Humans have selectively bred hypoallergenic dogs to reduce/eliminate the allergens that can cause allergic reactions. There are many different breeds to choose from when looking for a hypoallergenic dog to add to the family. However, not all dog breeds are built the same. Overall, particular ones are better suited for the vast majority of owners.
Temperament
The typical dog owner likely desires a friendly, outgoing dog with an easy-going personality. One such dog breed is the Bichon Frise. This friendly little dog comes only in white and does not shed. That said, they require quite regular grooming to maintain a healthy, clean, and vibrant coat.
Naturally, these curly-haired cuties tend to be quite loving and friendly, especially with proficient training. On the other hand, there can be a few factors that may negatively affect this. Some factors, such as genetic predispositions, can’t be changed. Behavioral issues such as separation anxiety or leash aggression are difficult to manage once a pet has developed them, but fear not, proper training and socialization can help mitigate risks.
Another, even smaller, hypoallergenic dog with a good temperament is a Maltese. These dogs tend to be seven pounds or less and are extremely affectionate dogs that mesh well with adults and kids. Maltese tend to come in white or some variation of white with a beautiful coat (if well-maintained). Some things to keep in mind if you would like to add this breed to your home are that they are prone to developing behavioral issues such as separation anxiety and territorial issues that can lead to excessive barking and/or destructive behaviors. As with Bichons, early training may help prevent/reduce the chances of these problems developing.
Hypoallergenic Dogs For a Job
Not everyone is looking for an extremely affectionate dog, and instead requires a breed that is willing and able to perform a job, but still must be hypoallergenic. One such breed is the eye-catching Afghan Hound. These medium-to-large-sized dogs were originally bred to hunt down large animals fearlessly. Because of this, they thrive when given an energy-intensive job and may even cause issues when they aren’t given enough exercise. As they were bred to be extremely sure of themselves, they tend to be independent and may be more difficult to train than other dog breeds.
One specific breed that is a nice mix of sociable and driven is the Standard Poodle. A commonly known fact is that they were originally bred as hunting dogs, and they still maintain the required intelligence today. This fact makes Poodles easier to train for a variety of jobs, such as hunting, service animals, and police/military dogs. In addition to their situational awareness, they are also extremely emotionally intelligent and are frequently used as therapy dogs. Not only does this provide comfort to people in need, but it also gives satisfaction to the animal’s natural drive to perform a job.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many options for low-shedding/hypoallergenic dogs. Many of which were unable to make this abbreviated list. While it may seem like there are an impossible number of options to choose from, the most important thing to consider when looking to add a dog to your family is how well it would mesh with your wants/needs. For instance, if you are looking for a low-energy breed, something like an Afghan Hound would not be the best fit, but a Bichon Frise might be. In addition, ensure you are responsibly sourcing your dogs to ensure humane upbringings, no inheritable genetic disorders, and a reliable lineage with a proven temperament history.
