Dogs for People Who Are Allergic to Dogs

Small Breeds

• Many of the small hypoallergenic breeds available make wonderful companions. The toy and miniature poodle, miniature schnauzer, Maltese and bichon frise do not necessarily need to be maintained in the classic show coats seen in photographs. Grooming styles requiring less maintenance are common when these breeds join most households. All of these breeds are easily trainable, with the exception of the bichon frise, which can be somewhat notorious for housebreaking difficulties.

Large Breeds

• The standard poodle is the most common of the large breeds that are considered to be hypoallergenic. Of similar size and coat quality are the Portuguese water dog and Irish water spaniel. All three of these breeds were bred as water retrievers, and while active, are highly trainable canine companions. They all have curly or wavy coats that need to be trimmed on a monthly basis.

  The standard schnauzer and soft-coated wheaten terrier, while slightly smaller breeds, are large terriers that are a bit less tenacious than most of their terrier cousins. As a matter of fact, due to the breed's work ethic, the standard schnauzer was placed in the American Kennel Club working group, whereas the smaller miniature schnauzer remains in the terrier group. Grooming needs of these dogs differ in that the schnauzer coat is stripped to maintain proper length and the soft coated wheaten coat is trimmed.

Hairless Breeds

• If you want to get attention with a hypoallergenic dog, perhaps the hairless breeds should be considered. The small Chinese crested comes in a hairless and puff or coated variety. The larger Xoloitzcuintli, called the "Xolo" for short, strictly comes as a hairless breed. The hairless variety of the Chinese crested does have soft straight hair on its head, tail and feet. The puff variety has a soft non-shedding coat of equal length all over its body.

  The hairless dogs do require specific skin care. Sunscreens are needed when they are outdoors, and the skin needs designated grooming products to keep it properly conditioned. Of the two hairless breeds, the Chinese crested is most likely better suited to a pet home than the Xolo. They are a highly intelligent, trainable and active hypoallergenic little breed.

Mixed Breeds

• If you are considering a mixed breed dog, it is best to find one that has a single coat that does not tend to shed and may be easy for you to keep clean in order to keep the dander at a minimum. Mixes including breeds that have been proven to be less bothersome to allergy sufferers might be a good place to start.

  Reputable breeders of purposeful, often called "hybrid" or "designer breed" mixes that are thought to have hypoallergenic qualities, such as the labradoodle, are still working on making their breeds' traits consistent.