Now, you’ve probably read the title and went, “Why 12? Why not 10?”
To that, I say, “I always give my 120%.”
According to Wikipedia, hypoallergenic or in other words, “below average” or “slightly” allergenic is a term meaning that something (usually cosmetics, pets, textiles, food, etc.) causes fewer allergic reactions. The term is also commonly applied to pet breeds which are claimed to produce fewer allergens than other breeds of the same species, due to some combinations of their coat type, absence of fur, or absence of a gene that produces a certain protein. Take note that all breeds still produce allergens, it is just that in smaller quantities. Quantities that are more tolerable to people who are sensitive to allergens.
So come, boys and girls with fur allergies, let’s go and find a furfriend for you!
1) Xoloitzcuintli
Let’s start this list with a name of a dog breed that is unpronounceable to people other than a linguist. This breed comes in three sizes — toy, miniature, and standard, and in two varieties — hairless and coated.
The hairless has a smooth, tough, protective skin and the coated has a short, flat coat. Personality wise, they are calm, tranquil, and attentive, and can also be detached. They have modest exercise and grooming needs.
2) Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer, not to be confused with the Premium Schnauzer, is a sociable, affectionate breed that has a fondness for kids. They are athletic dogs that need regular exercise.
Their beard and leg hair should be brushed frequently to prevent mats which means become choked up and tangled with shed hair.
3) Puli
The woolly, dense, and naturally weatherproof dreadlocks are perhaps the most recognizable feature of the Puli. Bred to work closely with humans, Pulis are lively, loyal, quick learners and are best paired with active families.
If you do decide to adopt a Puli, make sure that you have ample time for training and grooming. Although the Puli isn’t much of a shedder, its coat needs a lot of attention.
4) Shih Tzu
Similar to the Standard Schnauzer, this breed is loyal and playful, and tends to be affectionate with children. They were originally bred to spend most of their days lazing around inside royal palaces, so they make great pets, whether you live in an apartment or have a big backyard.
Shih Tzus have hair that doesn’t shed much, so allergy sufferers can adopt them without worry. This dog’s double coat does require frequent brushing, but you can clip it short for ease, according to the Westminster Kennel Club.
5) Irish Water Spaniel
Straddling the line between medium and large dogs. Irish Water Spaniels comes in at 21 to 24 inches tall, making it the tallest of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) spaniels. They can be identified by their crisply curled, liver-coloured, waterproof coat and long, skinny tail.
They are also hardworking, alert, inquisitive, brave in the field, and playfully affectionate at home. They are easy to maintain with their hypoallergenic coat that requires brushing weekly and trimming every couple of months.
6) Afghan Hound
Just because a dog is considered hypoallergenic, doesn’t mean they need to have short hair. They’re intelligent, independent, charming, and unwaveringly loyal to their owners.
But they’re not the dog for everyone, so it’s important to do your research before you decide. This is because of their size and immense speed; Afghan Hounds require a large fenced in yard and exercise daily.
7) Italian Greyhound
Despite the grey in greyhound, Italian greyhounds come in a number of shades. They are comfortable without a backyard, so if you live an apartment or a small house, you will have no issues with them.
These sleek and graceful dogs shed no hair, only requiring their coats to be rubbed with a towel to keep them groomed and shiny. Their lack of hair, however, does mean that they are not ideally suited to cold climates. However, seeing that it’s always summer in Malaysia, it shouldn’t be a problem.
8) Lagotto Romagnolo
Highly active, this breed is also high maintenance, despite barely shedding hair at all, its coat does need regular grooming and trimming.
Having said that, These dogs are enormously popular in Sweden. The Lagotto Romagnolo is very sociable, friendly and affectionate making them wonderful family dogs.
9) Poodle
Making the top 10 of the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds year after year, the Poodle is the most recognizable of all the hypoallergenic dogs. Poodles come in Standard, Miniature, and Toy varieties — but regardless of size, these dogs are incredibly smart, versatile, and excellent family dogs.
In terms of their coats, poodles shed very little, and many owners choose to keep their coats cut short to make maintenance easier. If you choose to let their coat grow, just know you’ll need to keep up with brushing in order to avoid mats which means become choked up and tangled with shed hair.
10) Basenji
They are also known as the “barkless dog”, because the sound they make is often considered something between a chortle and yodel. Basenjis are independent, smart, and easily recognizable by their curly tails.
These are great hypoallergenic dogs because of their short coat, limited grooming needs, and only occasional shedding. Additionally, Basenjis don’t have a typical “dog” smell and only need to be bathed if they get into something dirty.
11) Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds are fun, playful, and known for their appearances in movies like Cats & Dogs, Marmaduke, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Chinese Cresteds come in both hairless and coated varieties, called Powderpuffs.
As you might expect, the hairless dogs do not shed, and even the coated dogs shed very little. Both types of Chinese Crested, however, will require grooming care, which is skincare for the hairless and regular brushing for the coated dogs.
12) Coton de Tulear
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic breed that’s a true companion, the Coton de Tulear will definitely be the dog for you. These dogs are fun, happy, and perfectly content to follow you around the house all day. Although Coton de Tulears may not be as well-known as some of the other hypoallergenic dogs, you’ll know one when you see him.
These dogs have soft, cotton-like white coats and despite the flowing appearance of their coats, they are only occasional shedders and require minimal grooming, especially if their coats are kept short.
Not satisfied with just 12 or didn’t find a breed that best suits you? Not to worry, because The OMG, as always, has got you covered. Here’s a list of 50 hypoallergenic dogs for your viewing pleasure. Click here and, thanks to the magical powers of hyperlinks, be transported to that list.
Do you have any of these dogs? Let us know if their description fits with your experience of living with them and share with the rest if they really are hypoallergenic. Till the next blog post. See ya!