Are you a dog lover with allergies? The joy of having a dog should be accessible to everyone, even those with allergies. While allergy medications and self-administered shots can provide relief, they aren't always necessary if you choose the right hypoallergenic dog breed for your family. Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. In this article, we'll introduce you to the top 5 popular hypoallergenic dog breeds, making it easier for you to enjoy the companionship of a furry friend.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers have a coat that more resembles human hair than dog fur. This is why Yorkshire Terriers need daily grooming just like humans. As a result, this breed of dog doesn't shed as much as other breeds, which make them a suitable breed for those who are allergic to dogs. Another factor is that the lack of excess shedding means less pet dander, which is a common allergen that sensitive individuals react to.
Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is another hypoallergenic dog breed. These adorable dogs not only bring a lot of joy to their owners, but they don't incite allergic reactions like other dog breeds. Bison Frise have hair instead of typical dog fur. For this reason, they need frequent hair cuts, since hair grows continuously. With the lack of shedding, this breed of dog is ideal for sensitive individuals. Another great aspect as far as allergies are concerned, is that Bichon Frise have a curly and dense coat, which helps to trap and hold dander close to their bodies. This characteristic is beneficial for people with allergies, as it limits the distribution of allergens in the air.
Maltese
Looking at a Maltese, with its beautiful, flowing white coat, you might think that this dog breed are little walking allergens. However, like other hypoallergenic dog breeds, Maltese have hair instead of fur. This both reduces the amount of shedding in the home, and the amount of dander that's released into their living environment. If you like the idea of adopting a Maltese into your family, you should know that regular grooming and maintenance of a Maltese's coat can further reduce allergens. Regular brushing and bathing removes loose hair and dander from the coat, minimizing the amount of allergens even more.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus originated in Tibet, where they were--and still are--beloved as loyal canine companions. In the past, they were even considered sacred, and they are still highly regarded in Tibetan culture. Shih Tzus were primarily bred and kept by Tibetan monks in Buddhist monasteries.They're very popular today in the U.S. and abroad, because they are considered a hypoallergenic breed. This breed also has hair rather than fur, which means they have less dander, a common allergen. They also have a double coat that consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, flowing topcoat. The undercoat acts like insulation, providing warmth when needed, while the topcoat provides protection. The combination of a double coat with hair rather than fur means less shedding and reduced allergen production.
Havanese
Havanese are another hypoallergenic dog breed to consider if you or a family member are allergic to dogs. Havanese dogs have a rich history that traces back to Cuba. They are considered the national dog of Cuba and have been cherished as beloved companions for centuries. They are named for Havana, the capital of Cuba, and in history they were so popular among the aristocracy of the country that they took on a kind of royalty status themselves. Today, Havanese are popular with those who have dog allergies because this breed has hair and not fur. Like other hypoallergenic dog breeds, this means that Havanese dog owners have much less shedding to clean up, and little to no allergens to worry about.
Why do Hypoallergenic Dogs Have Hair and Not Fur?
By now you might be curious as to how it's possible that a dog could have hair instead of fur. When experts refer to a dog having hair, what they really mean is that the dog's coat more closely resembles human hair than a typical dog's fur. It has common characteristics, including continuous growth, less thickness and less shedding.
Of course, just because a particular dog breed is hypoallergenic doesn't mean the dog itself can't experience allergy symptoms. A great way to keep your dog allergen-free is to be more thoughtful about the foods and snacks they ingest. Jiminy's offers an ever-growing range of healthy, nutrient-rich and allergen-free dog food and dog snacks.