There are small hypoallergenic dogs that produce little Can f 1 protein in dander, urine and saliva. This protein is the main cause of dog allergies. Nearly all dog owners can tell you that shedding is an annoying problem. It is manifested by presence of dog hair on clothes, floor, and furniture and throughout the home.
When it comes to shedding and dogs, they tend to go hand in hand. However, the natural process of normal shedding in dogs occurs because each individual hair goes through a growth cycle and is then released and replaced with a new healthy hair and this process repeats.
Small Hypoallergenic Dogs: Tiny Dog Breeds that don’t Shed Much
The amount of shedding and the frequency depend upon many factors. Including their health, breed type, the season and day length. Warmer temperatures and longer days lead to increased shedding.
The following is a list of popular and small hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed much.
1. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie is one of the small hypoallergenic dogs. It is one of the most popular Toy breeds in North America.
The perky and handsome dog features consistently in the top ten most popular dogs in the U.S.A. Despite being one of the smallest dog breeds, this true Terrier has an assertive personality.
According to Stanley Coren’s Intelligence of Dogs, these breeds are the most intelligent of all Terriers. The life span of a healthy Yorkie is over 12 years. This dog is advisable particularly for allergy sufferers and the elderly. However, the Yorkshire Terrier is not favorable for families with young children.
2. Maltese – Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
This is a cute, animated and non-shedding dog breed. All those silky, long white hairs stay on the dog instead of on your rugs, clothing and furniture. He is faithful to his owner, wants to sleep with you, loves to cuddle and wouldn’t mind being carried all day.
The Maltese hates to be alone and all he needs is to be near his owner. This small hypoallergenic dog doesn’t do well with kids and if somebody broke into the house it greets him with furious barking. It may also greet the mailman the same way each single day.
The Maltese is an undemanding little dog that tends to eat too much if given the chance. Small dog breeds get overweight easily. As a result you need to provide the Maltese with gentle exercise, such as taking a stroll. This dog breed needs regular washing, combing and brushing.
3. Shih Tzu
The American Kennel Club (AKC) classes Shih Tzu dogs in the Toy Group. This dog is faithful, affectionate and alert. The Shih Tzu was bred solely as a companion dog.
He is sweet-natured and generally trusting.
The dog cannot be a guard dog since Shih Tzu are friendly with strangers. Like many other dogs that don’t shed he has a wonderful coat that needs daily grooming and you will have to allow time for this.
The Shih Tzu is in the lowest degree of working and obedience intelligence of dog’s categories. Moreover, this cuddly lap dog is not particularly active. Therefore, the breed requires little exercise. A couple of short walks a day, for example, are enough.
Some Shih Tzu dogs may have breathing problems and can easily overheat. Despite the fact that there is no such thing as dogs that don’t shed at all, these dogs are minimal shedders.
4. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
This odd-looking breed does well with older children and can be good with other pets. But, they can’t be trusted with small pets such as hamsters.
This is because these small hypoallergenic dogs were bred to kill and hunt vermin. They may attempt to dominate their weak owners.
While outside Dandies should always be kept leashed. This is because Dandie Dinmont Terriers compulsively chase anything that flees.
They need regular exercise and careful training. Dandies also need regular grooming. They like to dig using their short, powerful front legs.
5. Toy Poodle – Poodles are Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
The smallest of the three Poodles, the Toy Poodle is unsurprisingly classed in the Utility and Toy Group. This hypoallergenic dog breed has a unique single layer coat of dense hair that hardly sheds. He is a water dog. The Toy Poodle originated in Germany.
In recent years, Poodles became extremely popular. In addition, Poodles have been mated with other breeds to create many highly popular crossbreeds called Poodle mixes/ Doodles. The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between the poodle and the golden retriever.
The one big misconception about Poodles is that they are somehow soppy dogs. The truth of the matter is that they have both beauty and brains. Furthermore, according to Stanley Coren, they are the most intelligent canine on the planet.
Any Poodle’s owner will testify that this smart, handsome dog is full of character.
All Poodles pick up obedience, house training and tricks easily. They should be properly socialized with other people and dogs. However, some Poodles prefer a quiet household without noisy children.
6. Havanese are Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
The Havanese dog rarely sheds. However, it requires brushing to remove loose hair. This should be done many times every week.
These dogs are now increasingly popular around the world, crossed with French and German Poodles. Havanese dogs are good watchdogs and cheerful companions. These nosy dogs enjoy getting out, socializing and exercise.
7. Lhasa Apso
This small hypoallergenic dog is one of the 14th oldest dogs in the world. The Lhasa Apso was domesticated around 800 BC.
He was bred to guard Buddhist monasteries, rather than as a companion. As a result, the dog still retains some of these inherited characteristics.
He looks like a lion. The dog also thinks of himself as a lion: he is fearless, assertive, alert, energetic and intelligent.
He is one of the toughest, hardiest, and strongest-willed of all the small hypoallergenic dogs. Recent research has shown it to be one of the breeds most closely related to the ancestral wolf.
The Lhasa is classed in the Utility and the Non-Sporting Group. He is not suitable for owners who are mostly out of the home. Lhasa Apso is an indoors dog.
8. Bichon Frise
This lovable lapdog doesn’t shed much, so your $3,000 couch is safe. It’s an ideal apartment dog. Bichon Frise are good with kids and strangers.
They get along well with other dogs and non-canine pets. These dogs are remarkably long lived – some have lived more than 20 years. The Bichon Frise was bred as a household companion. Consequently, the dog likes nothing better than to spend a lot of time snuggled up to his owner.
He is obedient. They don’t resist training. In most cases this intelligent dog is more than happy to follow orders and eager to please.
9. West Highland White Terrier
The Westie is considered a hypoallergenic dog. Nowadays this little dog is one of the most popular Terriers in the UK. This active and affectionate dog is classed in the Terrier Group. West Highland White Terriers have a strong prey instinct but is oftentimes easier to train than some Terriers.
Westies are full of fun, virtually tireless and have a cheerful personality. They are less aggressive towards other dogs. The dog requires a fair amount of exercise. And like all Terriers (including the Jack Russell Terrier), they make good watch dogs.
10. Coton de Tulear
Tuléar is a city in Madagascar (a country in East Africa) where Cotons lived as favored companions with the residents for centuries. The Coton doesn’t like to be left alone. His hair requires daily attention and regular brushing and combing.
The cute Coton has a gentleness nature that makes him a real charmer. He sheds only minimally. The dog is suitable for many allergy sufferers. He is skilled at dancing on his hind legs and can quickly learn to do this trick.
11. Bolognese Breed are Small Hypoallergenic Dogs
These little, white and small hypoallergenic dogs are smart, faithful, and sociable. But they are not hyperactive. The Bolognese loves people and follows his owner like a shadow. He is more docile than his close cousin the Bichon Tenerife. Bolognese dogs don’t need much exercise.
12. Sealyham Terrier
The Sealyham has a remarkable courage. He is brave enough to face down otters and badgers several times his size. The dog is proud and curious. He seems to see the world around him with supreme aplomb. A Sealyham Terrier may be reserved with strangers but loyal and devoted companion to those he loves. The dog has a friendly nature that makes easy to train.
13. Chinese Crested Dog
Chinese Crested dogs are both hairy and hairless. Similar to the Xolo, the hairless version doesn’t shed or harbor fleas. Because they lack hair, these dogs need regular baths, sweaters in winter and sunscreen in summer.
The Chinese Crested dog needs to be with you all the time. When you stand, it will be at your feet. When you sit, it will be on your lap. And expect this dog to want to sleep in your bed!
This lovely little dog also loves to romp around. His exercise needs are very modest. However, Chinese Crested dogs are not good watchdogs.
These small hypoallergenic dogs are great for allergy sufferers. They also great for families with kids. Most of the small hypoallergenic dogs love attention, companionship and are little bundles of energy. As a result, some like the Bichon Frise do well with kids.
Small dog breeds also need less living space than the big hypoallergenic dog breeds. However, they are usually indoors dogs. Consequently, you must not assume that small size means less maintenance! Small dogs that don’t shed, such as the Shih Tzu need a lot of grooming.
