Being allergic to dogs and wanting to have one is one of those contradictions that millions of people live with every day. The good news is that there are breeds which, because of their genetic characteristics, produce smaller amounts of the allergens that usually trigger reactions. These are the so-called hypoallergenic breeds.
But what is the truth behind that term? Is there really a dog that doesn't cause allergies? Which are the best candidates if you are allergic? This article answers all of these questions rigorously.
What is a hypoallergenic dog?
A hypoallergenic dog is one that, by its nature, produces or releases fewer allergens into the environment than average. This doesn't mean dogs that produce no allergens (all dogs produce them), but breeds that spread them to a lesser extent.
The main canine allergen is not the hair itself, but a protein called Can f 1, found in saliva, urine and the sebaceous glands. This protein sticks to dead hair (skin cells or dander) and spreads through the environment when the dog sheds or shakes itself.
That is why breeds that shed less, that have curly hair (which holds on to dander instead of spreading it) or that produce less active saliva are the ones considered hypoallergenic.
The best hypoallergenic dogs
1. Poodle
The Poodle is probably the best-known hypoallergenic breed. Its dense, curly coat barely sheds, which significantly reduces the spread of allergens. They come in four sizes (toy, miniature, medium and standard), which makes them suitable for different types of home. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train.
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has a soft, curly coat that practically doesn't shed. Its small size makes it ideal for living in flats. It is a cheerful, affectionate dog and very well suited to families with children or older people.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier has hair similar to human hair: straight, long and with very little shedding. Although it produces allergens like all dogs, its hair doesn't spread as much around the surroundings. It is a small, active dog with plenty of personality.
4. Schnauzer
The Schnauzer (miniature, standard or giant) has a hard, dense coat that sheds very little. It is a versatile breed, very loyal and in good general health. Its variable size makes it suitable for both flats and houses with a garden.
5. Maltese
The Maltese has a long, silky coat that doesn't shed seasonally like other breeds. It is small, affectionate and very well suited to people looking for a calm companion in small spaces.
6. Basenji
The Basenji is a short-haired African breed that hardly produces any odour and sheds very little. It is active, independent and has a curious trait: it doesn't bark, but makes a sound similar to yodelling.
7. Tibetan Terrier
Despite its name, the Tibetan Terrier has a dense double coat that sheds very little into the environment. It is a sturdy, affectionate and highly adaptable breed.
8. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo, famous for its ability to hunt truffles, has a curly coat that barely sheds. It is intelligent, hardworking and adapts well to different lifestyles.
9. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog has a curly or corded coat that barely sheds. It is energetic, loyal and has very good aptitude for work or dog sports.
10. Havanese
The Havanese has long, silky hair with very little shedding. It is a cheerful, sociable dog and very easy to train, ideal for families.
Which dog causes the fewest allergies?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the honest answer is: none produces zero allergens. However, the available studies suggest that the Poodle and the Bichon Frise are among those that produce the lowest levels of Can f 1 in the environment.
That said, each person's reaction also depends on their own level of sensitivity. A person with a mild allergy may live without problems with a Schnauzer; another, more sensitive person may react even to breeds considered hypoallergenic.
Myths about hypoallergenic dogs
Myth 1: Hairless dogs don't cause allergies
False. Hairless dogs, such as the Xoloitzcuintli or the Chinese Crested, still produce the Can f 1 protein in their skin and saliva. Some allergy sufferers tolerate them better, but this is not universal.
Myth 2: Short-haired dogs cause fewer allergies than long-haired ones
Hair length is not the deciding factor. What matters is how much the dog sheds and how many allergens it spreads into the environment. A short-haired dog that sheds a lot can be worse for an allergy sufferer than a long-haired one that hardly sheds.
Myth 3: If you are allergic, you can't have a dog
That's not true. Many people with dog allergies live perfectly well with hypoallergenic breeds. With a good choice of breed, proper hygiene and, in some cases, medication, it is entirely possible.
How to reduce allergens at home
- Brush your dog frequently (preferably outside the house)
- Bathe it regularly to reduce the amount of dander in its coat
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters
- Wash bedding, sofas and blankets often
- Keep dog-free zones (especially the bedroom)
- Vacuum frequently, ideally with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter
Feeding the hypoallergenic dog
A dog's skin and coat depend to a large extent on its diet. A dog with nutritional deficiencies or food allergies tends to have more reactive skin, higher dander production and, as a result, more allergens in the surroundings. A balanced diet, rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, helps keep the skin barrier in good condition and reduces dander production.
In addition, many dogs of hypoallergenic breeds are themselves prone to food allergies, so a hypoallergenic kibble for dogs can be a good option to avoid reactions that worsen the condition of the skin.
