15 Best Dogs For Allergies And People Living With Asthma

We all should get the chance to have a dog in our lives.

Suffering from allergies and asthma is a horrible condition; you spend days and days suffering, summer days bunged up, eyes watering, and tight chest from asthma during the winter, but why should this stop you from having a dog to enjoy? Well. It doesn’t have to. 

There are many dogs out there, and they are referred to as hypoallergenic dogs. We have listed the best dogs to have when you suffer or a family member suffers from allergies and asthma.

The worst thing in the world will be if you or your family have got attached to a dog and then, through no choice of your own, have to give it up due to the enhanced effects of allergies and asthma.

Check the list of 15 hypoallergenic dogs below and choose a dog known to be less likely to aggravate your allergies and asthma; however, there will still be a small potential risk involved.

What does hypoallergenic mean?

It all started in the 1950s, and it was a term to imply that it’s less likely “below normal” or “slightly” allergenic, claiming that it causes fewer allergic reactions.

What does hypoallergenic have to do with dogs? 

Hypoallergenic dogs have fur that doesn’t shed “non-shedding”. Dender is the leading cause of allergies found on the dog’s coat. When the dog’s coat sheds, the allergy-causing dander gets released into the air, on the floor and in furnishings. If you have ever been to someone’s house when they have a dog like a Jack Russell, you come away with dog fur on your clothing and hair and have probably breathed some of it in. Each one of those tiny hairs has allergy-causing dander. A dog that does not shred has less dander, and the dander it does have keeps within its coat, so it is easy to contain. Bathing regularly and trips to the groomers keep the fur and dander at bay.

Best dogs for allergies and asthma

#1 Affenpinscher

• The Affenpinscher, also known as the Monkey Terrier, is a terrier-like toy Pinscher dog breed.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• Mass: 2.9 – 6 kg (Adult)
• Height: 23 – 30 cm (Adult, At the withers)
• Temperament: Stubborn, Curious, Active, Playful, Adventurous, Fun-loving
• Colours: Black, Tan, Grey, Silver, Belge, Red
• Origin: Germany, France

#2 Afghan Hound

• The Afghan Hound has the most beautiful thick, fine and silky coat.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Origin: Afghanistan
• Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• Temperament: Clownish, Aloof, Dignified, Independent, Happy
• Colours: Black, Cream, Red
• Height: Male: 68–74 cm, Female: 60–69 cm

#3 Airedale Terrier

• The Airedale Terrier originated in the River Aire’s valley in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. It’s the largest out of the Terrier breeds.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• Colour: Black & Tan
• Temperament: Intelligent, Outgoing, Alert, Confident, Friendly, Courageous
• Height: Female: 56–59 cm, Male: 58–61 cm
• Weight: Female: 18–20 kg, Male: 23–29 kg
• Origin: United Kingdom, England

#4 Bichon Frise

• The fluffy white Bichon is a non-sporting breed in the US and is a member of the toy dog group in the UK.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• Litter size: 1–6
• Temperament: Feisty, Affectionate, Cheerful, Playful, Sensitive, Gentle
• Weight: Male: 3–5 kg, Female: 3–5 kg
• Height: Male: 23–30 cm, Female: 23–28 cm
• Colours: White, White & Buff, White & Cream, White & Apricot

#5 Border Terrier

• The Border Terrier is rough-coated, small, and bred for hunting foxes and vermin.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, Obedient, Intelligent, Fearless, Alert, Even Tempered
• Colours: Blue & Tan, Grizzle & Tan, Wheaten, Red
• Weight: Male: 5.9–7.1 kg, Female: 5.1–6.4 kg
• Height: Male: 33–40 cm, Female: 28–36 cm

#6 Chinese Crested

• The Chinese Crested dog is a pretty unique breed. Powderpuff and the Hairless are the two types that can be born from anyone’s litter. Meaning some will have fur and some won’t.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 13 – 15 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, Lively, Sweet-Tempered, Alert, Happy, Playful
• Weight: Female: 2.3–5.4 kg, Male: 2.3–5.4 kg
• Origin: China, Mexico, Africa
• Height: Female: 23–30 cm, Male: 28–33 cm
• Colours: Black, Apricot, Cream, Chocolate, Tri-color, Blue

#7 Havanese

• The dogs of the old Havanese dog breed in the 1500s came with Spanish settlers and arrived in Cuba, and they soon became the national dog of Cuba.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Height: 23 – 27 cm (Adult, At the withers)
• Life expectancy: 13 – 15 years
• Mass: 4.5 – 7.3 kg (Adult)
• Origin: Cuba
• Temperament: Affectionate, Intelligent, Responsive, Companionable, Playful, Gentle
• Colours: Black, White, Fawn, Havana Brown, Tobacco, Mahogany

#8 Maltese

• The Maltese breed of dog is originally from south-central Europe. They have long and silky white fur.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• Origin: Mediterranean Basin
• Colour: White
• Temperament: Docile, Easygoing, Affectionate, Lively, Intelligent, Responsive, Fearless, Sweet-Tempered, Active, Playful, Gentle
• Weight: Male: 3–4 kg, Female: 3–4 kg
• Height: Male: 21–25 cm, Female: 20–23 cm

#8 Poodle

• The Poodle is known for its intelligence. Great with Children, and they descended from Germany. They come in three different sizes, Standard, Miniature and Toy.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris
• Height: Toy Poodle: 24 – 28 cm, Miniature Poodle: 28 – 35 cm, Standard Poodle: 45 – 60 cm, Medium Poodle: 35 – 45 cm
• Temperament: Intelligent, Active, Alert, Faithful, Instinctual, Trainable
• Colours: Black, White, Apricot, Cream, Sable, Black & White, Blue, Grey, Silver, Brown, Red
• Origin: France, Germany

#9 Samoyed

• The thicked coated Samoyed breed, originally from Siberia and Russia, is known for herding Nomadic Reindeers.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• Weight: Female: 16–20 kg, Male: 20–30 kg
• Colours: White, White & Biscuit, Cream
• Temperament: Lively, Stubborn, Sociable, Alert, Playful, Friendly
• Height: Female: 48–53 cm, Male: 53–60 cm
• Origin: Siberia, Russia

#10 Miniature Schnauzer

• The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog founded in the mid to late 19th century and came from Germany.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• Origin: Germany
• Temperament: Obedient, Intelligent, Fearless, Spirited, Alert, Friendly
• Weight: Female: 5.4–8.2 kg, Male: 5.4–9.1 kg
• Height: Female: 30–36 cm, Male: 30–36 cm
• Colours: Black, White, Salt & Pepper, Black & Silver

#11 Shih Tzu

• The Shih Tzu is a lively toy breed that initially came from China, “Tibet”, and came in all different colours.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 10 – 16 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, Clever, Lively, Intelligent, Independent
• Mass: Female: 4 – 7.2 kg (Adult), Male: 4 – 7.2 kg (Adult)
• Colours: Black, White, Liver, Brindle, Liver & White, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black & White, Blue, Gold
• Origin: China, Tibet
• Height: Male: 20 – 28 cm (Adult, At the withers), Female: 20 – 28 cm (Adult, At the withers)

#12 Spanish Water Dog

• The intelligent Spanish water dog from Spain was used for several different duties, like, gundog, water retriever, sheepdog and guard. They are smart, loyal and straightforward to train.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years
• Origin: Andalusia
• Temperament: Trainable, Affectionate, Intelligent, Diligent, Loyal, Athletic
• Height: Female: 38–48 cm, Male: 42–52 cm
• Weight: Female: 14–18 kg, Male: 18–22 kg
• Colours: White, Black, Black & White, White & Chocolate, Brown, Beige

#13 Welsh Terrier

• The Welsh Terrier originated from Wales and was used for hunting foxes, rodents and badgers. They are very friendly and are now used primarily for pets and show dogs.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• Mass: 9.1 – 10 kg
• Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris
• Temperament: Intelligent, Spirited, Alert, Friendly
• Colours: Black & Tan, Grizzle & Tan
• Origin: Wales, United Kingdom

#14 West Highland White Terrier

• The West Highland White Terrier, also known as “Westie, ” has a doubled-layer coat, harsh on the outside, and has a nice and soft undercoat. They are very alert and friendly, originally from Scotland and were used for fox, badger, otter and rat hunting.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Litter size: Three to five
• Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years
• Coat: Double
• Temperament: Hardy, Independent, Active, Alert, Friendly, Gay, Courageous
• Weight: Female: 6–7 kg, Male: 7–10 kg
• Height: Female: 23–28 cm, Male: 25–30 cm

#15 Yorkshire Terrier

• The Yorkshire Terrier was bred in the 19th Century in Yorkshire. They have a short fuse and are not great with children; they are confident and bold.
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Height: Male: 18 – 23 cm (Adult, At Shoulder)
• Life expectancy: 13 – 16 years
• Origin: England
• Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris
• Temperament: Bold, Intelligent, Independent, Confident, Courageous
• Colours: Blue & Tan, Blue & Gold, Black & Tan, Black & Gold

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