What Kind of Dog is Recommended for a Person With Allergies?

Allergy suffering dog lovers can still own dogs, no matter how bad their allergies may get. Continuing to use an allergy medicine to relieve all allergies is important, but choosing a dog with hypoallergenic fur is important to keep allergies away. Several small breeds are hypoallergenic, and some larger breeds are well-known for dog lovers looking for that special, allergy-free pup.

  1. Portuguese Water Dog

    • Due to the allergies of one daughter, the Obamas chose a Portuguese Water Dog. This dog, thanks to its curly, well-kept fur, keeps dander from finding the nose of any dog allergy sufferer. This dog is a large-size breed---one of few large breeds that are hypoallergenic.

    Bichon Frise

    • These adorable fluffy dogs have a thick undercoat beneath their wavy and curly hair that keeps dander down. They are poodle-like and great lap dogs.

    Labradoodle

    • This was a breed that came in second in the Obama dog choice competition. Though the Water Dog won overall, these giant curly dogs have the same hypoallergenic qualities as the Water Dog.

    Shih-Tzu

    • These cute little dogs characterized by their angry-looking overbites are also hypoallergenic. These breeds are great for older couples, as younger children make them quite nervous, giving the potential for a nervous bite.

    Standard, Miniature and Toy Poodles

    • All sizes of this breed are hypoallergenic, thanks to their characteristic curly hair. These dogs are great pets, whichever size you choose, and their loyalty is unfailing.

    Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

    • It's right in the name---these long-haired pups have soft hair, perfect for petting and loving up on. They need to be taught, but when they are, they easily learn their lesson and abide by it.

    American Hairless Terrier

    • Super-sensitive allergies can definitely handle this breed. The breed has no body hair, making it impossible to have the dander that causes dog allergies. Snuggle up to this pup, cause it's harmless.