25-05-2025
The three best dog breeds for allergic owners including one fluffy friend
It may seem impossible to own your own dog if you suffer from allergies, but some breeds are less likely to send you sneezing than others.
Getting a dog is a huge decision for anyone. And if you're someone who is allergic to four-legged friends, you may think that it's not possible to own a dog of your own, unless you commit to a lifetime of sneezing and red eyes.
But actually, some dog breeds are less likely to cause allergic reactions than others. Dog allergies affect a significant number of people in the UK.
Symptoms can range from mild sneezing and itchy eyes to more severe respiratory reactions, which are typically triggered by proteins found in a dog's dander, saliva, or urine. Allergies to cats and dogs affect 10–20 per cent of the global population, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
And Allergy UK highlights that spending more time indoors, where allergens like pet dander, dust mites, and mould can build up, can make symptoms worse, especially for those with asthma or hay fever.
And as pet ownership continues to rise in popularity in the UK, understanding how to manage allergens while enjoying the companionship of a dog is more important than ever.
With the right knowledge on hypoallergenic breeds, allergy sufferers can enjoy life with a dog, just like anyone else. Experts at A&T Trained Dogs have looked into the causes of dog-related allergies and breeds known for producing fewer allergens, curating a short list of the dogs least likely to cause reactions in allergy sufferers.
Tarik Jayousi, founder of A&T Trained Dogs, said: 'There's a common misconception that people with allergies can't live with dogs. With the right breed and proper care, many families can enjoy life with a dog. Our goal is to guide them to make the best choice for their lifestyle and health.'
Here are the dog breeds the experts found are the best for those with allergies.
The top three dog breeds for allergy sufferers
Poodle
The low-shedding, curly coat of a poodle traps dander, making them a top hypoallergenic breed, according to the experts.
Poodles are known for their intelligence, being bred as water retrievers, specifically for retrieving waterfowl during hunting expeditions. They are highly trainable and excel in various activities like agility, obedience, and tracking.
Schnauzer
The Schnauzer's wiry, non-shedding coat helps keep dander airborne to a minimum, keeping allergies from flaring up.
Their double coats are typically dense and hard with a soft undercoat, common in colours of 'salt and pepper,' grey, black or white.
Shih Tzu
These little dogs have long, silky hair that rarely sheds, which is ideal for allergy sufferers.
The Shih Tzu has also made our list of the calmest dog breeds, so if you're an allergy sufferer who also loves a peaceful life, this could be the perfect match for you.
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