What Dog Has the Least Amount of Pet Dander?

If you'd love to have a dog in your life, but you or someone in your household suffers from allergies triggered by animal dander, a Samoyed could fill the bill. These medium-sized white dogs don't produce dander, although they do shed a fair amount. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, many people with allergies can tolerate the Samoyed. However, it's not the breed for everyone.

  1. Samoyed

    • Available in shades from pure white to cream, the happy, smiling Samoyed is just a beautiful dog. Because they don't produce dander, they also don't produce odor. Male Sammies stand between 21 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing between 50 and 65 pounds. The smaller females mature between 19 and 21 inches tall, weighing 35 and 50 pounds. The Samoyed's tail curves over his back, while in front his frequent smile exposes his black lips.

    Temperament

    • Your Sammie is smart but independent. He's a gentle dog, although prone to barking. This dog needs to get a lot of exercise; if he doesn't destructive tendencies like excessive digging and chewing might kick in. If you've got kids, he'll serve as best friend and playmate. He's good with other dogs and fine with cats he knows. Although Samoyeds are Arctic dogs, they must live in the house with their beloved family. Think twice about getting a Sammy if you live in a hot climate. His thick coat isn't suited for very hot temperatures.

    Grooming

    • Samoyeds require regular grooming. Depending on the condition of your backyard, keeping your dog's white coat pristine could be a problem. Most of the year, a twice-weekly brushing gets rid of potential mats and keeps loose white hair from invading every aspect of your home. Twice a year, in spring and fall, the Sammie blows his coat, so your house can look like you've decorated it with white dog hair if you don't brush your dog daily and vacuum religiously.

    Other Low-Dander Breeds

    • Several other canine breeds don't have much in the way of dander. The best-known is the poodle, which comes in toy, miniature and standard sizes. The adorable, cuddly bichon frise is another possibility, as is the tiny Maltese. If you don't care for hair, there's the hairless Chinese crested. The American Kennel Club also lists the schnauzer -- in miniature, standard and giant varieties -- the Portuguese water dog; Bedlington terrier; soft-coated wheaten terrier; Kerry blue terrier; Irish water spaniel and the Xoloitzcuintli. Some of these breeds are relatively rare.