It can be heartbreaking to be a dog lover but not be able to be around them because of asthma, allergies, or another medical condition. Unfortunately, some estimates show that approximately 30% of people in the United States are allergic to dogs. However, there is hope. Many dogs are now bred to be hypoallergenic. This means that they are generally safe for those with allergies and also for those with asthma. So you can have the dog you’ve always dreamed of without sacrificing your health and safety. However, there are now many breeds from which to choose. Here are the seven best hypoallergenic dog breeds so that you can make an informed decision.
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Afghan Hound
Afghan hounds are a paradox. They look very serious and regal, but they love running, playing, and acting goofy. They have long, flowing fur, making you think they would be tough on those with allergies, but that is simply not the case. They are not a breed for the faint of heart, as they are very tall and need to expend a lot of energy throughout the day. If an Afghan has the right owner, though, they are wonderful dogs ready for adventure.
Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is a smaller god. They do not require as much in the way of exercise or walking as a large dog would. They are gentle and friendly and tend to enjoy the company of people and other pets. They are hypoallergenic because they do not shed. That means that they require regular grooming to keep them neat and clean. Because they are low maintenance, they are a great choice for a family with a lot going on or for apartment living.
Coton De Tulear
If you are looking for fun, you can do worse than a Coton de Tulear. They live to entertain their families. They also love to snuggle and provide comfort. They are extremely loyal, and it’s common for a Coton de Tulear to follow its favorite human around the house all day. They have long coats which require daily grooming to keep clean and free of knots. Therefore you must be prepared to put some regular work into it. However, the disposition and adorableness of a Coton de Tulear will more than makeup for it.
Poodle
The poodle might be the most well-known of all hypoallergenic dogs. They are show dogs and have very little hair in the first place. They are very friendly and love to play. In addition, they are categorized as water dogs. Their coat is water-resistant, which is nice for those rainy day walks. That said, poodles need a lot of grooming and exercise.
The look of a poodle isn’t for everyone, so you can get mixed breeds that remain hypoallergenic. Look for Corgipoo puppies for sale if you want the hypoallergenic properties of poodles mixed with the cuteness and fun of a corgi, for example.
Yorkshire Terrier
This is another small breed. Yorkshire Terriers are known for being energetic and ready to roughhouse. However, they won’t back down to a challenge and are always up for running around and having fun. They have long coats that require grooming and brushing regularly. Yorkshire terriers can live up to 15 years so that you can enjoy a long life of fun and companionship.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese water dog might be best known as the chosen pet of the Obama family when he was in the white house. It is an athletic and rugged breed that is easy to train. Their coat is made of tight curls that are hard to brush but do not shed. They are eager to please so they can be trained for almost anything. They love to play and work, so if you are up for adventure and exercise, this is a great breed for you.
Schnauzer
Schnauzers are well-known for their long beards, long whiskers, and tight coats. It is an athletic breed, and the medium-sized schnauzer is a perfect mate for playtime and adventure time. They love running and are more than willing to go on hikes with you. A schnauzer requires regular brushing. The beard and leg hair can easily get matted, which can collect dirt and other debris and require cutting to fix. This breed does have a lot of energy, so be prepared to go on long walks and play a lot of fetch.
As you can see, there are many options for dog lovers who are worried about owning a dog because of allergies or respiratory issues. A dog can fill a hole in your life that you didn’t know you had. They provide years of love, affection, and fun, and there is no reason that you can’t have one of your own to liven up your home.
