People have been breeding dogs for centuries to create new breeds to solve existing problems and needs. Today, many mixed breeds were made to help reduce pet allergies so dog lovers can have no issues owning and spending time around dogs.
Pet allergies in humans are frequently caused by a protein that is found in an animal’s urine, saliva, and sweat. This protein can stick to an animal's dead skin flakes, known as dander, and trigger allergic reactions in humans. When a pet sheds its fur, that protein and dander go with it and stay in the air and on surfaces. Thus, dogs that don’t shed a lot and have short, curly coats are best for owners who have allergies.
The term hypoallergenic refers to dogs that are light shedders and produce low levels of dander. A hypoallergenic dog is one that has a lesser chance of causing an allergic reaction. While no dog can be totally hypoallergenic, there are breed combinations ideal for dog lovers with allergies.
1. Bichpoo (Bichon Frise & Toy/Miniature Poodle)
Also called a Poochon or Bichon Poodle, the Bichpoo comes from a Bichon Frise and Toy or Miniature Poodle. This breed first appeared in the 1990s in Australia, created to be a family dog that doesn’t shed a lot. With its curly and soft fur, the Bichpoo is hypoallergenic just like both of its parent breeds.
These are small dogs that weigh around 6-12 pounds and tend to be about 9 to 14 inches tall. As the parent breeds tend to be similar in appearance, Bichpoo puppies generally all have similar features and coats. With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, these kid-friendly and affectionate pups make great family dogs.
2. Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever & Poodle)
In 1969, the Goldendoodle was created after breeding a Golden Retriever and Poodle together. The purpose of the Goldendoodle, also called a Groodle, was to be a guide dog. These dogs have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, generally weigh between 50 and 90 pounds, and are around 20 to 24 inches tall.
It’s important to note that not all Goldendoodles are light shedders and hypoallergenic. People with allergies will want to choose a Goldendoodle that takes more after its Poodle side. This is because Poodles are hypoallergenic while Golden Retrievers are not. Hypoallergenic Goldendoodles can generally be identified by their coat, which will be wavy or curly. Additionally, Goldendoodle generations that end in B (Examples: F1B, F1BB, F2B, etc) will have more Poodle genes and thus be better for dog lovers with allergies.
3. Schnoodle (Schnauzer & Poodle)
Introduced in the 1980s, the Schnoodle combines the qualities and appearances of the Schnauzer and Poodle. Used as a companion dog, this small-sized breed is usually 10 to 12 inches tall and tends to be around 10 to 20 pounds. These dogs also have a long lifespan, usually living for 10 to 17 years.
The Schnoodle is a great choice for people with allergies since both parent breeds are hypoallergenic. These dogs have a dense and curly coat that makes them light shedders.
4. Morkie (Maltese & Yorkshire Terrier)
Bred in the United States in the late 1990s, the Morkie comes from the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier. Also called a Morkshire Terrier, Morkies generally live around 10 to 14 years. These are very tiny dogs, weighing around 7 to 13 pounds with a height of 4 to 8 inches.
The Morkie is hypoallergenic as both the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier breeds are hypoallergenic and low-shedders.
5. Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel & Poodle)
Also referred to as a Cockapoodle, the Cockapoo was first introduced in the 1960s when a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle were bred together. These dogs make great family pets as they have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, are excellent with kids, and mesh well with other pets. Generally, you can find Cockapoos weighing around 6 to 19 pounds and standing 10 to 15 inches tall.
The Poodle side of this mixed breed makes the Cockapoo shed and drool very little. These friendly and sweet dogs are easy to train, quick to adapt, and aren’t big barkers.
6. Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Bichon Frise)
The Cavachon, created to be a cute companion dog in 1996, comes from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. This breed, also known as a Cavalier-Bichon or Bichon-King Charles, tends to live for 12 to 15 years. Cavachons tend to weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and stand around 13 inches tall.
Cavachons have medium-length coats that shed very little. Additionally, these dogs are intelligent, happy, and get along well with people and animals.
7. Shorkie (Shih Tzu & Yorkshire Terrier)
The Shorkie, bred from a Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier, was created to be a smart and happy lapdog. This mixed breed’s high energy level keeps them active during their lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Shorkies do not have an undercoat and stand about 10 inches tall while weighing around 9 to 16 pounds.
In addition to being light shedders and having low levels of dander, Shorkies make great family pets as they are good with kids, dogs, and cats. Fluffy and adorable, Shorkies are fantastic additions to families where pet allergies are present.
8. Mastidoodle (Mastiff & Standard Poodle)
The Mastidoodle is less common but one of the largest doodle mixes. Bred from a Mastiff and Standard Poodle, the Mastidoodle only has 1 hypoallergenic parent breed. Like other mixed breeds with only 1 hypoallergenic parent, Mastidoodles that take more after their Poodle parent will shed less and cause fewer allergy problems.
Similar to their hypoallergenic status, the Mastidoodle’s size will depend on which parent breed the puppy takes after. Generally, Mastidoodles are around 18 to 25 inches tall and fall in the 65 to 100 pounds range with a lifespan of 9 to 12 years. While energetic and athletic, the Mastidoodle is like a giant teddy bear and is comfortable around children and animals.
9. Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier & Toy/Miniature Poodle)
The Yorkiepoo comes from the Yorkshire Terrier and Toy or Miniature Poodle, both being hypoallergenic breeds. Tiny but bursting with energy and playfulness, the Yorkiepoo is generally around 7 to 15 inches tall and falls into a weight range of 3 to 14 pounds. These dogs usually live around 10 to 15 years.
Being a light shedder with minimal drooling and dander, these dogs are perfect for people with pet allergies. Additionally, Yorkiepoos are known to lack the “dog smell” that other breeds sometimes have. Despite their small stature, this mixed breed is independent, confident, intelligent, and athletic.
10. Maltipoo (Maltese & Toy/Miniature Poodle)
The Maltipoo is unlikely to trigger allergic reactions as both its parent breeds, the Maltese and the Toy or Miniature Poodle, are hypoallergenic. Bred to be a companion dog for people with allergies, the Maltipoo continues to be a popular pet for allergy sufferers of all ages. The size of Maltipoos can vary depending on if their Poodle parent is a Toy or Miniature Poodle. However, they usually weigh between 5 and 20 pounds with a height of 8 to 14 inches.
Additionally, these dogs live for 10 to 13 years, are playful with a moderate amount of energy, and are good with kids and other pets. Quick to train and cuddly, first-time owners with allergies should definitely consider a Maltipoo.
While all dogs are different and results can vary, these 10 mixed breeds are generally good choices for dog lovers with allergies. It’s important to remember that every person is not the same. A breed that works for one person may not work for another. Buyers can test if a dog will trigger their allergies by spending time around a certain dog or breed.
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