It’s been decided—you’re ready to bring a puppy into your life! While we understand you may be excited and eager to have puppy in your arms, there’s one factor you must consider before heading over to one of our Petland locations: allergies.
Allergies to dogs are a common reason new puppy parents give back their furry friends. We completely understand. Whether it’s dealing with dog hair and dander on your clothes or couches, an energetic puppy can be too much work, especially if your allergies spike up as a result.
Before you write off puppies forever, we recommend checking out these 5 hypoallergenic breeds that shed very little hair and make great family companions.
Miniature Schnauzer
You may know the Miniature Schnauzer for its long beard and wise, stern look. It is a smart and loyal dog breed with a double, wiry coat that sheds very little. Their leg hair grows quickly so puppy parents should take extra care in providing a daily brushing routine. Miniature Schnauzer puppies are easily trainable and make great family companions.
Shih-Tzu
Originally from China, the Shih-Tzu is a popular small breed that’s active and determined. They’ve earned the nickname “lion dogs” due to their long, shiny hair. Despite this, Shih-Tzu puppies do not shed much, which makes them perfect for puppy parents with allergies. Like all dogs, they do require a consistent grooming routine to avoid dander buildup.
Maltese
The Maltese is another popular small puppy breed that’s spunky (despite their size), fearless and playful. Their coat is soft and hypoallergenic, and its white color makes them look like puppies, even as an adult. For this reason, they have remained popular among puppy enthusiasts. If their hair is kept long and lustrous, they will need daily grooming and trimming.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a puppy breed that’s both loyal and brave, sometimes even forgetting their small size. Their coat is soft, grows quickly, and as you may have noticed, can be styled long or short. Despite their long (or short!) and beautiful hair, Yorkies rarely ever shed. They do need regular grooming as their hair can become tangled and knotty if not cared for. Yorkies are also good living in small spaces, such as apartments, as long as they get their regular exercise.
Poodle
The Poodle is an incredibly intelligent, famous puppy breed with soft and curly hair. It sheds very little but does need daily grooming to avoid having some hairs being left on furniture. Poodles are known for being happy, gentle and humorous, which is why they’re so popular.
Reached a decision yet? We hope you have! Before moving forward with any decision, remember that no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic. Dogs, like humans, shed a little bit of their hair regularly. This is why it’s essential to groom and bathe your puppy with an appropriate schedule to keep the allergies away.
We wish you good luck in finding the right puppy for you and your needs!