5 Best Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers
You hate your allergies but love dogs. The solution seems simple -- spend the money and buy a hypoallergenic pet. But unfortunately, this might not be the answer. Not widely known is the fact that skin (dander), dog urine and saliva proteins can trigger as many allergy symptoms as the actual dog hair. Most people are not actually allergic to dog fur, but fur does have something to do with it. Sometimes other indoor allergens, like dust, or outdoor allergens, like pollen, can build up on a dog’s coat and trigger allergy symptoms. If scaly iguanas and snakes are not for you, there are a few dog breeds that are touted—but not proven—to be better for people with allergies.
Best Breeds for Allergy Sufferers
Bichon Frise
- The Bichon Frise is often recommended for people with dog allergies because of its easy to maintain coat. The curly coat of a Bichon produces little dander, making it a great option.
Labradoodle
- This breed also has an easy to maintain coat. Labradoodles, with their wool coats, may not pick up as many outdoor allergens as other breeds. They are a friendly breed, making them great family dogs.
Schnauzer
- The schnauzer is known to produce less dander than other breeds and comes in three sizes; miniature, standard and giant.
Portuguese Water Dog
- If your allergies are so severe that you can’t bear to stay in the same room with even easiest-to-tolerate pups, consider a breed that can live outside. With a waterproof coat and webbed feet, the Portuguese water dog is well-suited for outdoor living. The Portuguese is just as happy outside as indoors as long as it has of shelter, fresh water, and room to play.
Maltese
- These lively, gentle and loving dogs are devoted to those who care for them. Most owners keep a Maltese dog's hair groomed short. Maltese dogs are popular because of their cheerfulness and because they don't shed.
If you’re on the hunt for a dog that won’t leave you watery eyed, don’t go straight for the breeds with less fur and count out shaggy dogs. Even dogs thought to be hypoallergenic and non shedding can cause an allergic reaction.
Other actions that you can take around the home to minimize allergies are vacuuming carpets often to help keep allergen levels low and considering alternate flooring options such as hardwood, tile, or vinyl. As well it is best to refrain from letting the dog lick you if you’re allergic. Soaking slobbered-on chew toys in hot, soapy water at least once a week can help too.
If none of the above breeds work for your allergy sufferer, you could go to one of the oldest, rarest breeds in the world--the Xloloitzcuintli. This breed, almost hairless, is hard to pronounce but easy to live with.
