There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog.
However, there are some breeds that could be better suited for potential pet owners who suffer with an allergy to dogs.
Generally, these four-legged pooches tend to be low shedding animals that don’t leave behind a lot of fur on clothes or furniture.
Dander is potential trigger for those who suffer with an allergy to dogs, explaining why some hairless breeds could be good alternatives.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology released a report in 2015 that claimed 10 per cent of the US population are allergic to dogs.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. There's no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make. It’s always best to speak with your vet or your doctor before deciding to get a dog if you suspect you may have allergies to pets.
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What does hypoallergenic mean?
The best place to start is to look at the meaning of the word hypoallergenic.
Something that is described as hypoallergenic is something that is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
Hypoallergenic is often a word used alongside some cosmetic products but is a term searched by those doing research about a specific breed.
The American Kennel Club states on their website that there is no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic breed despite misconceptions.
However, some dog breeds are better suited for allergy sufferers than other canines.
Dogs that have a predictable coat and don’t shed a lot are thought to be a good choice for allergenic pup owners.
What is dander?
Another word often associated with hypoallergenic dogs is dander.
The American Lung Association define dander on their website as tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers.
These specs of skin are microscopic in size, so you wouldn’t be able to view them with the naked eye. But they can be a trigger for those with an allergy to dogs.
These little pieces of skin can get caught in the hair of some dog breeds, which means they’ll linger there unless their coats are regularly groomed or washed.
Dander is often likened to dandruff, which occurs when an excess of flakes becomes visible in a person’s hair.
Are Alaskan Klee Kai hypoallergenic?
Given there is no such thing as a totally hypoallergenic dog, the short answer is Alaskan Klee Kai don’t fall into that category, like every other breed.
However, the relevant question is whether Alaskan Klee Kai are a good option for those who suffer from an allergy to dogs.
These little dogs were created by American called Linda Spurlin in Alaska in the 1970s. Spurlin used Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies, American Eskimo Dogs and Schipperkes to develop the breed.
The use of the Alaskan and Siberian Huskies has contributed to their beautiful coat colours, that can usually be found in black and white, grey and white, red and white and all white.
Like their sled dog cousins, the Alaskan Klee Kai do shed a lot. They’ve got a double coat: an inner coat and an outer coat. The outer coat is straight and harsh to the touch but is weather resistant. Their undercoat is much softer, with little tuffs of hair.
Alaskan Klee Kai tend to shed throughout the year, so you can expect a lot of fur to be left around the house. In fact, if you’re planning to bring home an Alaskan Klee Kai, you should be prepared to get the vacuum out on a daily basis.
Their inner coat/under coat blows out twice a year so during those times, you can expect a lot of shedding. This can be a particularly challenging time for Alaskan Klee Kai owners.
In my experience with two Alaskan Klee Kai in an apartment, you can expect to find little tufts of hair in a variety of different places around your home.
Under the bed, under the wardrobe and on steps tend to be common locations for a little ball of hair to accumulate.
Even regular brushing and grooming doesn’t prevent the sheer volume of hair. There’s been many occasions where our dogs have been groomed and left the brush covered in hair, only for more fur to appear around our apartment later that day.
Some breeders have warned against using certain brushes, like the Furminator. Using such a product could result in your dog’s coat suffering damage and growing back in an improper manner.
What sizes are Alaskan Klee Kai?
The Alaskan Klee Kai come in three different sizes, so the size of your mini husky could depend on the volume of shedding.
Klee Kai are found in three different sizes: standard, miniature and toy. These gorgeous dogs can vary in weight, ranging from 10lbs to 40lbs.
Alaskan Klee Kai grooming
Alaskan Klee Kai don’t need more than a couple of baths a year. Our two Alaskan Klee Kai tend to have a bath every three months or so, as long as they haven’t rolled in something smelly at the park. Be prepared for plenty of screaming during bath time!
One issue that I’ve encountered with my two Alaskan Klee Kai is ticks. Throughout the summer, little ticks have latched onto their coats almost on a weekly basis after hikes.
This is something to consider and actively look for if you like to bring your Alaskan Klee Kai on long hikes where there is a wooded area or places with long grass.
Hypoallergenic dogs: Best breeds for allergy sufferers
There is no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog. However, the American Kennel Club do list 19 breeds that are better suited for those with an allergy to dogs.
1) Affenpinchser – is a terrier-like toy Pinscher breed.
Afghan Hound – a dog bred to survive in the mountains of Afghanistan.
American Hairless Terrier – These dogs don’t have any hair!
Barbet – a French water dog that doesn’t shed a lot.
Bedlington Terrier – Often confused for a lamb, they’ve got minimal shedding.
Bichon Frise – have a medium length coat that is silky in texture and has corkscrew curls.
Bolognese – Hailing from Bologna, this dog has no undercoat.
Chinese Crested another hairless dog without fur.
Coton de Tulear has a coat that is often likened to cotton.
Giant Schnauzer – don’t shed a lot so they’re good for allergy sufferers.
Irish Water Spaniel has dense curls and doesn’t shed.
Kerry Blue Terrier – another Irish dog that doesn’t have an undercoat.
Lagotto Romagnolo – has a thick, waterproof double coat of hair rather than fur and should be groomed on a regular basis.
Maltese has a long and silky fur but doesn’t have an undercoat.
Peruvian Inca Orchid is another hairless dog. They lack the normal dog dander.
Poodle – is one of the most intelligent dogs in the world.
Portuguese Water Dog – have a coat that doesn’t shed.
Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka – According to dogbreedinfo.com, these dogs are bred to good for allergy sufferers.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier – have soft, silky hair that does not shed.
Schnauzer – have a double coat but tend to shed less than other dog breeds.
Xoloitzcuintli – is a hairless breed of dog that is known in the English language as the Mexican hairless dog.
So there you have it, Alaskan Klee Kai have many wonderful qualities.
However, this breed aren’t hypoallergenic so they probably won’t be a good fit in a home with allergy sufferers.