What Dogs Are Good for People With Allergies?

According to the American Kennel Club, or AKC, although no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, several breeds do well with allergy sufferers. These dogs have nonshedding coats that produce less dander, which is the cause of most pet allergies. The AKC does not recommend mixed-breed dogs because their coats are less predictable and could cause future allergic reactions.

  1. Bichon Frise

    • The bichon frise is a small, white dog with a long outer coat and a soft undercoat. The bichon frise weighs between 7 and 12 pounds as an adult. The bichon requires frequent grooming to prevent matting. Regular exercise is a must, although the bichon does well in an apartment setting. The bichon is a bold, gentle and affectionate breed that can be difficult to housebreak. It is intelligent and takes well to obedience training. Bichons are prone to health problems, such as watery eyes, cataracts, epilepsy, dislocated kneecaps, skin ailments and ear infections.

    Poodle

    • The poodle comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard. The adult toy poodle weighs approximately 6 to 9 pounds. The miniature poodle weighs between 15 and 17 pounds at adulthood. The standard poodle is the largest and weighs 45 to 70 pounds at its adult weight. Poodles require long daily walks and can become high strung if they do not get enough exercise. Toy and miniature poodles are more prone to this behavior than standard poodles. All poodles require regular grooming to prevent matting in their fur. Poodles are prone to such health problems as runny eyes, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, allergies and skin conditions, hip dysplasia, ear infections, Von Willebrand's disease and bloat.

    Portuguese Water Dog

    • The Portuguese water dog is a large breed that has an average adult weight of 35 to 60 pounds. It has a waterproof, nonshedding coat that makes it a good choice for allergy sufferers. Requiring vigorous daily exercise, the Portuguese water dog enjoys walking, running, swimming and retrieving. Its loyal temperament and intelligence make the dog a quick and efficient learner. The Portuguese water dog gets on well with children and other dogs and can live peacefully with cats if introduced to them slowly and carefully. This breed is relatively healthy, but some are prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and a fatal nerve disease called GM-1 storage disease.