The best hypoallergenic pets for people with allergies

One of the most common reasons people don’t get a dog or cat is allergies. The good news is that in many cases, people with allergies can get a pet. Read on to learn how …

You love cats and dogs. And when you say “love,” you really mean “adore.”

You adore dogs and cats.

When you see a cat, you have to give it a pet. And a dog …? Oh, you want that puppy over there attacking its owner’s shoelaces! And the kitten in the cat food commercial is, in your words, 100% sweet baby with its grey hair and wee little meow … and the Great Dane with a bark loud enough to shatter windows …

You’d take them all home with you and love them and spoil them — if you could.

But you can’t. You, or someone in your home, has allergies.

Fortunately, there are options for people with allergies who love dogs and cats.

How many people in the U.S. have pet allergies?

One estimate says that there are as many as three in 10 people in the U.S. with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. For those doing the math, that’s almost 100 million people. And it’s true … pet allergies are getting more common.

But here’s an interesting piece of information about pet allergies. Many people think that we’re allergic to pet hair or fur, but that’s not the case. In fact, those with pet allergies typically have overactive immune systems that react to the harmless proteins in a pet’s saliva, urine, or dander.

So, what dogs or cats are hypoallergenic?

Here’s the bad news … there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic cat or dog. But — there are several breeds of dogs and cats that don’t shed their coats as much as others.

Dog breeds that are good for people with allergies

There are popular mixed-breed dogs that are low-shed or no-shed breeds — and they’re all part poodle. Their benefits don’t end at shedding — mixed breeds are generally healthier and live longer than purebreds.

Here are the mixed breeds many allergy sufferers can handle:

You’re also more likely to find mixed breeds at a shelter or through animal rescues. By now, you may be pondering the dogs that are good for people with pet allergies. Here are other dogs that don’t shed and have found wonderful homes with allergy sufferers:

Bichon Frise

These are gentle, happy and playful — and they weigh between 12 to 18 pounds. Bichons have a double coat, so must be brushed at least once a day to prevent matting.

Miniature Schnauzer

Like the bichons, these do best when part of a family. They are quick to learn and obedient and have double coats, as well.

Lagotto Romagnolo

These are a working breed and are eager to please. Known in Italy as water-retrievers and truffle hunters, they need mental stimulation and physical exercise. Their curly double coats are waterproof.

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

This breed is intelligent and affectionate and needs lots of attention from their owners. Wheatens need daily brushing and do well with well-behaved children.

Portuguese Water Dog

These are highly intelligent and are eager to please their owners. Since they were originally working dogs, they need lots of exercise. They don’t like to be alone and make loyal, affectionate companions.

Cat breeds that are good for people with allergies

Perhaps a cat would fit you and your lifestyle better. The good news is there are cat breeds that are considered to be non-shedders. Here are some fluffy, lovable friends that are not as likely to make you sneeze:

Russian Blue

Although shy around strangers, Russian Blues are affectionate to those they love. Intelligent and playful, they love fetching and fit well in most households.

Siberian

These cats fit well with most families, doing well with children and other animals. They are naturally calm, easygoing and want to be near their owners. Siberians have a luxurious triple coat, but produce less dander, which is helpful to allergy sufferers.

Sphynx

These cats are energetic and mischievous and love to show off to their humans. They don’t have enough hair to absorb body oils, so must be bathed regularly, as well as have ear and nail cleaning to stay healthy.

Siamese

These cats are “talkers” and their short, fine coat needs only weekly combing. They are inquisitive and intelligent and want to be wherever their loved ones are.

Bengal

Bengals are active, athletic and always curious. They like to play and will learn tricks from their owners. Their close-lying coat is soft and needs little grooming. Bengals are larger than the average house cat.

So, even if you have allergies, you may be able to find a pet that works for you — and you’ll be able to enjoy a snuggle with no sneezes! How great is that?