15 Hypoallergenic Dogs and Cats

If you love animals but hate allergies, you may be tempted to spring for a pricey hypoallergenic pet. However, the only pets proven to be hypoallergenic have scaly skin—like iguanas and snakes. That said, if you’re dead set on a furry pet, here are a few that are touted—but not proven—to be better for people with allergies.
bedlington-terrier

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Bedlington Terrier

Think your best bet is a short-haired dog? Surprise! You’ll find short- and long-haired breeds populate the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) list of dogs that do well with people with allergies.

That’s because it’s not the dog’s hair per se that causes allergies, it’s the saliva, skin, or other proteins. Allergens (particularly saliva proteins) can latch on to the hair, so less shedding in general—rather than the length of the hair—may be helpful.

Bedlington terriers have curly, wooly coats with an extra mop on the top of the head, and weigh 17 to 23 pounds.

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