What are the Best Breeds of Dog for People with Allergies?
Recent statistics show that approximately 15% of people have allergies to pets, and dog allergies are among the most common. People who have these allergies generally have bad reactions to either the dog’s saliva or dander from the skin; the allergy is rarely from the dog’s fur. Though there is not one single breed of dog known to be entirely safe for people who have allergies, there are several different breeds that are considered hypoallergenic and do not tend to cause as many problems.
Poodles, and poodle hybrids like Labradoodles or Goldendoodles, are meant to be good for people with dog allergies, as such dogs do not tend to shed very much. Even though most people are not allergic to the dog hair itself, dander from the skin often comes out on the hair, leading to allergy problems wherever the hair is found.
Other dog breeds that do not shed very much and are most appropriate for people with allergies include the Maltese, Shih Tzu, Schnauzer, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, and Kerry Blue Terrier. Hairless breeds, such as the hairless variety of the Chinese Crested dog and the Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican hairless, are also good choices.
Though no dog breeds are perfect for people who have dog allergies, many people have found that their symptoms are less extreme with these breeds than with other dog types, such as the Golden Retriever, which is known to be especially bad for people who are allergic to dogs. Before committing to bring a dog into your home, it is important to make sure that you will be able to tolerate any allergy symptoms if you have them. Spend as much time as possible with the breed that you are interested in before adopting one to make sure that you will be able to handle any reaction to the dog’s saliva or dander.
Once you have adopted a dog, you can take regular allergy pills and place air filters throughout the house, which should help to lessen your allergy symptoms. You should also not let the dog sleep in your bedroom and keep that area allergen-free.
