Hypoallergenic Dogs - the best choice for allergy sufferers!
Are you thinking that hypoallergenic dogs are the answer to your problems? Do you yearn to add a dog to your home, but are worried about allergies?
Then you're not alone...approx. 43% of homes in the US are shared by a dog, and with around 10% of Americans suffering from allergies there are a lot of families out there searching for a dog that will fit in.
We have all the information that will help you find the right dog for people with allergies, but it's important to realize that no completely allergy free dog exists.
But, there are a whole host of dog breeds that are much less likely to produce an allergy-response, or at least a much less severe one, in people who generally suffer from pet allergies.
What exactly are 'hypoallergenic dogs' anyway?
Well basically, hypoallergenic dogs are specific dog breeds that have been proven to produce a lower level of allergic response in people who are sensitive to pet hair and dander. They may even produce no reaction at all.
However, that doesn't mean that a dog from one of these breeds is an allergy free dog, because there is really no such thing.
Even within hypoallergenic dog breeds, each person may have a different allergic reaction to a certain breed, or even to an individual dog within the breed.
Just because your allergy-prone best friend doesn't suffer around her Poodle, it doesn't mean you will react the same way!
Dog Hair Allergy?
It's a pretty widely held belief that dog allergies are caused by dog hair, but this is not completely true.
It's actually the dog dander (dead skin cells) and dog saliva that produce the most canine allergies.
The allergens themselves are very tiny, and not normally visible to the human eye. They float through the air and they're 'sticky', which is why dog allergy sufferers often experience itchy eyes and noses.
However it's true that the amount of dog dander a breed produces is often linked to the type of coat it has. The more a dog sheds his hair, the higher the likelihood that he'll also shed his dander!
So in a round-about way, dog hair does play a role in canine allergies and if you, or someone else in your home, has pet allergies your best bet is to stay away from the heavy shedders (that includes popular breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds).
The type of hair your dog has is linked to allergies in another way too, and it's not the length of the hair that's the biggest problem but the thickness.
Particularly heavy, dense, thick or 'double' coated breeds (even if they're not necessarily heavy shedders) can cause problems for allergy sufferers. This is because their coats collect lots of dust, pollen, grass etc. and then redistribute it every time they shake, scratch or groom themselves. Not what you're looking for!
Also bear in mind that if you're looking for hypoallergenic dogs, you should steer clear of Mastiffs and other slobber-prone dogs due to the allergens in dog saliva.
It may seem obvious, but not everyone thinks about this...smaller dog breeds produce less dander, shed hair and saliva than larger breeds (it's a law of physics or something!), so maybe bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to picking a dog for people prone to dog allergies.
Do you know someone with allergies who would find this info. useful? It's easy to share it with them right now!
How To Find The Right Breed
When you're choosing a dog for people with allergies, it's a really good idea to see if you can arrange a 'trial run' before committing yourself. Remember hypoallergenic dogs are not allergy free dogs and you won't know how you react to a particular breed until you've been exposed to it.
If possible, visit the breeders home (on a trip that doesn't involve any prior, or subsequent, exposure to dogs), and plan to spend at least an hour there, interacting with the dogs in their own environment.
You may not notice any immediate reaction, but be aware that it could be delayed, so pay attention to how you feel for the rest of the day too.
Ask about a return policy for the puppy. Often good, conscientious breeders will take back a puppy for any reason, rather than have that pup end up in an animal shelter, or worse. But do be prepared to lose the money you spent on the puppy in that case.
Below is a good-sized list of the dog breeds that are generally considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. These breeds are more likely to produce a negligible, limited or reduced allergic reaction among canine allergy sufferers.
But please, do remember, that each breed, individual dog within the breed, and human allergy sufferer, is a unique combination.
Taking your time to find the very best match for you and your family, greatly increases the chances that you and your new pet will have a long, happy relationship..........and that's something worth waiting for!
American Hairless Terrier
Airedale Terrier
Basenji
Bedlington Terrier
Bergamasco
Bichon Frisé
Bichon/Yorkie
Bolognese
Border Terrier
Bouvier des Flandres
Cairn Terrier
Cavachon
Chacy Ranior
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested (hairless)
Chinese Crested (powder puff)
Cockapoo
Coton De Tulear
Giant Schnauzer
Greyhound
Havanese
Irish Water Spaniel
Italian Greyhound
Kerry Blue Terrier
Komondor
Labradoodle
Lagotto Romagnolo
Lowchen
Maltese
Malti-Poo
Miniature Schnauzer
Native American Indian Dog
Norfolk Terrier
Old English Sheepdog
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Poodle (and most Poodle mixes such as Labradoodle, Malti-Poo etc.)
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Shih-Tzu
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Spanish Water Dog
Standard Poodle
Standard Schnauzer
Tibetan Terrier
Toy Poodle
West Highland White Terrier
Wirehaired Fox Terrier
Xoloitzcuintli (very old and rare breed)
Yorkshire Terrier
Breeds Best Avoided!
It's also useful to know which breeds are most likely to cause allergy symptoms.
This is not a definitive list, and as I said above, individual responses can vary quite a bit. However, if you're looking for hypoallergenic dogs or a dog for people with allergies, you'd be well advised to avoid these breeds -
Afghan Hound
Basset Hound
Chinese Shar Pei
Cocker Spaniel
Dachshund
Doberman Pinscher
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Labrador Retriever
Springer Spaniel
Now you're armed with the knowledge you need, you can start your search for that perfect puppy to add to your family.
