With allergies on the rise more than ever before, many families are looking to add a furry companion to their home that won’t leave them thinking about buying stock in Benadryl. While many breeds may appear to have coats that don’t shed, it can be deceiving as typically dogs with smooth coats will shed even more than their fluffier counterparts. While there is no dog who is completely “hypoallergenic” or truly non-shedding, some breeds shed worse than others. A careful comparison can help you determine the best possible breeds for a home that requires a non-shedding dog.
The Most Popular Non-Shedding Breeds
There are many different breeds who shed very little. However, every breed of dog will shed to some extent. Frequent grooming will also help to keep any errant hair properly contained and easy to dispose of. This is particularly important in families who suffer from allergies. Though dander is the true culprit in most allergic reactions to dogs, keeping stray hair collected and disposed of will help to reduce some of the allergic response, thus alleviating some of the discomfort.
Here is a list of some of the best breeds for homes who desire a non-shedding dog:
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier has a coat which differs quite dramatically from the other dogs found within the terrier group. In appearance, its natural curl more closely resembles the coat of a poodle; however, the texture is much more wiry. The Bedlington’s coat sheds very little; however, it can easily become matted if not combed on a daily basis. They are generally a low maintenance breed to groom.
Basenji
The Basenji is a dog who takes keeping his coat immaculately clean and well-groomed very seriously. Though Basenjis do shed, their coat is so short that there is much less hair for owners to deal with and rarely is it even detectable. Truly a wash and wear dog, the Basenji really only requires the occasional bath. This too will help loosen any dead hair that is ready to come out and will help keep it out of your living environment.
Labradoodle
A dog originally bred in part to produce a coat that would be no or low shedding, the Labradoodle is an ideal companion for families who suffer from allergies. Labradoodles do come in different coat types. For the least amount of shed hair, select a Labradoodle with either a fleece coat or a wool one.
Maltese
Though a Maltese appears to have a lot of hair, he is a dog that doesn’t possess an undercoat, meaning that there is less hair to grow out then shed. Maltese do require more grooming than your average dog breed as their silky coats can easily become matted and tangled. For best results, a Maltese should be combed daily, and regular professional grooming is a must.
Chinese Crested
Available in two varieties, the hairless and the Powderpuff, the Chinese Crested sheds quite little, making him a good choice if you’re looking for a low-shedding dog. However, the Powderpuff’s coat can get knotted easily. To prevent this problem, it is important to regularly brush the dog.
Komondor
The Komondor’s coat is highly distinctive. His braid-like locks shed very little; however, they are prone to picking up and dragging in dirt! The simplest remedy for this is to clip the dog short or to learn to like “the messy look.”
Irish Water Spaniel
At first glance, you might mistake an Irish Water Spaniel for a poodle due to his naturally curly coat. However, this dog is firmly rooted in the sporting family. Irish Water Spaniels earn high marks as one of the breeds that shed the least. However, this breed does have a skin type which releases natural oils where dirt can easily collect. For this reason, it is important to brush the dog regularly to remove any excess loose coat or debris and to keep any matting from occurring.
Bouvier des Flandres
Like many of the terrier breeds, the Bouvier des Flandres possesses a double coat. This coat provides excellent protection against the elements, and as an added bonus, is low-shedding. However, this breed requires a great deal of grooming to for it to look its absolute best.
Airedale Terrier
While terriers are not typically known for their non-shedding qualities, the Airedale is a terrier breed whose coat can shed little if proper care is taken of it. Frequent brushing removes most stray hairs. While handstripping is the preferred grooming method for an Airedale, it is acceptable to clip an Airedale who is simply a family pet. To keep an Airedale’s coat in good condition and with as little shedding as possible, it is recommended that he be groomed no less than every four months.
Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a breed known for shedding very little. It is a single-coated dog, meaning there is less hair to shed into the environment. While this dog still will shed some, Portuguese Water Dogs benefit from regular grooming and clipping which will help keep hair loss to a minimum.
An Important Tip
Unfortunately, those who suffer with allergies are really powerless to change that reality. However, there are some things that can be done to minimize the impact of dog hair on allergy sufferers. Regular bathing and brushing will help to cut down on the amount of hair that lingers in your home environment thus reducing potential allergy triggers.
If you’re an allergy sufferer lamenting your currently dog-less lifestyle, don’t despair. The right dog is out there for you! Consider adding a low-shedding breed to your family today.
