Hypoallergenic Dogs – Your Ultimate Guide

Hypoallergenic dogs are dogs that have predictable and non-shedding coats that produce less dander, which are minute scales from dogs fur which causes allergic reactions in people that are allergic to dogs.

They are dogs that are less likely to trigger an allergic response than other dog breeds, it is the dander from dog’s fur that people with dog allergies are allergic to and though these dogs do produce dander, they produce less of it and so have lesser chances of causing allergic reactions.

Myth

They are certain myths that have been circulating about hypoallergenic dogs. Some believe that shaving a dog’s fur would make them hypoallergenic but that is not the case as the dander that is produced does not go away with shaving.

Some people also believe that hypoallergenic dogs do not produce any form of dander at all but that is also not true as there is no dog breed that is totally free of dander. Just as some people are more sensitive to dog allergies than others, so also some dogs produce less dander and are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.

Some people also believe that hypoallergenic dogs do not have hairs or that hairless dogs are hypoallergenic in nature, this is not true. Most hypoallergenic dogs are hairy but they are just less prone to shedding, there are also hairless dogs that trigger allergic reactions.

History

For centuries, people with dog allergies have stayed clear of dogs though many of them wished they could own one. Since there is no permanent way of curing dog allergies, they have had no choice but to stay away from them.

The term hypoallergenic was first used by cosmetic campaigns in 1953 to describe cosmetic and textile items that were allegedly known to cause minor allergic reactions. And since then the term has made its way into dog and pet breeding in general.

However, this word does not really have a medical definition but it is found in many standard dictionaries and in common usage. Hypoallergenic dog breeds still produce allergens, but because of the absence of a certain protein that is produced by a specific gene and the type of their coats, they generally produce lesser allergens than other dog breeds produce.

Though it is important to note that some people with severe allergies and asthma may still suffer from allergies even after buying hypoallergenic dogs.

Appearance and Size

The most known hypoallergenic dogs are small to medium-sized dogs. They mostly have long hairs but do not shed them or shed them in very minute amounts that it may not trigger allergic reactions in persons with dog allergies.

Grooming

Since hypoallergenic dogs typically have longer hairs rather than furs in relation to other dog breeds, they require special grooming and special grooming tools as their hairs never stop growing.

One of the best methods to implore when grooming hypoallergenic dogs is to professionally groom them. Professional dog groomers are experienced in the proper way to take care of these dog breeds. They know how to trim, bathe, dry, and brush the dog’s hair to keep it looking nice and attractive.

It is advisable to take the dogs to professional groomers every month for their routine grooming.

The other method is to groom the dogs personally, some tools needed for this method are:

Good pet clippers; this is a must-have item for personal grooming of hypoallergenic dogs, it is not advisable to use scissors because the dogs will not stay still enough for it to be a safe option, with a pet clipper and a blade guard you can give your pooch any hair cut you like and when it is necessary.

Nail trimmers; all dogs whether hypoallergenic or not require nail trimming, it is very important to trim their nails to avoid breakage, pain, and injuries. Nail trimming should be done when necessary. The best kind of nail trimmers are the pruning trimmers that have handles like a pruning spear with blades at the top and bottom each having a crescent moon shape, they will make trimming much easier and safer. You can opt for a nail grinder a well.

Standard hair brushes; another must-have item for personal grooming to avoid matted hairs. Hair brushing should not be compromised as they help a great deal and make a lot of difference in a dog’s appearance. It can be done daily or weekly depending on the condition of the dog’s hair.

Dog Shampoo; most hypoallergenic dogs have more sensitive skins than other dog breeds, they need shampoos that clean well and still moisturizes their skins. In order to further minimize the production of allergens, regular bathing with a good dog shampoo weekly or bi-weekly should be done without compromise.

Food And Diet

Hypoallergenic dogs do not really have any specific diet as a whole except the various dietary requirements of each specific breeds. Though it is important to note that excess proteins in their diet can spike up the rate of their allergen production.

It is therefore very important to seek veterinary advice before putting them on a particular diet or changing their diet. The proteins suitable for them must have gone through a process called hydrolyzation. This process tends to reduce the allergens of proteins so that it will be less likely to cause allergic reactions in people.

Hypoallergenic Dogs

Scottish Terriers

Scottish Terriers one of the most popular hypoallergenic dogs. They are small-sized dogs and do not require heavy maintenance costs as they only need trimming about two times a year. They are loyal and attractive looking dogs with positive temperaments.

Scotties are quite confident, spirited and independent dogs though being a bit stubborn is their thing. They are quite healthy dogs with lifespans of about 10 to 12 years. They weigh about 19 to 22 pounds for males and about 18 to 21 pounds for females, while growing up to be about 10 inches tall.

Standard Schnauzers

Known to be hypoallergenic in nature, these dogs can be medium to large-sized, and are extremely intelligent, loyal and playful.

They are most suitable as indoor dogs since they are quite hairy, making them need regular haircuts. They basically live for about 13 to 16 years with smart, spirited and fearless temperaments.

A standard schnauzer measures about 18.5 to 19.5 inches in length for males and about 17.5 to 18.5 inches for females. In terms of weight, around 35 to 60 pounds for males and females usually weigh about 30 to 45 pounds.

Maltese

This cute fluffy cotton ball haired dog keeps to its title as a hypoallergenic dog as it doesn’t shed as much hair as other dog breeds. They are very popular and extremely loved.

Maltese are typically playful, charming, and gentle small sized dogs weighing a meager 7 pounds and measuring about 7 to 9 inches. Their loving attitude and great personality have gotten them lots of adoration from dog lovers.

Brussels Griffon

These toy dogs are non-shedders and have appealing cartoonish huge heads and expressive faces. They also have highly fascinating eyes with affectionate and lovable personalities.

These little dogs love a lot of cuddles and walk, making them suitable companions for you. in addition to that, they are alert, curious and have loyal temperaments.

They measure about 7 to 8 inches in length and weigh about 8 to 10 pounds. Generally, a Brussels griffon has a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.

Italian Greyhound

These cute and adorable dogs do not shed hairs, they do not even need to be majorly groomed as their coats will look shiny just by rubbing it with a towel.

They come in different colors and make a good apartment or house dog. Playfulness, sensitivity and alertness are some of the unique quirks of this dog. They are medium-sized dogs weighing about 7 to 14 pounds and can grow up to be about 13 to 14 inches tall.

They have a long lifespan of about 14 to 15 years and are quite healthy dogs. Though their lack of hair means that they are prone to cold and not suitable for extremely cold weather conditions but they can be dressed appropriately to fit the weather requirements.

Norwich Terriers

These dogs have fuzzy waterproof coats that don’t shed a lot. Being an English dog, they were originally bred for the hunting of foxes and extermination of farm rats.

They are very active, curious, affectionate, and alert with keen eyes. They do well outdoors but are more suitable for living indoor with families. The Norwich terriers are small to medium-sized dogs weighing at most 12 pounds and measuring about 10 inches in length. The expected lifespan for them is about 12 to 15 years.

Lakeland Terriers

Terriers are mostly hypoallergenic dogs that were originally bred as hunting dogs to help in catching preys and as such the Lakeland Terriers are energetic and confident dogs that love being active all day long, they do not need much grooming as they relatively do not shed as much as other dog breeds.

They are very friendly, confident and bold creatures hoping to protect their families and homes from danger, they are medium to large sized dogs weighing about 27 pounds and measuring about 14 to 15 inches in length.

Shih Tzu

Also called lion dogs, they originally came from China and are also classified under hypoallergenic dogs as they do not shed much hair despite their long hairs.

However, they require daily brushing, regular trimming, and frequent grooming. Shih Tzu are active dogs well suited to apartment life. You should not be worried about leaving your dog with younger children due to their calm and friendly nature.

They are small to medium-sized dogs measuring about 9 to 10.5 inches in height and about 9 to 16 pounds in weight. Their life expectancy is about 10 to 18 years.

Lagotto Romagnolo

The name already tells you these dogs are Italian and it translates to water dogs. They barely shed any hair but still require adequate grooming and trimming.

They are very sociable, affectionate, friendly, and wonderful family dogs with an extremely long lifespan of about 15 to 17 years. Being medium to large-sized dogs, they weigh about 28.5 to 35 pounds for males and about 21 to 31 pounds for females. The Lagotto Romagnolo males measure about 17 to 19 inches in height while their female counterparts measure about 16 to 18 inches.

Whippet

Whippets are energetic and fast running dog breeds that are similar to Greyhounds in appearance. They do not cost much to maintain as they do not have long hairs and do not require major grooming.

They are friendly and outgoing family dogs that are best suited to homes with open spaces or yards for playing, since they like to run around they will not be suitable to apartment living. They are generally healthy dogs that are expected to live for about 12 to 15 years.

Whippets are medium to large-sized dogs as they measure about 19 to 22 inches in height for males and about 18 to 21 inches for females while weighing about 25 to 40 pounds.

Why you should purchase hypoallergenic dogs?

Hypoallergenic dogs are good for dog lovers who have dog allergies but cannot stay away from their furry buddies. Some reasons to get one of these dog breeds are:

1. Less shedding; some hypoallergenic dogs do not shed at all while others shed hair minimally. This means that you don’t have to worry about dog fur lying everywhere around the house, even when they climb on your sheets you can rest assured that you are not going to find loose dog hair on them.

2. They are hypoallergenic; if your children, roommate, or friends have dog allergies and you can’t resist getting a dog then you don’t have to stress too much. Just get one of these breeds as they are hypoallergenic in nature and will be less likely to cause your family and loved one’s allergies.

3. Their personalities; most hypoallergenic dogs have great fun-loving and outgoing personalities. They are also mostly small in size hence very suitable for apartment living.

In conclusion, apart from their alluring properties, these dog breeds make the house or apartment less messy which is something I know you wouldn’t mind.