.

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