5 Dog Breeds You Can Get If You Have Animal Allergies

Until recently, people with allergies to dog hair were certain they wouldn't be able to own a dog and enjoy the company of a barking pet. But breeders have worked hard to ensure that absolutely everyone can have a four-legged friend. There are several breeds whose hair is completely hypoallergenic. And no, these dogs aren't hairless (at least not all of them)!

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier resembles a small lamb in appearance, and not everyone will recognize it as a dog at first glance. These animals are highly intelligent, trainable, and easy to handle, but they can be stubborn and resist commands if they're not in the mood for training.

Bedlington Terriers are very gentle and affectionate animals, balanced and not nervous, although they can fight back fiercely if provoked. They are very energetic, active, and resilient, requiring regular exercise.

Bedlington Terriers are family dogs. They form strong bonds with their owners, loving them tenderly and willing to protect them at all costs. They get along well with children, but if they become overly aggressive, they can bite, so they shouldn't be adopted by children too young to be able to explain proper behavior around animals.

They are friendly with strangers and most other dogs, but they can be prone to hunting cats, so they should be kept on a leash and muzzled when outside. If another dog becomes aggressive, the Bedlington Terrier will respond in kind.

These dogs' soft, fluffy coats require regular brushing (preferably daily) and trimming every six weeks. Bedlington Terriers are non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for those with severe allergies to dog hair.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers have been at the peak of popularity among small dogs for many years, and it's no coincidence. Despite their small size, Yorkies are highly intelligent, courageous, and loyal, and they're also incredibly beautiful and sweet.

Yorkies shouldn't be considered harmless or weak dogs; they are quite capable of standing up for themselves. However, they become very attached to their owners and are willing to obey them, despite their authoritarian nature.

These terriers can be gentle and affectionate, but they shouldn't be overly loving. They are active, curious, and stubborn. They don't always get along with children and other animals, especially if the former are overly active and mischievous.

Training a Yorkshire Terrier is extremely important. If they are overindulged in their youth, they will cause considerable problems for their owner later on.

Yorkies' fur is more similar to human hair, so it rarely causes even the slightest allergy. However, it does require regular grooming to keep it looking shiny and healthy.

Miniature Poodle

Many people tend to assume that a small dog doesn't necessarily mean it's particularly intelligent, but miniature poodles can disprove this myth. These dogs are exceptionally intelligent, quick-witted, and sociable. They are easy to train and obey commands, and some owners claim their pets understand human speech perfectly.

Poodles love being the center of attention, so they often perform tricks and entertain their owners with cute poses. They get along well with other animals and children, but can become jealous if another pet gets more attention.

They do not tolerate loneliness very well; without proper attention and activity, miniature poodles can begin to behave badly; they need to be exercised daily.

The toy poodle's coat is more like hair than dog fur. These dogs shed virtually nothing and are hypoallergenic, but their coat requires careful grooming, specifically:

  • bathing once every 1-2 weeks;
  • daily combing;
  • monthly haircut.

If all necessary procedures are not followed, the dog's fur will become tangled and pull on the skin, which will cause severe discomfort to the pet.

Chinese Crested

Society is divided on Chinese Crested dogs—some adore them, while others consider them ugly. But no one who has ever had the opportunity to interact with one can argue that they are very loyal and friendly animals.

They are very intelligent and trainable, easily learn tricks, and love to do unusual and funny things themselves, bringing joy to their owners. Chinese Cresteds become very attached to one person, rarely two, and are sensitive to separation. This should be taken into account before getting one of these pets.

There are two types of Chinese Crested dogs: completely hairless and with a light downy coat. The completely hairless breed still has long hair on its paws, head, and tail, but it's not very thick, making this breed less likely to cause allergies. The downy breed also sheds very little and is ideal for allergy sufferers.

Komondor

The Komondor is impossible to miss, as its long, furry cords make it look like a self-propelled mop. This unusual coat protects the dog from cold and rain.

Komondors are very willful dogs. They dislike submission and fawning, but they can be devoted to their owners. Once a Komondor's owner earns their trust, they immediately become best friends.

The Komondor is an excellent guard dog, but it is absolutely forbidden to chain it, as the dog will resist being confined and become destructive.

This breed's coat is hypoallergenic, but it requires very careful grooming—regular brushing, washing, and trimming. If not, the dog will turn into a giant mat.

Away with the myth that allergy sufferers can't own a dog! There are breeds that can bring happiness to even the most allergen-sensitive people. And why not give these animals some happiness in return?

Comments

2 comments

    1. Olga

      Allergies to dog hair are very rare (6-10%). It's not the hair itself that triggers the allergy, although it can exacerbate it, but proteins (urine, dander, saliva, and secretions). Therefore, the type of dog's hair doesn't matter. Even a seemingly hypoallergenic dog like a Yorkie can still cause problems for an allergy sufferer. Male dogs have stronger sex pheromones, meaning they are more likely to be allergic than female dogs. My son is allergic and asthmatic. We had a very good allergist who explained the concept of allergies and added that the term "allergy to dog hair" doesn't necessarily mean an allergy to the hair itself. We have a 12-year-old dog. She's a Great Pyrenees. It's a large, shaggy, white dog. Ours is a female. And my son, with his off-the-charts allergy to dog hair, gets along quite well with her, burying his nose in her fur out of affection. But when it comes to my sister's male Yorkie and my friend's black terrier, he immediately reaches for his inhaler, sometimes even turns on the nebulizer. So we've limited their visits.

    2. Andrey

      We've definitely forgotten two more hypoallergenic breeds: the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Australian Silky Terrier. Both breeds also have no undercoat.