Having dogs can be so much fun, but if you’re worried about allergies, hypoallergenic dogs are worth looking into! There are many dog breeds out there and certain ones are better with kids. An even more select number of breeds also happen to be hypoallergenic.
The term “hypoallergenic” can apply to pets as well as products. What it generally means is that it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, according to Healthline, just because something is “hypoallergenic” does not guarantee there won’t be an allergic reaction. In terms of pets, people can be allergic to the dander in dog hair, as well as their saliva. So it’s always a good idea to take your child to see a doctor who can test for allergies before deciding that you want to invest in a dog (via everydayhealth.com).
Key Points of the Benefits of Owning a Hypoallergenic Dog
While we love all of our furry friends, there are some advantages to having a hypoallergenic dog:
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- Less cleaning due to reduced shedding
- Diminished or decreased allergic reaction
- Your clothes will stay hair-free — for the most part
- There are a variety of breeds to choose from
What Are the Pros of Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Hypoallergenic dogs can be a good fit for a family because they shed and drool less. This means there's less of a chance of an allergic reaction and also less of a mess! So, if you find a breed that also gets along well with your child, allergy medication can help with any small reactions and you get a furry friend as a result!
There are a lot of positives to bringing a dog into your household. Kevin Barton, MD, of ChildrensMD.org, advocates for some of the major reasons that having a dog in a household with kids is beneficial. First of all, dog ownership teaches responsibility and patience. Secondly, the presence of a dog can help to socialize a child and build connections of empathy and compassion. Keep on reading for information on what hypoallergenic breeds will be the best new addition to your family!
Small Dog Breeds
1. Bichon Frise — This small, poodle-like dog is typically white and weighs between 13-24 pounds. They are friendly, gentle, and affectionate.
2. Miniature Schnauzer — Like their name, these small schnauzers are of German descent. With their signature mustache, they are intelligent and obedient as well as sweet.
3. Maltese — Hailing from Italy, these small white dogs are related to the Bichon Frise breed and are well-known for their gentle personalities.
4. Havanese — Another cousin to the Bichon Frise, Havanese grow into their raggedy coats of brown and white and are affectionate, playful, and companionable.
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5. Shih Tzu — These long-coated yet very small dogs weigh between 9-16 pounds and are known as a sweet, outgoing, and incredibly playful hypoallergenic breed.
6. Lhasa Apso — A cousin to the Shih Tzu, these long-haired dogs clock in at between 11-18 pounds and can live anywhere from 12-15 years.
7. Basenji — This breed of hunting dog originates from Central Africa and while they are alert and curious, they are also known for being gentle, quiet, and confident dogs to include in your home.
- The must-have convenient reference guide for every home cook!
- Includes more than 8,000 substitutions for ingredients, cookware, and techniques.
- Save time and money on by avoiding trips to grab that "missing" ingredient you don't really need.
8. Chinese Crested — This breed of hairless dog comes in three varieties: hairless, powderpuff, and hairy hairless. The most they will weigh is about 12 pounds, and they are known for their gentle manners and affectionate temperament with humans.
9. Cavapoo — These mixed dogs are also known as Cavadoodle and Cavoodle and are highly recommended as pack dogs that are great for larger families. They adore attention and are pretty cute to boot (via dogtime.com).
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Terrier Dog Breeds
10. West Highland White Terrier — This Scottish breed is described as adventurous, friendly, and alert. They usually grow between 13-22 pounds.
11. Scottish Terrier — Also known as the “Scottie,” these dogs grow between 18-22 pounds and are famous for their narrow face, thick-mustached snouts, and playful personalities.
12. Cairn Terrier — A cousin to the West Highland White Terrier and the Scottie, Cairn Terriers are slightly smaller with a very active and friendly personality type. This breed is famous for its movie star icon, Toto from The Wizard of Oz!
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Larger Dogs
13. Portuguese Water Dog — These fluffy black-and-white dogs weigh around 60 pounds at their largest. They are obedient, friendly, and brave.
14. Labradoodle — Described as very loving, this mixed breed is a great option. They grow between 50 to 75 pounds and enjoy lots of activity and attention (via dailypaws.com).
15. Irish Water Spaniel — This long-haired dog looks very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog but with a curlier, longer coat and usually more brown coloration. They are an inquisitive and active breed known for very little shedding.
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16. Xloloitzcuintli — Pronounced shoh-loh-eats-QUEENT-ly, this breed is also known as the “Mexican hairless dog,” and can weigh up to 55 pounds. They come in small, medium, and large depending on the variety and some of them do come with fur while others are completely hairless. They are described as protective, calm, and companionable as well as very gentle dogs (via American Kennel Club).
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/FamVeld.
- The must-have convenient reference guide for every home cook!
- Includes more than 8,000 substitutions for ingredients, cookware, and techniques.
- Save time and money on by avoiding trips to grab that "missing" ingredient you don't really need.