When you have allergies, it can really make you feel like you’re missing out on some great things in life. Seeing people with dogs only reminds you of how horrible their dander can make you feel. It’s unfortunate when the little creature you love makes you sick and has difficulty breathing. Small hypoallergenic dogs might just be the solution you’ve been looking for!

Small Hypoallergenic Dogs: What are Your Options?

Luckily, there are some breeds of dogs out there that with the proper grooming (and some Benadryl) can be tolerable for people with allergies. Let’s take a closer look at just a few along with their personality traits to give you an idea about each.

Yorkshire Terrier

small hypoallergenic dogs yorkshire terriers

Yorkshire Terriers are adorable, small, and they won’t have you rushing to the emergency room every time you come into contact with them. They do not shed very much, and they don’t have very much dander to begin with, so they are perfect for people with allergies. They do require a lot of grooming, but it’s safe to work with their hair. Other terriers are also good options for people who have allergies.

Shih Tzu

small hypoallergenic dogs include shih tzus

Shih Tzus have long hair, like the Yorkie, and, also like the Yorkie, it sheds surprisingly lightly. It’s an adorable puppy and a great addition to any family. They are generally sweet and friendly but be warned about some territorial behavior you might have to correct.

Toy Poodle

poodle small hypoallergenic dogs
Photo by Laura Stanley from Pexels

Toy Poodles may be a little too high maintenance for some dog owners, but if you can handle the constant grooming of the thick, curly hair, you are looking at a great dog for a family. Poodles are smart dogs, and they become trained quickly. They are also territorial and require time to grow attached to an owner.

Bensenji

small hypoallergenic dogs basenji breed
Photo by Christina from Pexels

The Bensenji is the first dog on this list that would look absolutely ridiculous with little bows in his hair. It’s a hound, but it’s a very small hound. It hardly ever sheds, if ever. It also washes itself like a cat and hardly even smells like a dog. These small hypoallergenic dogs also love to shower their owners with affection. They are natural leaders and have to learn their place at times.

Miniature Schnauzers

Miniature Schnauzers’ are smart and friendly dogs. They learn quickly, and they love to show their owner affection. They will obey their orders, and they have little hair to get in the way. The hair it does have will not cause allergic reactions and it doesn’t have much dander. The dog is quick to pick up on training and rarely gives an owner any difficulty. A part of the terrier family, they can be energetic and high strung.

Are Small Hypoallergenic Dogs for You?

That’s only for you (and your allergist) to decide. However, there are plenty of small hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed or have a ton of dander. I recommend learning a bit more about each specific breed before making your final decision.

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