Hypoallergenic Rescue Dogs — Where To Get One and What To Consider
Are dog allergies stopping you from adopting a rescue dog?
You don’t have to let allergies get in your way of owning a dog in need of a new and loving home. There are so many different allergy-friendly breeds that end up in shelters, just like heavy shedding dogs.
So, if you’re thinking about adopting a hypoallergenic dog, this guide has all the information.
Why Shedless Dogs End up in Rescues
Dogs of all breeds and ages end up in adoption centers for various reasons.
If a family no longer has the means to care for a dog, they may end up in a shelter. Often people take on a dog without realizing how much of a commitment it is and have to make the heartbreaking decision to give their pet away.
Unfortunately, dogs also find themselves in need of adoption because they have suffered neglect and abuse.
According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million dogs come into rescue shelters each year, and around 390,000 dogs are euthanized in shelters when a suitable home isn’t found.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to adopt a rescue dog, if you have allergies, you will need to choose your breed wisely.
Best Hypoallergenic Dogs for Adoption — The Breeds
Dog allergies can be a massive inconvenience for anyone, even more so if you love dogs. If you want a four-legged friend but have allergies, finding the perfect breed can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.
And, to add to the challenge, there are no specific hypoallergenic dog rescue centers. So, before choosing a dog for adoption, you need to know which breeds are hypoallergenic and which are not.
Small Hypoallergenic Breeds
If you’re looking for small non shedding dogs for adoption, some breeds to consider include:
If you can’t see a breed you like on the list above, read our full list of small hypoallergenic dogs.
Medium Hypoallergenic Breeds
If you think a medium-sized dog would better suit your lifestyle, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are shedless dogs of this size too. For example, the:
Want to see more breeds in this size? Check out our list of medium hypoallergenic dogs.
Large Hypoallergenic Breeds
When it comes to finding large non shedding dogs for adoption, you should ask local rescue centers if they have any of the following breeds in need of a new home:
For more king-sized canines, take a look through our list of large hypoallergenic dogs.
Things To Consider Before Adopting a Hypoallergenic Dog
Adopting a dog isn’t something you should do on a whim, especially if you have allergies. There are a few things that you’ll need to take into consideration before making that decision, and bringing your new canine companion home.
Hypoallergenic Rescue Dogs
Finding the best non-shedding dogs for adoption is a lot easier when you have an idea of what kind of breed you want.
Of course, dog shelters are not stores, you don’t pick your pooch from the shelves. However, if you know you want a dog that likes long walks, a breed that doesn’t suffer separation anxiety, or one that enjoys cuddling on your lap, it’s good to know which breeds to look out for at the shelter.
To give you some idea of the best hypoallergenic rescue dogs for your lifestyle, here is a list of different breeds that suit different circumstances.
Low Maintenance Hypoallergenic Rescue Dogs
If you want a chilled-out pooch without spending hours of your life brushing and grooming, low maintenance is the way forward for you.
The Italian Greyhound has a relaxed and affectionate personality. Their short fur doesn’t need much grooming and they won’t shed all over your house either.
Italian Greyhounds are surprisingly lazy. These dogs need a daily walk — ideally a run — but after their half an hour of exercise, an Italian Greyhound will happily cuddle up and snooze with you on the couch.
Poodles of all sizes are very intelligent dogs. Due to their smart side, they’re very adaptable and happy to go with the flow, slotting into your lifestyle without any problems. If you want an easy life when it comes to grooming — keep your Poodle’s coat short. Otherwise, they will require daily brushing to remain tangle free.
As far as exercise goes, Poodles need around two half-hour walks a day, depending on their size. However, once your dog has burnt off all their energy, they’re happy to spend time with you and the rest of the family. Their high intelligence means you don’t need to worry about leaving your Poodle home alone for short periods, this breed rarely suffers from separation anxiety and will keep themselves entertained while you’re out.
Hypoallergenic Rescue Dogs for Families
Adopting dogs can be a great learning opportunity for children. Teaching your kids to take care of a rescue dog will help them learn about responsibility, and will also give them a friend for life. However, not all dogs gel well with young ones.
The Brussels Griffon is a small non-shedding dog that kids adore. This breed has the cutest monkey-like face and a tiny body, and they love to play. As well as making a great playmate for your kids, the Brussels Griffon is extremely loving and will shower their family with loyalty and affection.
A fully grown Brussels will only stand around 7 to 10 inches tall and weigh no more than 10 pounds. This breed will make a loving family dog, but young children will need to be taught how to be gentle and play safely with their new puppy pal.
Labradoodles are a cross between the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever. This breed is hypoallergenic — as long as they inherit the low-shedding curly coat of their Poodle parent! Labradoodles are energetic and love to go on long walks with the family and play with other pets and children at home.
Introducing a Labradoodle to your family home will bring lots of joy and fun for all. And, while they have a lively spirit, they also crave cuddles from you.
Small Hypoallergenic Rescue Dogs That Can Be Left Alone
If you live in an apartment or want a pocket-sized canine companion, there are several small hypoallergenic dog breeds out there. Yet, busy modern lifestyles mean dogs get left home alone more than ever before, and if you spend lots of time away, you’ll need a dog that doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety.
The Scottish Terrier is a determined little dog that’s also incredibly clever. They only grow to around 10 inches, and the males weigh up to 22 pounds, and females 21 pounds. While they have a double coat, wiry on the top layer and soft underneath, they very rarely shed.
Loyal and loves companionship, the Scottish Terrier is independent enough to not get stressed and lonely when left alone. What’s more, the Scottie may be small, but their little legs are deceiving. If this breed catches your eye, you need to be prepared to walk them for around one hour a day.
Peekapoo
The Peekapoo is a hypoallergenic hybrid, a mix of the Pekingnese and the Toy Poodle. This breed is intelligent and independent, thus, unlikely to develop separation anxiety. The Peekapoo isn’t destructive in your absence, just make sure they’re getting their 30 minutes of exercise each day.
With an affectionate and gentle personality, this pooch makes a very loving pet. Weighing just 4 to 20 pounds and growing no more than 11 inches — the Peekapoo is the perfect small dog for pet owners who spend a lot of time out of the house and have dog allergies.
Hypoallergenic Dogs for Adoption — Where To Adopt a Dog?
Now you know the different hypoallergenic breeds, you now need to learn where you can adopt.
Pet Adoption Websites
As with most things, pet adoption has moved online. If you want to adopt a dog, visit a pet adoption website, search through the available dogs and then contact the center to show your interest.
Examples of pet adoption websites include ASPCA, Petfinder, and Adopt a Pet.
Local Shelters
If you don’t want to browse hundreds of dog profiles online, just head to your local animal shelter. When you visit the adoption center, you’ll be able to see all the different dogs available and see which one (or two!) you fall in love with.
When you visit a local shelter, you can chat with the staff who are currently looking after the dogs and get a better idea if any of them would fit into your lifestyle. If you don’t have a local animal shelter, Google hypoallergenic dogs for adoption near me — or similar — to find your closest one.
Check out the shelter’s social media and website, or call in advance before you visit. You don’t want to travel a considerable distance to an animal shelter, just to discover that they have no large, medium, or small non shedding dogs for adoption.
Rescue Groups
Pet rescue groups, such as the American Kennel Club Rescue Networks, are a great place to help a worthy cause and find yourself a new dog at the same time. These groups are often set up by volunteers and they work tirelessly to rehome stray and abandoned animals.
If you’re looking to adopt a dog, getting involved in a pet rescue group is a good place to start. Often the volunteers foster the dogs until they find their forever home. That said, many volunteers end up adopting the dogs themselves.
Conclusion
There are hypoallergenic dogs of all ages, sizes, and personalities in need of a loving, forever home. With so many different non-shedding dogs, even if you have allergies you can still adopt a furry friend.
Check out rescue centers online, visit your local animal shelter, or join a pet rescue group.
Just remember, adopting a hypoallergenic dog, or any dog for that matter, requires commitment, time, and a lot of patience and love. But helping them is 100 percent worth it.
Hypoallergenic Rescue Dog FAQs
What Are the Disadvantages of Adopting a Dog?
Adopting a dog is a wonderful thing to do, but it’s not without its downfalls.
- There may be behavioral issues caused by previous owners.
- Rescue dogs can take a while to train.
- If you adopt an older dog, they may have health problems.
- Rescue dogs can come from traumatic backgrounds and this can influence how they interact with their new owner and other animals.
Why Should I Adopt Instead of Buy a Pet?
When you adopt a dog, you’re saving a life.
Animal shelters fill up fast and when this happens, thousands of dogs a year have to be euthanized. Yet, this can be avoided if more people choose adoption instead of buying puppies from private breeders. When you adopt, a space becomes available for another canine in need and gives that dog the chance of finding a new home too.
How Do I Adopt a Dog if I Have Allergies?
If you want to adopt a dog, but you have allergies, you can still do so, you just need to research first. Before selecting a dog for adoption:
- Learn which breeds are hypoallergenic (low-shedding/low-drooling).
- Take into consideration your lifestyle and family situation.
- Check out local shelters and rescues online.
- The best part — go and meet your new best friend.
Should I Get a Hypoallergenic Dog?
If you have dog allergies, you need a hypoallergenic breed to prevent any unpleasant allergy symptoms. There are low-shedding dogs of all shapes and sizes and personalities — you’re sure to find one that fits your lifestyle. Hypoallergenic dogs are low shedders and also make a good choice for people who just don’t want lots of dog hair settling inside their home.
What Is the Number One Hypoallergenic Dog?
The Bichon Frise and the Labradoodle are great hypoallergenic dogs. But the number one hypoallergenic dog has to be the Poodle.