5 Dog Breeds That Don't Cause Allergies

Some people are allergic to dog dandruff, hair, or saliva. Therefore, if they want to have a pet, they'll have to choose from certain breeds.
5 Dog Breeds That Don't Cause Allergies

Last update: 25 November, 2018

For some people, having a pet means with sneezing, and having teary eyes and red noses. If that’s your case, you can read this article to find out about 5 dog breeds that don’t cause allergies or don’t shed very much, which reduces allergic reactions in humans.

Am I allergic to dogs?

Before you find out which dogs don’t cause allergies, it’s a good idea to identify the most common symptoms or allergic reactions. The consequences of being close to a pet range from typical sneezing to headaches, itchy throats, teary eyes, or even rashes. It all depends on how your immune system reacts.

It’s worth noting that being allergic to dogs means your body can’t handle the hair, saliva, or dandruff of these animals. All those things can contain allergens, especially the last one, which is spread around when dogs scratch themselves or plays.

Dog breeds that don’t cause allergies

There has been some controversy about this because some have said that in reality there aren’t any dog breeds that don’t cause allergies. However, because of their fur type, or because they don’t shed that much, some dog breeds significantly reduce allergic reactions in people.

If you want to adopt a pet, but have an allergic reaction every time you’re near a dog, you might want to choose one of these breeds:

1. Yorkshire Terrier

This small dog from Britain (in the picture above) has been chosen as one of the best “hypoallergenic dogs” because they don’t shed. You just have to be careful when you’re combing them because their hair will snap and fall out. However, avoiding sneezing is as easy as opening the windows or brushing your dog outdoors.

The Yorkshire Terrier also has the same pH as some people’s skin, and that also prevents your immune system from reacting when you go near one.

2. Basenji

This dog has many traits that are worth highlighting. To begin with, this African breed doesn’t bark. Instead these dogs communicate by emitting a sound similar to yodeling.

dog breeds that don't cause allergies

Due to this breed having short hair– which is usually black, brown, or striped, these dogs almost never shed while scratching or moving around in the bed. Plus, the Basenji doesn’t smell bad, and due to the fact they don’t like water, they groom themselves as cats do.

3. Bichon Maltese

Believe it or not, this breed with fine, long hair is another dog that doesn’t cause allergies because they don’t shed. However, they do require grooming on a daily basis. It’s a perfect pet that, despite their small size, they are excellent guard dogs.

dog breeds that don't cause allergies

4. Spanish Water Dog

This beautiful medium-sized shaggy dog is originally from Andalusia and was used as a sheepdog, hunting, and to go on boats. Today, he’s a favorite pet in Spanish and European households. 

dog breeds that don't cause allergies

The Spanish water dog doesn’t shed, and their fur is designed to get wet, just like their name suggests. Therefore, they don’t produce that typical “wet dog” smell that occurs when dogs go out the house on rainy days.

5. Italian Greyhound

Another one of the dog breeds that don’t cause allergies is the smallest dog in the hound family. These dogs seem to originate back more than 2,000 years. These dogs have very short, simple fur, and people who have allergies often choose this breed. 

dog breeds that don't cause allergies

The Italian Greyhound is very active, and they have an athletic body that allows them to run at high speeds (up t 40 km/h.) In regard to their personality, they are cheerful dogs that are dependent on their owner, shy around strangers, intelligent, and sensitive.

Other dogs that don’t cause allergies because they don’t shed are the Airedale Terrier, Wire Haired Fox Terrier, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Crested Chinese Dog, Samoyed, and West Highland White Terrier.


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  • Morales Suárez-Varela, M. M., Jiménez-López, M. C., Llopis-González, A., & García-Marcos, L. (2005). Estudio de la presencia de animales domésticos: gatos y perros, y su papel en el asma, la rinitis alérgica y la dermatitis atópica en niños. Atención Primaria. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0212-6567(05)70557-6


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.