Ask dog owners what they’d wish they’d known before and many will say “how much some breeds shed.”
Extra vacuuming and brushing aside, allergies affect over 25 million people in the United States. For dog owners, this sensitivity often presents as hay fever-type symptoms — such as sneezing, a stuffy nose, wheezing or even hives.
Less Sneezing and Cleaning
The good news is that of the many dog breeds, dozens are hypoallergenic.
These have a different type of fur, as well as shedding far less than other breeds. This is important as it means less dander.
Dander is the canine version of dandruff and is what causes the allergy symptoms. This makes these allergy-friendly pets the ideal choice for those who want to grab the vacuum and tissues less.
What Dogs Are Hypoallergenic?
So what dogs are hypoallergenic? Well, they range from cute little Yorkies to playful goldendoodles. Let’s take a look at some of them…
Shih Tzu
Bred to spend their day inside royal palaces, a shih tzu’s coat is soft and silky. This is because their coat isn’t fur; it’s a type of fine, layered hair that sheds a lot less than other breeds.
Perfectly happy to lie around on a settee or lap, these “little lion dogs” make a great companion if you lack a big backyard or live in an apartment.
Yorkshire Terrier
As feisty as they are fun, Yorkies love playing as much as they love petting. This breed doesn’t possess an undercoat and has poker-straight hair instead of fur. This, in combination with their small size, means that fewer allergens are released into the air.
Teddy Bear Shichon
The Shichon is a cross between the shih tzu and the bichon frise and combines the tiny stature and friendly disposition of both. These cuties were originally bred as therapy dogs and shed a negligible amount.
Poodles
Poodles are probably the most famous allergy-friendly dog. As a result of their non-shedding coat, they produce much less dander than other dogs. With their high intelligence and effortless grace, many breeds have been crossed with the poodle to create allergy friendly pups.
Additional Allergy Support
After picking a suitable low-shedding pup, there are also practical ways to keep allergens at bay in your home. The good news is, though, that this won’t be anywhere near as much as other breeds.
- As well as regular grooming, make sure to wash your pet’s bed often.
- It’s a good idea to designate parts of your house, such as your guest room or bedroom, dog-free.
- Vacuum cleaners for pet hair help remove allergens. Some even groom the hair and dander right from your dog.
If you’re ready to pick the perfect hypoallergenic puppy, contact Georgia Puppies Online. We have lots of experience helping owners choose the right breed for you and your family.