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Poodles
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Not only do poodles usually produce less dander than most breeds, they come in three sizes -- toy, miniature and standard -- and four colors -- white, black, apricot and gray. The poodle considered one of the smartest breeds and usually is a good family dog. Poodle hair grows continuously and requires professional grooming.
Bichon Frise
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The Bichon Frise is a popular dog for people living in condos or apartments. This small dog -- less than 12 inches at the shoulder--is another popular breed for allergy sufferers. Like the poodle, it requires regular grooming since it does not shed its hair.
Portuguese Water Dog
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The Portuguese Water Dog is an active, intelligent breed. This breed gained a lot of press when it was selected by President and Mrs. Obama for their daughters, one of whom is allergic to dogs. The Portuguese water dog stands just under 2 feet tall at the shoulder and is considered very intelligent. Bred to help fisherman on their boats, it has a dense and waterproof coat that requires regular grooming.
"Hairless" Dogs
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The Xoloitzcuintli is gaining popularity as a hypoallergenic dog. If you want a low-allergen dog that doesn't require any professional grooming, the Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo, and the hairless Chinese crested are your best choices. The Xolo, sometimes called the Mexican hairless, has just a few baby-fine hairs that require no trimming on its body. The Chinese crested comes in two forms. The hairless has hair on its head, tail and feet, while the powderpuff has hair over its entire body. The hairless Chinese crested can be trimmed at home.
Other Breeds to Consider
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In addition to the breeds listed above, the American Kennel Club suggests the following dogs for allergy sufferers:
Bedlington terrier
Irish water spaniel
Kerry blue terrier
Maltese
Schnauzer
Soft coated wheaten terrier
Recent research suggests dander levels vary widely between each dog, even between individuals of the same breed of dogs. When selecting a dog, have a back-up plan in place in case the dog you adopt or purchase causes your allergies to worsen.
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What Dogs Don't Have That Much Dander?
Even though dogs are found in half of our homes, close to 10 percent of the population is allergic to dogs. People with dog allergies often are told that short-haired breeds are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. However, hair is not the culprit. Skin cells, called dander, are the primary problem, although dog saliva and urine also contain allergens. Some breeds are thought to produce less dander; however, the amount of dander varies greatly between individual dogs.