First of all
Owning a dog goes hand in hand with a huge responsibility. And as much as you would have people believe, it is not a job for everyone. You have to take him for walks, play with him, feed him and educate him. Of course, we must also take care of his health and hygiene, both for his comfort and ours. That is why at least a great part of the people decide not to adopt or have a dog. One of these causes is precisely hair loss.
Owners get tired very quickly of sweeping, picking up or cleaning the amount of hair shed by their beloved pets. But there is no need to get angry with them. This is a natural process performed by a good portion of mammals. Even us. In this group we must also consider people who are allergic to dogs, who flatly stay away from the idea of owning a companion because they would not last a whole day without suffering from their allergy.
It should be clarified that unless your selection is a completely hairless dog. All dogs will shed hair to a greater or lesser extent. Of course, for your convenience, this time we will talk about the latter. Toy dog breeds that shed almost no hair. Or at least it is not so noticeable. With this we add that, not necessarily dog breeds with short hair shed less hair. Contrary to popular myth, these are the breeds that can shed the most hair. And finally. Owning one of these breeds does not imply that it is suitable to live with people with a severe allergy. While it is tolerable in most cases, it is not recommended at all.
The hair will go. The responsibilities will not
Indeed, with the small dog breeds that shed almost no hair that we are going to show you below. The annoying chore of picking up the hair every week or every other day disappears almost completely. But, this responsibility is replaced by something else. In general, you should take care of their coat. Comb it frequently, clean it well, cut it. And the case is similar for completely hairless dogs. Their skin must be taken care of so that they don't get sunstroke or sick.
So if you are looking for a breed to get rid of these chores, it is not advisable to choose these ones. And you will notice this throughout our selection. But don't let this limit your choice. Many of these breeds are worth all the effort that goes into them. At the end of the day what really matters is having a companion by your side that will love you unconditionally, and be completely happy to do so. Which is the main reason why we love these little friends.
Small dogs that don't shed
As we mentioned earlier, dogs that shed little are not necessarily those with short hair. This is somewhat ironic to a certain extent. Most of them have abundant fur, and require particularly intense care. Combing, frequent clipping and a lot of hygiene. That said, here is our selection of breeds that shed very little hair:
Shih Tzu
Originally from China, its name means "lion dog". Used as a guard dog and stylized to resemble a lion. They are a breed with a long silky coat. It requires daily care. Careful brushing to avoid tangles and constant hygiene. Although some owners choose to cut it to avoid this type of things, option that is not a bad idea if you do not have time or patience to comb them.
Shih Tzu are affectionate and loyal. They get along very well with children and in urban areas. They require a moderate amount of exercise. This makes them excellent companion dogs for families. They are also very intelligent and their socialization will not present any problems. Both for other people and other dogs.
Schnauzer
Friendly and loyal. Excellent as watchdogs for their high level of intelligence and attention. They have a rough coat and fine hair. So it is very rare that they lose hair, although their grooming must be constant to avoid bad smells and tangles. The owners of these friends sometimes decide to cut even more hair, leaving only their eyebrows, mustache or beard.
They are brave and somewhat territorial. But with a good education and socialization they will have no problem adapting to an environment. They are very playful and get along well with children. They like to walk a lot to keep fit.
Don't remove his mustache or beard! It is their personal style.
Lhasa Apso
Originally from Tibet. The Lhasa Apso are very particular dogs. Their coat is extremely long, so they must be combed very carefully and frequently. As well as their washing must be constant. Avoiding bad smell and tangles that can be painful and annoying for the dog. As with the Shih Tzu, dogs usually choose to cut their coat very short. Although this takes away their main distinction from other breeds. Incredibly, they shed almost no hair.
They are affectionate and very friendly, they work as watchdogs and good companion dogs. Their intelligence allows them to have no problems in adapting to the environment in which they find themselves. So they get along very well with other animals and people.
Cairn Terrier
Of Scottish origin, they belong to the oldest dated terrier breeds. They have a hard and somewhat shaggy coat. This makes it extremely rare for them to fall out. However, hygiene must be constant, in order to avoid unpleasant odors. In general, their fur is not usually cut, because they already have a short coat. Although there are owners who decide to end this problem by cutting it even more. From here we do not consider it advisable. Because you can make the animal uncomfortable, leaving its skin practically unprotected.
They are usually known for their seriousness. They are loyal and intelligent and seem to be always focused on what they do. They are excellent workers, guardians and companion dogs. With a good education and dedication they can socialize quite easily with other dogs.
A small bearded Scottish cuddly toy.
Yorkshire Terrier
Originally from Scotland, and being better known than our previous friend. The Yorkshire is a small breed that has long hairs arranged in layers. This can be noticed with the variation of color in their coat. You can leave their coat long as they normally have it, but this in turn would take a routine of hygiene and constant combing to avoid tangling and odor. So, like the previous breeds. Some owners choose to cut his coat.
Intelligent, charismatic and full of life are usually the best qualities to define it. They are very sociable with other dogs and people. Although they are usually on alert with strangers at first. So they are excellent watchdogs. Since previously this was their main function, to alert of dangers and threats with a series of constant barking. They like to play and attention. They get along well with children and can adapt quickly to any environment. This makes them a favorite with families.
Small, cuddly and protective.
Bichon Frise
Originally from Europe, the Bichon Frise is a breed descended from several crosses to make it an excellent companion animal. Small, neat and cheerful. Its thick, fluffy coat prevents it from shedding. However, like other breeds. It requires extensive care. Daily brushing and even a monthly grooming at a dog groomer. Usually owners to avoid this type of tasks choose to cut their coat to close to the body.
They are characterized by their joy and great energy. They are excellent playmates because they are so active and full of life. With good training they can also make good guard dogs. They are extremely intelligent and charismatic so they quickly get along well with other animals and dogs.
Maltese
They are educated, intelligent, affectionate and full of life. They are very energetic and playful. Excellent as companion dogs, they get along very well with the children of the house, so they usually belong to the select group of breeds preferred by families. In spite of this, they tend to be somewhat jealous and stubborn. Although it is not a problem that cannot be solved with a little training and education.
Small, adorable and affectionate. But jealous.
Westie - West Highland White Terrier
The Westie originates from the West Highlands of Scotland. This is also the origin of their name (West Highland White Terrier). They have a dense undercoat which gives way to a rough outer coat. Their coat requires constant care and maintenance. Grooming and combing, just like the other breeds we have discussed. However, Westies are also prone to skin problems, so it is important to check them frequently to treat any rashes that may occur.
Brave, full of enthusiasm, energy and affection. Although they were used as hunting dogs, chasing rodents and small animals. Nowadays they are very much loved as watchdogs, thanks to their constant state of alarm and their loud bark. And of course as companion dogs. They are very intelligent, but become quite stubborn and proud, so their training must be a priority to establish order and hierarchy in the house.
Adorable, but stubborn.
Dachshund
Also known as Teckel. Originally from Germany. It is the best known breed of our list. For its particular shape that gives it a curious aura. With its legs much shorter than its body. Although it seems not to be good at physical activities because of its physiognomy. It was widely used in hunting, as a tracker and hunter respectively. Brave, intelligent and hardworking are the qualities that define him.
Look at him. It is inevitable not to be attracted to his adorable shape.
Among the variations we are currently interested in are those without hair and those with a small amount of hair. In both cases, skin care is required to avoid sunburn and rashes. This breed presents a series of health problems with respect to the spine, can easily suffer injuries and be very affected by obesity. Care should be taken with the intensity of the exercise they play with. They are agile and fast dogs in spite of this. With good care and training the risk of suffering any disease is reduced.
Havanese
As its name indicates, it is originally from Cuba. It is the national dog. It is mainly a companion breed. They are very playful dogs and good with children and senior citizens. They are easy to educate and are always alert to everything. Affectionate, cheerful, playful and friendly are the words with which they are usually defined. They are somewhat shy, slow to get along well with strangers, but it is not a problem that cannot be solved with training and education. From which they learn extremely fast. In fact they are used as therapeutic dogs for people with disabilities.
The taste of the Caribbean compacted in an adorable friendly friend.
Their coat is silky, long, fine and soft. Although there are variations where it is fluffy and silky. It must be constantly cared for, combed and washed respectively just like the rest of the breeds we have shown. But with a quite noticeable difference. The Havanese turns out to be a hypoallergenic breed. Being an ideal choice even for the most allergic. It is somewhat prone to a few diseases, but with a regular vet visit, healthy diet and constant exercise it is nothing to worry about.
Boston Terrier
As the name might lead you to infer, it is of United States of America origin. They are friendly, cheerful and playful. They require education or training so that they do not have any problems when socializing and can get along well with other animals in the house or with strangers. They are used as guard dogs and for canine competitions. But their position as a companion dog is privileged, as they can get along well with the little ones in the house.
Perfect for those who want love without much care.
Unlike the rest of the breeds we have seen. The Boston Terrier is easy and quick to maintain. However, despite its short coat, it should be brushed with some consistency to keep the coat healthy. It should be bathed at least once a month to avoid dandruff and its hair loss is almost indistinguishable. For those who are not very convinced with regular grooming and almost daily combing, this breed is a good alternative. This breed is a good alternative.
Poodle
Also known as Caniche, is a breed of German origin. It was considered a breed only for the noblest. Nowadays it is very well known for its participation in beauty contests and as a good pet. There are a number of varieties regarding the size of this breed, ranging from large to toy. This is the main reason why we put it on our list.
Thanks to its fluffy and thick hair, it avoids hair loss, at least for the most part. And that attracts designers or dog groomers to try different styles of haircuts with this breed. That is why it is popular at dog shows. Their coat requires some weekly grooming, just like the other breeds we have discussed.
They are considered one of the most intelligent and easy to train dog breeds. They are cheerful and energetic, with a great concentration in what they do. They are excellent with children and to live with other animals, with a good training and education. They are also good as watchdogs and hunting dogs, thanks to their agility and attention.
Related: 10 Fascinating Facts About French Poodle
It is an extremely intelligent cuddly toy. All in one.
Indispensable tips for allergy sufferers looking for a hypoallergenic dog
As mentioned above, these breeds shed very little hair, as coat change is normal among dogs. Unless they lack it. And that is why for most people these breeds will be a relief. Since they will not have to pick up large amounts of hair or clean the house constantly. Although we mentioned that some of these breeds are hypoallergenic, before you decide to adopt or buy one of these dogs we ask you to take into consideration this series of factors so that your coexistence with the animal will not be problematic for your health.
What is your type of allergy?
Although most people believe that the coat is the factor that causes allergies, this is not at all close to the truth. Allergies are an overreaction on the part of the immune system, which makes you hypersensitive to certain things and causes a series of processes in the body that range from annoying to downright dangerous.
Allergy to dogs is rare compared to other animals, and as we mentioned, it is most commonly related to the animal's coat. But allergy can also be expressed against urine and saliva. Experiencing a strong allergic reaction on their skin. And on a smaller scale can also be allergic to dander, and dead skin flakes. So a dog without fur could not be of complete help to these people.
We recommend you to be clear about the reason for your allergy, so that you can adopt or buy the dog of your choice without any fear of how your body reacts to it. You should also take into account the intensity of the allergy, establishing how tolerable you can be with an animal. It is advisable to live with an animal separately and depending on how it turns out, you may decide to adopt one of your own.
What space are you in?
This is important, you must take into account the environment in which you live and therefore your pet will live. Things like how well ventilated the space is or how large it may be. They reflect how often you can have an allergic attack in case your tolerance level is lower than average.
That is, if you are allergic to hair, but you have a certain degree of tolerance, you decide to adopt one of the breeds we have mentioned and you live in a ventilated and spacious area. There is not much to worry about. However, if your space is small and without adequate ventilation, you may have a hard time with your new companion, and you may even find it necessary not to live with him anymore.
Although these breeds are mostly small and can coexist without problems in small spaces, it depends more than anything else on your reception to the contact of what produces the allergy. And it is something that should not be taken lightly, considering that it is not only your life that is affected but also that of the animal in question.
What symptoms do you suffer from, and can they be controlled?
Establish the symptoms you suffer from, so that you can create a system to prevent them from affecting you too much to risk or live with one of these dogs. There are allergic symptoms that while not lethal, are quite annoying, and can be solved with a simple medication and even a quick rinse. It will be up to you and how you evaluate your allergy situation to decide whether to have one of these pets or keep it with you.
The most common symptoms of allergy sufferers are:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Asthma
- Difficulty breathing
As you can see, we have marked with bold letters the serious symptoms. We consider that if they occur, it is better not to live with animals that cause them, since your life may be at risk unnecessarily. On the other hand, the first ones are symptoms that although they are quite annoying, you can live with them with a good medication or precaution. Of course, all this will depend on how you evaluate the situation when acquiring a tender friend.
In case you are wondering, the estimated reaction time is approximately 5-30 minutes. It varies depending on the intensity of the allergy and the person themselves. Enough time to find a medicine or allergy medicine that works for you. And also to evaluate your own level of tolerance with these animals, if your reaction is minimal in a longer period of time, it is likely that you do not present serious problems with their coexistence.
Consult your trusted doctor
However, before following all this to the letter, we consider that among other things. Continue to get information about the breeds we have mentioned, and of course about your allergy in question or the people close to you. The best thing to do is to look for experiences of people who are also allergic and how they have managed to coexist correctly with their furry companions.
And of course, talk to your doctor. He will tell you all the possible scenarios that may arise and how this will affect your family. He or she will also help you figure out how to prevent the worst things and keep annoying symptoms at bay. Don't self-medicate, seriously, don't do it. Don't put your health or the health of a loved one at risk completely unnecessarily. While we all love these cuddly creatures, you have to understand the limitations you have. Maybe you can even find another animal companion.
Beauty and hygiene
It must be kept in mind. Not only with these dog breeds that we have already discussed, but with all in a very general way it is important to properly maintain the hygiene of the space we share with our 4-legged companions. This not only avoids bad odors and problems in the cleaning of the house, it is also relevant for our health and that of our furry friend.
If you could notice it is a character that is repeated with the breeds that we have talked about, because when the periodic change of its coat decreases, it is of great importance its brushing and cleaning. And even when it is kept too short, it is necessary to take into account its skin. Treat it with creams or sunscreens to avoid rashes and burns. All these problems also occur on a smaller or medium scale with other breeds that do shed hair.
Especially the former if they are breeds with imposing coats. Brushing the coat is not a waste of time and is really necessary at least once a week to keep it in a healthy condition and thus keep it shiny and comfortable for the animal. This is also influenced by feeding and exercise that should never be lacking.
And in conjunction with this is the discipline. Training and exercise to maintain good health. All these factors clearly influence the beauty of the animal. It is not necessary to take this into account in a separate way. Although the images and examples we see of these breeds may seem very attractive and adorable, we have to recognize that all this requires a lot of care and attention from their owners.
We must remember that having a pet does not only mean love and good times you can spend with them. It also implies a good dose of discipline and responsibility on the part of the owner. With this in mind, we assure you that no matter the breed or the problems that arise. You will have an excellent relationship of friendship with a little one that will not abandon you and will love you unconditionally as any other dog.
We can only say as a summary. Don't take any risk regarding allergies, consult your doctor. And take into account all the factors that come with the adoption and care of one of these dog breeds.
Small and cute. But a great burden of responsibility.