Last Updated on December 22, 2021 by Marco
Some people are unfortunately allergic to animals. This has led to an increase in people seeking cats and dogs that are ‘hypoallergenic’.
If you are wondering what this word means or is a Husky hypoallergenic? then this article will answer those questions, as well as looking at some dog breeds that are hypoallergenic.
What Is The Meaning Of ‘Hypoallergenic Dogs’?
A hypoallergenic dog is one that does not trigger an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to dogs. This could be caused by their saliva, their hair, or their dander (tiny skin particles that drop off the dog’s body.)
The only real way to know if you are allergic to dogs is to go to your doctor and get them to give you a blood test. But you will know if you are – your eyes will itch, you will sneeze, and your chest may feel wheezy when you are around certain animals. Or worse, you may have an asthma attack.
Is The Husky Hypoallergenic?
No, unfortunately, Huskies are not hypoallergenic. Their thick double coat can trigger an allergy flare-up in sufferers, such as itching eyes and skin, sneezing, and wheezing. Huskies shed a lot too, so to live with a Husky means to be exposed to dropped dog hair pretty much constantly.
Is There A Non-shedding Husky?
This in turn may lead you to wonder if there is a non-shedding Husky. Sadly, no, there is not. Huskies pretty much constantly drop hair all the time and shed their undercoat twice a year over a three to five-week period.
Which Dogs Are Hypoallergenic?
Some experts believe that there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. But some dogs do come pretty close. Any dog that either has no hair or has a continually growing coat that does not shed is considered to be hypoallergenic. These dogs do not drool either. Let’s take a look at these breeds.
The Chinese Crested Dog
The Chinese Crested Dog is a small companion dog that comes in two types, the hairless (which do have some hair on their ears and tail) and the Powder Puff. This breed is considered to be hypoallergenic because it has low dander, does not drool, and has minimal shedding.
The Poodle
The Poodle is a gun dog that has a tightly curled and oily coat. They come in three distinct sizes, so there is one to suit everybody – Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Poodle is hypoallergenic because it hardly sheds or drools. Its coat comes in all colors, and they are often used in hybrid dog mixes due to their hypoallergenic nature.
The Mexican Hairless Dog
Also known as the Xoloitzcuintle, this small dog breed is considered to be hypoallergenic due to it being mostly hairless (other than some on its head.) But it should be pointed out that this dog does produce a lot of dander, so prospective owners who have allergies would be wise to spend time with one before committing to ownership.
The Bichon Frise
This small companion dog is recognizable by its white and fluffy coat. It is considered to be hypoallergenic and therefore a good choice for allergy sufferers because it sheds little and drools little. This is one of the breeds where the hair grows continually and will need regular clipping.
The Afghan Hound
Once again, we have in the Afghan Hound a dog that is hypoallergenic due to its continually growing and non-shedding coat. If you seek a larger breed of dog as your ideal pet, then give this dog some thought – they grow to be 23 to 30 inches (depending on their gender.) Like Huskies, Afghans can be clownish!
The Schnauzer
The Schnauzer is another dog that hardly sheds or drools, and therefore can be called hypoallergenic. Like the Poodle, it comes in three sizes so there is one to suit everyone (Giant, Standard, and Miniature.) The Schnauzer’s coat can be either smooth or wiry (which has a coarse texture.)
The Bedlington Terrier
This unique-looking dog with a rounded head has a coat that looks much like a lamb’s! This medium-sized dog is hypoallergenic because it hardly drools or sheds. The Bedlington Terrier’s coat is described as being a mixture of both soft and harsh hairs, but not wiry. Whilst this coat does not shed, it does grow quickly thus requires regular clipping.
The Portuguese Water Dog
This breed has two coat types – curly and wavy. Both coat types are single coated, with no undercoat – thus making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in an allergy sufferer because they do not shed. ‘Porties’ have a coat much like that of the Poodle. It is a waterproof coat.
The Maltese Terrier
This toy-sized companion dog has a pure white, silky coat that grows all the way to the ground if left unclipped. Maltese Terriers do not have an undercoat, which makes them hypoallergenic. Their coats do require gentle daily brushing to ensure that the fine strands do not get matted.
The Basenji
This dog has a short, fine coat that is low-shedding, and they do not drool. They are smaller than the Husky yet they have the same high energy levels. And like the Husky, this dog is a stubborn escape artist, and loves to yodel rather than bark! So this dog may be a good choice if you like Huskies but are allergic to them.
The Takeaway On Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
There are several breeds of dogs that can make wonderful pets for allergy sufferers. Hopefully, you discovered a hypoallergenic dog in this article that you had not previously thought about. Even if you had your heart set on a Husky, there are still other breeds out there with plenty to offer worth your consideration.
If you are on the lookout for medium to large dogs, like a Husky, then many of the dogs on this list are of comparable size – the Afghan (which is a little taller, as is the Giant Schnauzer), the Standard Poodle, and the Standard Schnauzer. The rest of the dogs on this list are smaller than the Husky.
Read more about: How Bad Do Huskies Shed?
