Over half of the households in America own at least 1 pet. Sharing your home with a pet can be an amazing and loving 🥰 experience. But that experience can be tainted for a percentage of the population that suffers from pet allergies. 🤧 We will take a look a some hypoallergenic doodle breeds and options for allergy sufferers.

There is no  allergy off season, if you are allergic to your own dog 😣

So what causes an allergy to dogs? For the majority of people that suffer from allergies, dog fur is not what they are actually allergic to. What causes the allergic reaction is actually the dog’s dander. So what is dander anyway? 🤷

Pet dander is really just dead skin cells just like people dandruff. The dog fur only transports the pet dander which causes the allergic reaction. The immune system of the allergic person then triggers the allergy response resulting in symptoms such as itchiness and runny nose. 😷 Dog fur can also collect further allergens such as dust mites and pollen. The dog fur carrying the allergy inducing pet dander can then attach to you or your clothes. These allergens carried by the dog’s fur can then invade your home and cause a reaction. Pet dander can also be transferred to the allergic human if the dog licks them. 👅

Hypoallergenic dogs, fact or fiction? 

What is all of the hype about hypoallergenic dogs? Do they really exist? Can certain breeds actually be hypoallergenic? These are the questions that we will answer here. The answers may surprise you or even make you mad. 😡 The term “hypoallergenic” is often interchanged with meaning dogs that “don’t shed”or are hairless. But do NOT be fooled! This lack of shedding does NOT actually make them hypoallergenic. As we looked at in the previous section the allergy comes from the dog dander (skin cells) or the dogs saliva. So unless you can find a dog with no salivary glands and no skin (which would not be cute). 🤢 It will not be 100% guaranteed hypoallergenic. Sorry for the bad news…don’t shoot the messenger. 🙏

Well that was depressing, is there any good news? Yes, there is! Though there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs out there there are some breeds that can be better for allergy sufferers than other breeds. Some of these breeds are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction 🤧  in people that suffer from dog allergies. All dogs have both dander and saliva but some dogs produce less of both, combine that with less dog shedding and it could work. Some dog breeds are a better fit for people that suffer from allergies due to all of these factors combined are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. 🤗

One final word of warning: Much of  today’s hype surrounding hypoallergenic dogs is designed for one bottom line reason. To sell you a product. Please know that there is no “guarantee” regarding a dog being hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic dogs may produce just as many allergens as fur shedding dogs. If someone is guaranteeing that a dog is hypoallergenic please be wary. Your own health and safety comes first. If you really want to know if a specific dog is a good fit then the allergy sufferer needs to spend time with the dog. Determine if the allergy sufferer is allergic to that specific dog! . 

If you suffer from dog allergies but you still really want a dog how can you reduce allergy symptoms? When considering which type of dog would work best for your condition you may want to go with a smaller dog. A smaller dog is easier to clean and there is less surface area to create dog dander from the skin. There is also less dog hair to carry the dog dander around your home. The name of the game in dog allergy management is decreasing contamination of allergens in your living environment. 🧼  We will look at all of the things that could help keep the allergens at bay. We need to decrease the amount of dander, saliva and dog hair. The first thing to do is to give your dog a bath 🛁  1-2 times per week. Keep in mind that this many baths can dry out dog fur so you may need a high quality conditioner. Also if the person giving the baths has to be the person with the allergies then they may want some gloves. 🧤 The second thing to do is to brush your dog’s fur regularly. This will reduce the amount of dander carrying dog fur that gets transported around your home. Next when your dog goes outside to use the bathroom or exercise they track pollen 🦠  and other allergens back inside via their fur and skin. The best way to combat this is by wiping down your dog with baby wipes or a damp rag. Keeping these items by the door may make this process more convenient. The last thing that you can do to cut down on the allergy contaminants in your home is to vacuum carpeting , furniture and wash linen weekly. 🧽 Using a HEPA filter for your home’s ventilation is also helpful to trap airborne allergens. Lastly, keeping your dog out of your bedroom may also have a positive impact on your allergies. If these added allergy precautions seem like something that you can’t do then living with a dog may not be in your future. 🔮

Choosing the right dog for allergy sufferers

One of the first things to consider is the dog size. As I mentioned in the previous selection, size matters. Larger breeds have more dander surface area and they tend to drool more. 🤤  Once you have the size nailed down you will need to consider your lifestyle and the dog’s energy level and how well matched both of those are. Next, you will need to find a dog of that same breed that you can spend some one on one time with to see if you have an allergic reaction. Did you have a reaction? Was it manageable? I would set up at least one more meeting with that specific dog breed just to double check. 🐕

Warning: All dogs “hypoallergenic” or not can cause an allergic reaction. There is no guarantee that a specific breed is allergy safe.

Check the Data

A doodle is just a Poodle bred with another dog breed to create the doodle. If you combine the allergy benefits of a Poodle with another dog breed that also has allergy reducing benefits. This doodle combination could be the solution for some allergy free hypoallergenic doodle breeds. 

Below is data about dog breeds that could have a positive impact on allergy symptoms. Any of these dog breeds could be bred with a Poodle to make even more of an impact on negative allergy side effects by creating hypoallergenic doodle breeds.

Poodle

Keeping the Poodles fur length short may help with allergies. This breed is relatively non shedding.

• Kind of Hair: Curly
• Length of Hair: Long
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Daily
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Affenpinscher

This breeds hair does not grow quickly. The Affenpinscher should be brushed 2 times per week with a brush and then a wire comb.  

• Kind of Hair: Wiry
• Length of Hair: Short to Medium
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Every 2 Weeks
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 3

Afghan Hound

If the Afghan Hounds hair is kept long then it will need to be brushed daily and it will need regular shampoo and conditioner.  🧴

• Kind of Hair: Silky
• Length of Hair: Long
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Daily
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier comes in two different types, they can have hair or can be hairless. They do not require a lot of grooming but if they are hairless they do require sunblock! 🌞

• Kind of Hair: Hairless
• Length of Hair: Short
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Monthly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Barbado da Terceira

This breed cannot be bathed too frequently because it can strip their skin oils, but they do require daily brushing.  

• Kind of Hair: Wirey
• Length of Hair: Medium
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Weekly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Barbet

The Barbet needs daily brushing and can be left to air dry after a bath to form its naturally curly hair.  

• Kind of Hair: Curly/Wavy
• Length of Hair: Medium/Long
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Daily
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier does not shed at all but its hair does grow very fast and needs to be trimmed often. ✂️ It also must be brushed about twice per week. 

• Kind of Hair: Curly
• Length of Hair: Medium
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Weekly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise sheds very little and the hair that does come off of the dog will get trapped in the undercoat. They require a bath and hair cut once per month. 🛁

• Kind of Hair: Curly/Double
• Length of Hair: Long
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Daily
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Bolognese

This dog breed is all white and has super soft fur that feels like cotton. ☁️The Bolognese is also considered a non shedding dog. This dog’s fur can be kept long or cut to about 1 inch.  

• Kind of Hair: Wavey
• Length of Hair: Long
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: 
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a very unique and recognizable dog. They don’t have much fur and they have gray spots on pink skin. They only have small patches of hair in specific places on their body. They have no dog odor and are non shedding. 🇨🇳

• Kind of Hair: Hairless/Silky
• Length of Hair: Short/Medium
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Weekly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Coton de Tulear

The Coton should be kept short for allergy sufferers. This will help with any allergies and it will cut down on dog grooming requirements. If their hair is kept long it will need to be brushed regularly. 👍

• Kind of Hair: Wavey/Double 
• Length of Hair: Long
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: 2x Weekly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 2

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a larger breed that is pretty low maintenance when it comes to their fur. Hair should be brushed weekly.  🇮🇪

• Kind of Hair: Curly 
• Length of Hair: Medium
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Weekly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerrys are a unique looking medium sized dog. They do not shed and they need a brushing weekly to avoid matting. 😀

• Kind of Hair: Wavy
• Length of Hair: Medium
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Weeky
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo have a thick coat that sheds minimally. They have curly hair except for their heads and they need to be groomed regularly. 🐕‍🦺

• Kind of Hair: Curly/Double
• Length of Hair: Medium
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Weekly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Lowchen

The Lowchen’s fur is usually cut into a lion cut 🦁 or a puppy cut and they need to be brushed every few days.

• Kind of Hair: Wavy
• Length of Hair: Long
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Weekly 
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 2

Maltese

The Maltese is another all white dog on this list. Their hair can keep growing to the floor if not trimmed. ✂️ They need daily brushing and a bath with hair conditioner. 

• Kind of Hair: Silky
• Length of Hair: Long
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Daily
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid has to be an inside dog only. 🏠 They can sunburn easily requiring sunblock on sunny days. They need an occasional bath as well. 

• Kind of Hair: Hairless
• Length of Hair: Short
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Monthly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog has tight curly hair that can be styled into a lion cut 🦁 or a retriever cut. They need an occasional bath and also regular brushing.  

• Kind of Hair: Curly/Wavy
• Length of Hair: Long
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Weekly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 2

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka has wavy hair that should be brushed a few times per week. The hair should be trimmed around the eyes to prevent eye infections from debris. Their face should be washed on a daily basis. 🧼

• Kind of Hair: Wavey
• Length of Hair: Medium
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: 2x Weekly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 3

Schnauzer

Schnauzers have a double coat but they shed very little. They need a bath once per month. 🛁 The topcoat is wiry and the bottom coat is soft and thick.

• Kind of Hair: Wiry/Double
• Length of Hair: Medium
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Every 2 Weeks
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 3

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier comes in various colors of wheat. They need a regular brush out with a slicker brush and then a good combing. ☺️

• Kind of Hair: Wavy/Silky
• Length of Hair: Medium
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Daily
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Xoloitzcuintli

Hard to say, easy to maintain! The Xolotizcuintli can have acne problems during adolescence,just like some of us humans. They will need baths and sunblock when outside. 🌤️

• Kind of Hair: Hairless
• Length of Hair: Short
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Weekly
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier has hair that is very close to human hair. It should be cared for in the same way.💈 If their coat is kept long they will need a daily brushing. They need a weekly bath. 🛁

• Kind of Hair: Silky
• Length of Hair: Long
• Grooming Frequency Requirement: Daily
• Likelihood of Shedding Rating: 1

I hope this article gave you more insight into different breed options that could be bred with the Poodle to create a solution for allergy sufferers. If any of these breeds seem like a type of doodle that you may want to find I recommend looking into rescues and breeders of that specific breed. A quick google search of the dog breed should point you in the right direction. I wish you luck in your search for the perfect doodle for you! If you would like information about standard sized doodles check out 11 Calmest Doodle Breeds.