Struggling with allergies? Consider a non-shedding dog breed

Non-shedding dogs are an ideal choice if you or a family member struggle with allergies.

Although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, non-shedding dogs produce less dander, which is the real culprit in causing pet allergies for humans.

If you genuinely need a hypoallergenic pet, you need to think about one with no hair like a snake or lizard. But all animals with hair or fur shed it. The average human, for example, loses 60 to 100 hairs per day.

Top non-shedding dogs

VetStreet.com polled 249 veterinary professionals (veterinarians, vet techs, and office managers) to put together a list of the top 10 dogs that shed the least.

As you might expect, the VetStreet list included dogs with little hair (Chinese Crested), tight curly hair (Airedale Terrier and Poodle). Surprisingly some of the dogs on the list have a lot of long hair that you’d typically think might be more likely to shed (Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier). 

Their list:

• Cairn Terrier
• Airedale Terrier
• Dachshund
• Boston Terrier
• Chihuahua
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Chinese Crested
• Bichon Frisé
• Poodle

Most of the dogs on the VetStreet list are small dogs or lap dogs. 

Other popular low-shedding, hypoallergenic breeds include the Cockapoo, the Cavapoo, the Brussels Griffon, the Lhasa Apso, the Giant Schnauzer, Portuguese water dogs, Bedlington terriers, Irish water spaniels, the Shih Tzu, Kerry blue terrier, or any of the doodle dog breeds. The dogs were originally bred to help people with allergies and are popular with dog owners for their small size and silky coats. They typically are easy to train.

What defines non-shedding dogs?

Non-shedding dogs lose less hair because they have a longer hair growth cycle. Less loose hair means less dander, which means fewer irritations for allergy sufferers.

And, don’t make the mistake of thinking having non-shedding dogs eliminates the need for grooming. Most of these dogs require daily brushing and the help of a professional groomer.

All dogs shed some hair, but some lose a lot more than others. That’s why non-shedding dogs, who lose much less to practically no hair, can be a boon for people who struggle with allergies or who hate having to clean up dog hair.

Considering hypoallergenic dogs and want to know more?

The talented crew at Gehrgich & Co. put together this helpful graphic listing dogs that don’t shed, many of which fall into the toy dog category.

Sara B. Hansen has spent 20-plus years as a professional editor and writer. She’s also the author of The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels. She decided to create her dream job by launching DogsBestLife.com in 2011. Sara grew up with family dogs, and since she bought her first house, she’s had a furry companion or two to help make it a home. She shares her heart and home with Nutmeg, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her previous dogs: Sydney (September 2008-April 2020), Finley (November 1993-January 2008), and Browning (May 1993-November 2007). You can reach Sara @ editor@dogsbestlife.com.

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