Discover the 8 best pets for people with allergies. While no dog is completely free of allergens, there are eight breeds considered to be hypo-allergenic. These dog breeds frequently suit those with allergies to dogs.
Learn more about these dog breeds and their common traits. Discover why they're excellent pets for people with allergies.
1. Bedlington Terriers
When looking for pets for people with allergies, the Bedlington Terrier comes to mind. The gentle dogs are extremely loving and energetic. Rather than have fur that frequently sheds, Bedlington Terriers have hair that grows. They do need frequent haircuts to keep their coat in good shape.
Relevant facts about this breed include:
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Dogs tend to average 20 pounds
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Originally bred for rat hunting
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Require daily exercise to prevent boredom
2. Bichon Frises
The Bichon Frise strives on pleasing its master. Hair does not shed making them perfect pets for people with allergies. Bichon Frise breeds do require regular grooming to keep the coat trimmed and mat-free.
Relevant facts about this breed include:
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Average weight is 16 pounds
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Intelligent dogs that are willing to please
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Require daily exercise
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Do enjoy barking at everything
3. Chinese Crested Dogs
Though high maintenance, Chinese Crested dogs grow hair rather than shed fur making them perfect pets for people with allergies. Grooming is essential to keep the hair from becoming knotted.
Relevant facts about this breed include:
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Rarely weigh more than 12 pounds
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Sunburn easily
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Great with young children
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Toy dog that requires delicate handling
4. Irish Water Spaniels
Irish Water Spaniels are hunting dogs by nature. They grow a thick, curly coat that doesn't shed. Brushing every couple of weeks and a few hair cuts a month are all this breed requires.
Relevant facts about this breed include:
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Weighs 45 to 70 pounds
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Love to play
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Tail is virtually hairless so sunscreen on sunny days is advised
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Quick to learn
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Can be shy with strangers
5. Kerry Blue Terriers
Energetic Kerry Blue Terriers grow hair rather than shed. You do need to frequently brush the dog's coat and have it trimmed to maintain the proper appearance. Originally used for hunting, these dogs love agility rings and like exercise.
Relevant facts about this breed include:
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Hunters by nature the dogs may chase cats and small animals
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Weigh up to 40 pounds
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Excellent dog for a farm where you want pests like rabbits or squirrels chased off
6. Maltese
While they do require daily grooming, Maltese are considered one of the easiest dogs to train. Their long, silky coat of hair does not shed making them perfect pets for people with allergies.
Relevant facts about this breed include:
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Typically weigh no more than seven pounds
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Well mannered and excellent with children
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Enjoy playing with family members and taking walks
7. Poodles
All Poodle varieties make excellent hypo-allergenic pets. Standard poodles are generally 45 to 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles usually weigh no more than 17 pounds. Toy Poodles usually weigh under 10 pounds. Poodles do not shed. Instead, they have hair that grows quickly, and must be trimmed and brushed frequently.
Relevant facts about this breed include:
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Very easy to train
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Active dogs that need daily exercise
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Susceptible to numerous diseases and conditions
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Can be shy around new people
8. Schnauzers
Schnauzers come in three varieties: Giant (60 to 90 pounds), Miniature (10 to 15 pounds) and Standard (30 to 45 pounds). The coat does not shed making it great for those with allergies, but at the same time requires frequent trimming.
Relevant facts about this breed include:
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Can have a stubborn streak
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Energetic and needs plenty of exercise
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Smart and easily trained
It is important to remember that any dog can have dander. Regular grooming is essential to keeping allergies to a minimum.