Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed in Chicago, IL

For those of us with allergies, we need dogs that shed minimally or don’t shed at all. Sadly, there are only a few breeds that shed infrequently. Hypoallergenic dogs are also expensive and hard to find because everyone wants one!

What does ‘Hypoallergenic’ mean?

Hypoallergenic refers to a dog breed that sheds minimally. Although most people think that hypoallergenic dogs don’t shed at all, they can cause allergic reactions. However, they are less likely to shed frequently.

These dogs are great for people who have allergies to dog fur and dander. Although they don’t shed frequently, pet owners still need to carefully wash and care for these dogs and their thick fur. The fur can still get dirty and cause problems.

Top 5 Breeds that Don’t Shed

Listed below are five dog breeds that don’t shed at all and basic information about caring for them!

1.    American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is energetic and filled with spots! The dog’s coat is thin and barely ever sheds. If you are looking for a dog that is odorless, the American Hairless Terrier is perfect for you!

This dog has an interesting history. According to experts, the first time an American Hairless Terrier was born was in the 1970s. In a litter were the first completely hairless dogs that Louisiana had ever seen. Since then, breeders have bred these hairless friendly pets to create allergy friendly companions.

2.    Chinese Crested

Although this dog breed does have some hair on the top of their head, they do not shed frequently! They have long hair on top of their head that sits straight and a silly cute face. This lovable breed is a favorite amongst families with small children that have allergies.

You do need to care for the Chinese Crested’s fur carefully. They have a thin coat and sensitive skin because of the lack of hair! They are completely hairless on their stomachs and their backs.

3.    Bichon Frise

Although super fluffy with curly fur, these dogs barely shed! Their fur and coat is dense and repels water really well. While this is the case, these small dogs rarely attract dirt, dust, and debris that causes allergic reactions.

The Bichon Frise comes in many colors. However, these dogs are commonly white with large friendly eyes. It makes it easier to clean the dog’s coat when they are dirty.

4.    Peruvian Inca Orchid

This completely naked dog is native to Peru and a favorite! It has a unique head and body size. The skin of this dog is dark brown to black. Although some Peruvian Inca Orchid puppies have white spots, they are a minority in the dog breed.

These dogs are entirely hypoallergenic because they don’t have any fur to shed. Since their skin is smooth and light without protection, dirt, dust, and pollen slip right off. You can easily wash this dog and keep them clean enough to prevent allergic reactions!

5.    Maltese

The Maltese dog breed is a funny looking one as these dogs have long hair. Although they have long hair that often dangles at their feet, they are considered hypoallergenic! The strands of fur are fine and soft and rarely ever shed.

However, you do need to take precautions when cleaning and caring for Maltese puppies. Their fur is silky, but can still become stained from dirt and debris.

 

How to Prevent Excessive Shedding

It is not possible to prevent shedding in all dogs, however, you can decrease the amount by doing a few things. The first thing you can do to decrease the amount of hair your dog sheds is to brush and groom their fur daily.

This not only untangles any knots, but also takes out loose fur. If you have an allergy or don’t want to track dirt and excess fur, you can do this step outside. There are also deshedding treatments that work really well. If you do not have experience with these tools, experts recommend making an appointment to a groomer.

There are also some supplements that promote hair health and growth. For example, you can give your dog a fish oil supplement daily that strengthens the health of your dog’s coat, skin, and fur. Not only does this give your dog a shiny coat, but it also increases their overall health. You can feed them the oil in a liquid form, as a tablet, or rub it into their skin.

Conclusion

All in all, Hypoallergenic dogs are unique and require a lot of attention! There are only a specific number of dogs that are completely hairless. Interestingly, some dogs with lots of fur are still considered Hypoallergenic because they seldom shed fur. Regardless of the kind of dog you have, you can still prevent excessive shedding with at-home treatments and management techniques.