Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
Owning a dog is a source of joy for many, but it can be a challenge for those with dog allergies. The good news is that adopting small hypoallergenic dogs can be the perfect solution. These breeds produce less dander, which can trigger allergies, making them a great choice for people sensitive to allergens. Not only can they provide companionship, but they also offer numerous benefits that make them a perfect pet choice for those who are allergic to dogs.
What Causes Some Dogs to be Hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic dogs produce fewer allergens, which can lead to allergic reactions in humans. These dogs come with unique coats and shedding patterns that help reduce dander that can trigger allergies. Can F1 and Can F2 are the allergens present in dog dander, saliva, and urine that can cause allergies in humans.
Less Dander Production
Dander is a common allergen that can trigger allergic reactions in some people. However, some dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic because they produce less dander than others. This is due to their specific coat types which can trap the dander close to the skin and prevent it from spreading into the environment. For instance, dogs with hair instead of fur or dogs with curly or wiry coats tend to shed less dander compared to dogs with straight, long coats.
Low Shedding Coats
Hypoallergenic dogs generally belong to breeds with coats that do not shed much, or at all. Unlike the typical fur that sheds, these types of dogs have hair that continuously grows, much like human hair. We wrote another article about dogs that don't shed if you're interested!
What are the Types of Small Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise breed is popular among pet lovers for its playful and affectionate nature. Their unique hypoallergenic white coat, which means it traps dander effectively and minimizes the dispersion of allergens. This makes them an ideal choice for individuals with allergies who are looking for small hypoallergenic dogs. However, their coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. The effort is worth it, though, as the joy and love that these furry friends bring is priceless.
Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested dogs are a popular breed among people who have dog allergies. This is because they come in two varieties: hairless and powder-puff. The hairless variety has extremely minimal hair, with only some hair on its head, tail, and feet, while the powder-puff variety has a long, soft coat. Both types are small hypoallergenic dogs, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers who love dogs but are sensitive to pet dander. Additionally, Chinese Crested dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which make them great pets for families with children or anyone who wants a loyal and loving companion.
Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small breed of dog known for its gentle temperament and soft, cotton-like coat. Due to their minimal shedding, Cotons are considered small hypoallergenic dogs. They are also known for their friendly and affectionate nature, which makes them excellent family pets. In addition, their small size and relatively low exercise requirements make them suitable for apartment living.
Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle is a highly intelligent and elegant breed of dog that boasts a curly, non-shedding coat. They are often referred to as small hypoallergenic dogs, due to their low shedding and dander production. This breed is highly trainable and responsive, making it a popular choice for competitions.
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, commonly referred to as Westie, is a small breed of dog known for its distinctive white coat. Interestingly, despite having a double coat, Westies tend to shed less and produce fewer allergens compared to other dog breeds. This makes them one of the small hypoallergenic dogs. Additionally, their small size and hypoallergenic coat make them easy to groom and maintain. Overall, Westies are a great option for anyone looking for a cute and friendly dog that won't cause too much trouble for their allergies.
These are some of the small hypoallergenic dogs that are considered among the best because of their coat types, which shed very little and effectively trap dander, thus reducing allergen exposure. We wrote an entire article about hypoallergenic dogs,
