Pet Allergies? No Worries With These Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
As the world grappled with the pandemic, an unexpected side effect emerged — a surge in pet allergies. This is according to a 2024 study titled “Increasing Prevalence of Sensitization to Cat/Dog Allergens in the COVID-19 Pandemic” in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology1.
Researchers analyzed over 8,000 patient records from an allergy clinic between 2018–2022. They found that patients presenting during the pandemic period were exposed to higher levels of pet dander and other allergens, most probably due to spending more time with their furry friends in close quarters.
Fortunately, there are many small dog breeds that shed minimally, making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers who live in small spaces. These breeds typically have a coat that keeps growing until cut rather than shedding regularly.
Here are 13 best small dog breeds that don’t shed much:
1. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher, or “Monkey Terrier,” is a unique little dog with a wiry, hypoallergenic coat. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and were bred to be fearless ratters. With their distinctive “monkey-like” expression and shaggy coat, Affenpinschers are sure to turn heads.
2. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a distinctive breed with a curly, wool-like coat that doesn’t shed much. These lively terriers were originally bred for hunting and have a unique lamb-like appearance. Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming, but it’s worth it for their loyal and affectionate nature.
3. Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a relatively new breed, recognized by the AKC in 2021 (ref). These cute little dogs have a long, silky coat that sheds minimally. With their friendly personalities and hypoallergenic coats, Biewer Terriers make excellent companions for allergy sufferers.
4. Bolognese
Hailing from Italy, the Bolognese has a long, fluffy white coat that gives the appearance of constant motion. This single coat is tightly curled and does not shed much at all. Frequent grooming is essential to prevent matting and maintain their iconic fluffy look.
5. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a scrappy little breed with a dense, wiry coat that sheds minimally. Originally bred for hunting vermin along the Scottish-English border, these terriers are tough and energetic, but also make loyal and affectionate family pets.
6. Brussels Griffon
With their unique human-like expressions, Brussels Griffons have a rough, dry coat that is hypoallergenic. Their wiry outer coat coupled with a short undercoat sheds very little, making them a good option for those with allergies.
7. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a rare breed with a distinctive appearance — they have a long, low body and a shaggy coat that sheds minimally. These terriers were originally bred for hunting badgers and other vermin, and they retain their bold and tenacious personalities.
8. Cairn Terrier
The rough, weather-resistant coat of the Cairn Terrier has two layers — a harsh outer coat and a softer undercoat. While not completely non-shedding, their coats shed very little compared to many small dog breeds thanks to their terrier ancestry.
9. Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a plucky little breed with a rough, hypoallergenic coat. These terriers were originally bred for hunting vermin on farms and ranches, and they retain their tenacious and brave personalities today.
10. Sealyham Terrier
One of the rarer terrier breeds, the Sealyham has a thick, harsh outer coat coupled with a dense undercoat. This double coat sheds very little, but requires regular grooming with stripping tools to maintain its weather-resistant texture.
11. Welsh Terrier
The Welsh Terrier has a wiry outer coat and a softer undercoat, both of which shed minimally. Their double coat requires regular brushing and hand-stripping to maintain its coarse, weather-resistant texture while controlling shedding.
12. Basenji
The Basenji has a short, fine, tight coat that sheds very little. Their single coat is low maintenance and hypoallergenic, requiring only occasional brushing to remove loose hair and keep their distinctive cat-like look.
13. Chinese Crested
The Powderpuff variety of the Chinese Crested has a long, silky coat that is completely hypoallergenic. Their single coat is fine and straight, shedding minimally but requiring frequent brushing to prevent knots and tangles from forming.
Minimal Shedding, Maximum Cuddles
While no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic (ref), these unusual small, low-shedding breeds can be a great option for those seeking a furry companion without exacerbating their allergies. With proper research and consideration of individual needs, finding the perfect hypoallergenic dog breed is possible.
Source
- https://karger.com/iaa/article-abstract/185/2/133/869310/Increasing-Prevalence-of-Sensitization-to-Cat-Dog?redirectedFrom=fulltext
This article was originally published on and syndicated by Nature of Home.
