Do you have allergies and asthma but bent to have a dog? Luckily, you can find the best dog breeds for allergies and asthma that you can own without suffering from runny nose and asthma attacks. Unlike other dog breeds, those who are dubbed a hypoallergenic produce minimal dander. Although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, some breeds are more tolerable than most.
In this post, we listed 12 dog breeds that make great pets for those with sensitivities. Check it out and see which breed suits your personality.
Pets and allergies
The biggest problem with allergies and dogs is the presence of dander. The heavier the dog sheds, the more dander will go airborne. When an asthmatic or allergic person inhales the dander, it will trigger an attack.
So when choosing the best dog breeds for allergies and asthma, the process is simple: look for one that sheds the least.
Take note that people with asthma and allergies aren’t sensitive to the fur itself, but the dander that comes with it. As the dog sheds its hair, it also releases dander or flakes of dead skin.
Aside from the dander, you should also factor in if the doggo is an intense drooler. The saliva of a dog can also trigger allergic and asthma attacks.
According to experts, pets are the leading causes of allergic rhinitis. This condition affects about 60 million Americans and about 600 million people in the whole world.
The surprising thing about pets and allergies is that infants exposed to dander early in life are less likely to have pet allergies as they grow up.
However, if you happen to have asthma or are currently allergic to pet dander, the following dog breeds might suit you well.
12 Best Dog Breeds for Allergies and Asthma
1. Bichon Frise
Topping our list is the cute yet feisty Bichon Frise. They are fluffy-looking canines with a playful and happy disposition. They don’t shed, too, which makes them an ideal choice for households with sensitive occupants.
Bichon Frise dogs also adapt to apartment living well, and they can thrive in the care of novice owners. They are also great to kids and strangers. However, they don’t like being alone. Bichon Frise develops a bad case of separation anxiety if left alone for long.
The good thing, though, is they don’t shed, and they don’t drool. Although grooming them isn’t an easy task, you’ll have peace of mind that this breed will not give you allergic reactions.
Take note that Bichon Frise dogs love playing, and they have a bursting supply of energy. Nevertheless, they are intelligent, though you need extra care since they have a dominant prey drive.
2. Poodle
Next on our list is one of the favorites: Poodle. Poodle dogs are known as one of the intelligent breeds in the dog kingdom. They are also one of the top candidates in the emotional support and service dog department.
Poodles are also one of the most popular hypoallergenic canines. You can also find a crossbreed between Golden Retriever and Poodle called Goldendoodle. It’s still a hypoallergenic doggo, but with added fluff and good attributes of a Goldie.
Also, Poodles are very easy to train. They want to hang around their owners, and just like Bichon Frise, they hate being left alone.
Poodles can adjust in apartment living and be affectionate to everyone they meet. They are low shedders and droolers. One thing you have to watch out for is the potential of this dog to gain excess weight.
3. Schnauzer
You can get them in mini, standard, and giant – Schnauzers are one of the hypoallergenic dogs that are becoming popular among aspiring dog owners. They don’t shed a lot, and they are super smart than other dogs.
Moreover, Schnauzers are high-energy dogs, and they require a lot of playtimes to be happy. They are easy to train, but you should know how to curb their prey drive.
However, Schnauzers aren’t ideal for households with very young kids. Although they don’t bring a lot of allergens, they aren’t as kid-friendly as Poodles and Bichon Frise canines. Also, some Schnauzers love wandering around the neighborhood.
Also, Schnauzers aren’t the best choice for newbie owners. They can be strong-willed, which requires an experienced master. Nevertheless, the biggest consolation here is that Schnauzer dogs can tolerate being left alone.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are popular for their hair-like fur and hypoallergenic nature. They don’t shed, and they are pretty home-bodied canines. You can also reduce the small amount of dander they produce through regular grooming.
These dogs are bred to become companions. They are affectionate with everyone and don’t mind living with other dogs. Shih Tzus are also the perfect choice if you leave in a small apartment since they don’t require intense exercise.
Moreover, Shih Tzus require more patience with training since they aren’t the smartest bunch. Also, they love mouthing things and chasing moving objects.
Grooming a Shih Tzu is not easy. Due to their long, silky hair, you need to brush them often and have them groomed professionally. Although they require a little more work, they aren’t difficult to handle, even for novice owners.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
They may be small, but Yorkshire Terriers are balls of energy. These doggos are intense, and they need a physically active owner to handle their energy level. Although Yorkies can be a handful sometimes, they can adapt to family living and thrive in the care of novice owners.
Take note that Yorkies are sensitive doggos that hate being left alone. They are affectionate to their families, but those with young kids should take proper caution. Also, some Yorkies are defensive against other dogs in the household, and they tend to have a dislike of strangers.
When it comes to the hypoallergenic aspect, they are one of the best options. They shed minimally, and they almost don’t drool. Also, they are hardy dogs with reasonably good health.
Training a Yorkie will prove to be challenging. They are a tad less intelligent than other dogs, not to mention that they have the affinity to bark and wander off.
6. Basenji
Also known as the ‘barkless dog’ – Basenjis are also one of the best dog breeds for allergies and asthma. Thanks to their thin fur, they shed less and produce very minimal dander. Also, many pet owners notice their cat-like behavior of grooming themselves. And since they don’t bark like crazy, you wouldn’t deal with slobbering saliva off their mouth.
Basenjis can thrive in apartment living, and they also suit novice owners. Also, they are pretty independent and will not mind being left alone for hours.
Although their stare may look imposing, they are very affectionate canines. They are also great for families with kids and other dogs in the household.
Aside from being hypoallergenic, Basenjis are easy to groom and train. You may need a little more patience in training as they are mouthy and hunting dogs. But with the right discipline, these dogs will yield to your care.
7. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are known for their dignified and majestic look. Despite their flowy hair, they are low shedders, and they don’t drool. However, since their coat is long and thick, they require extra effort to groom.
The good thing with Afghan Hounds is they are very tame dogs. They don’t mind living in apartments, not to mention that they can endure extreme temperatures.
When it comes to their affection level, they are delightful to their families, kids, and other dogs. However, they are aloof of strangers.
Although Afghan Hounds are intelligent canines, they aren’t the easiest to train. They like mouthing things, and they get easily distracted by moving objects. They also love exploring the neighborhood. As a hound, these doggos will become escape artists once they locked their attention to an object.
8. Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested dogs have a unique appearance. They only have fur on their tail, paw, and portions of their head. This is the reason why they are one of the best dog breeds for allergies and asthma.
Also, Chinese Crested dogs don’t drool, and they are relatively easy to groom. They are also healthy dogs with a very minimal predisposition to certain health problems.
Moreover, this breed isn’t the energetic type. They prefer lazying inside your home with minimal exercise needed. As for training, you need to practice extra patience since Chinese Crested dogs are mouthy and have the tendency to chase things and people.
The good thing about Chinese Crested is they are very affectionate to everyone. However, since they can be strong-headed at times, they need a somewhat experienced owner to train them.
9. Irish Water Spaniel
If you want a medium-sized dog that’s still hypoallergenic, we recommend the Irish Water Spaniel. This breed has curly fur that doesn’t shed. Also, they don’t drool, which makes grooming easier on your part.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a smart dog. Although they like chewing things and running after moving objects, they are still easy to train. They are also very loving pets, even for young kids.
However, if you plan to own this breed, you must have experience being a dog parent. Also, it would be a bit challenging to house an Irish Water Spaniel in an apartment due to their intense energy level and exercise needs.
Also, you should watch out if you have a smaller pet as Irish Spaniels can’t be trusted to be gentle with them. This breed will be happier if you house them near a body of water.
10. Coton de Tulear
A breed that originated from Madagascar – Coton de Tulear is more than just its fluffy appearance. It’s a total sweetheart who loves being with people and other pets. However, since they are social doggos, they can’t tolerate isolation too long.
Coton de Tulear is perfect for novice owners with allergies. They are also very cute and very appealing to kids. This breed is playful, but their energy level is very manageable. This is the same reason why Coton de Tulear is the best pets for apartment living.
Although they have thick and fluffy hair, Coton de Tulear dogs don’t shed. Also, they aren’t known droolers, which is a big plus for people with asthma and allergies.
When it comes to the training department, you may need to practice more patience as these doggos can be pretty stubborn.
11. Maltese
For those who are looking for a small and charming dog, Maltese will not disappoint. Aside from their adorable appearance, this doggo is also hypoallergenic. Like Shih Tzus, Maltese canines don’t shed, and they don’t drool.
Before you get this breed, you should know that their energy level isn’t for the faint of heart. Maltese dogs have been competing in agility drills. They are vibrant and sprightly beings that will surely put a smile on your face.
Maltese is a Velcro dog, which means that they will follow you around. They get whiny when left alone.
If you have young kids, Maltese may not be a great choice since they are sensitive canines.
12. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is another fluffy doggo known for its incredibly charming and affectionate ways. Although they love being with their humans, they have a sense of independence and will not mind being left alone for some time.
This doggo is also hypoallergenic and a hardy breed. They are intelligent, but due to their wanderlust, they can be challenging to train.
Also, you should give this dog enough exercise and playtime to stay happy. Although they suit novice owners, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier takes a little more work than other breeds.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking for the best dog breeds for allergies and asthma, the 12 doggos we listed here will surely make the cut. Make sure that the dog’s personality matches yours and that you’re ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a canine.
Have you chosen the right breed for you? Share it with us in the comment section!
You’re so right about poodles and they are a great one for hypoallergenic. We have one in our house, it’s really fun to play with especially for kids.