If you’ve ever had a skin rash, you know how nerve-wrecking it can get. Skin allergies aren’t just a pain humans have to put up with; our furry friends can also experience rashes on their skin. Whether the reason is genetically sensitive skin or allergic reactions, rashes can drive your pet crazy.
While all dogs can suffer from some level of health issues due to individual health and environmental reasons, some dog breeds are less likely to catch certain diseases. Most pet parents want low-maintenance, resilient pups, owing to the busy lifestyles these days.
If you want to adopt a pet less likely to catch skin allergies and suffer from rashes, we’ve created this guide just for you.
Dog Breeds Least Prone to Skin Rashes
1. Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniels are, according to the American Kennel Club, one of the “champion swimmers of dogdom”. Made for the waters, their coat supremacy is unquestionable for its ability to protect their skin. Their thick and water-resistant coats are curly and hypoallergenic.
Irish Water Spaniels are huge dogs (21-24 inches and 55-65 pounds) with a colossal personality. They’re hardworking pets with an unwavering resilience, though they are affectionate and loving to their owners. Their fur doesn’t shed much, keeping their skin guarded against allergens.
Their dense locks have an interesting ability to trap pet dander instead of releasing it into the environment. This gives you an opportunity to neutralize the threat with the timely brushing of their curly coat and occasional baths. Trimming their coat every two months will keep them looking all charming.
2. Poodle
Poodles are one of the top breeds we think of when someone mentions “hypoallergenic dogs”. These furballs aren’t just adorable pets that melt our hearts; their low-shedding coats also make them great companions for allergy sufferers. Their thick double coats keep their skin protected against pet allergies.
This hypoallergenic dog breed is loved for their spunky nature and calm demeanor. They’re one of the most popular pets that get along really well with children and other dogs. Their dense, curly coats need regular grooming unless they’ve been clipped short.
Brushing and shampooing reduce the chances of matting and knotting of their locks. Poodles are fabulous at swimming, and their coats are designed to keep them preppy in water, too.
These adorable canines have been crossbred to create many mixed-breed dogs.
3. Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo is an adorable water dog hailing from the Romagna region of Italy. These dogs make awesome pets for people with allergies due to their curly, shedding-free, thick coats. Dog lovers who are into swimming can find amazing canine companions in water-friendly Lagotto Romagnolos.
Non-hypoallergenic dogs and hairless dogs can be more prone to skin rashes. Lagotto’s coats consist of hair that never stops growing (just like human hair) and provide all-year-round protection to their skin.
These large dogs produce less dander than most dogs with high-shedding coats. Their thick coats trap the dust, helping maintain an allergen-free environment. Regular grooming is still important, and visits to a professional groomer to trim their long hair better should not be skipped.
4. Basenji
Basenjis are affectionate and energetic dogs that thrive with owners who can give them a lot of attention. They are barkless dogs, but not completely non-vocal. American Kennel Club (AKC) describes their sounds as “something between a chortle and a yodel.”
Basenjis have a smooth, short coat, but what keeps skin rashes at bay is their self-grooming habit. Kind of like cats, these dogs clean themselves with their tongues to remove any dirt, reducing the possibility of allergies.
Due to their minimal maintenance needs, you’ll need to spend less time grooming and bathing. How about some playtime and mental stimulation games instead? They’re going to love it.
Basenjis were originally bred as hunting dogs and still possess an active and alert nature. So they’re not only a great breed for people with less time for grooming, but Basenjis also make great partners for owners who love outdoor activities.
5. Afghan Hound
With luxurious hair and big personalities, Afghan Hounds can steal all the limelight wherever they go. Affies were bred by the Bedouins to hunt small game in the rugged Afghan Mountains. They were promoted to war dogs later due to their resilience and strength.
The most unforgettable thing about an Affie is this dog’s coat that falls down their bodies like a waterfall of silk. Don’t blame us for getting poetic before you actually see this canine that’s earned its place in art and literature as well.
Their long, silky hair makes them a great dog breed for people with allergies, as they produce fewer allergens. Keeping their long coat tangle-free with regular grooming helps them maintain their dazzling looks and minimizes pet dander.
While they make great family pets and an absolute feast for the eyes, Affies are high-energy dogs with a prey drive. PetMD suggests not letting them free in an unfenced area.
6. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are gentle, loyal, and agile canines with beautiful, short, and smooth coats. They are prone to barking and get alert pretty soon, so get comfortable with a noiser home if you want to adopt an Italian Greyhound.
They have sleek and fine coats that don’t shed much and need a little grooming. Thanks to their short coats, they don’t produce excess dander and will stay mostly rash-free. Though they’re a healthy breed, they can be sensitive to heat, so if you live in a warm climate, keep them indoors during the hotter months.
Despite being fast runners, Iggies love being couch potatoes and will happily stay inside with you, cozying up on the sofa.
7. Border Terrier
Border Terriers are small, hypoallergenic dogs with a short and wiry, rough coat. They make charming and fun-loving family pets that love attention and spending time with their humans.
While they’re prone to some genetic diseases (like hip dysplasia), their coarse coats reduce their chances of getting skin rashes and help prevent pet allergies.
These eager-to-please pups are a joy to be around due to their quirky nature. Their prey drive urges them to chase small game like rabbits; pet owners will need to watch them when they’re off-leash.
They are quite the escape artists and will try to run away when they get a chance, and they run fast for small dogs.
Conclusion
While these dogs stay rash-free if taken good care of, sometimes environmental factors and a dog’s individual health can make them rash-prone. If you’re dog is exhibiting the signs of a skin rash, don’t panic, and book an appointment with your local vet to get them checked.
Some other hypoallergenic dogs with resilience against skin rashes are soft-coated wheaten terrier, Chinese crested dogs, West Highland terrier, Portuguese water dog, and Shih Tzu.
