Breeds That Don't Make You Sneeze

6 Hypoallergenic Dogs for Your Household BY JACQUELINE SAGUIN

Who said allergies have to stop you from finding your furry friend? About 10% of the U.S. population is allergic to dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. And the cause isn’t what you think. The dander attached to pet hair tends to trigger pet allergies in people. Although there aren’t dogs that are 100% hypoallergenic, there are quite a few precious pups to choose from that will pair well with allergies. The American Kennel Club published their 2020 list of hypoallergenic dogs perfect for any household. Take your pick!

Yorkshire Terrier This classic pup is known to carry itself with an affectionate and tomboyish nature. The little terrier packs a lot of bite in its compact body. Its glossy, rich golden hair closely resembles that of human hair. And as such, you should brush their hair frequently if kept at a long length. No more sneezing or sniffles!

Poodle These elegant sport dogs are known for their athletic builds and smart personalities. The breed’s relatively non-shedding coat makes it a good choice for people with allergies. Depending on the haircut you choose, you need to learn the proper brushing techniques to prevent their curly-haired coats from matting. Most pet owners opt to keep the poodle in a shorter trim for the best maintenance.

Maltese The Maltese is the face of elegance. They are easy to train, affectionate and playful. Their small, cuddly frame makes them the perfect lapdog. Their long, silky white coat requires regular brushing to keep it tangle free. Like a Yorkie, they need regular baths to keep their hair silky smooth.

Portuguese Water Dog Known as the fisherman’s helper, the Portuguese water dog is an eager-to-please, laid-back companion. These dogs are easy to train and live up to their name as athletic dogs built for water work. Their medium build is covered with tight, low-shedding curls. Groom the Portie in two styles: “The retriever clip,” the entire coat is trimmed to one inch in length, with the tail tip at full length, or the “lion clip,” where the fur hindquarters and muzzle is clipped close to the skin. An occasional bath will help upkeep the Portie’s hair health.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not cat hair specifically that triggers allergies, but an allergen in cat saliva that is spread to their hair, which sheds onto its surroundings.

Bichon Frise This small, energetic ball of white fluff is a lover not a fighter. It’s the happy-golucky watchdog that’s perfect for families. The Bichon Frise is recognized as one of the world’s great “personality dogs.” And they don’t shed! Their hair gets caught in its undercoat, so take the little guy to the groomers every four-to-six weeks for a trim.

Schnauzer Deemed the “grandpa” of dog breeds, schnauzers have a bushy beard and eyebrows that give them serious, humanlike expressions. They’re tough dogs that enjoy a lot of playtime. The breed varies in size. A Miniature Schnauzer has a double coat – a wiry topcoat, with a soft undercoat. The breed sheds very little and only needs a bath and trim about once a month.

CAT HAIR? DON'T CARE

Cat hair doesn’t trigger allergies like most people think, according to Purina. An allergen in cat saliva is spread to their hairs which sheds onto its surroundings. Here are the top cats that’ll keep your allergies at bay.

DEVON REX Likened to a “poodle that purrs,” the curly-haired Devon Rex makes for a great family-friendly pet. Its sociable nature allows it to get along easily with other cats. And its pixie-like face and big eyes paired with a childlike spirit makes it an adorable pick for the family.

SIBERIAN CAT This friendly feline loves its human. They enjoy the best of both worlds, purring in their owner’s lap one moment and climbing up high the next. It gets along well with children and other pets. Siberians rarely need baths since they have a water-resistant coat, but brush their fluffy fur a few times a week to prevent matting.

SPHYNX CAT Contrary to its bad reputation as Rachel Green’s naked pet in "Friends", the hairless Sphynx is a sweet and affectionate cat. It’s lively in nature and adores being the center of attention. The cat is known to be devoted to its owner, purring along as it follows them everywhere. Although it has virtually no hair, this cat breed needs weekly sponge baths since it doesn’t absorb oils like other cats do.

BALINESE-JAVANESE CAT This “aristocat” is elegant in nature, reminiscent of the slender Siamese cat. It’s long, elegant body is covered by a silky smooth coat. It’s an intelligent, talkative breed that can live up to 20 years. And the easygoing Balinese-Javanese adores people.

CORNISH REX CAT Bat-eared and big-eyed, the Cornish Rex is the perfect cat to liven up your day-to-day. It’s kitten-like temperament gravitates toward action, often leaping and running to different surfaces. They have wavy-textured, silky coats that are unlike other breeds, which typically have longer, stiffer hairs known as “guard hairs.”