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Poodle
With three different sizes to choose from (toy, miniature, standard), poodles are widely sought-after pooches. Poodles don’t have an undercoat that sheds significantly, so people are much less likely to be allergic to them.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: Standard: over 15 inches; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: 10 inches and under
WEIGHT: Standard: 40 to 70 pounds; miniature: 15 to 18 pounds; toy: 5 to 9 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, active
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Curly, dense single coat; variety of solid colors including white, black, gray, brown, and apricot
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 18 years
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Maltese
The Maltese is known for beautiful straight, white locks. They’re small, happy lap dogs considered to be hypoallergenic. Maltese dogs are great companion pets for those with mild or moderate allergies to dogs.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 7 to 9 inches
WEIGHT: 4 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, alert, fearless
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Long and silky single-layer coat without an undercoat; white
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
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Chinese Crested
Lucky for those who are allergic to pet hair, the Chinese crested doesn’t have much to speak of. Often seen in the show ring, hairless Chinese crested dogs show off tiny bodies with poufs of hair on their heads, feet, and tails. The "powderpuff" variety does have a soft silky coat that should be brushed often. They have little dander or drool and rarely shed.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 11 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Lively, playful, cheerful
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Soft, silky hair on the head, feet, and tail (or "powderpuff" fully-coated variety); white, gray, or black hair and gray, pink, or brown skin with white patches
LIFE SPAN: 13 to 18 years
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Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is another hypoallergenic dog. These are small pups with bright and affectionate personalities. Because their curly, white coat produces little dander, they can be less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Curly coat in white (may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream)
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 15 years
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Portuguese Water Dog
A medium-sized dog, the Portuguese water dog is an intelligent and generally friendly breed. Individuals make great service dogs and have a natural ability to swim. They have a soft and fluffy black single coat that tends not to shed.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Working (AKC)
HEIGHT: 20 to 23 inches (males); 17 to 21 inches (females)
WEIGHT: 42 to 60 pounds (males); 35 to 50 pounds (females)
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, obedient, companionable
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Curly or wavy coat; black, black and white, brown
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 13 Years
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Basenji
The basenji is a bred hunting dog originating from central Africa. Basenjis are very intelligent, athletic dogs with plenty of curiosity. They barely shed at all, which means they may be suitable for those with non-severe dog allergies.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound
HEIGHT: 16 to 17 inches
WEIGHT: 20 to 25 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Independent, intelligent, quiet
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Smooth, short coat in chestnut red, black, brindle, or tri-color (black and red); white feet, chest, and tail tip
LIFE SPAN: 13 to 14 years
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Afghan Hound
With a long, silky coat and a regal presence, the Afghan hound is a fan favorite in dog shows. This breed is confident and independent, but also sweet and even goofy around their human family.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound
HEIGHT: 25 to 27 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 60 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Dignified, silly, aloof
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Long, silky coat in any color or combination of colors, including brindle and domino
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 18 years
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Havanese
Cuba’s national dog is the Havanese, a compact and playful pooch that loves their humans. Their silky coat doesn’t shed as much as the coats of other dog breeds.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 13 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, playful, even-tempered
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Long and straight or wavy with ringlets; many colors, including black, silver, white, cream, tan, fawn, gold, sable, and red
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years
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Scottish Terrier
The Scottish terrier, affectionately called the Scottie, may be little but doesn’t lack in the personality department. These feisty dogs are often recognized for their distinct head shape and beard-like facial hair. The breed has a long history of hard work: they were originally farm dogs in the Scottish highlands.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT: 10 inches
WEIGHT: 19 to 22 pounds (males); 18 to 21 pounds (females)
Personality/Temperament: Alert, affectionate, fearless
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Double coat with longer fur on the face, legs, and lower body in black, wheaten, or brindle
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years
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Miniature Schnauzer
Both miniature and standard schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic. And like the Scottie, they are characterized by a distinct beard. They have a medium, wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat that rarely sheds.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT: 12 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 11 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, lively, alert
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Wiry coat in salt and pepper, black and silver, solid black
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
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Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The soft-coated wheaten terrier is an energetic and happy farm dog. The breed originated in Ireland some 200 years ago, where these hypoallergenic dogs guarded chicken coops and herded sheep on the farm. These dogs are bubbly, outgoing, and devoted, and have a low-shedding coat that needs to be brushed and trimmed regularly.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT: 17 to 19 inches
WEIGHT: 30 to 40 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, lively, affectionate
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Soft, silky coat in beige to gold
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years
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Affenpinscher
Also known as the monkey terrier, the affenpinscher is a tiny hypoallergenic dog breed that’s relatively rare throughout the world. They make great companion pets for those looking for an affectionate and playful lap dog. Their grooming routine can be difficult due to the need for hand stripping the coat.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 9 to 11.5 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Lively, fearless, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Wiry and shaggy coat in black, silver, red, black and tan, or beige
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
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Barbet
The barbet is a French water dog closely related to the poodle. These medium-sized fluffy pups have hair rather than fur, meaning they don’t shed in the same way other breeds do.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting
HEIGHT: 19 to 24.5 inches
WEIGHT: 35 to 65 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Calm, goofy, devoted
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Medium to long, dense, curly or wavy coat; black, gray, brown, fawn, or white
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years
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American Hairless Terrier
The American hairless terrier is a non-shedding hypoallergenic dog breed that is relatively new to the world, first developed in the 1970s. Their energetic personalities and varying coat colors and patterns make them absolutely adorable.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT: 12 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, inquisitive, alert
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Hairless except for whiskers and guard hairs on the eyebrows and muzzle; coated variety has a soft, short, and dense coat; patterned skin pigmentation varies
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years
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Xoloitzcuintli
Mexican hairless dogs, called Xoloitzcuintli, come in two varieties—hairless and coated. The hairless variety is best for those who suffer from allergies.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: Standard: 18 to 23 inches; miniature: 14 to 18 inches; toy: 10 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: Standard: 30 to 55 pounds; miniature: 15 to 30 pounds; toy: 10 to 15 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, protective, active
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Hairless: a small amount of short, coarse hair may appear on top of head, feet, and end of tail; Coated: short, smooth, and close-fitting coat; colors include black, gray, slate, red, brown, or bronze
LIFE SPAN: 13 to 18 years
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Yorkshire Terrier
Despite the small size of the Yorkshire terrier, they actually make excellent and effective guard dogs, thanks to their protective nature. Their coat is long, straight, and silky to the touch.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 7 to 8 inches
WEIGHT: 5 to 7 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, bright, playful
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Long, straight; black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, and blue and tan
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 15 years
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Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Peruvian Inca orchid is a unique dog coming in both hairless and coated varieties, but they’re usually hairless. They make great companion pets for everyone and they come in a wide range of sizes.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Miscellaneous
HEIGHT: 9.75 to 25.75 inches
WEIGHT: 8.5 to 55 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, noble, alert
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Hairless with any skin color, including pink and black
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years
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Irish Water Spaniel
The tallest of all spaniels, the Irish water spaniel is a hunting dog often used to retrieve waterfowl, quail, or pheasants. They’re also known as rat tail spaniels because of their distinctive flat tail, which helps them swim. They need lots of exercise to keep them happy.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting
HEIGHT: 21 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 45 to 68 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, loyal
Energy Level: High
COAT: Dense, tightly curled coat; liver
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 13 years
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Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington terrier is a medium-sized hypoallergenic dog named for the mining town in England where they were first developed. They’re unique-looking dogs with fleecy white coats that give them an almost sheep-like look.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT: 15.5 to 17.5 inches
WEIGHT: 17 to 23 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Good-tempered, affectionate, intelligent
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Mixture of hard and soft hair, crisp but not wiry; blue, sandy, or liver
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 16 years
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Bolognese
Upon looking at the Bolognese dog breed, you can tell that they are indeed related to the bichon frise. In fact, this fluffy white breed is sometimes called the Bichon Bolognese. Calm and affectionate, the Bolognese is a wonderful, hypoallergenic dog.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Foundation Stock Service
HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: 5.5 to 9 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, even-tempered, loyal
Energy Level: Low
COAT AND COLOR: Long, cotton-like coat; white
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years
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Shih Tzu
Shih tzus have hair instead of fur and shed far less than other breeds. Thus, they’re generally less likely to affect people with allergies. However, those allergic to dog saliva and dander should be cautious and spend time with a shih tzu before getting their own, as these guys like to drool.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 8 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 9 to 16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, playful
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Long double coat; nearly any color, but most commonly in black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 16 years
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West Highland White Terrier
This is not just another little white dog breed. West Highland white terriers, also known as Westies, have bright and spunky personalities. Because they are such lovable dogs that get along with practically everyone, they fit well into most households.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT: 10 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 15 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Double coat of medium length; white
LIFE SPAN: 13 to 15 years
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Lhasa Apso
Named for the sacred city of Lhasa in Tibet, the Lhasa apso is a small dog popularly used as an indoor guard dog. They have long, dense double hair coats that are heavy and coarse. The way they shed is said to result in less airborne dog allergens.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: 10 to 11 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, affectionate, intelligent
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Dense double coat can be nearly any color, including black, white, gold, gray, and cream
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
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Coton de Tulear
The French word for cotton is “coton,” and appears in the name of the Coton de Tulear dog breed because of their signature cotton-like coat. They were originally bred as companion pets and are therefore very laid-back, friendly pups. If you’re in the market for a small, affectionate hypoallergenic dog, this may be the breed for you.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: 10 to 11 inches (males); 9 to 10 inches (females)
WEIGHT: 9 to 15 pounds (males); 8 to 13 pounds (females)
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, companionable, playful
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Dense, long coat; white
LIFE SPAN: 15 to 19 years
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Brussels Griffon
Because they hardly shed or drool, Brussels griffons are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. With human-like facial expressions and entertaining personalities, these dogs, commonly referred to as griffs, will steal your heart at first glance.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 7 to 10 inches
WEIGHT: 6 to 12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, playful, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Smooth or rough coat in red, black and tan, solid black, or beige
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
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Goldendoodle
Most goldendoodles are hypoallergenic because the breed is a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle, which is another hypoallergenic breed. Goldendoodles generally retain the poodle coat type, giving them curly and bouncy locks that happen to not shed a ton.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 13 to 26 inches
WEIGHT: Typically 45 to 100 pounds, but can weigh as little as 15 to 30 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, energetic
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Shaggy and often curly coat with varying colors, including gold, cream, red, black, brown, white, gray, or a combination
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 15 years
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Lagotto Romagnolo
These curly dogs hail from Italy where they have been used for years as truffle hunters. Their coats are curly and wooly but low-shedding and water-resistant. They make great companions in active households and get along well with children.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting
HEIGHT: 17 to 19 inches (males); 16 to 18 inches (females)
WEIGHT: 28 to 35 pounds (males); 24 to 30 pounds (females)
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Wooly, curly, water-resistant double coat; solid off-white, white with orange or brown patches, brown, brown roan, brown or orange with white patches, or occasionally tan markings
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 17 years
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Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry blue terriers are not the typical family dog because of their history as working farm dogs. However, they can be great companions for experienced dog parents. While their coat is fairly high-maintenance, it returns the favor by not shedding all over your home and furniture (at least not too much).
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT: 17 to 19 inches
WEIGHT: 30 to 40 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, alert, attentive
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Short, soft, and wavy with no undercoat; blue-gray
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
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Shih-Poo
The shih-poo is a mix of two hypoallergenic breeds, the shih tzu and the poodle. These small dogs are great family companions, but be prepared to spend lots of time on their coat—they will need frequent grooming to prevent mats.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 8 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Straight, wavy, or curly; black, white, brown, red, silver, gold, blue or apricot, with or without white markings or dark-colored patches
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 17 years
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Poochon
The poochon is a mix of the toy or miniature poodle and bichon frise. Because both of the parent breeds have low-shedding coats, the poochon's should follow suit. The coat will vary depending on the traits they inherit from their parents, but it will require brushing and maintenance to prevent mats.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 9 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 6 to 20 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, lively
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Curly, coarse, and dense; may have undercoat; white, black, cream, apricot, red, brown, or silver
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 18 years
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Italian Greyhound
Italian greyhounds are essentially tiny greyhounds. Their short coats barely shed, and because of that short coat and their low body fat, this breed could benefit from sweaters or jackets in cold or inclement weather.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 13 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 14 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, playful, companionable
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in gray, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combination
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 15 years
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Airedale Terrier
The distinct head shape of Airedale terriers makes them instantly recognizable, along with their black-and-tan coat. The coat is wiry and dense to protect them from harsh conditions while working on farms. Although their training and exercise needs are high, their grooming needs are not. Their coat doesn't shed much and just needs weekly brushing to keep it healthy.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT: 23 to 24 inches (males), females are slightly smaller
WEIGHT: 40 to 65 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Outgoing, friendly, intelligent
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Hard, wiry, dense, straight, short topcoat, with a softer undercoat; head and ears are tan; body is a mix of tan and black or dark grizzle
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 13 years
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Standard Schnauzer
The standard schnauzer is intelligent and sociable, and was bred to be a farm dog in Germany. Their double coat is non-shedding, but because it grows continuously, it requires clipping or hand stripping.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Working
HEIGHT: 18 to 20 inches (males); 17 to 19 inches (females)
WEIGHT: 35 to 50 pounds (males); 30 to 45 pounds (females)
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, devoted, good-natured
Energy Level: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Wiry double coat; salt and pepper, black
LIFE SPAN: 13 to 16 years
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Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a designer breed that is a cross between the Labrador retriever and standard or miniature poodle. These devoted and playful hypoallergenic dogs need to be groomed often but their coat is low-shedding, making them an option for those with allergies.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: Standard: 21 to 24 inches; medium: 17 to 20 inches; miniature: 14 to 16 inches
WEIGHT: Standard: 50 to 75 pounds; medium: 26 to 45 pounds; miniature: 18 to 28 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, gentle, intelligent
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Medium to long; curly, straight, or wavy; black, chocolate, cream, gold, red, white, yellow
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
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Giant Schnauzer
The largest of the schnauzers, the giant schnauzer has similar traits and is also a hypoallergenic dog. These confident dogs make bold, loyal, and loving family pets. And like the other schnauzers, their coat—which includes a beard and bushy eyebrows—needs regular grooming,
Breed Overview
GROUP: Working
HEIGHT: 25 to 27.5 inches (males); 23 to 25 inches (females)
WEIGHT: 60 to 95 pounds (males); 55 to 75 pounds (females)
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, strong-willed, kind
Energy Level: High
COAT AND COLOR: Short double coat; salt and pepper, black
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
Tips for Alleviating Dog Allergies at Home
Beyond selecting a hypoallergenic breed, dog lovers with allergies can manage allergy triggers, minimize dander, and reduce exposure to allergens by:
- Visiting an allergist
- Filtering the air at home
- Removing carpeting
- Cleaning floors and surfaces throughout your home often
- Keeping your dog out of your bedroom
- Bathing and grooming your dog regularly and according to their coat’s specific needs
Breeds to Avoid
If you are allergic to dogs, you’ll want to avoid breeds that shed a lot, especially if they shed all year long. Examples of non-hypoallergenic dog breeds include:
