If you love canines but hate hairy cushions, then investigating low shedding dogs could be the paw-fect answer.
Whilst strictly speaking there’s no such thing as no shedding dog, there are low shedding dog breeds which mean less hair in the house and more on the hound.
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Allergic People and Low Shedding Dogs
Being allergic to dogs is a crying shame…literally. Touching a dog or coming into contact with their hair can cause sneezing, a runny nose, and streaming eyes. So are low shedding dogs the answer?
Sadly, no.
People with a dog allergy react not just to dog hair, but to dog dander and even their saliva. It is the proteins present in dog secretions which tend to trigger the allergy. So whilst minimizing exposure to dog hair is going to help, it won’t eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction.
In short, if you suffer from an allergy to dogs, then even dogs that shed the least may not prevent the problem. So be realistic and know that sadly dog ownership might not be right for you.
Breeds to Suit the House Proud Pet Parent
OK, so you crave a canine in your life, but don’t want to compromise on cleanliness. What’s to be done?
Which Dogs Shed the Least?
The good news is there are breeds that shed less than others. If you can’t think beyond the poodle (the ultimate low shedding dog breed) then take a look at this Kennel Club approved list of low shedding dogs.
- Toy Dogs
- Yorkshire terrier
- Maltese terrier
- Havanese
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese crested
- Bolognese
- Mexican Hairless
- Terriers
- Dandie Dinmont
- Bedlington
- Sealyham
- Soft Coated Wheaten terrier
- Utility Group
- Shih Tzu
- Tibetan terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Lhasa apso
- Poodles of all sizes!
- Larger Dogs
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Spanish Water Dog
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Giant Schnauzer
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Komondor
- Hungarian Puli
Can Dog Shedding be Reduced?
Yes!
Shed hairs are dead hairs. Your options to reduce shedding include keeping the coat in peak health and catching shed hair on a brush.
Feed for a Healthy Coat
Keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy by feeding a balanced diet. In addition, supplements rich in omega 3 & 6 oils help nourish the baby skin cells and ensure strong hair follicles. But don’t expect an instant response. It takes around 4 – 6 weeks of supplementation before those germs cells reach the skin’s surface and the coat starts to gleam like a seals.
Regular Brushing
Regular coat brushing captures the hair on the brush, rather than on the sofa.
The other great news is that grooming stimulates the circulation to the skin and spreads natural conditioning oils. Both of which makes for healthy hair that stays longer in the follicle.
Shampooing Schedule
If you are allergic to dogs, then a low shedding dog breed will help but isn’t the whole answer. It’s also a good idea to bathe the dog regularly in order to reduce that allergenic dander.
However, this does risk stripping away those natural oils and causing the skin to dry out. So be sure to use a mild shampoo, preferably one that’s moisturizing. Look for products rich in oatmeal or aloe vera.
The Low Down on Low Shedding Dog Breeds
Yes there some breeds shed less than others; but no, this might not help dog allergy sufferers.
Yes, low shedding dogs help keep the level of hair down in the house, but be aware there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. Sometimes, the responsible thing to do is realize that sadly, a dog isn’t for you. It would be awful to fall in love with a fur-friend, only to discover their fur doesn’t love you back.