Your Guide To Hypoallergenic Puppies

While dogs are known to be man’s best friend, people who suffer from dog allergies might not have the same sentiment. Between 15-30% of Americans are allergic to pets. A majority of those people are allergic to cats instead of dogs, but there’s still a sizeable collection of people who react negatively when they’re around dogs.

For many people with pet allergies, the recourse for staying healthy is to avoid pets. This mandate typically prevents people with dog allergies from owning a dog. However, we have some good news for those of you who want to have a dog but are allergic. Particular dog breeds are hypoallergenic, which means that people with dog allergies will experience greatly decreased symptoms around dogs of those breeds. In some cases, the allergic won’t suffer any symptoms at all.

Below is a list of dog breeds that are hypoallergenic.

Breeds of Hypoallergenic Puppies

Bedlington Terrier

Many people make the mistake that longer-haired dogs will be worse for their allergies than shorter-haired dogs, but the Bedlington Terrier is one of several hypoallergenic pups sporting long hair.

For people with dog allergies, what causes their allergic reactions is not the dog’s hair. It’s actually the dog’s dander, saliva, skin, or other proteins. Allergens, especially dander, gets trapped on a dog’s fur and then transferred to the carpet or furniture, and eventually into the nose of an allergic person.

Bedlington terriers have curly, wooly, sheep-like coats and weigh between 17-23 pounds.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise pups are delightful little balls of fur. On top of looking outright adorable, Bichon Frises are playful and happy dogs. They shed very infrequently, which contributes to why they play well with people with dog allergies.

Bichon Frises weigh between 10-18 pounds.

Chinese Crested

This smaller-sized pup has a very distinct look. They’re largely hairless, save for a long tail, furry feet, and a radical hairdo. They’re very friendly and lively dogs.

Chinese Crested dogs grow between 11-13 pounds.

Coton De Tulear

Coton De Tulear are very elegant looking pups that make for a great companion for a person with dog allergies. They’re so elegant looking, that they’re considered the royal dog of Madagascar. They have long white coats and very expressive personalities.

Coton De Tulears grow between 9-15 pounds.

Irish Water Spaniel

One of the bigger dogs on this list of hypoallergenic pups, the Irish Water Spaniels have a unique water proof coat of curly dark fur. Their name may act as a spoiler, but Irish Water Spaniels are very adept swimmers and are known for their athletic prowess.

Irish Water Spaniels grow between 55-68 pounds.

Kerry Blue Terrier

It’s hard to find a breed of dog that reps a cooler beard than a Kerry Blue Terrier. With a beautiful, soft coat of black fur and facial fur that resembles a 18th-century beard, this hypoallergenic pup is a playful and loving dog who is smart and alert.

Kerry Blue Terriers grow between 33-40 pounds.

Maltese

One of the smaller pups on our list, this little pups have silky fur that plays well with people with allergies. These dogs are gentle and playful and make for the perfect lap dog.

Malteses grow between 6-8 pounds.

Poodle

Did you know that there are three different types of poodles? Toy, miniature, and standard, each one a different size. Poodles are very active dogs and do great with people that have allergies.

Toy Poodles grow between 4-6 pounds; Miniature Poodles grow between 10-15 pounds; and Standard Poodles 40-50

Portuguese Water Dog

You may have thought that the reason the Obama family selected a Portuguese Water Dog to be the First Dog was because of their soft fur and affectionate personalities, but actually it was because they’re hypoallergenic. Malia Obama, President Obama’s daughter, suffers from pet allergies, which made Bo the perfect dog to occupy the White House.

Portuguese Water Dogs grow between 42-60 pounds.

Schnauzers

Similar to their fellow hypoallergenic pals the Poodle, Schnauzers come in three sizes—miniature, standard, or giant. Schnauzers come in a few different colors and have distinct beards that pairs well with their intelligent personalities.

Miniature Schnauzers grow between 12-18 pounds; Standard Schnauzers grow between 35-50 pounds; Giant Schnauzers grow between 60-85 pounds.

Pet Insurance for Your Hypoallergenic Puppy

If you have dog allergies, getting a hypoallergenic puppy is a great way to enjoy the experience of owning a dog, while keeping your allergic reactions at a minimum. To keep your puppy healthy, consider getting them pet insurance. Having a puppy can get expensive. Vaccinations, spaying and neutering, and check ups, the prices can add up in a hurry. Learn how having pet insurance can take the financial stress out of taking your puppy to the vet.