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Dogs are a man’s best friend, but what are you supposed to do when you’re allergic to certain dog breeds and really want a canine companion? Lucky for you, there are hypoallergenic dog breeds that will reduce irritation and allergies. Now, don’t get me wrong- no dog is absolutely, 100% hypoallergenic. When a dog is classified as “hypoallergenic”, it simply means that the dog sheds little to no hair compared to other dogs, such as golden retrievers and labradors. However, dogs still do carry around dander that will flake off and possibly cause some irritation. Even if you wanted a hypoallergenic dog, there are still a few ways to ensure that you will not be constantly annoyed with your dog’s hair.
Tips to Maintaining Your Hypoallergenic Dog
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- Keep Them Outside: Keeping your dog outside, when weather permits, is a good way to make sure your dog is not leaving a ton of dander all over your carpet.
- Wood Floors vs. Carpet: Wood floors are a way better option than carpets if you’re allergic to dogs. Wooden floors can easily be cleaned up, but carpets can not. If you do have carpets, make sure to vacuum your carpet once every couple days and shampoo them regularly to get rid of the unwanted pet dander.
- Clean Your Dog: Cleaning and brushing your dog about once a week will also reduce the irritation of your allergies caused by the dogs’ fur. Cleaning your dog will get rid of all the unwanted dander and keep your dog fresh.
- Block Your Dog Off: Don’t allow your dog into areas that you use the most: bedrooms, living rooms, etc. This will limit your dogs ability to leave dander in the areas where you spend most of your time.
- Wash Fabrics: Wash blankets, comforters, and sheets often due to dander and pet hair that will detach from your clothes and onto different fabrics.
List of Hypoallergenic Dogs:
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- Bichon Frise: Bichon frises are small dogs that are surprisingly hypoallergenic since they look very fluffy and look as if they would shed a lot. In addition to looking adorable and puffy, they are known to be very happy and cheerful dogs, so you can’t go wrong. Since they weigh anywhere from 10-2o pounds, and are only about 15 inches, they are perfect for any kind of home- apartments, townhouses, condos, etc. They also have a life expectancy of about 13 years, so you’ll be with your cute puppy for awhile!
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2) Chinese Crested: Though they’re not the easiest dog to take care of due to their lack of hair, they are said to be fun dogs with a lot of energy and are great with gentle kids. One thing you need to take caution on with these dogs is that they do burn easier and irritate quickly due to their skin being exposed to the sun. These dogs are also very small and will weigh 12 pounds max. They also live anywhere from 13 to 15 years!
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3) Irish Water Spaniel: Due to their thick, furry coat, they will definitely need brushed regularly and cut every 2 months. Besides that, they’re very easy to train, and are very high energy dogs that will always keep you on your toes. If you’re looking for a bigger dog, than these dogs are definitely for you because they weight upwards toward 65 pounds. They do only have a 10 to 12 year life expectancy, though, which is a bit shorter than some of the other hypoallergenic dogs.
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4) Maltese: For being such small dogs, they have a lot of energy and are said to be very lively. In addition, they are very easygoing. The only thing about having a maltese is that they definitely do need to be brushed out everyday in order to avoid matting of their long fur. These dogs are definitely on the lighter spectrum because they only weigh about 6 to 8 pounds, but they have a 12 to 15 year life expectancy.
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5) Poodle: Poodles are a very common and popular breed of dog to own, but they’re a great choice. They are known to be very obedient dogs with very intelligent minds. Not to mention, they’re fun dogs because of all the different varieties of colors you can dye them. Lucky for you, poodles have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years, so you’ll have your faithful companion for a long time. In addition to standard poodles, toy poodles also don’t shed and are considerably smaller and lighter!
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6) Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: This dog is yet another dog that is highly playful and high-spirited. They have a great ability to interact with kids and a strong ability to adapt to their surrounding environment. This terrier can weigh anywhere from 30 to 45 pounds and has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Just like the maltese, the soft-coated wheaten terrier has to be brushed daily to avoid matted fur.
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7) Portuguese Water Dog: Out of most of these hypoallergenic dog breeds, the Portuguese water dog is probably on the most high maintenance. It needs to be outside getting exercise every day and needs to be groomed every day as well. As a bigger dog, they can weigh anywhere from 35 to 60 pounds, and can live for up to 15 years.
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8.)Miniature Schnauzer: Miniature schnauzers are dogs that are easily to bond with, especially with children, and they are able to adapt to any environment very easily. They are very intelligent dogs and are highly energetic. Miniature schnauzers are on the smaller side and will only weigh 20 pounds at most. Just like a lot of the aforementioned dogs, their lifespan is anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Any kind of schnauzer is hypoallergenic, but miniature schnauzers are the ones that adapt the easiest to their surroundings.
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9) Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkies are known to be very independent and bold dogs. They’re great with kids and love to be loved. Typically, these dogs weight under 10 pounds, but if they’re pets, they can weigh up 15 pounds.
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10) Kerry Blue Terrier: Kerry blue terriers are another type of terrier that is hypoallergenic. These dogs are very high-spirited, free-willed, and bold. Typically, they can weigh up to 40 pounds since they are a bigger dog, and they do live from about 13 to 15 years. If you’re also looking for a good laugh, they are known to be comical and funny in nature and will give you a good laugh.
Now, there a lot more hypoallergenic dogs out there for you to decide which one you want to fall in love with! Be sure to take care of your dog and make sure to maintain their coat to get rid of dander and to keep their fur from matting! If you choose one of these dogs, you’ll definitely make yourself and your allergies happy from a non-shedding dog!