Picking the Best Dog Breed if You Have Allergies
For someone who suffers from allergies, it’s really no walk in the park to have a dog!
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as much as 10% of the population in the U.S. is allergic to dogs. The good news is that, while no dog is 100% hypoallergenic as skin and saliva proteins, not just hair and dander, trigger allergy symptoms, certain breeds may agitate your allergies less. These dogs have a non-shedding or low-shedding coat which produces less dander.
Symptoms of dog allergies (source: WebMD)
- coughing and wheezing
- red, itchy eyes
- runny, itchy, stuffy nose
- sneezing
- rashes
Some people who are allergic to dogs can have skin reactions. If a dog licks their skin they may get rashes or hives.
Causes of Dog Allergies
The cause of dog allergies is usually not the dog hair or dog fur, but rather what people are allergic to is the dander (flakes of dead skin that shed like dandruff), as well as the saliva and urine. When a dog sheds, he’s not just shedding hair; he’s shedding the dander and saliva that come with it. Unfortunately, the length of a dog’s hair or fur really doesn’t matter, because any dog may cause an allergic reaction.
But why are some people allergic to dogs, while others are not? This is because people with allergies have oversensitive immune systems. Even though dander and other materials are relatively harmless, the immune system of people with allergies will respond to these substances like they were viruses. That is why people will sneeze, cough, or get watery eyes; their bodies are just trying to flush out the allergens.
Certain dogs have non-shedding coats
Certain dogs have non-shedding coats, and as a result they often produce less dander. However one dog and another of the same breed can give off different levels of allergen so you will still need to test.The more hair that stays on the dog, the less there is to fly around, stick to furniture, and invade your sensitive nasal passages. In general, other factors being equal, your four guidelines when choosing a hypoallergenic breed should be:
- Small: less hair to shed
- Curly-coated: hair tends to cord rather than drop out
- Single-coated: no heavy, allergen-ridden undercoat
- Hairless: not for everyone, but you’ve pretty much eliminated the shedding problem
Let’s take a look at some of these lower risk dogs:
Best Breeds for Allergy Sufferers
Afghan Hounds
Afghan Hounds have beautiful long hair but are low shedders and surpisingly to me, they can be suited to people with allergies. However their long fine hair grows constantly like humans and can easily get tangled so they need regular trims and grooming. They should be bathed twice a week and brushed daily.
Airedale Terrier
American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a lively, friendly, and intelligent companion. The breed does well with children and is also good for city dwellers due to their minimal exercise needs — regular walks and indoor playtime will do. They also need regular bathing and nail trimming.
Basenji
Bedlington Terrier
The gentle, loveable Bedlington Terrier is known for its curly, wooly coat that resembles a lamb. The breed doesn’t need intense exercise — regular playtime and daily walks will do.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a naturally gentle, happy, playful dog that loves activity. The Bichon’s hair continually grows and doesn’t shed, so regular grooming is important to prevent mats.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is an alert, playful dog that thrives on human companionship. They are small and do well in families with gentle children. Cresteds shed little to no hair.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua has two things going for him: a single coat and a tiny frame.
Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a small, hardy dog that is happy, eager to please, and loyal. The breed gets along well with other dogs and children. Their long coat requires daily grooming.
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is intelligent and can be territorial, naturally feeling protective of its family. The breed needs a lot of exercise and loves having a job to do. They require regular grooming.
Irish Water Spaniel
This strong, intelligent breed is the clown of the spaniel family. Irish Water Spaniels are active and energetic, needing daily exercise. Their water-repellant double coat requires brushing every few weeks.
Italian Greyhound
The peaceful, elegant, and long-lived Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming, which is definitely a benefit. He’s quiet in the house and good with other dogs and cats, but most tend to bond with just one person. They have almost no doggy odor.
Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a happy dog with tons of energy, needing plenty of activity. They are affectionate and devoted to their owners. Their thick curly coat is similar to that of a Poodle. They require trimming and regular brushing to prevent mats.
Maltese
Though small, the Maltese is known for being brave, playful, and fearless. They have long, silky white hair that needs to be brushed daily to prevent mats.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer has a natural protective nature that makes it a great watchdog. The breed is smart and cheerful, and adapts well to different living environments. Their double coat requires clipping.
Poodle and Poodle Mixes
The Poodle comes in three size varieties — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The breed is exceptionally smart and active, needing daily exercise. Their trademark single layer curly coat with low dander requires regular professional grooming. They are very low or non-shedding which helps with allergies..
Portuguese Water Dog
An athletic breed, the Portuguese Water Dog needs vigorous daily exercise and would do best with a very active family. PWDs are intelligent, loyal workers. Their waterproof single curly coat requires regular maintenance.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
This happy dog is active and needs plenty of exercise daily. The breed adapts well to city, country, or suburban living, and does well with children. They have a silky, soft coat that needs regular grooming to prevent mats.
Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a sociable, affectionate breed that has a fondness for kids. They are athletic dogs that need daily exercise. Their beard and leg hair should be brushed often to prevent mats.
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes — toy, miniature, and standard. They also come in two varieties — hairless and coated. The hairless has a smooth, tough, protective skin and the coated has a short, flat coat. They’re calm, tranquil, and attentive, and can also be aloof. They have moderate exercise and grooming needs.
Helpful Tips
There are also ways to prep your home that will help keep allergens at bay when you have a dog.
- Be sure to wash your pet’s bed often,
- Restrict certain areas from your dog, like your office space or bedroom, in order to limit your exposure. Don’t let them sleep on your bed
- Really research your fabrics, because certain kinds of fabrics are more likely to retain pet hair and dander.
- Remove heavy carpets and drapes that trap dander or vaccuum and dust often.
- Try to have wood or tile floors and leather or vinyl furniture, because these are much easier to clean.
- Vacuum daily to get rid of as much dander as possible. Mop hard floors
- Brush, bath and groom your dog regularly (talk to your vet about the right frequency).
Leave a Reply