Dogs are so popular in the United States that around 63 percent of families have one. Even if you don't have one now, you've almost certainly had one in the past. So, while they're a great source of joy, they're also a source of fur — and with fur comes dander (dead skin cells), which is a sign of dog allergies.

If you or a family member suffers from allergies, a low-allergen dog might be the ideal companion. But before you bring one of these 'hypoallergenic' puppies home, educate yourself about hypoallergenic dogs' definition. and why some breeds may be more suited to you than others.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, pet allergies affect up to three out of every ten persons in the United States. People with asthma or other allergies are more likely to develop pet allergies caused by proteins in a dog's saliva, urine, or dander. While sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and other symptoms are inconvenient; some individuals can't resist being around or owning a dog. Is it feasible to obtain a dog that is "hypoallergenic" for people who have pet allergies?

Do you have a dog allergy?

Pet allergy sufferers have a variety of symptoms, some of which are so minor that you may not even know your furry pals are to blame. Others who are less fortunate can even be around dogs without feeling the repercussions.

If you're wondering, "Am I allergic to dogs?" you probably haven't had a severe response yet, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take steps to protect yourself and make wise and responsible decisions if you do decide to adopt a dog.

If you suffer any of these symptom after coming into touch with a dog, you most certainly have an signs of dog allergies:

• A stuffy nose
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Dizziness or disequilibrium
• Eyes that are watery or bloodshot
• Coughing
• Sneezing

Even if you have a pet allergy, it doesn't always mean you can't have one. Many dog owners are willing to put up with the symptoms and pain since the benefits of owning a beloved pet exceed the slight inconvenience of a runny nose.

Many allergy sufferers look for hypoallergenic dog breeds to achieve a happy medium. Most people believe hypoallergenic dogs do not shed allergies, leading to individuals purchasing pets they cannot maintain.

Hypoallergenic dogs definition

What makes a dog hypoallergenic is frequently misunderstood. This is due to the widespread misunderstanding that allergy patients are allergic to a dog's fur. That isn't the case at all.

Most of the time, a protein in their saliva or urine is the actual cause of an allergic reaction in dogs. This protein will bind to the dander in your pet's fur, which will subsequently wind up all over your house, triggering an allergic reaction (as many pet owners know).

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed, unfortunately. However, there are a few breeds that are less prone to induce an allergic reaction.

This is because they are hairless, do not shed, or shed very little compared to other breeds! When there is less fur in your house, there is less dander on the floors and in the air... Plus, you'll have greater control over your allergies!

If you're seeking to acquire a pet but have severe allergies or are concerned about shedding in general, a non-shedding dog breed is your best bet. 

It is inconvenient to deal with, but pet hair allergies make shedding a significant issue. There is good news: there are breeds that do not shed. These hypoallergenic canine breeds will become your new fuzzy best friend. 

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is tiny yet brave, something that's not unexpected once you discover the breed's primary function was hunting and killing rats and other troublesome rodents. If you aren't entirely won over by the Affenpinscher's adorable "monkey face," its comical personality will keep you entertained. The low-shedding wiry coat requires brushing twice a week and trimming every two or three months.

 Basenji

This small breed has a lustrous, low-shedding short coat that requires no more than a weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or a rubber grooming glove. Basenji are clever and polite. However, make sure you're prepared to fulfill their high activity requirements as well as the obstacles that come with training this feline. Find out how much exercise your dog needs.

Chinese Crested

Are you looking for a hypoallergenic dog who is lively, affectionate, and completely devoted? The Chinese Crested is a good choice. These dogs are not only good housemates, but they also have a good sense of their human families. There are two types of this breed: hairless and powderpuff. Apart from the apparent aesthetic change, the powderpuff need frequent brushing to stay clean and pleasant to pet. The undercoat is shorter than other hairy breeds, and the outer coat has a veil overlay, making it simple to groom. On the other hand, the hairless Chinese Crested lacks this sort of hair, so shedding isn't an issue—and doggy odor is minimal. Find out which other dog breeds don't shed as much for a cleaner home and a cleaner nose.

Bedlington Terrier

The curly, fluffy, lamb-like fur of the Bedlington Terrier is well-known. While its coat does not shed much, it does increase, necessitating frequent trimming. The Bedlington Terrier has a sweet, loving personality, is moderately energetic, and enjoys focusing on its family's attention. This hypoallergenic dog is devoted to its family and has a reputation for protecting them. Do you have any children at home? These are the most suitable dog breeds for children.

 Portuguese Water Dog

Water dogs are superb swimmers that have spent generations assisting Portuguese fishermen. They require a lot of activity as working dogs and would gladly play fetch or go on a run with you. Portuguese water dogs are loyal, loving, and excellent with children. They are also low shedders, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.

Poodle

Poodles come in various sizes, including standard, miniature, and toy, but they are all recognized for their intelligence, making them simple to teach. Poodles are a highly active and entertaining breed. Competition dogs require a specific clipping pattern, which might give the idea of delicacy, but they are a very energetic and lively breed. When left alone, their coat mats, so even family dogs require care regularly. Poodles, like other dogs, require a lot of activity and like to spend the majority of their time with people.

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland white terriers, often known as westies, are little dogs with huge personalities. They have an independent and obstinate nature that can make teaching difficult. They should be socialized constantly from the time they are puppies. They are faithful and will sound the alarm if outsiders approach, even though they do not typically turn to their humans for guidance. Their white coat must be trimmed regularly, but it sheds infrequently and does not collect dirt.

Maltese Terrier 

The contemporary Maltese terrier is a loyal friend who fits well in most people's laps. They are clever, yet they have a penchant for barking. Indoors, Maltese terriers are energetic and well-suited to apartment life, though they still require daily walks. They require daily maintenance or a regular cut to keep their long, silky coat tidy. Despite this, they shed very little. 

Bichon Frise

Bichons have soft, silky hair that does not shed and grows continuously. When it comes to grooming, hypoallergenic dogs aren't inherently low-maintenance. This breed requires regular brushing, monthly washes, and relatively frequent trims. Bichons are flexible family companions who get along well with other canines and children in terms of personality. They are typically lively and cheerful, alert, confident, and interested.

Giant Schnauzer

The shaggy eyebrows of the gigantic Schnauzers have already won us over, but all that hair doesn't mean they'll make you weep. They do require some brushing, so invest in a decent dog brush. They are the heaviest of the three Schnauzer breeds, weighing 75 pounds and possessing a clever, task-oriented disposition.

 Coton de Tulear

Unless maintained in a short coat, these dogs have smooth, cotton-like white coats that can become lengthy. Despite their flowing coats, Coton de Tulears only shed on occasion and require very little care, primarily if their coats are maintained short. The Coton de Tulear is the dog for you if you're seeking a hypoallergenic breed that is also a real friend. These canines are playful, cheerful, and perfectly pleased to spend the entire day following you around the home.

 Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is recognized as the king of terriers due to its size, which originated from the crossbreeding of terriers and hounds. This combination also softened their dispositions, and while they can be obstinate, they get along with other dogs better than most terrier breeds. Many owners mix training and exercise for their Airedales since they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They are devoted to their family and love being around other people.

Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds, popularly known as Iggies by their owners, are tiny greyhounds requiring little care or activity. They are kind, yet outsiders may make them distant. Italian greyhounds can become timid or hyperactive if not given enough attention, but when properly cared for, their lovely nature shows through. Their short coat causes them to become chilly quickly, necessitating sweaters or jackets throughout the winter months.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish water spaniel has silky, tight brown curls in its thick double coat. It is another "low-dander" breed. Their hypoallergenic, water-repellent coats only need to be brushed every few weeks and trimmed every two months. The curled coats and tapering "rat tail" distinguish these dogs. As their name indicates, Irish Water Spaniels are energetic, dynamic, and water enthusiasts.

Afghan Hound

Although these adorable hounds do not shed, their long coats require some attention. Because they were raised in the highlands of Afghanistan, they have long, lustrous hair that can tangle if not correctly maintained. Make grooming time a part of your bonding routine, and you'll learn what it means to be a "man's best friend."

American Hairless Terrier

These intelligent, curious, and lively dogs guard their owners and make excellent watchdogs. The American Hairless Terrier is available in both hairless and coated forms. Grooming isn't necessary for any type. They don't shed much, so all they need is a weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush and the odd bath.

Lagotto Romagnolo

 Don't be fooled by the fancy name. These little to medium-sized wooly pups aren't conceited in the least. They are hypoallergenic, energetic but not overly so, easygoing and loving, and tick all the boxes on dog lovers' wish lists. They even have a secret talent: the Lagotti are exceptional truffle hunters. While kids may spend more time in your garden looking for toys,

Puli

Pulis is an elegant, loyal, and quick learner who thrives in busy households since they were bred to work closely with people. If you're considering the Puli, make sure you have the time to train and groom it. Dreadlocks are the Puli's most distinctive characteristic, and these woolly, thick, and waterproof strands are naturally occurring. Whether corded or brushed out, the Puli's coat takes a lot of maintenance, even though it doesn't shed much.

Lhasa Apso

Initially, the Lhasa Apso was developed as a guard dog for monasteries and castles in the Himalayan peaks. Because this tiny breed enjoys going on walks and clowning around, many Lhasa owners prefer to retain their full-grown dogs in the shorter, trimmer "puppy cut" to keep trimming to a minimum. It cuts down on grooming time for the ordinarily fluffy furballs, but they also look lovely if their luxuriant fur is left longer.

Shih Tzu

This tiny breed is very friendly with youngsters, being loyal and lively. They were raised to spend most of their days lazing around within royal palaces, so they make excellent pets for anyone living in an apartment or with a large garden. Shih Tzus have hair that doesn't shed much, so they're suitable for allergy sufferers. Although this dog's double coat necessitates frequent brushing, you may keep it short to save time.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are famous because they have a fiery personality packed into a bit body. They have silky coats that resemble human hair, unlike other terriers with wiry fur, so they require a bit extra care, but shedding is kept to a minimum.

Wire Fox Terrier

The wire fox terrier is a quirky, entertaining, high-energy dog that could appeal to an active and experienced dog owner with moderate allergies. They have thick, wiry outer hair and a fine undercoat, but they don't shed much with regular care.

Orchid of the Incas of Peru

It can be hairless or short-coated, which results in fewer floating particles and is why they are called hypoallergenic dogs. They are a loving companion, reasonably intelligent, and spry, whether you select a little, medium, or large type.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Wheaten terriers are adorable and don't need much of an introduction. The name says it all: these hypoallergenic canines have silky wheat-colored fur. Wheatens are so friendly that they have a typical greeting known as the "Wheaten greetin'," They jump up to meet their owners. Their unique coats don't shed much, but they need to be combed regularly to avoid matting.

Miniature Schnauzer

These astute watchdogs are the most popular Schnauzer breed on the market, and they're like a pocket alternative for Schnauzer enthusiasts. They have the same solemn demeanor as their bigger counterparts but are more compact. These courageous friends shed very little and like a lot of playing, so expect many fetch games.

 Remember, only you can decide which hypoallergenic breed is best for you at the end of the day. Your choice will be based on the type of dog you want, not just in terms of coat and grooming but also in terms of size, personality, and other factors.