Having allergies sucks…
Especially, if you are a dog lover. Some dogs just make our allergies go crazy.
But did you know that there are a number of great dogs out there that are hypoallergenic? That’s right.
These 15 Dog breeds do not shed:
Poodle
This breed comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy.
Bested in intelligence by only the Border Collie, they also are highly ranked in agility as well as obedience. Coats do require brushing as the structure of the coat is what makes poodles hypoallergenic. They do shed, albeit minimally, and the fur becomes entangled in the surrounding fur.
Poodles do not have an undercoat.
Bichon Frise
The Frise comes from a family of dogs that were originally a mix of the poodle and water spaniel breeds.
They are notably small and possess many qualities of the poodle. A gentle lap-dog at heart, the Frise is characterized as merry, energetic, and extremely affectionate. As with the poodle, its hypoallergenic status comes from a lack of an undercoat and the surrounding curly coat that entangles loose fur.
Regular, if not professional, grooming is required to keep their coats in top shape.
Chinese Crested
A truly unique breed, the Crested comes in two forms: the hairless and the powderpuff.
Interestingly, they are not categorized as different breeds since both occur within the same litter. Genetics decides the final look of the puppies. Both are considered hypoallergenic due to the fact that neither shed, even though the powderpuff is characterized by a long, soft double coat that does require brushing to prevent matting.
The hairless requires little brushing but does require the owner to take adequate care when considering skincare options.
Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer
The Schnauzer is known as loyal, robust, intelligent, and agile.
If given proper training they are also known to become very patient and tolerant of the behaviors of even small children.
With a unique wiry coat, the schnauzer does not require the same level of grooming as other dogs. When other breeds shed, the schnauzer goes through a period known as “blowing out”. During this period the coat loosens to such an extent that the owner can gently pull it off of the dog without fear of causing pain.
Alternatively, regular trimming can be done if the owner so chooses.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are hypoallergenic due to the fact that their hair is fine, straight, and silky.
Shedding is minimal and only occurs while brushing and bathing.
Yorkies are considered curious, fond of attention, and carrying themselves with an air of importance.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan’s coat is nearly identical to the Yorkie’s with the exception being that it is much longer and therefore requires more extensive brushing to prevent matting.
The breed is considered to have an aloof yet dignified personality.
Given its history as a hunting breed it does possess a high prey drive and as such tends to do poorly around small animals.
Maltese
Falling into the same family as the Bishon Frise, this breed also requires regular brushing to ensure that no loose fur is caught in the coat. It also only has a single coat.
The Maltese is bred to be a companion dog and adores humans. They are known to remain lively and energetic all the way into their old age.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Wheaten terrier has long, silky hair that continuously grows, requiring routine grooming. It sheds a negligible amount and is thus considered hypoallergenic.
They are generally very energetic and like a moderate level of regular exercise. Training can be interesting as they seem to be strong willed and require consistent positive training.
Kerry Blue Terrier
This breed has a coat that is best described as wool-like. There is no undercoat and the fur continuously grows.
Grooming is essential to the breed. Weekly brushing and trims every six weeks are a bare minimum to maintain a healthy coat. Characterized by a strong will, as well as an unparalleled level of dedication, they are good family dogs but will require substantial training to become tolerant of smaller animals and other dogs.
Havanese
The Havanese has an extremely long, silky coat that does not shed. However, it will require high levels of grooming to prevent matting.
Havanese are considered companion dogs and adapt to nearly any environment.
They don’t tolerate isolation very well, having been bred with very strong social needs. They also have a characteristic “springy” gait.
Fox Terrier
All coat variations within the Fox Terrier family are characterized as being hard and dense.
Brushing is the most common need for both the smooth and wire-haired varieties.
These dogs are known for their intelligence and high energy.
Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear has a medium to long coat, cotton-like in texture. It is also one of the few breeds where the coat is actually recognized as hair and not fur.
Daily brushing and combing is required to prevent matting. When properly bathed and groomed the breed has little to no odor.
Known to be playful, affectionate, and intelligent, the Coton has a distinctive habit in that it will jump up on its hind legs and walk in order to gain the attention of people.
Cairn Terrier
Cairn terriers shed very little.
They have a double layered coat comprised of a rugged outer coat and a silky undercoat. Hand stripping is the only recommended grooming method, as cutting the outer coat tends to ruin it which can lead to skin issues.
Cairn terriers have been known to do well in spaces as small as apartments as long as adequately exercised.
They are very energetic. Most Cairns are also known to have advanced skills in tasks related to scent.
Portuguese Water Dog
This breed has a single layer of tight curls or waves for fur. They do not shed. Due to the length of their hair, they will require brushing every other day and hair cuts every two months to prevent extreme matting that will lead to skin irritation.
Portuguese water dogs are known as loving, intelligent, and independent. They are easily trained and do moderately well with strangers even with little to no training.
