Pets

Hypoallergenic and Family-Friendly Pet Breeds

by Kevyn Gohu
June 15, 2023

What’s a family to do when they have allergies and want to own a pet of their own? Here are some hypoallergenic pet breeds for you to check out.

When everybody in the family has asthma yet wants a pet, what’s a mom or dad to do? Research about pet breeds that are hypoallergenic, of course. When an individual is allergic to an animal, it’s not necessarily just the fur. It’s their dander, which is mixed with dust and saliva and has multiple proteins that people are normally allergic to. But some pets don’t have that issue and we’ve narrowed it down to several hypoallergenic and family-friendly pet breeds.

1. Bichon Frisé

It’s like watching a cloud or a cotton ball with legs walking around the house! The hypoallergenic Bichon Frisé usually has a friendly nature and works well with kids. They’re active, sociable, and small enough to live a full life in a condo. Depending on their nature, some Bichon Frisés can be noisy. But there are some Bichon Frisés that only bark once a year. The best part is, they don’t shed too much and their wool doesn’t attract most allergens that get people sneezing around the house.

2. Shih Tzu

The Philippine favorite condo dog, the Shih Tzu is hypoallergenic and family-friendly. Although their coat needs to be maintained a bit more, especially with their fur above the eyes, they are quite good with children. And while they do shed, it’s only twice a year.

3. Balinese Cat

The Balinese cat may have a long fur coat but, they are considered hypo-allergenic because they produce less of the protein that makes people allergic to cats. Personality-wise, the Balinese cat is an extrovert, contrary to those that would rather sit in their cat tree. They are also known to be good with children, preferring the company of the family to other cats.

4. Sphynx Cat

What’s there to be allergic to when the cat breed you have has no hair? The Sphynx Cat is a family-friendly cat breed with an interesting sense of humor. And with no hair, there’s no dander to cause sneezing!

5. Poodle

Poodles are the hallmark of fashion status in France and in the Philippines. Although they need a wide space to move around and exercise, Poodles are good family dogs, being quick to learn and adapt. They are also considered hypoallergenic pets, considering they shed a lot less than most. They do need a bit of maintenance but consider it a bonding experience between the family and the dog. For those looking for poodles, Giant Z Poodles and Luxuripups may have your dream poodle.

6. Siberian Cat

The friendly and outgoing Siberian Cat is the poster cat breed for all hypoallergenic pet cat breeds. Despite their thick coat, they produce less of the FeD1 protein that makes people allergic to them. Like some cat breeds, they can be quite attached to their families especially children who they quickly consider their kittens.

Owning a pet is a very huge responsibility

A lot of people think that pets are lower in maintenance than children. To some extent, yes. They don’t talk back and you don’t need to put them through school. But like all fur babies, they cannot tell you if they’re in pain through regular means. Hypoallergenic or not, pets are a huge responsibility and a lifetime commitment. Aside from giving them the basic essentials to survive and thrive, they need to visit their vets for their semi-annual or quarterly check ups. And that isn’t cheap! So before getting a pet, be sure everyone in the family is ready to take care of and love one.