Shedding is normal for most dogs, but not all breeds shed excessively. Though many pet owners are ready to accept the dog hair spreading across their homes that often go unnoticed, many others cannot stand it.
Hence, they would prefer to keep those dog breeds that don’t shed at home. After all, dog hair can pose health hazards like allergies and become a nuisance in many other ways.
Some dog breeds have hypoallergenic coats, but no dog is fully hypoallergenic. Instead, these dog breeds produce much less dander, which is a great relief for pet owners who want to keep their homes free from dog hair.
Here is a list of some special hypoallergenic dog breeds that can be good companions for people with allergies because of low shedding.
1. American hairless terrier
American hairless terrier dog breed is highly affectionate toward its owners and has a friendly and lively companion. The dog is moderately energetic, and a daily walk is enough to keep its spirits high.
The American hairless terriers have a strong hunting instinct, but the lack of coat rules out the possibility of using it for hunting tours.
Being hairless, maintaining the dog is easy. Occasional baths help to maintain healthy skin, thus elevating their cute looks. The smaller dog breed has a high life expectancy of 14-16 years, weighing 12-16 pounds on average, and the average height is between 12-16 inches.
2. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise’s petite hypoallergenic dog breed belongs to the clan of small white dogs of the Barbichon type. A soft curly coat and a white collar make the Bichon Frise resembles poodles.
People with allergies can safely adopt these dogs at home. However, these dogs need careful grooming because despite not shedding, the coat keeps growing, and regular combing and periodical bathing help the dog maintain a neat and clean look.
First-time owners would find the dog attractive because of its playful and friendly nature. With a life expectancy of 12-15 years, the average weight of the breed is 5-7 kilograms, and the average height is 9.5-11.5 inches making them look almost like pocket dogs.
3. Afghan Hounds
Resembling Greyhounds due to their shape and body size, the Afghan Hounds are a sweet and lovable dog breed that loves to be independent. Dogs with long and silky coats need regular exercise to maintain their high energy level.
The dogs need high maintenance because despite not shedding the coat, you must brush and bathe it at least twice a week to maintain the soft, silky, and thick coat that looks luxurious.
The well-built big dog weighs between 26-34 kg, has a life expectancy of 12-14 years, and the height varies between 68 and 74 cm.
4. Bedlington terrier
The appearance and coat of the Bedlington Terriers are unique because of the narrow head and the curly coat of hard and soft hair that makes it look very much like a lamb.
The dog needs the least grooming because an occasional trim is enough. However, regular brushing is necessary to prevent mats in the coat.
The dog remains happy with daily playtime and walks. The mid-size hypoallergenic dog breed owes its name to the mining town of Bedlington and weighs 17-23 pounds. It has a life span of 11-16 years, and its average height is 15-17.5 inches.
5. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested dog breed looks quite similar to the Chihuahua because of their overall body shape and small size. The dogs have scanty hair on their tail, feet, and head, while other body parts are hairless.
Less hair makes grooming easier, and periodical baths are enough to maintain clean skin. However, the dog has highly sensitive skin that needs protection from extreme temperatures to remain healthy. In summer, using sunscreens is a must, as also protecting it with coats and sweaters in winter.
Weighing 8-12 pounds on average, the average height of the dog is 11-13 inches, and it can live for 13-18 years. The dog is amiable and mixes well with other dogs while being an affectionate family member of the pet owners.
6. Giant Schnauzer
The size of the Giant Schnauzer might seem frightening, but the genial dog is highly affectionate to the family that rears it and is especially good with children. The dog has a protective nature and loves to stay active.
The Giant Schnauzer is the largest dog breed that has the Miniature Schnauzer. It shows a close resemblance to the Standard Schnauzer. The dog has a dense and wiry coat, hard but hypoallergenic.
Regular brushing and clipping are necessary to maintain their fast-growing coat.
The average weight of the breed varies between 55-75 pounds, and it stands tall at 23.5 to 27.5 inches. It has a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
7. Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers are people-loving and highly intelligent. Regular brushing, combing, and trimming are necessary to maintain the soft, dense coat of the dog that grows long on the face.
The dog has a playful and protective nature with a high level of adaptability and goes along very well with family members and children.