Are you someone who loves dogs as pets, but is equally conscious of your home’s cleanliness?
Well, if that’s the case, we have brought the top 10 dog breeds that are hypoallergenic. Their grooming is easier, and will contribute to keeping your home clean.
These dogs do shed, but they maintain the cleanliness of the home. While low shedding means less hair, fur, or dander, regular grooming removes dead hair. One more benefit of grooming is that you come to know if your dog’s skin is suffering from any problem, like skin flakes or any other infection.
So, if you are on the hunt to find a dog that makes you feel comfortable and is your companion, keep reading!
Dog Breeds With Almost No Shedding: Perfect for Cleanliness
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a playful, affectionate, and outgoing dog, which is called the “lion dog”. It consists of both a charming personality and minimal shedding, which makes it an adorable and perfect pet for homes.
You can also call it a perfect lap dog, because instead of digging holes in your yard or chewing furniture, they enjoy being with the owner.
Shih Tzus have a silky and long coat that grows continuously. Being a hypoallergenic breed, they do not shed a lot, but are prone to matting and tangling. And the only way to maintain the coat is through regular grooming and occasional bathing.
Furthermore, these easy-to-train dogs require positive reinforcement training along with rewards and treats. They are perfect for city dwellers and around children, too.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is an affectionate, playful, and spunky dog that is known for entertaining its owners. It is a small non-shedding dog in size, but from the heart, it is a joyful dog that fills the room with its lively personality. Yorkshire Terriers were bred to catch rodents in the textile industry. But today, they make wonderful family pets with their cheerful disposition.
Yorkshire Terriers have a hair-like, silky coat that requires extensive grooming and home care. They differentiate from other shedding dogs because they have “hair” instead of “fur”. But you can trim their coat and give them a fashionable haircut, which adds style to their appearance.
These dogs are suitable for busy people who want a dog as their companion, but cannot invest a lot of time in their grooming. With early socialization and training, you will find them the most confident and friendliest dog.
3. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a curious, playful, and affectionate dog that has a joyful personality and a fluffy coat that makes it cute and want to cuddle all day. While it is good with children and other dogs, the Bichon Frise does not mind when it is introduced to new people and enjoys making new friends.
They are highly intelligent and trainable dogs that master training tricks in less time.
It has a curly coat that is prone to minimal shedding. The curls keep the dead hair trapped which is why brushing and professional grooming is important. It helps prevent the dead hair falling on the ground, keeping the home neat.
Bichon Frises are social dogs that enjoy with new people and small children. Also, they enjoy spending time with their owners be it outdoors or indoors. You can take them to dog friendly stores if they are properly trained.
4. Maltese
Maltese, is a playful, charming and gentle dog that is considered one of the oldest breeds in the toy group. Being another hypoallergenic coat breed, Maltese makes playful and affectionate companions for owners who actually have time to invest in their grooming and maintenance.
They look like tiny show dogs that have been popular for centuries because of their glamorous appearance.
Maltese has a flat and silky white coat, that resembles human hair and requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and to keep the coat healthy. To make the grooming easier, you can give Maltese a short puppy haircut.
Another main reason for Maltese’s popularity is that are recommended for allergy sufferers who look for a dog that produce less dander. Purina writes, these dogs have dental issues. So, dry, crunchy kibble must be given to keep the teeth clean.
5. Basenji
Basenji, is an independent, smart and intelligent dog that accompanied humans in hunting. It is a graceful, agile, and quiet dog, which is why it is called “barkless dog”.
Most often you will notice, they will be referred to as cat like dogs, because of the self grooming habit, similar to cats. As they are fastidious in self cleaning, they can get mischievous, if they are not trained or socialized properly.
Basenji has a smooth, short coat and tightly curled tail. While they are self cleaning dogs and groom themselves on their own, brushing once a week is still advised. And bathing is preferred when they are extremely dirty.
For taking Basenji outdoors, owners must ensure they are in a fenced area or on leash because they have strong prey drive, that can cause panic because of their chasing habit.
6. Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo, is an affectionate, keen and undemanding dog that was bred as a water retriever. Like many other hypoallergenic dog breeds, Lagotto Romagnolo is not that common. But it stands out because they appear in Italian Art and went through a significant career change.
As the AKC mentions, numerous paintings from Renaissance Era portray this breed. And as water dogs, they were used for truffle hunting. Although, they are not excellent swimmers but without giving a thought, they are always ready to jump in the water.
Lagotto, is known for its thick and curly coat that is water resistant. And it helps them protect from chilly waters. Because their curly coat traps dirt and loose hair, they require frequent brushing to prevent matting.
This breed is best for people who enjoy training and taking their dogs out. Also, they thrive in homes that have ample outdoor space.
7. Standard Poodle
Do not confuse yourself, there are three types of Poodles. They only differ in size and grooming, but are similar in their personalities.
Standard Poodle, is active, smart and intelligent dog that was bred for hunting. No doubt, they are considered as best low shedding dog breed because, they barely shed, which is a blessing in disguise for people who are allergic but still want a loving companion. Their good nature makes them wonderful family dogs.
Poodles have a soft and curly coat that has different colors: white, red, silver and black etc. Their coat has a long growth cycle, which means regular grooming is a must. Along with professional grooming sessions, at home use a slicker brush to prevent tangles and matting.
Poodles, being athletic and intelligent, require lots of exercise and consistent training. Their energy levels are not suitable for small kids to be around them, and if they have to be, supervision is necessary.
8. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog, is an affectionate, athletic, and muscular dog that is known for its physical strength. It has worked alongside fishermen in Portugal. It is a popular hypoallergenic coat breed which is intelligent, and highly trainable.
From their name, we can say, they like swimming, it keeps them happy and healthy. The two reasons for its recognition are: athletic ability and low shedding.
The Portuguese Water Dog has a curly or wavy coat that requires regular grooming. The loose hair gets trapped in the coat, that is cleaned with brushing. Minimal shedding means less hair on the furniture and every 4-6 professional groomer appointment is recommended.
Orvis says, PWD requires lots of attention and they may be destructive if bored. Also, they can chew furniture, or other objects like their own bed. So, plenty of exercise and training is a must to keep them balanced.
9. Barbet
Barbet, is a friendly, bright and sweet natured dog, under its dense, shaggy and curly coat, you will struggle to find its eyes. This dog has a hairy chin and belonging to the hypoallergenic group, they love to swim.
Known for its versatility, apart from hunting, these dogs are often seen as therapy dogs and rescue dogs as well. Their coat also serves a purpose, it protects them from harsh weather and cold water. Although, they enjoy swimming, you can keep them busy at: nose work, dock diving, and flying disc games.
Barbet has a wooly and curly coat that requires consistent management. One day off means, a lot of time spending in their brushing and maintenance. Use a slicker or pin brush for easier brushing and to remove tangles, especially around ears and under legs.
Barbet responds well to training sessions when it is offered treats. If you want a well mannered and confident Barbet, the training sessions must be fun and owners must also spend time with them.
10. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, is a friendly, happy and deeply devoted dog. Through out their life, they maintain their energy levels and is considered a healthy breed, that has originated from Ireland. History defines them as farm dogs, while today they are defined as outgoing and loyal companions.
Being an intelligent breed, they thrive on training, socialization, and mental stimulation. They have the habit of barking when they see new people coming to the house.
They have a beautiful silky coat that requires extensive coat care. Also, these dogs are prone to various health problems, so having pet insurance is important for owners. Problems like: renal dysplasia, PLE, PLN, and hypothyroidism are common in them.
Before bringing this breed home, ensure that you have enough time to invest in their grooming, training and exercise. Also, professional groomer appointment are a must.
Conclusion
Keeping up with hypoallergenic breeds is not difficult. It just requires extra care, allergy free environment and to reduce dander, keeping up with their grooming requirements are a must. Furthermore, these dogs thrive when they are taken care off properly.
So, apart from grooming and training, if you want your dog to get along nicely, learn how to socialize them. And if you see even after grooming, there are any allergic reactions, contact the doctor immediately.
