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Hypoallergenic Dogs for Sale
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To every dog lover who suffers allergic reactions: here is all you need to know about hypoallergenic breeds of dogs.
Yes, you heard right. Hypoallergenic dogs are a thing, or, almost.
There are no 100% hypoallergenic dog breeds. There are, however, a variety of breeds great for dog lovers who are prone to allergies.
So if you are a dog lover but just can’t tolerate a dog’s presence, this post is for you.
Or if you have a family member who won’t stop sneezing when your dog is in the house, read on.
Maybe you have a neighbor who coughs and coughs at the sight of your dog. We’ve got news for you.
Today we’re uncovering forty-six hypoallergenic dog breeds. We’ll also discuss what causes dog allergies, how to minimize allergic reactions, breeds to avoid, and more.
What Causes Dog Allergies
Believe it or not, it’s probably not your dog’s hair that has you sneezing and coughing and all up in fits. Instead, pet dander, dog saliva, and urine are often the culprits.
Dander is flakes that collect on the surface of a dog’s skin. It will either attach to the tip of a hair or float freely wherever it wills. Think dandriff when imagining dander. It will attach itself to furniture, curtains, linen, clothing, and lots of household items.
Other allergens can also gather on a dog’s coat to irritate a person’s allergies. Tree pollen, grass pollen, or dust are some additional allergens which build up in a dog’s coat. Over time, these allergens will soon have folks coughing unless properly treated.
Once the concentration of a particular protein allergin reaches a specific point, the allergy sufferer will be set off into bouts of itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing. Where this threshold is will vary from person to person.
Some dog lovers will react quickly to even the slightest amounts of protein allergens. Others will hold out longer before being set off.
That’s why how much an individual responds to a dog will depend more on each individual rather than the dog.
For example, some folks will get along fine with a sweet little Bichon Frise while reacting horribly to the charming Labradoodle. The next person might be the complete opposite. They will get along just fine with a Labradoodle while sneezing repeatedly in a room with the Bichon Frise.
Are Hypoallergenic Dogs Allergen-free?
The short answer is, no.
No dog is completely allergen-free.
Every breed will shed hair, lose dander, and drool to some degree.
Hypoallergenic dogs are simply canines who shed less than other breeds.
“The term ‘hypoallergenic’ is a bit of a misnomer,” says Gary Richter, DVM, a former resident veterinarian at Rover.
“When people say hypoallergenic, usually they are referring to dogs that don’t shed as much as others. Less shedding means less hair and dander in the environment, which can help some people who have allergies. Whether a person has an allergic reaction to any specific dog, however, is an individual response.”
Dogs who are considered hypoallergenic typically have coats of hair as opposed to fur coats.
What’s more, canines with luxurious long coats typically have less dander.
In addition to hair coats, hair that is curly and wiry keeps dander positioned tightly between groomings, making this type of coat terrific for allergy sufferers.
And the hairless hounds? Well, there simply isn’t much place for dander to collect thus making them a dream hypoallergenic dog.
So in your search for hypoallergenic canines, look for canines sporting hair coats that are either long, wiry, or non-existent. It’s these coats that really are less likely to cause any allergic reactions.
Plus, coats made up of hair will typically grow slower than thick fur coats. As a result, they shed less and require lots of grooming sessions.
Forty-six Dogs that Don’t Shed
(okay, they shed very little.)
Fortunately, the variety when browsing low shedding dogs is vast.
There is curly-haired and wiry coats and long luxurious coats.
There’s brown and white and black and nearly every color in between.
From small Yorkshire Terriers all the way to large Irish Water Spaniels, there is a size for every dog lover.
So go ahead and take your pick from this list of forty-six hypoallergenic dogs.
(Alternatively, you can view a list of hypoallergenic dogs organized by size here.)
For your convenience, we’ve divided the following breeds into three categories: breeds with almost no dander and who have hair, breeds with minimal dander and who have hair, and breeds that have fur as opposed to hair.
Breeds with almost no dander. Have hair, not fur:
1. Poodle
From teacup all the way to full-size, Poodles are a fantastic low shedding dog. Naturally the smaller the dog, the less shedding you’ll find. Regardless call it Poodle and your allergy-fighting self will be happy. A Poodle’s curly coat is known to hold any dead hair and dander until groomed.
2. Schnauzer
You can trust the Schnauzer to shed its hair in huge clumps. This means you’ll find less hair floating around your hair and more wads that can go straight to the trashcan. Schnauzers also carry less dander, so hello itchy-eyed dog lovers. The Schnauzer is a keeper!
3. Bichon Frise
Put your hands up if you’re a fan of easy-care coats. The Bichon Frise flaunts an easy to maintain coat made up of charming curly hairs. There is little dander from the Bichon Frise and even less drooling. For a dog lover with allergies, the Bichon Frise is a dream come true.
4. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a delightful farm dog with a streak of stubborn. Cheerful, devoted, and beautiful, these Terriers originated in Ireland and enjoy when there’s a job to do. In addition, Wheaten Terriers sport a coat of soft and silky curls that require frequent grooming.
5. American Hairless Terrier
A Louisiana native, the American Hairless Terrier is smart, inquisitive, and a bundle full of energy. What’s more is they are easy to train and carry almost no dander. So cheers for fewer sneezes and no more itchy eyes.
6. Xoloitzcuintli (show-low-eats-queen-tlee)
Pronounced Show-low-eats-queen-tlee, or “Xolo” for short, the Xoloitzcuintli is a clever dog quick to personify strength and grace. Coming in three sizes, you can find the Xolo in toy, mini, and standard varieties. The Xolo has two coat types: hairless and coated. The hairless Xolo carries a tough, smooth skin. Alternatively, Xolos who have hair sport a flat coat. The hairless variety is a fantastic companion for folks suffering from dog allergies.
Breeds with minimal dander. Have hair, not fur.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Thanks to their coat being similar to human hair, Yorkshire Terriers produce few allergens. This means fewer sneezes and more little dog cuddles. Who can say no?
8. Maltese
The Maltese is donned in a stunning white coat reaching all the way to the ground. The coat is silky and straight and does not include an undercoat. This means less shedding and fewer allergies. (It also means lots of baths to keep that white coat sparkling!)
9. Basenji
A dog who cleans himself? What more could one ask? It’s true. The Basenji is a dog who likes things clean and neat and will take the time to groom himself. Plus, a Basenji’s coat is made up of short, soft hairs that shed very little.
10. Hairless Chinese Crested
True to its name, the Hairless Chinese Crested is a dog who sports almost no hair. Their coat is smooth with small tufts of hair on their head, tail, and ankles. When there is so little hair to shed, there are also few hairs to collect dander which means you won’t be sneezing anytime soon.
11. Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier first began as a fierce hunter and today remains stubborn and independent. Their coat is a wiry, weather-resistant coat prone to only minimal shedding.
12. Irish Terrier
Fearless, alert, and athletic are only a few of the words used to describe the dashing Irish Terrier. These beauts drool very little and carry a coat that is easy to groom. Not to mention their dense, wiry coat sheds only a little and keeps dander tightly trapped between groomings.
13. Irish Water Spaniel
Believe it or not, the Irish Water Spaniel has no undercoat. Nada. What they do have are beautiful curls that shed very little. They do, however, need regular brushing and occasional grooming to keep their coat clean and neat.
14. West Highland White Terrier
West Highland White Terriers share a history with the Dandie Dinmont, Skye, Scottish, and Cairn as each of these varieties together branch from the same original breed. The West Highland White Terrier first originated in Scotland with the sole purpose of hunting badger, fox, and otter and killing vermin. The breed is simultaneously smart and independent with a short, white coat.
15. Afghan Hound
Dignified and regal, the Afghan Hound is royalty personified. They don a luxuriously thick and silky coat made up of fine hairs. Their build is similar to that of a greyhound, and they are lightning fast.
16. Bolognese
A native of Italy, the Bolognese is a calm, faithful, and sweet-natured companion. Their coat is a beautiful long and fluffy texture with long, wavy locks. They love being center of attention and you’ll never find them in anything but white.
17. Giant Schnauzer
True to their name, the Giant Schnauzer is a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer. They are strong, bold, and compact. Giant Schnauzers originated in 17th century Germany and are classified as a working breed. So yes, you can expect high intelligence and extreme drive when chilling with a Giant Schnauzer. Their coat consists of a harsh, wiry outer coat perfect for folks fighting dog allergies.
18. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a dream come true for the allergen fighting dog-lover. Their coat resembles what you would imagine if you combine fine human hair with wool. It’s anywhere from wavy to curly and does not include an undercoat. Plus, a Kerry Blue Terrier’s hair is thick, soft, and blue-gray in color. As members of the working type, you can expect Kerry Blue Terriers to be athletic, muscular, and sturdy.
19. Lakeland Terrier
Bold, zesty, and curious is what you’ll find with a Lakeland Terrier. They are an intelligent dog with a love for problem-solving. The Lakeland Terrier first originated in England with the purpose of working in packs for native farmers. Their coat is a thick, bushy, wiry texture and perfect for individuals who are allergic to dogs.
20. Cairn Terrier
Say hello to a hardy, good-natured, people loving Terrier when you meet the Cairn Terrier. These dogs are active and charming and can make a home nearly anywhere. They originated in the Scottish Highlands as a working breed. Today you’ll find them sporting a double coat. Their soft undercoat is hidden by a wiry outer coat ideal for people with allergies.
21. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a miniature Greyhound through and through. They are alert, graceful, affectionate, and playful all in one. Plus, they are fond of laps although they love a good hunt for small game too.
22. Border Terrier
Agile and tough are words to describe the Border Terrier. They are a working breed with a rough double coat. Their undercoat is dense while their top coat is wiry. The Border Terrier was originally bred to hunt fox and vermin and today they are terrific family companions.
23. Brussels Griffon
Compact, loyal, and curious. The Brussels Griffon is a smart little dog with a larger than life personality. Originating in Brussels, Belgium, today’s Brussels Griffon sports a rough red coat and loves a good companion.
24. Norwich Terrier
The Norwich Terrier is curious, loyal, and fearless. They originated first as tough ratters in England and today they are affectionate charms who love their people. Norwich Terriers are among the smallest working Terriers and sport a compact, double coat. Their undercoat is soft, covered by a hard, wiry outercoat made up of straight hairs.
25. Norfolk Terrier
Hardy meets fearless in the affectionate Norfolk Terrier. These Terriers are the smallest working Terrier breed but don’t be fooled. You’ll find a whole lot of big dog characteristics in these little hard working charms. Norfolk Terriers love to catch fox and hunt vermin. They also flaunt a wiry coat of hair.
26. Welsh Terrier
Compact, sturdy and rugged, meet the Welsh Terrier. These Terriers love life and live determined. True to their name, the Welsh Terrier originated in Wales and was bred with the intent of hunting badgers, rodents, and foxes. Today they are a terrific companion for folks fighting dog allergies. They sport a coarse, wire-textured outercoat with a short, soft undercoat. You can also count on Welsh Terriers to flaunt a tan and black color pattern.
27. Australian Silky Terrier
A cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and an Australian Terrier, the Australian Silky Terrier is a delightful little designer breed. They carry a joyful demeanor and are friendly little pals. They’re active, they love to hunt small prey, and they’ll thrive when living as the center of attention. The Australian Silky Terrier is a big dog in a small package. They think big, act big, and love even bigger. Their coat is long and silky and hangs super straight. Plus, they shed very little and are a dream for persons fighting dog allergies.
28. Shichon
Imagine a teddy bear in a little dog’s body you’ve got yourself a Shichon. These friendly little charms are all cuddles with their humans. They are playful, well-mannered, and great with children. A Shichon’s coat is curly, long, soft, and silky. Not to mention, they are a dream designer dog resulting from a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu. For dog lovers fighting allergies, the Shichon is a dream come true.
29. Portuguese Water Dog
Affectionate and athletic properly describes the Portuguese Water dog. These beauts are intelligent dogs who adore time in the water. They originated as fisherman’s helpers and today they remain fond of H2o. Their coats are made of tight, low-shedding curls so hello allergy sufferers, you’ve just met your match.
30. Puli
Compact, energetic, and fond of herding, meet the Puli. They are a small-medium breed who appear extra large thanks to their handsome coat of dreads. Originating in Hungary, the Puli carries a coat made up of long, natural cords resembling that of dreadlocks.
31. Perro de Agua Espanol (Spanish Waterdog)
The Perro de Agua Espanol, or Spanish Waterdog, is an athletic beauty who loves action. Sturdy in build, they are smart and thrive under experienced dog masters. The Spanish Waterdog originated in Spain as a versatile farm dog. Today they are terrific companions for individuals suffering from pet allergies. Their coat consists of wooly curls and sheds very little.
32. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Clever, confident, and slightly stocky, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog loves a bit of action. They originated as herding dogs and today they enjoy a job to do. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are terrific companions and trusted watchdogs. Their coat comes in a variety of colors and is shaggy in appearance. Their long, dense topcoat is underlaid with a soft undercoat. What’s more, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is quick to adapt and can make his/her dwelling nearly anywhere. So for people with pet allergies, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a dream come true.
33. Mountain Cur
Beginning as an all-purpose farm dog, the Mountain Cur is a bundle of energy, intelligence, and courage all wrapped into one. They are quick to learn and know how to obey. Plus, you’ll find Mountain Curs in a variety of stunning dog colors.
34. Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers are versatile beauties who are both bold and funny. They are athletes at their core and friendly through and through. Considering the Airedale Terrier is the largest terrier breed, it’s no coincidence they’ve been dubbed “King of Terriers.” Their coat is dense and wiry, making them a fabulous match for allergy prone dog lovers.
35. Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
They are funny and lovable and strong all in one. Meet the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon. Presenting a medium build, these companions are quick to learn new things. Their coat presents a dense, wiry topcoat underlaid with a thick coat for insulation. Not to mention they are low shedding so hello, allergy sufferers!
36. Bouvier des Flandres
If you’re looking for a terrific watchdog, look no further. The Bouvier des Flandres is a strong-willed yet affectionate watchdog. They are intelligent at their core and first originated in Flanders, Belgium as versatile farm dogs. Today they are a terrific match for folks allergic to dogs.
37. Saluki
Dignified, gentle, and loyal, the Saluki is what dog dreams are made of. They are slim, rugged, and speedy. Yet they never deviate from their graceful demeanor. The Saluki has two coat types: smooth and “feathered.” Making their first debut in the Fertile Crescent, the Saluki is quick to make friends with allergy prone dog lovers.
38. Saint Bernard
Playful and charming and a lover of kids, the Saint Bernard is a winsome and gentle giant. They are smart and easy-going while quick to make new friends. The Saint Bernard first originated in the Western Alps with the purpose of rescuing travelers. As a result, today they love nearly any place that is cold. Saint Bernards are found in one of two coat types: shorthaired and longhaired. The shorthaired variety carries a dense, smooth coat. Alternatively, the longhaired coats sport a slight wave and are medium in length.
Breeds with minimal dander and have fur:
39. Havanese
Minimal dander: check. A fluffy coat that appears thick while sporting a soft wave: check. A happy and curious fur-ball: also check. The Havanese sheds very little dander and is known to carry a silky, long coat. To minimize allergic reactions, you could consider going a step further and getting your Havanese clipped on occasion to prevent hair from falling out.
40. Shih Tzu
Similar to the Yorkshire Terrier, little Shih Tzus have the same type of hair as humans. Sure, it will require frequent grooming and regular hair-brushing sessions. It also means folks will be less likely to react as the hair is similar to their own.
41. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle wears a coat with wool-like hair. This means they will likely pick up fewer outdoor allergens which makes them a perfect match for people fighting allergies. Plus, their coats are easy to maintain so it’s a win-win.
42. Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulears are sweet and clownish all wrapped into one. They carry a fluffy, cotton-like coat that is consistently white in color. Not to mention they are cuddly and hardy and love time on your lap.
43. Goldendoodle
Combining Poodle with Golden Retriever, today’s Goldendoodle is a delightful mixed breed. Goldendoodles are outgoing, smart, and quick to adapt. Plus they are friendly and great with children. When meeting a Goldendoodle, it’s likely you’ll encounter one of three coat types: wavy and shaggy, curly, or straight. So hello allergy sufferer, you can pick whichever coat is best for you.
44. Affenpinscher
Wiry-haired and Terrier like, the Affenpinscher is an intelligent companion first originating in Germany. The name Affenpinscher literally means “monkey-like terrier” and they are just that. They are vocal, compact, tough and agile. In the past, Affenpinschers primary purpose was to keep rodents at bay from kitchens, granaries, and stables. Today Affenpinschers are a charming furry companion.
45. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is intelligent and energetic and always loves being center of attention. They have a keen sense of smell and make fabulous companion dogs. A Bedlington’s coat is crisp and curly to the touch while presenting a mixture of soft and harsh textures. Give the hair time to grow and you’ll soon find your Bedlington sporting lovely dog curls.
46. Yorkshire Terrier
Thanks to their coat being similar to human hair, Yorkshire Terriers produce few allergens. This means fewer sneezes and more little dog cuddles. Who can say no?
How to Prevent Pet Allergies
Because pet allergies are caused by dog saliva, dander, and urine, there are steps you can take to lower your chances of having an allergic reaction. Following are tried and true tips to keep the sneezing at bay.
1. Feed high-quality dog food.
Both fish oil and omega fatty acid supplements minimize dander in a dog’s coat. As a result, be sure one or both of these supplements are on your dog food ingredient list. If you are unsure which kind to get, this All Stage Dog Food has both omega 3’s and omega 6’s to promote healthy skin and coat.
2. Bathe your dog weekly.
Bathe your fur-ball often to cut down on dander. Also never bathe your dog inside your home. Instead, visit a dog salon or set up a bath station outdoors to get your Fido clean and sparkling.
3. Ask your groomer to bathe your dog.
That’s right. Get someone else to bathe your dog. This way you are not exposed to all the dander as it is being removed from your dog’s coat.
4. Wash dog bedding weekly.
Wash the pillow, sheets, cushions, whatever it is your dog likes to sleep with. Give it all a weekly washing to keep the dander from building up.
5. Keep your dog out of the bedroom.
Regardless of how fun those bedtime snuggles and cuddles are, never sleep together with your pet. And don’t stop there. Consider your bedroom completely off limits for all four-legged friends. It’s important you have a dander-clean area to retreat to for the night while your body gets much needed rest.
6. Don’t be licked.
Skin meet dog saliva and viola! You’ve got yourself a recipe for allergic reactions. While licks are hard to avoid completely, let your dog know it’s not okay to drool on you.
7. Clean the doggy toys.
Every week, soak your pal’s slobbered-on toys in hot, soapy water. The cleaner the toys, the better you will feel.
8. Wash your hands after touching the dog.
It might feel a bit extra at first, but go ahead and grab some soap and water after playing with your favorite fur-ball. There’s no need for dried dog saliva and pet dander to don your hands longer than absolutely necessary.
9. Open the windows.
Open your windows as often as you dare. Whether it’s for an hour before you head to work or during the cool of the evening, get some air flowing through your home. Be intentional to bathe your home with fresh air from the outdoors and let nature do its thing in purifying your space.
10. Minimize pet dander.
Because dander is a huge factor in triggering allergic reactions, look for ways to minimize dander in your daily life. Perhaps it is vacuuming the carpets daily, or even replacing your carpet with hardwood, tile, or vinyl flooring. You can always toss in a few rugs to add a touch of coziness. If you enjoy snuggling with your fur-ball on the couch, consider switching to a leather couch that you can easily wipe clean. Spread a washable blanket across the back and ta-da, you’ve got a cozy space that is easy to clean.
11. Get clean.
Remember it’s primarily pet dander (think dry doggy skin), dog drool, and urine that trigger allergic reactions. So look around for ways you can minimize exposure to these two elements. Keep your living space clean, keep your Fido clean, and keep yourself clean. By keeping dander, drool and urine at bay, you’ll be able to enjoy more priceless memories with your fur-ball without the sneezing and coughing.
Breeds to Avoid if Allergic to Dogs
We’ve talked about breeds that are great for folks with allergies. Now let’s take a moment to look at which breeds may be extra harmful to individuals prone to allergic reactions.
- Newfoundland. They drool lots, which is never a good sign for folks with allergies.
- Bulldogs. Like the Newfoundland, Bulldogs are no stranger to saliva.
- German Shepherds. Dry skin is a common reality for many German Shepherds. As a result, you’ll often find excessive dander in a German Shepherd’s coat.
- Dachshunds. These gems are close friends with dry dandruff. So yes, that means lots of dander and flaky skin.
- Dogs that are difficult to housetrain. Dogs leaving their mark throughout the home is an absolute no-no for people who are allergic to dogs. Like saliva and dander, pet urine can also trigger allergies. If your puppy does have an accident, be sure to clean the area immediately. Wear gloves, grab a natural cleaner, and sanitize away.
Where Can I Find Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Right here at VIP Puppies. We are excited to team with breeders across the United States to provide you with a growing selection of beautiful, low shedding dogs.
So whether you’re looking for puppies for sale in Michigan, New York, Los Angeles, or somewhere in between, you can browse our current selection of hypoallergenic dogs here.
Whichever breed you choose, ask to do a ‘test-drive’ first with the breed. Spend time together with the breed and see how your body responds.
Because breeds vary in the amount of drool, dander, and hair they leave around the home, different breeds will fit you best based on your tolerance level.
So plan time together with your selected breed and check how your body responds.
We understand finding the perfect puppy can be hard. There are breed choices, multiple sizes, numerous colors and coat types, and the list of decisions goes on.
If you already have your breed picked out, let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear your breed of choice.
Otherwise, take your time as you browse current options and find a puppy that is just right for you.
Hypoallergenic Dogs for Sale
Below is our current selection of hypoallergenic dog breeds for sale.
Select a breed below to find your new best friend.
As the Editor in Chief, Anna Lengacher helps dog lovers learn the ropes of finding, raising, and caring for their dogs so they can enjoy many happy memories together.
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Anonymous
What about the Sheepadoodle? This has been a great addition to our family with no shedding until being groomed and then very little. Do you offer them?
VIP Puppies
So great that a Sheepadoodle has been great for your family. It looks like the last one listed has just been placed. Feel free to check back though as there are new listings all the time.
Here is the place to find designer breeds – http://vippuppies.com/shop/puppies-for-sale/small-dog-breed/small-mixed-breed/.