Hypo Allergenic Dog Breeds

The word hypo-allergenic was for the first time used by cosmetic manufacturers. With time, the dog breeders came to the conclusion that the phrase ‘ hypo-allergenic’ was the most suitable description for describing the none shedding and hairless breeds that the people with allergies could live with. Thus, we can say that hypo-allergenic dog breeds are those specific dog breeds which are most suitable for allergy prone people. But now the question arises that do such dog breeds really exist which the people with allergies can live with?

Of course, that’s true. I can claim so because I have a cousin who suffers from asthma. She had serious problems with animals but yet she was fond of them all. This led to serious trouble while she was small. She would cry demanding for a little puppy but for quite a long time, every time a puppy was brought for her she’d have her asthma attack. However, finally a poodle was brought for her and no such problem was encountered. Similarly, you might have come across many such living examples.

However, we can not under any circumstances claim that hypoallergenic breed is completely free of allergens. In fact, all dogs produce allergens. However, a hypoallergenic breed produces less allergen than the other breeds. Thus, we can say that it is actually the degree of intensity of allergen production which makes a dog hypoallergenic. Breeds known to produce less allergen as compared to the other breeds are termed as hypoallergenic.

ALLERGEN PRODUCTION
Allergen is produced on the dog’s coat. However, more than that it is secreted in proteins found in the dander and saliva of the dog. This varies from breed to breed. The various factors which may contribute to allergen production are as follows:

Effect of size
Size is an important factor which may be used to determine hypoallergenicity. Smaller dogs will leave less environmental pollutants containing dog dander and god allergens and hence are considered hypoallergenic. This is due to the fact that there is less total body surface to produce allergens in small breeds. However, since all dogs produce saliva, there can be no complete escape from the allergenic proteins.

Hair
In reality, even hairless breeds have little dander. However, a breed that sheds less produces less dander and hence it is not likely for a small shedding breed to produce allergy for their owner. However, the large breeds that have access to outdoor environment may shed off pollution which may lead to allergy

Barking Effect
During barking the saliva and dander are produced due to which we can say that excessive barking may contribute to high levels of allergen dispersals.

In order to ensure perfect health as well as a lifetime companion, we advise allergy sufferers to do their own research and talk to breeders. Below is a list of hypoallergenic breeds which we hope shall be helpful in your search. Wish you a good happy bonding.

Click on the Breed Name for detailed article on the breed with health care information for each breed.

Non-Shedding Dog Breeds
Affenpinscher
Airedale Terrier
Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Bolognese
Coton de Tulear
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Havanese
Irish Water Spaniel
Maltese
Poodle, all sizes
Polish Lowland
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Silky Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Tibetan terrier
Welsh Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

Hairless Dog Breeds
Chinese Crested
Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

Short haired, Single Coated Dog Breeds, with minimal shedding 
Basenji
Greyhound
Italian Greyhound
Kerry Blue Terrier
Schnauzer, all sizes

Long haired Dog Breeds, with minimal shedding 
Bouvier des Flandres
Shih Tzu

Long haired shedding dog breeds with minimal dander 
Pomeranian
Samoyed